American Avocet | My Heartsong

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.

May 4, 2015 | Categories: birds, Photo Blog | Tags: Alberta, American Avocet, birds, Bonaparte's Gull, Canada, Greater White-fronted Goose, migration, Red wing Blackbird, Snow Goose Chase, Spring, Yellow-headed blackbird | 8 Comments

Great Day! So many birds! Yay!

Yup had a good day in the park and had some surprises such as when these birds went flying by and I assumed it was the mergansers and when I got home and looked on the computer they were American Avocets. What else? Song sparrows, Common Mergansers, Franklins Gull, Common Tern, Red-winged Blackbird, Kildeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Red-tailed Hawk, Western PeeWee,Yellow-Rumped Warbler(Myrtle),Phoebe,Piliated Woodpecker, Buff;eheads, Horned Grebes, Rednecked Grebes, Ringed-billed Gulls, White-crowned Sparrow.

Here’s the Avocets and the Franklin Gulls and greater Yellowlegs plus phoebe-not necessarily in that order)And I spoke too soon, Juie-I am getting scads of email -think it is a glitch in WordPress. Just temporary, right WordPress?Now WP, don’t go answering me back 79 times, ok?