Fish Creek Park 5

The morning of 25 October 2014, I met up with friends to go birding. It was quite chilly first thing, only 3°C warming up to 6°C three hours later. We had 22 species of bird, though as usual, I don’t always see them all, as I don’t have binoculars. To mention just a few of our sightings - a formation of 15 Trumpeter Swans flying high overhead; a female Pileated Woodpecker; a huge flock of Bohemian Waxwings swarming in the distance plus a few smaller flocks; and a male American Three-toed Woodpecker. We had a very brief sighting of a bird of prey that flew out of some distant trees and was nowhere to be found – it was reported as a Barred Owl. This was at a different part of the park from where I was lucky enough to see one a few days previously. The only bird photos worth keeping were a handful of the American Three-toed Woodpecker. Always a treat to see one of these birds, especially as they are rare here. After our walk, I spotted this fairly new pair of child's shoes, accidentally left behind on top of a post near the parking lot. Not sure how this can have happened, lol! Once back in our cars, we drove to a small pub fairly close by for lunch. So enjoyable to just sit and chat and enjoy good company and good food – the Baked Lasagne was excellent!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, to all those who celebrate! Remember that kids will be out this evening, so please drive carefully! The morning of 23 October 2014 started really well. I found an e-mail from friend, Sandy, saying that they had just seen a Barred Owl in one of the local parks. Thanks to Sandy, I got over there shortly before noon and bumped into a few of my friends who had just finished a walk. Two of them said they would come with me and look for the owl again – and we found it!! This was the first 100% wild Barred Owl I’d ever seen. I had seen a family of them near Edmonton, when we went to see ones that had been banded. They were wild birds, but I still hoped to one day see a completely wild one (i.e. no nesting box). This owl was beautiful, but the light was very poor, with a mix of harsh sunlight and dark shadows on the bird. Luckily, I did get a few shots that turned out OK. This photo was taken after the owl flew down to the ground from one tree, was out of sight briefly, and then we saw it in this closer tree. "The Barred Owl’s hooting call, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” is a classic sound of old forests and treed swamps. But this attractive owl, with soulful brown eyes and brown-and-white-striped plumage, can also pass completely unnoticed as it flies noiselessly through the dense canopy or snoozes on a tree limb. Originally a bird of the east, during the twentieth century it spread through the Pacific Northwest and southward into California." From AllAboutBirds. www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barred_Owl/id en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barred_owl Straight from the park, I finally did a drive south of the city and found an old barn that I really wanted to see, plus a few others. The photos of this barn that I had found on the Internet must have been taken by trespassing, or possibly before the No Trespassing sign was placed there, as I could only get a view of the back of the barn from the road, lol! On this drive, and when looking at Google Earth the previous evening, I discovered that as well as having no sense of direction, I also have no sense of distance! Then I went in search of two grain elevators joined together by a long, low building. The most northerly one is one of the oldest in Alberta (built in 1905 I think, but certainly before 1910). I had pulled over and parked, taken a few shots right into the sun unfortunately and was just checking them back in the car. I was conscious of a man in a bright orange sweater approaching close to my car. When he stopped by my car, I opened the door – he seemed a bit puzzled as to what I was doing there, so I explained that I was photographing the elevators. Ha, it was the private owner of the elevators!!! Later, I read on the Internet that he has a furniture manufacturing company in the long, low building that joins the two elevators together. I asked him if there was a better place to photograph them, and he said to take the previous little road. Much better! Some nice old train cars parked near the elevators, too. Maybe I was parked on private ground when the owner was talking with me. After the elevators, I explored a few other roads further south and ended up not far from The Saskatoon Farm. Called in and had quiche again : ) So, altogether, a pretty good day : )

Decided to go and see if there was any sign of the Beavers in Fish Creek Park on 20 September 2014. Only managed to get a handful of shots in very low light and this was one of the only ones that I didn't delete. This young Beaver was trying its best to add to the dam that this family had built, and it was so cute to see it trying to add a small stick or a twig or two. It was learning well from its parents : ) I find Beavers so difficult to photograph when they are wet, but once some of the fur dries out a little, you can pick up some detail. Wish these guys came out during the day rather than the evening. I think this was the last time I saw any members of this Beaver family – I haven’t been back to look. "The American beaver, Canada's national emblem, is the largest North American rodent. Adults weigh about 20 kilograms (44 pounds), but may get as large as 35 kilograms (77 pounds). Beavers are remarkably adapted to their aquatic and logging lifestyle. The tail has multiple functions, including as a rudder when swimming, a prop when standing, a lever when dragging logs and a warning device when slapped on the water. The beaver is one of the few animals that changes its environment to suit its lifestyle. Beavers construct dams on streams to create ponds. Beaver ponds flood the surrounding woodland, providing protection for the beavers and allowing them to fell trees close to shore. Beaver ponds are usually occupied by one family of beavers. The average colony contains one pair of adults, about four young of the year (kits), and young from the previous year (yearlings). A beaver house is constructed of sticks and mud, and is usually situated well away from shore so that land-based predators cannot get at it in summer. In winter, the mud freezes, forming an impregnable fortress against predators that might venture across the ice. Some beavers live along rivers and do not build dams or lodges. Instead they burrow into the bank of the river and fell trees for food near their home." From Fish and Wildlife. esrd.alberta.ca/fish-wildlife/wild-species/mammals/rabbit...

