Late yesterday afternoon, 5 May 2017, I dragged myself away from my computer and went for just a short drive SW of the city. The weather forecast was for sun and cloud, but it was far too cloudy for good light. I was hoping to see Mountain Bluebirds, but I only saw a couple of them and they were in flight. A Wilson's Snipe, one of my favourite birds to see and photograph, was already there, perched on a fence post, so I came home happy. This photo was taken from driver's seat, looking through passenger seat window. Why do newer vehicles have a huge console in the front, so that one can't slide across to the other seat?! Manufacturers need to be considerate to Birders, lol!
"Though the long tradition of “snipe hunt” pranks at summer camp has convinced many people otherwise, Wilson’s Snipes aren’t made-up creatures. These plump, long-billed birds are among the most widespread shorebirds in North America. They can be tough to see thanks to their cryptic brown and buff coloration and secretive nature. But in summer they often stand on fence posts or take to the sky with a fast, zigzagging flight and an unusual “winnowing” sound made with the tail." From AllAboutBirds.
www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wilsons_Snipe/id
According to Fisher and Acorn's book, "Birds of Alberta", "the common Snipe is both secretive and well camouflaged, so few people notice it until it flushes suddenly from a nearby grassy tussock. As soon as the Snipe takes to the air, it performs a series of quick zigzags - an evasive maneuver designed to confuse predators. Because of this habit, Snipes were among the most difficult birds to shoot (in the days when shorebirds were hunted for sport), and skilled sportsmen were known as "snipers" - a term later adopted by the military."
youtu.be/Z16CUdX2g5Q
It feels good to take a short break from going through my Trinidad & Tobago photos - not to mention posting them! - but I know I must plod on. Today, I will start going though Day 6 of our 8-day trip (plus two travel days). This day includes a wonderful hot lunch at the beach, which we so enjoyed. More new birds, whose names I have already forgotten, so I will have to look them up. New plants, including beautiful Water Hyacinth and the amazing Sacred Lotus (which I had only ever seen growing in the Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo). I love photographing their spectacular seedpods.
For now, though, I must have breakfast/brunch - with a small sprinkling of chocolate powder, bought on Day 5 of our Trinidad trip, over my Stoked Oats. Then, back to editing ....
Tags: Alberta Canada SW of Calgary nature ornithology avian bird birds Snipe Wilson's Snipe Gallinago gallinago Charadriiformes Gallinago shorebird adult side view standing fence post field grass bokeh outdoor spring 5 May 2017 Canon Powershot SX60 SX60 Focal length 1385.8 mm in 35mm annkelliott Anne Elliott © Anne Elliott 2017 © All Rights Reserved
© All Rights Reserved
The last 7 images that I have just uploaded were taken yesterday afternoon, 11 May 2017, at a pond in Calgary. This Canada Goose came near me, not the other way round. Much as I would rather not interrupt my Trinidad photos, I did want to post these local birds and plants, otherwise I might forget. Sorry that I have added so many photos, and at such a fast rate! Seeing my calendar filling up rather quickly, I know that I will be getting various chances to take photos, and it would help greatly if I can get my holiday photos finished.
This morning, I finished the last few photos taken at Manzaniila Beach, Trinidad. From there, we drove the Nariva Swamp area, which is mainly agricultural habitats with some wetlands. Some good birding there and I will be posting various new species. Also, at least a couple of plants that we enjoyed seeing, especially the Sacred Lotus. This is one of my favourite things to photograph in the Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo.
Tags: Calgary Alberta Canada Bridlewood nature ornithology avian bird waterfowl aquatic bird Goose Canada Goose Branta canadensis adult head shot side view close-up feathers texture bokeh water pond wetland outdoor spring 11 May 2017 Canon SX60 annkelliott Anne Elliott © Anne Elliott 2017 © All Rights Reserved
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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
In Canada, this is celebrated each year on the second Sunday of May. Of course, every day should be Mother's Day.
The two photos I have just posted this morning, 14 May 2017, were taken three days ago, on 11 May 2017, at a pond in Calgary. Just a short drive and a quick visit. Much as I don't like interrupting my Trinidad & Tobago images, I did want to add these local photos, otherwise I might forget. Seeing my calendar filling up rather quickly, I know that I will be getting various chances to take photos, and it would help greatly if I can get my holiday photos finished. Tonight, I will hopefully add a few more photos from my trip.
