Snowy Owls in the snow

The prairies west of Strathmore

After domestic duties we headed east of Calgary towards Strathmore and soon turned off on minor roads reach RR251 north of Sadler's Slough and driving east.  It was tremendously bright sunshine but the temperature was minus 14.  On our journey we had spotted a Merlin flying across the road carrying prey and later after leaving the city we picked up a Prairie Falcon again flying across the road and identified by its "black armpits".  Driving up the snowy farm roads it was not long before we found our first Snowy.  An immature sitting on an oil tank in a frosty field.



The first Snowy Owl of the day - an immature
 

The bird was not in a great position to photograph and we left it peering at us from its perch.  Heading on east down the road we drove for some time before finding a second owl perched on a post.  It seemed to be attracted by a flock of about 1,000 Common Redpolls feeding on weed seeds.  This bird was incredibly tame and allowed me to walk up to get photographs.

The second Snowy Owl - also an immature.

Closer view of the second owl

After spending an hour or so with the second bird we headed back to Calgary.  Joining the Deerfoot Trail south suddenly skeins of Canada Geese were flying north totalling 500 in number.  Crossing the Elbow river a Common Goldeneye flew over and a Bald Eagle was sitting in a nearby tree.  We did a bit of shopping and arrived back home to reflect on an amazing morning.

Real Arctic Weather

We awoke this morning at 6.45am to find snow showers and a temperature of minus 10 degrees.  Visibility was down to only a hundred metres or so.  After the school run which was normal for my grandchildren but incredibly stressful for me (Dozens of 4x4s all over the place) I decided it was pointless to try and go out and find birds.

Black-billed Magpie

I had a nap to catch up on long lost sleep and kept an eye out of the window.  Two species seen - Raven and Black-billed Magpie.

A Day of Rough-legs

Grand Valley Road

I set off at 9am for the Grand Valley Road the scene of a wonderful day with a Great Grey Owl back in July.  There had been a recent sighting of a Northern Pygmy Owl in the same area and that species would be a lifer for me.  The weather was glorious with bright sunshine and a pleasant 3 degrees.  Well no sign of any owls but 2 White-tailed Deer and a Mule Deer.


Rough-legged Buzzard



This shot shows the definitive tail pattern of a Rough-legged Buzzard

Heading up to the north I came across 4 Rough-legged Buzzards (Hawks) and was fortunate that one allowed me close enough to get some decent shots.  The only other thing of note was a Coyote crossing the road on my way back for lunch.

A Wintry Walk

Having done the school runs I ventured down to the Weaselhead Trail which is one of my favourite birding places in Calgary. As I left the car the temperature was a sweltering 2 degrees and I was feeling pretty warm with all my arctic kit on.  Some kind soul had put bird food along the trail on posts and in small boxes attached to trees.  This was where most of the birds were. 

Common Redpoll

Arctic (Hoary) Redpoll

 

Most were Common Redpolls with about 200 in all but I did find a very pale bird with a pure white rump which I am convinced was an Arctic (Hoary) Redpoll. Black-capped Chickadees were also obvious along with Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches.  A few House Finches were also present and Downy Woodpeckers were always in the background.  A sparrow on the road turned out to be an American Tree Sparrow.

White-breasted Nuthatch

Coming back to the car park I bumped into a group of thirty spectacular White-winged Crossbills sadly to skittish to get any pictures.  A good start and I hope to get out again.

Arrival in Calgary

We have arrived in Calgary two hours late to a balmy temperature of -2 degrees.  Snow everywhere but none falling and roads nice and clean.

Pine Grosbeak

Birds news locally is lots of Bohemian Waxwings, White-winged Crossbills and Pine Grosbeaks so cannot wait to have a look round.

A Sudden Visit to Canada

Sadly my daughter-in law has to dash from Calgary to the Netherlands as her mother is terminally ill.  Beryl and I have responded to the request to travel out to Calgary on Sunday to help look after the grandchildren.  It is all a bit sudden and we will arrive to temperatures of minus 13 degrees and a lot of snow. 

Snowy Owl in a Calgary field - Photo Jeremy Moore

There might be time to look for some birds but they will be few in species number.  Owls are good at this time with Snowy Owls turning up in a lot of places.  Hawk and Great Grey Owls might also be found.  White-winged Crossbills and Bohemian Waxwings might also be possible so watch this space.

Soon be Back

I will soon be back as I will be online again from December 11th.