Well, we are right in the middle of winter here in Saskatchewan, with temperatures sometimes dropping as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius! Of course, those are not the times to be out birding or nature watching, but the weather can change so dramatically here, that it isn't too long before you can go outside again and enjoy the wildlife.
In November, my wife and I were lucky enough to spend a few days in Banff, Alberta, where I took advantage of the gorgeous scenery, and spent 3 days hiking through the mountains and forests looking for wildlife, with some exciting results! I managed to find and photograph my first ever Pine Marten, an animal I have wanted to see for years.
The winter season really started in December, with the Christmas Bird Counts. http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count
I took part in 6 counts last month, and one more at the beginning of January. My friends and I saw many birds and mammals, including a rare winter visit by an Eastern Towhee that came to a feeder at an acreage near the town of Clavet. An American White Pelican was at Gardiner Dam ( for the 3rd year in a row ) and a lone American Robin lingered at Danielson Provincial Park.
A few owls have been seen this winter too. My friend had a Northern Saw-whet Owl visit his front yard feeder in downtown Saskatoon, while another friend in the country, had a Boreal Owl in their backyard, preying on mice that would pick up dropped birdfood. A Northern Hawk Owl was spotted by the river here in town, then continued to show up on many streets.
My own backyard has been pretty busy too, with visits from Brown Creeper, Northern Shrike, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, Raven and many winter finch species, including Red and White-winged Crossbills, Common and Hoary Redpoll, House Finch and Pine Grosbeak. Bohemian Waxwings are now showing up, which are always a treat. As usual, the Red-breasted Nuthatches and Black-capped Chickadees continue to be daily visitors.
You might also have noticed, I have 'revamped' this blog slightly. I have also done the same for my main website that holds all my nature photos -
www.nicksaundersnature.com
Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy the new photos!
 |
| Northern Hawk Owl |
 |
| Northern Hawk Owl |
 |
| Bald Eagle |
 |
| Bohemian Waxwing |
 |
| Blue Jay |
 |
| Brown Creeper |
 |
| Common Raven |
 |
| Bohemian Waxwing flock |
 |
| Eastern Towhee |
 |
| Moose |
 |
| Northern Shrike |
 |
| Red-breasted Nuthatch |
 |
| Snow Bunting |
 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk |
 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk |
 |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse |
 |
| American Robin |
 |
| American Three-toed Woodpecker |
 |
| Common Goldeneye |
 |
| Common Goldeneye |
 |
| Common Redpoll male |
 |
| White-winged Crossbill male |
 |
| White-winged Crossbill female |
 |
| Pine Grosbeak male |
 |
| Pine Grosbeak male | | | |
The following photos were taken in Banff, Alberta in November 2012 ....
 |
| Pine Marten |
 |
| Pine Marten |
 |
| Mountain Chickadee |
 |
| Mountain Chickadee |
 |
| Bighorn Sheep |
 |
| American Dipper |
|
| Bighorn Sheep |
 |
| Coyote |
 |
| Wilson's Snipe |
3 comments:
Hi Nick ..Wow that is great list of birds and animals some very familiar, and some I would love to see!! Like the Towhee, Crossbills,Snow Buntings
and any kind of Owl : )all not impossible for me to see here, just need the right place and right time!!
It looks and sounds like your winter is going well except for the cold Brrrr...You talking about bird counts reminds me that Backyard Bird count is coming up soon!!
I do eBird as much as possible..love it!!
Your photos are wonderful thanks for sharing your "Wintertime Wonders"!!
Grace
Superb collection of wonderful Birds,magic.
John.
Piouf, my eyes are still wide opened.. This is a gorgeous update and I will dream of all these nice shots for a long time mate. So many nice capture from the owl to the hawk, and crossbill! SIMPLY MARVELOUS.
Post a Comment