"If someone at a park is feeding bread to ducks, chances are there are Mallards in the fray. Perhaps the most familiar of all ducks, Mallards occur throughout North America and Eurasia in ponds and parks as well as wilder wetlands and estuaries. The male’s gleaming green head, gray flanks, and black tail-curl arguably make it the most easily identified duck. Mallards have long been hunted for the table, and almost all domestic ducks come from this species." From AllAboutBirds.
Occasionally, Mallards have been known to show up in people’s swimming pools. My good friend, Art (Leapfrog), has had more than 45 on his pool at any given time. His pool is covered, with a layer of water on top of the cover. One special pair, Daisy and Donald, have been coming to his backyard pool for at least 11 or 12 years!
www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mallard/id
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallard
Tags: Calgary Alberta Canada SW Calgary nature ornithology avian bird waterfowl aquatic bird duck Mallard female Anas platyrhynchos Anseriformes Anatidae Anas dabbling duck medium-sized duck standing fence railing tree trees bokeh outdoor spring 11 May 2017 Canon SX60 annkelliott Anne Elliott © Anne Elliott 2017 © All Rights Reserved
© All Rights Reserved
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
In Canada, this is celebrated each year on the second Sunday of May. Of course, every day should be Mother's Day.
The two photos I have just posted this morning, 14 May 2017, were taken three days ago, on 11 May 2017, at a pond in Calgary. Just a short drive and a quick visit. Much as I don't like interrupting my Trinidad & Tobago images, I did want to add these local photos, otherwise I might forget. Seeing my calendar filling up rather quickly, I know that I will be getting various chances to take photos, and it would help greatly if I can get my holiday photos finished. Tonight, I will hopefully add a few more photos from my trip.
I love seeing these Red-necked Grebes, though they tend to be rather distant when I do see them. Most of the time, they just look so quietly elegant while they swim.
"The Red-necked Grebe breeds on small inland lakes in Canada and Alaska, and winters along both coasts of North America. Boldly marked, vocal, and aggressive during the breeding season, it is quiet and subtly attired in winter.
Like other grebes, the Red-necked Grebe ingests large quantities of its own feathers. Feathers remain in the bird's stomach. The function of feathers in the stomach is unknown. One hypothesis suggests that the feathers help protect the lower digestive tract from bones and other hard, indigestible material. The Red-necked Grebe also feeds its feathers to its young.
The Red-necked Grebe migrates over land strictly at night. It sometimes migrates over water or along coasts by day, in large flocks.
The oldest recorded Red-necked Grebe was at least 11 years old when it was found in Minnesota, the same state where it had been banded." From AllABoutBirds.
www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-necked_Grebe/id
Tags: Calgary Alberta Canada SW Calgary nature ornithology avian bird waterfowl Grebe Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena adult swimming side view wetland pond water outdoor spring 11 May 2017 Canon SX60 annkelliott Anne Elliott © Anne Elliott 2017 © All Rights Reserved
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Well, I'm certainly not getting on very well with my Trinidad photos at the moment : ) Other things keep popping up and they have offered photo opportunities, too. This morning, I have just posted seven more shots from my day out with four friends, driving the area SW of Calgary, on 20 May 2017.
Part of the morning was spent at our friend, Barb's, acreage, SW of Calgary, enjoying the variety of birds that visit her garden. Thanks so much, Barb, as always, for letting us visit you. Such a joy to see birds like the handsome male Rose-breasted Grosbeak and the Evening Grosbeaks. I so rarely get to see either of these birds. Loved the way this little Mountain Bluebird male chose the blue nesting box.
In Bluebirds, the blue colour is produced by the structure of the feather - there is no blue pigment. "Tiny air pockets in the barbs of feathers can scatter incoming light, resulting in a specific, non-iridescent color. Blue colors in feathers are almost always produced in this manner. Examples include the blue feathers of Bluebirds, Indigo Buntings, Blue Jay's and Steller's Jays."
www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mountain_Bluebird/id
www.jstor.org/discover/pgs/index?id=10.2307/4077277&i...
We then drove the various roads SW of the city, as far south as Turner Valley, hoping to see a few birds. Beautiful scenery in the whole area. In Turner Valley, we called in to see another mutual friend and watch the birds that visited her tiny, but beautifully and thoughtfully designed, back deck. Thanks so much for having us - and for the most welcome coffee! - Jackie, especially at such very short notice!
Tags: Alberta Canada SW of Calgary Barb's acreage nature ornithology avian bird Bluebird Mountain Bluebird Sialia currucoides Turdidae Sialia male adult front/side view perched on top of nest box matching colours fence field bokeh outdoor spring 20 May 2017 SX60 Canon SX60 annkelliott Anne Elliott © Anne Elliott 2017 © All Rights Reserved
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