Almost a Wild Goose Chase
Went on the Snow Goose Chase yesterday. The migration was early this year and we were late, as the chase often is held in April. however we saw lots of species, 57 to be exact.
The group was enthusiastic and we were rewarded with a smaller remaining flock of snowgeese.We all roared with delight when someone yelled to the driver, “Stop! Stop! There they are!” We were treated to snacks and a warm buffet in Tofield plus there were scopes, field guides and extra binoculars to share. A few companies sponsor this event but it is organized by the Edmonton Nature Club and we had spotters driving ahead of us and guides on the bus pointing out the various birds. it was a lot of fun. No lifers for me , but it was a thrill to see Black Backed Stilts and a Marbled Godwit through the provided scopes, unfortunately too far for my camera.
Here are some photos of some of the species-most are a distance away, to be expected on a bus tour. Kudos to the Edmonton Nature Club and its dedicated volunteers of expert birders. They will be having some walks in the upcoming season and I hope to join them.
Bonaparte’s Gulls
Song Sparrow
American White Pelicans
Red-Wing Blackbird
Yellow-Headed Blackbird
Mountain Bluebird -Male
Mountain Bluebird – Female
A Gaggle of Snow Geese
Greater White- Fronted Goose
American Avocet
and a terrific sky that had me running back to the bus to change lens.
I love that yellow headed blackbird. I know they are a western bird, but one has been in our area. I did not go see it, but many birders did.
May 4, 2015 at 7:45 pm
Their call is hilarious. I was listening at night to bird calls and the sound was louder for this one. I almost fell out of bed.
May 8, 2015 at 8:06 pm
You really saw the geese, that is one big flock! I like the Avocet, what a pretty bird and photo.
May 5, 2015 at 6:50 am
It was very small compared to some but I am notcomplaining.
May 8, 2015 at 8:07 pm
I am always amazed by the snow geese…The whole series of images is such fun and so wonderful to look at, a very special gift.
May 5, 2015 at 12:57 pm
Thanks Charlie.
May 8, 2015 at 8:08 pm
great collection 🙂 it is so cool to see a cloudy picture when it is summer time here 🙂
May 8, 2015 at 3:00 am
I like the dramatic effect but horrible light for bird watching.
May 8, 2015 at 8:08 pm