On April 24 Paul Turbitt of Turbo’s Track and Tour blog found a male Ruffed Grouse drumming on a log west of Turner Valley.
Here is a still photo of the grouse.
See Paul’s blog posts about this bird here and here.
Here is a link to his YouTube page.
Carburn Park – Part 1: The Ponds
Posted by Dan Arndt
My last two outings with the Friends of Fish Creek Spring Birding course were at Carburn Park, both on Thursday, April 17 and Sunday, April 20. Both days had their high points, and so I’ll be mixing and matching photos from each of those days here.
Carburn Park
April 17 and April 20. 2014
While each day we did the route a little differently, the best birds were always in the same spots. On Sunday, we headed down to the Eric Harvie Bridge then walked back along the river with the sun behind us. While there weren’t too many birds near the bridge itself, as we moved northward we found our first Common Goldeneyes, an American Beaver, and shortly thereafter, a lone Muskrat above the beaver’s dam!
Common Goldeneye
Carburn Park – April 20, 2014
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@500mm
1/2000sec., ƒ/6.3, ISO 800
American Beaver
Carburn Park – April 20, 2014
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@200mm
1/1000sec., ƒ/6.3, ISO 2000
Muskrat
Carburn Park – April 20, 2014
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@500mm
1/1250sec., ƒ/6.3, ISO 3200
We were also treated to some vigorously displaying Downy Woodpeckers, chasing each other up and down from tree to tree. These two especially were really going at it!
Downy Woodpeckers displaying
Carburn Park – April 20, 2014
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@500mm
1/2000sec., ƒ/6.3, ISO 800
We headed up the river, seeing a few Tree Swallows, a few Ring-billed and Franklin’s Gulls, and even heard a lone Song Sparrow calling from across the river before we headed back into the denser foliage. Most interestingly though was a little spot we had found on Thursday which was host to half a dozen Ruby-crowned Kinglets was still holding one little one singing away while the sun shone bright…. unlike Thursday, which was cloudy, gloomy and rather snowy!
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Carburn Park – April 20, 2014
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@500mm
1/1600sec., ƒ/6.3, ISO 1250
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Carburn Park – April 17, 2014
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@500mm
1/800sec., ƒ/6.3, ISO 3200
Up on the north end of the park we saw the local nesting pair of Bald Eagles in the distance, and both days it appeared that the female was still on the nest, brooding her eggs, while dad hunted for dinner.
Bald Eagle near nest
Carburn Park – April 17, 2014
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@500mm
1/800sec., ƒ/6.3, ISO 500
The real highlight of the trip on Thursday though was seeing this flock of nearly a hundred swallows, both Violet-green (look for the ones with the white rump band above the tail) and Tree Swallows (all the rest of them, with the bluish-black backs) flying low over the river chowing down on their lunch of freshly hatched insects. While I had initially guessed that we had seen about four or five Violet-green Swallows, looking back over at my photos I was able to find at least 10 individuals, the largest number of that species I’ve seen in Calgary at once!
Violet-green and Tree Swallows
Carburn Park – April 17, 2014
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@500mm
1/800sec., ƒ/6.3, ISO 400
Of course, they weren’t there in any great numbers on Sunday, which was much warmer, and much nicer weather, but there was a beautiful Mourning Cloak butterfly, my first of the season, sunning itself near the second of the large ponds. It was a great end to a great day!
Mourning Cloak butterfly
Carburn Park – April 20, 2014
Pentax K-5 + Sigma 150-500@500mm
1/1600sec., ƒ/6.3, ISO 1000
Thanks again for reading, and good birding!
Sunday Showcase: Spring Arrivals
Despite (or possibly because of) the snow and cold weather on Saturday, Tony LePrieur got some great shots of spring birds in Carburn Park and Fish Creek Park in SE Calgary, and some resident birds and mammals as well.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle), Carburn Park, April 26, 2014
Franklin’s Gulls, Carburn Park, April 26, 2014
American Robin, male, Carburn Park, April 26, 2014
Resident White-tailed Deer, Carburn Park, April 26, 2014
Common Loon, Carburn Park, April 26, 2014
A resident bird in Fish Creek Park, male Ring-necked Pheasant, April 26, 2014
Ring-necked Pheasant, male, Fish Creek Park, April 26, 2014
Osprey with nesting material, Carburn Park, April 26, 2014
Tony returned to Carburn Park in the better weather on Sunday and got another shot of a Common Loon on the pond there.
