Northern Pintail

The Northern Pintail begins nesting as soon as the ice starts to melt, breeding across the country and extending as far as the Northwest Territories. They are also found in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. For food, they dabble on the surface of the water, filtering out seeds and insects with their bills. Additionally, they feed on grain and insects at the edges of wetlands and fields. This male arrived in the Bow Valley area about two weeks ago. 

Spring migration started in mid-March; raptors were spotted coming up north a few weeks ago, waterfowls are making use of any open pool of water, and Varied Thrushes, American Robins, and others can be heard on land. This drake, dressed as if for a formal occasion, was hanging out with other members of its species, along with mallards and wigeons. With just the right amount of light filtering through, the conditions were perfect for capturing a few good pictures.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagles main source of food is fish and carrion. But they will prey on various waterfowl, other birds, rabbits and other small animals. They have been known to kill animals as large as deer. And some have preyed on domestic sheep and goats, mostly young lambs, and kids. But when larger kills or carrion, they would have to feed at the site. With their two-meter wingspan, their wings must support a 4 to 6 kg bird. That leaves them with a lifting power of 2 to 3 kg.  An eagle can carry more when flying in snatching prey and continue flying away. Using their momentum. But they must carry less, when taking off from a dead stop position. Lift is not only dependent on the wing size but also on airspeed. The faster the bird is flying, the greater the lift potential it has. The average speed of an eagle flying in to catch a fish is 30 to 50 km/h. Adult eagles who are experienced are less likely to make a mistake like a young eagle, who through trials and errors and testing their limits, to become more successful hunters. 

This eagle was off to check out what the ravens were up to, across the lake from its nest. With no coyotes in the area, it would jump in front of the line if any food was waiting for it there.

American Dipper

Out of the five dipper species in the world, only one is found in North America. The American Dipper. The only true North America’s aquatic songbird. Dippers do not fly south for the winter, just to an area with open moving water. Some of the features that help them survive the cold waters in the winter are their low metabolic rate, extra oxygen-carrying capacity in their blood and their extra thick coat of features. They even have feathered eyelids. Since they feed on aquatic invertebrates, and fish. They can stay underwater by stretching out their wings against the current, this action helps push them downward and keep them submerged. They can also hold on to stones to prevent being swept off. As well, they have specialized flaps over their nostrils to prevent water from entering. One of the few species of birds that we can watch during the cold days of winter. As long as we have our down feathers.

Rusty Blackbird

This male Rusty Blackbird, in its non-breeding colours can be spotted at times in open water in the mountains. In this case, near a cold spring. They are not being spotted as often as they were in the past. One of the bird species that had a major decline in its population. Between 1966 and 2019, there was a 75 percent decline in their population. Scientists are working to get a better idea of the full reasoning behind this. Their low densities and remote breeding habitat make it a challenge.

They primarily eat insects and plant matter but rare, they will sometimes attack and eat birds. Examples include sparrows, robins, snipes, and others. In this case, this one and its buddy were looking for insects in the water. Both were shy when I came across them. So, I stayed in one place, using shrubs as a blind. Before long, one was in full view of me, providing me with enough time to get a few pictures. I like their non-breeding plumage; they look like they are wearing a mask.

Pine Grosbeak

Even in the mountains one can find birds to take pictures of year-round. During the winter, the opportunities and varieties of species are a fraction of what you encounter during the spring and summer seasons, but they are there. With fewer opportunities, it’s ever more important to take advantage when they come along. This is where all those years of practice and years of learning about birds become important. In the wild, when the birds are not habituated and there is no blind to cover you, the birds are ever more alert. They see us as predators and their number one priority is their survival.

When my main goal is to take pictures, I tend to be by myself. Because the more people approach a bird, the more likely it will fly away sooner than later. From the bird's perspective, it’s a lot easier dealing with one predator than two or more. And no quick movements or big actions, like taking your pack off your shoulder near a bird to get the camera out. Have the camera in your hands before moving closer. If you want the bird to stay calm, then you and your body need to stay calm. All this is even more important if there is more than one bird and or more than one bird species. Then you must make sure you don’t scare away any birds, because others will follow.

Even with all this effort, if you don’t come back with any pictures. You still come back with a little more knowledge to improve your chances on your next encounter. In the end, the birds are not there for us. We went outside to see them and with some work to bring back a moment with your camera.

