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.
Male and Female Yellow-headed Blackbirds
Their raucous call echoes across the ponds in the wetlands and they make for comedic moments as they aim for an approaching mosquito, jump and almost fall off their perch. I find these birds beautiful so am happy to see them stay at the John E Poole Wetlands walk for the breeding season.
Too bad the one of him jumping and losing his foothold didn’t turn out but I like his concentration as the mosquito approaches. The bugs were out in full force but that fact made the birds quite busy and approachable.
The females have become brighter the last couple of days and they are ducking and posing on the rushes to get the attention of the fellows.
My Heartsong 