Common Loon, Carburn Park, April 27, 2014
North Glenmore Park and the Weaselhead
Posted by Bob Lefebvre
Since January 2012 Dan Arndt and I have led the Sunday morning group in the Friends of Fish Creek birding course, at 9 am in the Fall and Winter session, and at 7:30 am in the Spring. As the course has gained popularity, more and more groups have been added. There are now over 200 people registered for the Spring session, so there are eighteen different groups that go on the field trips each week. As more groups have been added there is a need for more leaders, so although Dan will continue to lead at 7:30 on Sundays, I have moved to the 9 am group.
Dan will continue to report here about what they see on his outings, with a one-week delay (see last week’s post Spring Begins at Sikome Lake). But on April 13 he was away, so I have arranged to use the photos taken that day by George Best on our group’s outing, and keep you up to date on what’s happening with the birds of Calgary.
We met at the Weaselhead parking lot and carpooled to the westernmost lot in the adjacent North Glenmore Park, to scope out the reservoir for migrants. For such a late date, there was still a lot of ice on the reservoir, with the only open water being on the Elbow River and the extreme west end of the lake where the river enters it. There were quite a few species of waterfowl present, and this pair of Canada Geese stood out right away due to the contrast in their colours.
Canada Geese. All photos by George Best
Among the numerous Mallards and Common Goldeneyes we spotted a pair of Redheads.
Redheads and Mallards.
As we scanned the water from the high ridge in North Glenmore Park, we were treated to the sight of four Trumpeter Swans which suddenly appeared and flew silently in a line right in front of us at close range. They were so close and it happened so fast that George could not get a photo with his big lens. Instead, here is a shot of Mallards in flight. A more common sight in these parts but still a beautiful bird.
Mallards.
We had a few other notable birds on the reservoir, including Canvasbacks, Hooded Mergansers, Ruddy Ducks, and the first two Greater Yellowlegs of the season.
Next we headed to the east end of the reservoir near the Canoe Club to check out the stormwater ponds there. Several House Finches gave us good looks right by the parking lot.
House Finch, male.
On the way to the ponds we spotted this White-tailed Jackrabbit, and George got a great shot as he stood to size us up. Down in the Weaselhead we sometimes see Snowshoe Hares but up in South Glenmore Park it is more common to see these.
White-tailed Jackrabbit.
There wasn’t much on the ponds but the birds are closer so they make good subjects.
Bufflehead, male.
Common Goldeneye, male.
Killdeer.
Finally, we headed down into the Weaselhead proper. At the beginning of the walk we added two more mammals, Richardson’s Ground Squirrel and Least Chipmunk. For most of the participants it was the first ground squirrel of the year. For George, who is from the U.K., it was a life mammal, so he made sure to get some close-ups
Richardson’s Ground Squirrel.
Richardson’s Ground Squirrel close-up.
Least Chipmunk.
The only birds on the Elbow River were these two sleeping Common Mergansers.
We saw one Dark-eyed Junco and a few American Tree Sparrows, but these were too flighty to stay for photos. One problem we have with our Sunday walks is that the parks are very busy with bikers, runners, dog-walkers, etc. We stood still to try to get good looks at the Tree Sparrows and Juncos as they fed, but all the traffic on the path kept flushing them. It is a lot quieter on some of the weekday morning walks.
We had heard Blue Jays calling many times and finally caught up with one by the feeders.
Blue Jay.
Also at a tin-can feeder was this male Hairy Woodpecker.
Hairy Woodpecker, male.
We didn’t have time to go too far into the Weaselhead, but we’ll be back when the Hummingbirds are here to see it again.
Dan will report on the Easter Sunday outing on Monday. Until then, Good Birding!
Eagles, Owls and Others
The photos below were taken by Josh OBrien. He uses a Nikon D600+Sigma 150-500mm. To see more of his photos, check his Facebook page here.
Great Horned Owls
Great Horned Owls
Juvenile Bald Eagles
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle stretching
Great Gray Owl
Great Gray Owl
American Robin
Downy Woodpecker
Common Raven
Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Watch the Ospreys and Peregrines!
Posted by Bob Lefebvre
The weather may still be a little closer to winter conditions than to spring, but now the Ospreys and the Peregrine Falcons are back, and you can watch them at their nests from the comfort of your home.
The first Peregrine returned to the University of Calgary campus on March 31, 2014. You can watch a live feed from the nest camera here: U of C Falcons .
Peregrine Falcon (not at the U of C). Photo by Anne Elliott
The first Osprey was reported at the platform by the Calgary Zoo on April 17. You can see the live feed here: Zoo Osprey .