Common Redpoll

Before the turn of the 20th century, hunters had a holiday tradition called the Christmas “Side Hunt”. They would choose sides and see who would have the biggest pile of kills of feathered and furred friends. At this time, conservation was just in the beginning stages, and many observers and scientists were becoming concerned about declining bird populations. Starting on Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman proposed a new holiday tradition, the “Christmas Bird Census.” Counting the birds, instead of hunting them during the holidays. That year, 28 birders, including Chapman, held 25 Christmas Bird Counts from Toronto to Pacific Grove, California. 

Today, from December 14 through January 5, each year thousands of volunteers take part in the Christmas Bird Counts to help with conservation efforts to see the health of the bird populations. In the Bow Valley, this year’s Christmas Birds Count will take place on Saturday, December 16th. If those of you in the valley are interested in playing a role, please pop over to "https://bowvalleynaturalists.org/get-involved/citizen-science-projects/cbc/“ and click on “contact us.”

Tundra Swans

Tundra Swans can take off just as easily from land or water with their necks extended straight out. Tundra Swans are North America’s most abundant swan species. They are species of low concern, being allowed to be hunted in some states and parts of Canada. But on the other hand, Trumpeter Swans are a species that is continuing its comeback after almost being decimated by the late 1800s. Thanks to its features being used in hat fashion, as writing quills and for other uses. So, the Trumpeter Swans are protected in places where Tundra Swans can be hunted. The problem we have in these places is that we birders sometimes make mistakes in identifying these two species. Let along those hunters who may have less knowledge about the different swans.

The good news about this family of Tundra Swans, one adult is in the front, followed by three juveniles and one other juvenile and adult outside the frame. All six were spotted in Banff National Park a few days ago, where no hunting is allowed. There were a few of us on the shore of the lake, enjoying watching them before they decided to move on. As they slowly make their way south where the water will stay open during the coming cold months.

Yellow_rumped Warbler

The fall migration of birds started in late August. Many species have moved on to their winter homes, some are on their way and others will start that journey soon. Timing depends on the food they require on their journey, how far they must go and how cold weather they can stand. Last week I saw an Orange-crowned Warbler and a few days ago, a Wilson’s Warbler. But the warbler I’m more likely to see around this is the Yellow-rumped Warbler. They are not as common as they are during late spring and summer, but with a little effort I’ll come across one or two. Just yesterday I heard its familiar chipping sound. One was moving among the branches of a balsam poplar, looking for insects to feed on. Not a lot of live insects around this time of the year, but many dead ones are stuck to the branches. When I got this picture, there were several birds, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Mountain Chickadees and at least one Ruby-crowned Kinglet that almost made a complete call that we are used to hearing during spring and summer. Probably a juvenile that was practicing for a later time. And this being the fall colour season, I had to try getting some of the colours in the background.

Bald Eagle

Out of the two eagles that we can see in the Canadian Rockies, most of us will see the Bald Eagle. To see the Golden Eagle, you must spend a lot of time at higher altitudes. Bald Eagles can live 20 to 30 years in the wild, with some weighing near 6 kg and having a wingspan of 2 meters or more. They are impressive birds to see up close. The same can be said about their nest. The largest Bald Eagle nest on record was 2.9 meters in diameter and just over 6 meters tall. And the weight was almost 2 metric tons. That’s around 4409.25 pounds. 

Several years back, a nest that was being used by a mating pair stopped being used. They started using a new nest they built. The eagles knew something was up because it was long after the tree holding the nest came down. Even with the old nest spread out from the fall, it still came up to my waist. I can still recall looking at all the branches they had gathered over the years lying on the ground.

This mating pair was done with the nesting for the season and were hanging out last month. For a couple of hours, I watched them through my binoculars, every now and then pulling out the camera. Together, the called out several times, watching them react to other birds, including a close flyby of an Osprey. It’s not too often you get to watch a pair of Bald Eagles from forty meters away in the Rockies. Time just flew by.

Mallard Duck

Mallard Ducks are found across North America and Eurasia. With Mallard being so widespread, leading to a number of populations around the world. Some of those populations have changed enough to be considered separate species. Two examples are the Mexican Duck and the Hawaiian Duck. Mallards tend to pair well before the spring breeding season. With Mallard Ducks, only the female incubates the eggs and looks after the ducklings. As this female does with eight ducklings. Mallards are strong fliers, reaching 90 km per hour. The Mallard’s sound or quack, we are so familiar with is the sound of a female Mallard. Males have a much quieter sound. This female was quiet when I would see her sitting on the nest, watching me across the water as I walked by on the trail. Only five days earlier, she was still on the nest. The morning of this shot, the family was resting under the warm morning light.