Yesterday (7 November 2014) early afternoon, I drove over to the east end of Fish Creek Park and was lucky enough to see two of these beautiful Rusty Blackbirds. IUCN Status: Vulnerable. I rarely see these birds, so I’m always glad when I do see one. It was interesting to watch this one pick up and then toss aside endless leaves to check underneath them for food. Eventually, it did find a big, fat, juicy water worm of some kind, and eat it. “The Rusty Blackbird is one of North America’s most rapidly declining species. The population has plunged an estimated 85-99 percent over the past forty years and scientists are completely puzzled as to what is the cause. They are relatively uncommon denizens of wooded swamps, breeding in the boreal forest and wintering in the eastern U.S. In winter, they travel in small flocks and are identified by their distinctive rusty feather edges and pallid yellow eyes.” From AllAboutBirds. www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/rusty_blackbird/id en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rusty_blackbird rustyblackbird.org/ It's 3C this morning. I've just checked the weather network website and found this - "STORM WATCH: Arctic blast to bring snow and plunging temperatures to Alberta." Supposed to get a few snow flurries this evening and then snow all day tomorrow. Lol, when it says "90% chance of", you know there's no escaping the white stuff. Will be out all day tomorrow with my youngest daughter - the roads are going to be so bad, I know it. Pretty cold temperatures all this coming week, with -14C on Tuesday. Stay warm, everyone!

Early afternoon on 7 November 2014, I drove over to the east end of Fish Creek Park and was lucky enough to see two of these beautiful Rusty Blackbirds. IUCN Status: Vulnerable. I rarely see these birds, so I’m always glad when I do see one. It was interesting to watch this one pick up and then flip one leaf after another, to check underneath them for food. Eventually, it did find a big, fat, juicy water worm of some kind, and eat it. “The Rusty Blackbird is one of North America’s most rapidly declining species. The population has plunged an estimated 85-99 percent over the past forty years and scientists are completely puzzled as to what is the cause. They are relatively uncommon denizens of wooded swamps, breeding in the boreal forest and wintering in the eastern U.S. In winter, they travel in small flocks and are identified by their distinctive rusty feather edges and pallid yellow eyes.” From AllAboutBirds. www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/rusty_blackbird/id en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rusty_blackbird rustyblackbird.org/

Yesterday afternoon, 13 November 2014, I called in at Fish Creek Park. My intention had been to get over to the park a few hours earlier, but that didn't happen. As it turned out, I couldn't have chosen a better time to arrive, even if I had planned it. I started walking along a narrow path and, out of the corner of my eye, I saw fast movement - it was a little Long-tailed Weasel running through the snow, with just part of its body seen. When I got closer, I lost sight of it for a few moments, and then suddenly it reappeared, running back in my direction. It disappeared for a second or two and then came back into sight up on this log, with a Meadow Vole in its mouth. Dodging the trees that were closest to me, I was just in time to click the shutter, not even sure if I had captured any of this amazing sight. I quickly took another shot in the same direction, but the Weasel had vanished and I didn't see where it went. I waited around for a short while - it was SO cold out - but maybe the Weasel felt like a nap after eating its catch. Such a treat to see this animal, wearing its white, winter coat. I have seen just a handful of them before and its always a challenge to get any photos. Can't believe how lucky I was, including the fact that I didn't have far to walk - always much appreciated, with my back being so painful and usually stopping me from going for walks. This White-breasted Nuthatch and its mate were hanging around while I was hoping for the Weasel to appear again. Poor little thing, feathers all puffed out to keep itself warm. My apologies to anyone who may have been down to that area time after time, hoping to see the animal, but always in vain : ) Most of us know what that is like, lol. Early this morning, the temperature is -14C, with a windchill of -21C (7F with windchill -6F). I see it snowed overnight, just enough to cover the car with a thin, white layer. Really hoping its snow, not ice. I'm thinking about getting snow tires this year, the first time ever. I've always used All Season tires year round.

