Common Loon

Not all great athletes made it to the olympic, for example the Common Loon. A fast flyer, it can fly as fast as 120 kilometre per hour. A great diver, has been found as deep as 60 meters below water surface. And the things it can do in water would make any swimmer jealous,  these abilities come in handy when you have to catch your food that lives in water. One of the reason it's a great diver is due to its solid bones, makes the loon less buoyant but great for getting below the water surface. The loon is not able to fly right out of water, that's why the loon needs to run on water before getting into air. There is no medal for this loon, it has these and other abilities for one reason and one reason along, to survive.

Until next moment,

Amar

Common Loon

The Common Loon adults did everything they could but still no family this year. The nest could have been disturbed by other animals, forcing the adults off the eggs for too long. Predators were spotted near the nest few times. In the end no young, just the adults hanging out in the lake.

Until next moment,

Amar

Dark-eyed Junco

While hiking, I came across this nest belong to a pair of Dark-eyed Junco, it was near a trail. The begging gave the nest away, I took a quick picture while the adults were getting food for the very hungry mouths and then I kept walking.

Until next moment,

Amar

Bald Eagles

I had come across one of the Bald Eagle enjoying a dead red squirrel for breakfast while the ravens and magpies watched on. Afterward it took to the air, I was thinking it was flying away, but instead it was joined my its mate and both decided to perch on a dead tree not far from me. I was happy getting pictures of one Bald Eagle that morning, but here was my opportunity to get two in a image. I took my time locating a clear view of both eagles and then with the beautiful sky as the background grabbed several images. I then back tracked and watched them for a while to see if they would take to the air. They did not, I left them there, both enjoying the morning sun. 

Until next moment, 

Amar

Osprey

Bringing home the dinner, the male osprey bringing a fish to the nest. At this nest there are least two mouths to feed, the adult and at least one nestling that I have seen. There might be more nestlings, but I have yet to see them. As they get bigger it will be easier to tell how big the family is this year.

Until next moment,

Amar

Bald Eagle

I was walking along the Bow River one morning, enjoying the walk, enjoying the sounds of the birds. Just then I heard the sound of a waterfowl, I looked toward the direction of the sound and up, there flying above the river was this juvenile Bald Eagle.

Until next moment,

Amar

Harlequin Duck

The male Harlequin Duck is worth seeing up close, the markings on them are amazing. Perhaps only the males in the Wood Duck have more out standing marking, at least for the ducks we see in the mountains.

Until next moment,

Amar

Harlequin Ducks

I was out there 5 in the morning to take pictures of the sunrise and then for my main reason, to take pictures of Harlequin Ducks. There were several others taking pictures of the sunrise,  but with lack of clouds and wind creating ripples, I decided it was best to locate the ducks. All together there were 8 harlequins, five males and three females. Being it was the mating season, the three males with mates were kept busy keeping the other two males away from the females. By the time the light was good for bird photography, rest of the photographer were gone, the ducks and I had the lake to ourselves.  The kept me entertained, watching them diving for food and males chasing each other away.   I was  hoping the sun would soon hit the lake and provide  warmth, when it did, I was not the only taking in the sun, 

Until next moment, 

Amar

Great Blue Heron

I was out during the morning taking pictures of birds, all around me I could hear and or see various species. Most of the pictures I was getting were of small species, with the odd Raven, Magpie and Canada Goose being spotted in the distance. Then I saw a Great Blue Heron flying my way, I quickly I got the camera on it and started snapping. A fun morning.

Until next moment,

Amar

Canada Goose

The golden ones, these goslings were moving on the Bow River with their parents one early morning. As soon as the sunlight hit them, they lit up.

Until next moment,

Amar

Mountain Bluebird

I was out there just after the sun rose, looking to take pictures of birds. I could hear and or see several species, but my attention was grabbed by a male Mountain Bluebird. He was busy eating insects and in between perching and singing. I placed myself between its range that morning and started taking its pictures. His sky-blue colour would pop under the sun, particularly with the green background provided by the green foliage. Not a bad way to spend the morning.

Until next moment,

Amar

Canada Goose

As we move closer to the summer, new families are forming, this Canada Goose family was spotted on the Bow River. Eight goslings will be a handful, dealing with the weather and predators.

Until next moment,

Amar

Canada Goose

I just had to get into the right position, the goose gave me heads up with all the noise it was making as it got near. I just did not know if it was going to fly by or land in the water near me, as soon as I spotted it I set my camera on it. It decided to land in the water front of me, providing me with few images. The goose continue to call out as I moved on to the next photo opportunity.

Until next moment,

Amar

Black-billed Magpie

A Black-billed Magpie fly by on a clear cool morning. One of the few bird that can be seen year around and seems to provide year around entertainment with their behaviour.

Until next moment,

Amar

Green-winged Teals

I was sitting beside the water and watching the Green-winged Teals, Mallards, Buffleheads and two Gadwalls. The teals took to the air, circling back and fourth over the water, first from a sitting position and then from a standing position I took their pictures. After about two minutes they landed back on the water and continued where they had left off. I sat back down and continued watching them.

Until next moment,

Amar

Bald eagle

This juvenile Bald Eagle was perched on top of the tree warching the Ravens finish off small bits of meat left on a carcass. There were close to twenty Ravens cleaning up the carcass, it did not take long for them to do their part. The eagle came into the area and watched for few minutes and then decided to move on. The Ravens soon left the area as well, replaced by few Black-billed Magpies.

Until next moment,

Amar

Bald Eagle

It's very rare to get a close picture of a Bald Eagle in the park, in this case it had grabbed a small road kill from the ravens and magpies and then perched on a nearby tree to consume it. For about five minutes I was able to take pictures of it while it ate with the ravens and magpies watching.

Until next moment,

Amar

Canada Goose

The Canada Geese are back in the mountains, now they wait for snow and ice to disappear so they can spread out, build a nest and start a family.

Until next moment,

Amar

Trumpeter Swan

One never know who is going to drop by during bird migration, does not happen every spring, but this spring I saw many as 10 Trumpeter Swans. Here is one of them who was grooming few mornings back. Trumpeters are the largest bird seen Banff National Park.

Until next moment,

Amar

Bald Eagle

The birds are making their way back to the mountains. As for the Bald Eagles, one or two can be spotted over the winter, even more this warm winter. But those who did leave for warmer waters are returning, I have been spotting them through out the valley, including this one at the Vermilion Lakes.

Until next moment,

Amar