Ospreys on a nest platform (not in Calgary). Photo by Bob Lefebvre
So far there hasn’t been much activity at the nests, but once the females are on the eggs it’s a lot of fun to check regularly and see the feeding activity, the hatching of the eggs, and the growth of the chicks.
There will be a link to these cameras on the right-hand sidebar of the blog throughout the nesting season so you can check on them regularly.
Furry Friday: Paul’s Pine Marten
Posted by Dan Arndt
Paul Turbitt of Turbo’s Track and Photo Tour sent in some photos one a rare encounter he had with one of the harder to find mustelids that are native to our fine province. Both the text and photos below have been provided by him.
On a run with a client from New York this January we were treated to 10 minutes with a Pine Marten, only my second sighting in my life. These are tremendous little critters and as a member of the weasel family they are quite the hunters. We spotted it scurrying across the road in the middle of the day. We found it in the trees, where they spend much of their time.
First look at the Pine Marten
It seemed not too bothered by us walking around beneath him trying to get better angles with few branches in the way.
Full on face shot of the curious Pine Marten
There is no question that these are predators, just look at that the size of the ears in comparison to the size of the head.
The large ears of a Pine Marten allowing for the excellent hearing this species is known for.
One of the distinguishing markings of these tree loving weasels is their chest patches which are typically lighter than their backs and chests. The colouration can run anywhere from near white to a deep buttery yellow colour.
The distinguishing chest patch of the Pine Marten.
These weasels will travel for miles never touching the ground. They are as “at home” in the trees as squirrels.
Pine Marten in the branches
Despite their ferocious nature they are beautiful critters to spend time with. I would hope that all that search this little hunter out get to spend some time with one.
Pine Marten basking in the bright sunlight.
Spring Begins at Sikome Lake
Posted by Dan Arndt
As with each of our courses, we began the Spring course with the Friends of Fish Creek down at the Friends of Fish Creek Headquarters building, and then on down to Sikome Lake, once again in search of new spring migrants. From this point on in the season my goal with the blog will be to only post new species (or better/unique photos of species we’ve found before). Since we have such a variety of available birds here during spring migration, this shouldn’t be too much of a challenge, but here goes. Once more into the breach!
Sikome Lake and area
April 6, 2014
It really seems like some weeks all the activity is centered around one particular area, and other weeks it’s a steady succession of interesting birds. This week was definitely the former. From the start, it seemed like a slow day. Many of the waterfowl had already been flushed by fishermen and boaters down the river, but this curious American Robin in the long dry grasses made for a nice early subject to shoot.
American Robin
Sikome Lake
April 6, 2014
Of course we just had to check in on what is likely the most famous pair of Great Horned Owls in Calgary. There were no less than a dozen others already there by the time we arrived. The mother was just poking her head out from the nest, while dad was hidden away.
female Great Horned Owl
Sikome Lake
April 6, 2014
While we were watching her, and then again on our return down the pathway, we found this pair of White-breasted Nuthatches foraging in some fallen logs. They were certainly a joy to shoot, and not always the most cooperative subjects! Thankfully they were more interested in the food than in staying away from us photographers!
White-breasted Nuthatch
April 6, 2014
From there we headed south into the north end of Lafarge Meadows. While we did get some waterfowl on the Bow River, the photos weren’t that great, and certainly not quite up to snuff in comparison with everything else I shot that day! We did manage to see some more Lesser Scaup, Redheads, and even scoped out where a family of Common Ravens is nesting. This marks at least the fifth year (that I know of) that they’ve been nesting in the same place within the city limits.
As we returned to the starting area, we decided to take a bit of a stroll up to some well known feeding stations at the edge of Sikome Lake. While those stations didn’t turn up anything whatsoever, along the way we did see an American Tree Sparrow (not photographed) while on the same log, in fact, this Dark-eyed Junco posed quite nicely for myself and a few others.
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored subspecies)
Sikome Lake
April 6, 2014
And who could forget the mammals? As spring comes into bloom (see what I did there? huh? huh?) the mammal activity really heats up. At the very start of our walk last Sunday were a pair of Coyotes near the headquarters building. This was the best shot I managed, as I was on the far side of the field from this one.
Coyote
FCPP Headquarters Building
April 6, 2014
Of course no one could forget the typical spring mammal that every Albertan knows to watch out for (especially on the roads!), the Richardson’s Ground Squirrel. This fellow sat stock still as soon as we laid eyes on him, allowing us to get in very close and observe him for as long as we could possibly have kept that up. Quite good camouflage at work there!
