Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count.
I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks, this one a male, were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we called in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one of a Grosbeak : )
"One of the larger members of its family, the Pine Grosbeak is a bird of the boreal forests, found across northern Eurasia and North America, and south into the mountains of western Canada and the United States. A large, unwary finch, it makes periodic winter irruptions into southern Canada and northern United States. It is the largest and rarest of the "winter finches." From AllAboutBirds.
www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id
As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us yesterday. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On last year's trip in January (for the 2013 Count, but delayed), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. The only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and homesteads.
I love the scenery for this Count. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not yesterday! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. Unlike some years, we saw only a handful of very distant Grouse, perched on a group of hay bales. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of the backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. Yesterday wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers!
Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's home as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.
After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. One of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year.
Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!
List of species seen by our small group and sent in to eBird by Andrew Hart:
Nanton general area
Jan 3, 2016
8:45 AM
Traveling
113.00 km
360 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D
32 Sharp-tailed Grouse
5 Golden Eagle
1 Bald Eagle
12 Rough-legged Hawk
50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
2 Eurasian Collared-Dove
8 Downy Woodpecker
1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)
3 Northern Shrike
4 Gray Jay
100 Black-billed Magpie
28 Common Raven
16 Black-capped Chickadee
4 European Starling
2 American Tree Sparrow
105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.
3 White-winged Crossbill
220 Common Redpoll
4 Hoary Redpoll
40 House Sparrow
Number of Species: 20
Tags: Alberta Canada S of Calgary Nanton Nanton area Christmas Bird Count 2015 SW quadrant of Count circle farmyard nature ornithology avian bird Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator Family: Fringillidae male red front/side view bright colour colourful perched branch curved bokeh outdoor winter 3 January 2016 FZ200 FZ200#3 annkelliott Anne Elliott
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This fine old barn was on the property of one of the farmers that we called in to see during the annual Audubon Nanton Christmas Bird Count for 2015, held this year on 3 January 2016. Five of us covered the SW quadrant of the Count circle that was centred on the town of Nanton, S of Calgary. Actually, the owners at this farm were not home, so we didn't wander round their farmyard. Fortunately, we had parked in front of this barn.
Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. Yesterday, 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count.
As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us yesterday. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On last year's trip in January (for the 2013 Count, but delayed), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. The only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and homesteads.
We drove through such beautiful scenery yesterday, when we were covering our quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not yesterday! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. Yesterday wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers!
Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.
After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. One of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year.
Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!
Tags: Alberta Canada S of Calgary Nanton Nanton area Christmas Bird Count 2015 SW quadrant of Count circle farm farmyard building architecture barn old barn wooden weathered farm equipment rural rural scene hillside hill snow outdoor winter 3 January 2016 FZ200 FZ200#3 annkelliott Anne Elliott
© All Rights Reserved
Just in case you happened to notice the large bird perched on the fence post on the right, it was one of 5 Golden Eagles we saw yesterday, 3 January 2016! No chance for a close shot, but it was still a thrill to see them.
Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. Yesterday, 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count.
As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us yesterday. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On last year's trip in January (for the 2013 Count, but delayed), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. The only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and homesteads.
We drove through such beautiful scenery yesterday, when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not yesterday! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. Yesterday wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers!
Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.
After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. One of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year.
Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!
Tags: Alberta Canada S of Calgary Nanton Nanton area Christmas Bird Count 2015 SW quadrant of Count circle landscape scenery winter scene winter landscape hills rolling hills road snow-covered up and down hill field fields farm fence prairie rural rural scene outdoor winter 3 January 2016 FZ200 FZ200#3 annkelliott Anne Elliott
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A closer look at one of the five beautiful Golden Eagles that we saw two days ago. This is the closest photo I managed to get, but it's close enough to see the difference in colour of the head compared to the rest of the body. Such spectacular birds, and a species that I so rarely get the chance to see. I have added a previously posted, much closer shot of a Golden Eagle from the Coaldale Bird of Prey Centre in a comment box below.
"The Golden Eagle is one of the largest, fastest, nimblest raptors in North America. Lustrous gold feathers gleam on the back of its head and neck; a powerful beak and talons advertise its hunting prowess. You're most likely to see this eagle in western North America, soaring on steady wings or diving in pursuit of the jackrabbits and other small mammals that are its main prey. Sometimes seen attacking large mammals, or fighting off coyotes or bears in defense of its prey and young, the Golden Eagle has long inspired both reverence and fear." From AllAboutBirds.
www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden_Eagle/id
Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. The Count that took place two days ago, on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count.
As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On last year's trip in January (for the 2013 Count, but delayed), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms.
We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this Count! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!
Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.
After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite.
Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year.
Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!
List of species seen by our small group, and sent in to eBird by Andrew Hart:
Nanton general area
Jan 3, 2016
8:45 AM
Traveling
113.00 km
360 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D
32 Sharp-tailed Grouse
5 Golden Eagle
1 Bald Eagle
12 Rough-legged Hawk
50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
2 Eurasian Collared-Dove
8 Downy Woodpecker
1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)
3 Northern Shrike
4 Gray Jay
100 Black-billed Magpie
28 Common Raven
16 Black-capped Chickadee
4 European Starling
2 American Tree Sparrow
105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.
3 White-winged Crossbill
220 Common Redpoll
4 Hoary Redpoll
40 House Sparrow
Number of Species: 20
Tags: Alberta Canada S of Calgary Nanton Nanton area Christmas Bird Count 2015 SW quadrant of Count circle nature ornithology avian bird bird of prey raptor eagle distant perched on fenceline Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Family: Accipitridae Genus: Aquila landscape scenery winter scene winter landscape hills rolling hills snow-covered field fields farm fence fenceline prairie rural rural scene outdoor winter 3 January 2016 FZ200 FZ200#3 annkelliott Anne Elliott
© All Rights Reserved
I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me, two days ago. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we called in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a real thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one : ) Much as I prefer to not have feeder shots, I was still happy to get the chance to photograph these birds up close.
Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. The Count that took place two days ago, on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count.
As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On last year's trip in January (for the 2013 Count, but delayed), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms.
We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (my small group saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not yesterday! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!
Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.
After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite.
Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year.
Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!
List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:
Nanton general area
Jan 3, 2016
8:45 AM
Traveling
113.00 km
360 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D
32 Sharp-tailed Grouse
5 Golden Eagle
1 Bald Eagle
12 Rough-legged Hawk
50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
2 Eurasian Collared-Dove
8 Downy Woodpecker
1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)
3 Northern Shrike
4 Gray Jay
100 Black-billed Magpie
28 Common Raven
16 Black-capped Chickadee
4 European Starling
2 American Tree Sparrow
105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.
3 White-winged Crossbill
220 Common Redpoll
4 Hoary Redpoll
40 House Sparrow
Number of Species: 20
Tags: Alberta Canada S of Calgary Nanton Nanton area Christmas Bird Count 2015 SW quadrant of Count circle farmyard nature ornithology avian bird Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator Family: Fringillidae male red female side view bright colour colourful perched feeder feeding seeds outdoor winter 3 January 2016 FZ200 FZ200#3 annkelliott Anne Elliott
© All Rights Reserved