Monday, March 21, 2016

Springtime


Crow with a twig


The crows are building a nest in this tree (middle of the picture)

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Trumpeter Swans



The wild swans
when they see me approach
paddle away.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Red-Breasted Nuthatch




Whoosh!  While I was waiting for the nuthatch to come back, a bigger bird flew close by me and landed on a poplar branch further into the trees.  Could it be that the Merlin is here already?  Although I didn't get a good look at him, the tail bands looked familiar.  He flew away shortly afterwards without turning around so I could see his face. 

Monday, March 14, 2016

A Quiet Afternoon

It has been quiet here today.  We had a dusting of snow last night, and the temperature hasn't risen much above 5 degrees C.  The sun came out now and again when I was outside earlier to observe the birds at the feeders which made it feel a little warmer. The little nuthatch arrived for a seed, but didn't linger so there was no chance of a picture.  I heard the Bald Eagle, but I didn't see where he might be perched.
  

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Ruffed Grouse

These pictures were taken one sunny afternoon in late January.  The Ruffed Grouse family paid us several visits this past winter when they were searching for food.  They invariably headed to the Saskatoon bushes at the edge of the garden or else to my Red Currant bush, both of which still held some berries.

Ruffed Grouse perched in the Saskatoon bushes

Balancing Act