Richardson’s Ground Squirrel
Sikome Lake
April 6, 2014
Have a great week, and good birding!
Spring Arrivals at Fish Creek Park
Tony LePrieur saw some new birds for the year in Fish Creek Park on April 5, 2014, as well as some favourite residents.
Northern Shoveler, male.
European Starling.
Red-winged Blackbird, male. This bird is arriving right on time, but all the ponds there were still mostly frozen over on this date.
Golden-crowned Kinglet, male. Likely a winter bird that will soon move on.
Blue Jay, a year-round resident species.
Snowshoe Hare. Transitioning to summer colours far faster than the surroundings are!
Muskrat.
Finally, some close-ups of one of the resident Great Horned Owls. Check the talons in the third photo.
The end of Winter at Pine Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant
Posted by Dan Arndt
I know, I know. With the title of the last two Monday morning blog posts having to do with the beginning of spring, or the end of winter, you’d think it would actually be over by now, wouldn’t you? Unfortunately, one last winter storm made our last outing with the Winter session with the Friends of Fish Creek live up to its name. Blowing snow, -12 degrees C temperatures, and a whole lot of ice on the river made it feel like an outing more in line with early January than the last day of March! The quantity of species seen though, did begin to look a bit more like spring. The number of waterfowl species that were laying over on the south end of the Bow River in Calgary certainly showed us that spring, indeed, was finally just around the corner. In fact, there was so much activity on the south end of our trek that I’ve had to blow up the usual map to give proper detail on where each species was seen!
Pine Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant area
Zoomed-out view
March 31, 2014
Pine Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant area
Zoomed-in view
March 31, 2014
While few and far between, one of the first birds that I picked out on the water last week was one of a few Cackling Geese in amongst the Canada Geese. While superficially similar, they really do stand out when sitting (or standing) near their larger cousins. In fact, it wasn’t until 2004 that the Cackling Goose was identified as its own species, with 4 subspecies identified.
Canada Geese (left) and Cackling Goose (right)
The presence of a few duck species typically associated with prairie ponds and sloughs spending their time on the river is also another sure sign of a changing of the seasons. Both the Northern Pintail and Northern Shoveler were around in good numbers, but not too close. Even a single Tundra Swan flew down onto the river while we watched in awe.
Tundra Swan
March 31, 2014
Northern Pintail
March 31, 2014
Northern Shovelers
March 31, 2014
Our first real good looks at the first migrant shorebirds to come through were along this stretch of river. These Killdeer are really quite hardy little birds. It’s no wonder they can be so numerous throughout the Calgary area!
Killdeer
March 31, 2014
In addition to the migrant waterfowl and shorebird species, there were also a couple of predatory birds around. A Merlin and Northern Goshawk made passes over us almost one right after the other, and we were treated to the disjointed yet beautiful song of this calling Northern Shrike for at least ten minutes before it was flushed by some dog walkers getting a bit too close.
Northern Shrike
March 31, 2014
Our first good looks at Herring Gulls this season were also along this stretch, many of which flew quite close to us, and in some cases, seemed to be just as curious about us as we were of them!
curious Herring Gull
March 31, 2014
Herring Gull in flight
March 31, 2014
I mentioned Killdeer earlier, and we did come across a much larger group of them, but only thanks to the eagle eyes of Gus Yaki, which he had on loan from an eagle who decided to sleep in that day. Can you spot the Killdeer in this picture? (Hint: There are five Killdeer in this image.)
Killdeer camouflage
March 31, 2014
My first sighting of the next species of the day happened out on Vancouver Island over Christmas of 2013, and despite many trips out last spring in search of this species, and despite their relative abundance here in the spring migration, this was my first Eurasian Wigeon in Alberta. Again, a nice bird to see at the best of times. He seemed to be having a bit of a spat with his American relatives though…
Eurasian and American Wigeon
March 31, 2014
Eurasian and American Wigeon
March 31, 2014
We did also have a nice close look at a Redhead a bit further upstream, before things seemed to get a little bit too far off in the snow to get any good images, and yet, we did seem to have some Common Mergansers stalking us as we headed back up towards the start of our journey.
Redhead
March 31, 2014
Canada Goose (left) and Common Mergansers (right)
March 31, 2014
And that was it for our last week of the Winter Birding Course with the Friends of Fish Creek!
With the start of our Spring course next week, I’ll definitely be trying to not duplicate species that I get photos of each week, much like I tried to last year, with relatively good success.
Have a great week, and until next Monday, Good Birding