Great horned Owl

There are not a lot of opportunities to spot an owl in the mountains. Any help from others is appreciated. Help for me often comes from wildlife, particularly from the birds. They are always helpful letting me know what else is going on. Just in the last few days, thanks to the birds like the robins, chickadees and juncos mobbing. I got to see a Barred Owl and a goshawk. The more you understand what is going on around you and what different calls mean. The more chances you have of seeing the uncommon. 

For this picture, it was another day for birding, getting my camera ready before following the trail into the woods. I could hear magpies and crows calling out. By their calls, it sounded like they were mobbing a predator. Slowly and carefully, I moved closer until I could see an adult Great horned Owl. After a few minutes, the owl had enough, it tried to fly away from the other birds. In pursuit were the crows and magpies. Just then, I realized there were two adult Great-horned Owls. The second was out of my view at first, but when it flew after the first owl, I got to see it. It looked as if both owls had enough and wanted to get away. The calls of the crowns and magpies got fainter and fainter as the owls got farther and farther away from where I was still standing. 

Say's Phoebe

I was coming toward the end of a long bird walk, when I noticed Say's Phoebe. If you’re going “say what?”. Say’s Phoebe is a bird that is a member of the flycatchers.  In the picture, it was trying to catch a fly just out of the frame. This bird breeds farther north than any other flycatcher. Breeding range goes from central Mexico to the arctic tundra. We normally see one or two passing through during spring migration. Say’s Phoebes are not picky when they decide where to build a nest. Machinery, mailboxes, old nests by other species and even on top of an oil pipeline. When I first saw this phoebe midday, it was mostly spending its time perched. But when I popped back out early in the evening, a light rain was falling. It was hanging out with a few Yellow-rumped Warblers. They all put on a great show, catching insects in the air.

Red-breasted Merganser

Handful of times I have come across Red-breasted Mergansers in Banff National Park, as they make their way north to their breeding territory. As this migration season, I normally come across one Red-breasted Merganser, but in 2020 there were 7. In the fall they migrate in larger groups, up to thousands at time. Unfortunately we don’t get to see them in the fall. In the thousands would be quite the site.

Tundra Swans

A week before this picture, I was looking at four Trumpeter Swans in the same open water. I did not have my camera gear on-hand, so I watched them take off and circle the water before gaining enough altitude to fly away. Then a few hours later, three trumpeters came down in the same area. I had my camera with me this time, but the three decided to stick around.  A week later, I spotted the other species of swan we see here during migration, Tundra Swans. Unlike the Trumpeter Swans, who have a much broader latitude in terms of where they nest. The Tundra Swans nest on arctic tundra. We get to see both species passing through Banff NP during spring migration and sometimes during the fall as well.

As soon as I saw the Tundra Swans about 100 meters from me, some of them were bobbing their heads up and down, they wanted to fly. But it took them about fifteen minutes to reach a consensus, they all moved to the very east of the water and started flapping their wings and running on the water. Due to the heavy winds from the west, they were quickly in the air. I got this picture when they were deciding whether to go left or right with the snow-covered mountain range in the background. For a few weeks, I was trying to get a black and white picture of the swans and the snow in the background. Having them in the air was a bonus.

Song Sparrow

The important event all birders wait for is here, Spring Bird Migration. Dust off your favorite field guidebook and your well used binoculars. The great thing is, no matter if you’re getting into birding or you can tell from 200 meters away which side of the willow shrub the singing Song Sparrow is perched on. The birds don’t show up at the same time. Providing you time to slowly get into the season. One lone Canada Goose showed up over a month ago. I assumed it was surprised to find no other goose in the area, as we were of its early arrival. It was not seen after that day. A few weeks back, three Canada Geese were spotted on the opposite side of the valley. For a few days, seven Tundra Swans were hanging out in open water. Yesterday, there were close to 50 American Wigeon in another open water spot. The crows are back, having been spotted with some of the other members of the crow family. Mating pair of Bald Eagles have been spotted around their nest, but they don’t have all that far to go for the winter. Some, if the winter is mild and there is open water and carcass available, will even stick around. Dark-eyed Juncos and American Robins can be heard throughout the valley’s bottom.

Plenty is going on outside, to keep us birders happy as we wait for the temperature to go up and more species to move in or pass through. This Song Sparrow was hanging out among the cattails, where we normally will see Red-winged Blackbirds. If you haven’t already, it’s time to bundle up and get out to the nearest open water.

