Yesterday, 7 April 2021, I wanted to go for a drive anywhere, in order to get away from the work that is being done on the outside of the building. Luckily, I had checked to see what times the Saskatoon Farm would be open and discovered that from tomorrow onwards, the farm restaurant has to close down, due to new Covid restrictions. Indoor dining anywhere is now not allowed until further notice. Our cases in the province are going up and so these new restrictions do need to be put in place. Getting to the farm in time, I was able to enjoy a fully-loaded omelette for a late breakfast.

The little Muscovy ducklings have grown so much since I was there last, on 18 March 2021. An adult was so attentive to them, keeping by their side the whole time while they explored their large enclosure.

From the Farm, I drove further south to Frank Lake. All I did was drive the gravel road loop, as it was extremely windy. In fact, on my drive earlier that morning, I almost turned back and headed for home. Driving on a fast highway, exposed to the wind blowing over the open fields, did not feel good at all. I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted two American White Pelicans, lying side by side. Presumably, one of them was the bird that overwintered at the lake, due to an injured wing, which now seems to have healed. It felt so good to see that it had been joined by a newly arrived migrant. I wonder if they knew each other months ago.

There were a few locations that I wanted to quickly check on, on the way home from the lake. I saw quite a few Tundra/Trumpeter Swans in various places and distant duck species that were too far away to see exactly what was what. Talk about getting lost! I knew where I wanted to go, but somehow I just couldn't find the needed road.

Despite the very strong wind, it felt good to be out of the city for a few hours. Ar least it wasn't snowing.

"The strange, warty-faced Muscovy Duck causes confusion for some bird watchers, as it's very distinctive and quite commonly seen, yet does not appear in some field guides. Truly wild individuals are restricted to south Texas and points south, but domesticated versions occur in parks and farms across much of North America.

Domestic varieties—heavier, less agile birds with variable plumage—live on farms and in parks in warm climates around the world, where they can be confusing to bird watchers.

The word “Muscovy” may refer to the Muscovy Company (incorporated in London in 1555), which transported these ducks to England and France." From AllAboutBirds.

Tags:   Alberta Canada SE of Calgary Saskatoon Farm ornithology avian bird duck Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata lying down resting front/side view black, white & red red face warty-faced in an enclosure domestic in greenhouse spring 7 April 2021 Canon SX60 Canon SX60 Powershot annkelliott Anne Elliott © Anne Elliott 2021 © All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

Yesterday, 7 April 2021, I wanted to go for a drive anywhere, in order to get away from the work that is being done on the outside of the building. Luckily, I had checked to see what times the Saskatoon Farm would be open and discovered that from tomorrow onwards, the farm restaurant has to close down, due to new Covid restrictions. Indoor dining anywhere is now not allowed until further notice. Our cases in the province are going up and so these new restrictions do need to be put in place. Getting to the farm in time, I was able to enjoy a fully-loaded omelette for a late breakfast.

The little Muscovy ducklings have grown so much since I was there last, on 18 March 2021. An adult was so attentive to them, keeping by their side the whole time while they explored their large enclosure.

From the Farm, I drove further south to Frank Lake. All I did was drive the gravel road loop, as it was extremely windy. In fact, on my drive earlier that morning, I almost turned back and headed for home. Driving on a fast highway, exposed to the wind blowing over the open fields, did not feel good at all. I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted two American White Pelicans, lying side by side. Presumably, one of them was the bird that overwintered at the lake, due to an injured wing, which now seems to have healed. It felt so good to see that it had been joined by a newly arrived migrant. I wonder if they knew each other months ago.

There were a few locations that I wanted to quickly check on, on the way home from the lake. I saw quite a few Tundra/Trumpeter Swans in various places and distant duck species that were too far away to see exactly what was what. Talk about getting lost! I knew where I wanted to go, but somehow I just couldn't find the needed road.

Despite the very strong wind, it felt good to be out of the city for a few hours. Ar least it wasn't snowing.

© All Rights Reserved

Yesterday, 7 April 2021, I wanted to go for a drive anywhere, in order to get away from the work that is being done on the outside of the building. Luckily, I had checked to see what times the Saskatoon Farm would be open and discovered that from tomorrow onwards, the farm restaurant has to close down, due to new Covid restrictions. Indoor dining anywhere is now not allowed until further notice. Our cases in the province are going up and so these new restrictions do need to be put in place. Getting to the farm in time, I was able to enjoy a fully-loaded omelette for a late breakfast.

