Red-breasted Merganser, juvenile male

Needless to say, this photo is being posted simply for the record, to remind me that I have seen a Red-breasted Merganser! It was swimming along the far edge of the Bow River at Carburn Park and I could barely tell which was the right bird to photograph, on 10 January 2016. This was a rare bird sighting, as these are only seen in southern Alberta on migration, and not very frequently within the city. Have to admit that down by the river is not my favourite place to walk, as most of the birds are always on the far side of the river, making it a real challenge for a photographer.

On 10 January 2016, I joined a group of friends to go for an afternoon birding walk at Carburn Park. The weather was warmer than the previous day's trip east of the city to look for Snowy Owls and Short-eared Owls, when it was around -23C in the morning. The sun was shining and I just needed to get out.

Thanks so much, Janet and Bernie, for an enjoyable walk and seeing 21 bird species. As always, the coffee and soup afterwards at Tim Horton's was just as enjoyable as the walk itself.

FFCPPSoc. Birding,Carburn Park , 1315-1600, Sun, 10Jan2016. Sunny, calm, -2°C.

Canada Goose-50
Mallard-200
Redhead-4 (3 f/1 m.
Greater Scaup-1 f.
Bufflehead-100
Common Goldeneye-400
Barrows X Common Goldeneye-1 m. hybrid
Barrow's Goldeneye-5 (4 m./1 f.).
Common Merganser-10
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER-1 juvenile m.
PIED-BILLED GREBE-1
Bald Eagle-10+
KILLDEER-7.
Downy Woodpecker-5
Northern Flicker-2
Black-billed Magpie-20
AMERICAN CROW-10
Common Raven-8
Black-capped Chickadee-20
White-breasted Nuthatch-2
Common Redpoll-12

Eastern Gray Squirrel, black morph-4
White-tailed Deer-5