Northern Shrike

This large songbird with a large round head and an equally thick neck can be spotted in Banff NP in winter. The Northern Shrikes come south to Banff in the winter as well to other parts of Canada and northern parts of the states. Breeding takes place far north, in parts of Canada and Alaska. Most songbirds do not hunt and eat animals. But the shrike does, using its toothlike spike on its upper bill to kill prey. Going after mice and birds up to the size of robins. Since they like to hold territories during winter and the male sings in late winter and early spring. A good bird to keep your eyes out for before they head back up north. This shrike I came across just as we were about to start a small hike over a month ago. It landed less than 10 meters from us, waiting for a vole to come out in the open. A few minutes later, it flew down to the ground to catch a vole. But it was far too fast for me to get the picture before it was in the woods.

Northern Goshawk

Being able to listen when exploring or just walking through the outdoors can be very important. Sometimes it can help you see things that you otherwise might miss, but can also prevent you from walking into a dangerous situation. A number of years ago I heard a moose calling out. When I came out in the open, I could see a female with her calf across the creek in the willows. They were surrounded by barely visible members of the wolf pack. In the end, the adult female moose was too strong, resulting in the wolves giving up and moving away.

A few weeks back, I was walking through the woods. I could hear a red squirrel giving out alert calls. After spending a lot of time outdoors, you start noticing the different calls of wildlife. When I also heard the calls of Red-breasted Nuthatches and Mountain Chickadees, I was certain there was a predator present. As I took a few steps towards the calls, I looked around and saw nothing on the ground. So either it was a small mammal predator on the tree or a bird of prey. As I moved forward, I could see the squirrel and also where the birds were calling from. I looked down at the trail I was standing on, there was a fresh bird dropping. I looked straight up, a juvenile Northern Goshawk was looking down at me. This was the predator the squirrel and the birds were warning about. There were no larger birds to mob and have the goshawk fly away, so for now it stayed perched five meters above the ground.

I slowly moved forward to get far enough to stand back and watch. Several minutes passed, the goshawk had enough, it defecated and then flew away to a quieter place where it could ambush its next meal.

Red Crossbill

Around this time of the year where snow resides, you may see birds on the road. They are not looking for food, but for grit or small stones to help break down food in their gizzard. All bird’s stomachs are in two parts. The first is much like our stomach, called the proventriculus or glandular, where the digestive enzymes start the digestion process. The second part of a bird’s stomach is the gizzard or muscular stomach. Birds with thick gizzards will pick up small stones, sand, and small shells to help break down hard foods like seeds and nuts. Grit will wear out over time, therefore it needs to be replaced on a regular basis.

During the winter, when much of the ground is covered by snow, the roads are the places to go for birds like this male and female Red Crossbill to find grit. Thanks to Banff National Park’s highway team for dropping sand on the roads for safer travel. These two crossbills are taking a break from enjoying the abundance of spruce cone seeds to add more grit to their gizzards for breaking down their food.

On a side note. Hornbill, a bird not found in the Canadian Rockies. Unless you’re day dreaming. They are found in subtropical places in Africa and Asia. The male Hornbill will fill its gizzard with fruits and then shed off the entire membrane of its gizzard to present its mate with a “bag of fruit”.

Bohemian Waxwing

I guess for me, being outside often and aware of the birds, the Christmas Bird Count is not a surprise when it comes around again. On Saturday, December 17, 2022, the 47th annual Christmas Bird Count will be taking place in the Bow Valley. Just pop over to “bowvalleynaturalists.org” for more information and how you can participate in keeping tracks of our feathered friends. We have these annual counts occurring across the country and in many other parts of the world. They give us a great sense of what is happening with the bird population. 

Not all participants have to be experts. Just look at me, I have been fooling them all these years with my so called understanding of birds. Except when I mentioned I had spotted a pink flamingo, I learned it does not count when the birds are made of plastic and in the backyard of a house. Anyway, with warm attire and some chocolates, it’s a great way to connect with other birders and enjoy a potluck dinner in the evening. That’s right, potluck dinner is back again. Where after great food and stories, we get to practise our additions.

Boreal Chickadee

The Boreal Chickadee, is a bird that can be spotted all year in the Canadian Rockies. If it does make a move southward, it’s due to a lack of food and not getting away from winter. To stay dry in winter, the chickadees have a preen gland near the base of their tail. They use their beak and feet to spread the oil from the gland all over their feathers to repel water. They flex their pectoral muscles to create heat, which is trapped in fluffed up feathers. Feathers are great insulators. Just ask anyone with a down jacket. Before winter, the chickadees put on heavier plumage. The denser feathers create a more comfortable personal parka for the birds. During deep cold temperatures, the chickadees adapt by lowering their body temperature at night, from 40 degrees Celsius to 29. Helping them conserve body fat. They also cache food, which can be retrieved during the harsh winter months. Not bad for a bird that weighs the equivalent of two sheets of 8.5 x 11 paper.