The little Muscovy ducklings have grown so much since I was there last, on 18 March 2021. An adult was so attentive to them, keeping by their side the whole time while they explored their large enclosure. The birds in the photo above were briefly inside a very small 'shed' that is inside the enclosure. I think the white one is a Silkie?

From the Farm, I drove further south to Frank Lake. All I did was drive the gravel road loop, as it was extremely windy. In fact, on my drive earlier that morning, I almost turned back and headed for home. Driving on a fast highway, exposed to the wind blowing over the open fields, did not feel good at all. I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted two American White Pelicans, lying side by side. Presumably, one of them was the bird that overwintered at the lake, due to an injured wing, which now seems to have healed. It felt so good to see that it had been joined by a newly arrived migrant. I wonder if they knew each other months ago.

There were a few locations that I wanted to quickly check on, on the way home from the lake. I saw quite a few Tundra/Trumpeter Swans in various places and distant duck species that were too far away to see exactly what was what. Talk about getting lost! I knew where I wanted to go, but somehow I just couldn't find the needed road.

Despite the very strong wind, it felt good to be out of the city for a few hours. Ar least it wasn't snowing.

Tags:   Alberta Canada SE of Calgary Saskatoon Farm ornithology avian bird poultry chicken Silkie side view fluffy plumage in an enclosure inside small red shed domestic in greenhouse spring 7 April 2021 Canon SX60 Canon SX60 Powershot annkelliott Anne Elliott © Anne Elliott 2021 © All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

Yesterday, 7 April 2021, I wanted to go for a drive anywhere, in order to get away from the work that is being done on the outside of the building. Luckily, I had checked to see what times the Saskatoon Farm would be open and discovered that from tomorrow onwards, the farm restaurant has to close down, due to new Covid restrictions. Indoor dining anywhere is now not allowed until further notice. Our cases in the province are going up and so these new restrictions do need to be put in place. Getting to the farm in time, I was able to enjoy a fully-loaded omelette for a late breakfast.

The little Muscovy ducklings have grown so much since I was there last, on 18 March 2021. An adult was so attentive to them, keeping by their side the whole time while they explored their large enclosure.

From the Farm, I drove further south to Frank Lake. All I did was drive the gravel road loop, as it was extremely windy. In fact, on my drive earlier that morning, I almost turned back and headed for home. Driving on a fast highway, exposed to the wind blowing over the open fields, did not feel good at all. I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted two American White Pelicans, lying side by side. Presumably, one of them was the bird that overwintered at the lake, due to an injured wing, which now seems to have healed. It felt so good to see that it had been joined by a newly arrived migrant. I wonder if they knew each other months ago.

There were a few locations that I wanted to quickly check on, on the way home from the lake. I saw quite a few Tundra/Trumpeter Swans in various places and distant duck species that were too far away to see exactly what was what. Talk about getting lost! I knew where I wanted to go, but somehow I just couldn't find the needed road.

Despite the very strong wind, it felt good to be out of the city for a few hours. Ar least it wasn't snowing.

© All Rights Reserved

Yesterday, 7 April 2021, I wanted to go for a drive anywhere, in order to get away from the work that is being done on the outside of the building. Luckily, I had checked to see what times the Saskatoon Farm would be open and discovered that from tomorrow onwards, the farm restaurant has to close down, due to new Covid restrictions. Indoor dining anywhere is now not allowed until further notice. Our cases in the province are going up and so these new restrictions do need to be put in place. Getting to the farm in time, I was able to enjoy a fully-loaded omelette for a late breakfast.

The little Muscovy ducklings have grown so much since I was there last, on 18 March 2021. An adult was so attentive to them, keeping by their side the whole time while they explored their large enclosure.

From the Farm, I drove further south to Frank Lake. All I did was drive the gravel road loop, as it was extremely windy. In fact, on my drive earlier that morning, I almost turned back and headed for home. Driving on a fast highway, exposed to the wind blowing over the open fields, did not feel good at all. I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted two American White Pelicans, lying side by side. Presumably, one of them was the bird that overwintered at the lake, due to an injured wing, which now seems to have healed. It felt so good to see that it had been joined by a newly arrived migrant. I wonder if they knew each other months ago.

There were a few locations that I wanted to quickly check on, on the way home from the lake. I saw quite a few Tundra/Trumpeter Swans in various places and distant duck species that were too far away to see exactly what was what. Talk about getting lost! I knew where I wanted to go, but somehow I just couldn't find the needed road.

Despite the very strong wind, it felt good to be out of the city for a few hours. Ar least it wasn't snowing.

© All Rights Reserved