I joined 5 other birders for the 60th Annual Calgary Area Christmas Bird Count today. We had a terrific day out exploring South Glenmore Park and the Weaselhead in lovely warm winter weather. This year continues to be a great one for finches with dozens and dozens of
Pine Grosbeaks. We also found a few pleasant surprises such as
Northern Goshawk,
Hoary Redpoll,
Ruffed Grouse, and
Boreal Chickadee. Here are a few photos with comments as necessary - I'll post some more later in the week. I have also uploaded some to
my Flickr account and
Dan Arndt said he would be doing likewise in the next day or two.
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| If the day had a "theme" bird, I think this was it. I forget the final tally but we certainly saw a lot more than the 6 Pine Grosbeaks of last year's count! |
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| A single Boreal Chickadee tagging along with half a dozen Black-capped gave me best ever views of this species. |
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| A pair of Ruffed Grouse flushed up into the trees as we walked along a trail beside the reservoir. The intricate pattern of this bird's feathers is remarkable. |
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| We engaged in what John Acorn refers to as "the Great Redpoll Debate" but remain confident that this is a Hoary Redpoll (in front of a Common) based on the white tail coverts, broad white band on the wing, and overall "frostier" appearance. |
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