Dreaming of spring

"Thirteen keen birders showed up for the trip this morning (28 January 2017) at 8:00 a.m. The initial meeting place was Fish Creek Glennfield. After car pooling, We planned to meet again at the Truck Stop south of Nanton. From here, we drove West along 533 to our starting point-William's Coulee.

Most of the day was spent birding in the Western half of the Nanton Christmas Bird Count circle. Our target for the trip was Golden Eagle, and the birds didn't disappoint. We found six, plus one more bird that we thought may have been a duplicate, so was not counted.

We watched a group of four adult Bald Eagles, and thirty Ravens feasting on a carcass. Sharp-tailed grouse numbers came in at 44, but the four groups that we saw only gave us quick glimpses.

A late afternoon treat was a Prairie Falcon circling over the parked cars, and giving everyone a great look. A second Prairie Falcon was found in a coulee, several kilometres to the East.

Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the day, take in the beautiful scenery, and help spot the birds.

Golden Eagle 6
Bald Eagle 7
Rough-legged Hawk 1
Prairie Falcon 2
Great Horned Owl 5
Sharp-tailed Grouse 44
Gray Partridge 10
Common Raven 40
Black-billed Magpie 25
European Starling 10
Rock Pigeon 5

Tony Timmons"

I absolutely love this whole area, so I couldn't resist going on Tony's day trip. The scenery is spectacular and, even if no birds had been seen, I would still go, just to be driven in this seemingly endless area of foothills, with the Rocky Mountains in the distance.

Though this is winter, we were surprised at how little snow was on the ground. I think the temperature got up to about +11C, but the wind was very strong - too strong to be able to hold my camera steady.

For me, the highlights of the trip were the scenery and a Spruce tree in which three (though I only saw two) Great Horned Owls were hiding. Also, I loved the sight of a herd of horses who made their way in our direction, against a beautifully wild landscape. How different this whole area would look in the summer time.

A most enjoyable day, Tony! Thanks so much for giving up a Saturday for us - much appreciated! Pat, thank you for the ride out there, and Tony for the ride the rest of the day.