Yesterday afternoon, I went over to Fish Creek Park. I called in at a different parking lot first and noticed these beautiful icicles clinging to the roof of the outdoor washrooms. Early this morning, the temperature is -14C, with a windchill of -21C (7F with windchill -6F). My intention had been to get over to the park a few hours earlier, but that didn't happen. As it turned out, I couldn't have chosen a better time to arrive, even if I had planned it. I started walking along a narrow path and, out of the corner of my eye, I saw fast movement - it was a little Weasel running through the snow, with just part of its body seen. When I got closer, I lost sight of it for a few moments, and then suddenly it reappeared, running back in my direction. It disappeared for a second or two and then came back into sight up on this log, with a Meadow Vole in its mouth. Dodging the trees that were closest to me, I was just in time to click the shutter, not even sure if I had captured any of this amazing sight. I quickly took another shot in the same direction, but the Weasel had vanished and I didn't see where it went. The photo I posted next to this one could have been a bit better composed and I wish the quality was better, but I'm still amazed that I got anything! I waited around for a while, but maybe the Weasel felt like a nap after eating its catch. Such a treat to see this animal, wearing its white, winter coat. I have seen just a handful of them before and its always a challenge to get any photos. Can't believe how lucky I was, including the fact that I didn't have far to walk - always much appreciated, with my back being so painful and usually stopping me from going for walks. My apologies to anyone who may have been down to that area time after time, hoping to see the animal, but always in vain : ) Most of us know what that is like, lol.

One very quick shot of this Long-tailed Weasel was all that I managed to get yesterday, when I went over to Fish Creek Park. My intention had been to get over to the park a few hours earlier, but that didn't happen. As it turned out, I couldn't have chosen a better time to arrive, even if I had planned it. I started walking along a narrow path and, out of the corner of my eye, I saw fast movement - it was this little Weasel running through the snow, with just part of its body seen. When I got closer, I lost sight of it for a few moments, and then suddenly it reappeared, running back in my direction. It disappeared for a second or two and then came back into sight up on this log, with a Meadow Vole in its mouth. Dodging the trees that were closest to me, I was just in time to click the shutter, not even sure if I had captured any of this amazing sight. I quickly took another shot in the same direction, but the Weasel had vanished and I didn't see where it went. The posted photo could have been a bit better composed and I wish the quality was better, but I'm still amazed that I got anything! I waited around for a while, but maybe the Weasel felt like a nap after eating its catch. Such a treat to see this animal, wearing its white, winter coat. I have seen just a handful of them before and its always a challenge to get any photos. Can't believe how lucky I was, including the fact that I didn't have far to walk - always much appreciated, with my back being so painful and usually stopping me from going for walks. My apologies to anyone who may have been down to that area time after time, hoping to see the animal, but always in vain : ) Most of us know what that is like, lol. "Counting its tail, a large Long-tailed Weasel male, the largest of the three species in Canada, stretches nearly half a metre (20 in) in length, yet can slip into a hole just 3 cm (1.25 in) across. This enables it to enter small rodent tunnels used by mice and voles. In summer, it enters ground squirrels burrows in search of its favourite food. Average males measure 406 mm (16 in), their tail is 135 mm (5.25) long and they weigh 225 g (12.6 oz). Males are approximately 25 per cent larger than females, which on average weigh only 102 g (5.7 oz). When winter approaches, within 30 days it grows a coat of white, giving it perfect camouflage against the snow -- all except for the tip of its tail, which stays black. A hungry predator, such as a hawk or owl, aims for that black tip, enabling the weasel to escape. Towards spring, between late February and April, in only 25 days, it reverses the process, acquiring the cinnamon-brown topcoat it will use all summer. This includes brown feet, unlike the other two species which retain white feet. The underside is usually buff-coloured." (Taken from the old weaselhead.org website).

We are having such amazing, sunny weather at the moment - so different from the recent Arctic blast that hit us hard. So, having missed almost all the birding walks with friends in the spring and fall, I pushed myself out the front door yesterday, 17 November 2014, and joined them for a leisurely walk in Fish Creek Park. I left them shortly before the end of the walk and called in to see if there was any sign of the little Long-tailed Weasel that I had seen three days earlier, on 13 November. A few friends had the same idea, so it was nice to have people to talk to while we watched and waited. We were lucky enough to see the little Weasel and I was able to get a few shots. The first time the Weasel appeared, my camera wouldn't function at all and I missed some good chances. Thankfully, I discovered that I had accidentally moved a small lever on the side of the camera to a different position - so easily done at any time, but especially so when wearing a pair of fleece winter gloves over a pair of thin knitted gloves! The local Black-capped Chickadees and this little White-breasted Nuthatch kept us company while we stood and waited. "Counting its tail, a large Long-tailed Weasel male, the largest of the three species in Canada, stretches nearly half a metre (20 in) in length, yet can slip into a hole just 3 cm (1.25 in) across. This enables it to enter small rodent tunnels used by mice and voles. In summer, it enters ground squirrels burrows in search of its favourite food. Average males measure 406 mm (16 in), their tail is 135 mm (5.25) long and they weigh 225 g (12.6 oz). Males are approximately 25 per cent larger than females, which on average weigh only 102 g (5.7 oz). When winter approaches, within 30 days it grows a coat of white, giving it perfect camouflage against the snow -- all except for the tip of its tail, which stays black. A hungry predator, such as a hawk or owl, aims for that black tip, enabling the weasel to escape. Towards spring, between late February and April, in only 25 days, it reverses the process, acquiring the cinnamon-brown topcoat it will use all summer. This includes brown feet, unlike the other two species which retain white feet. The underside is usually buff-coloured." (Taken from the old weaselhead.org website).