Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Redpoll

This photo was taken on 4 February 2016, when I was on a birding walk with friends, in Weaselhead. Unfortunately, it was heavily overcast but, though there was no sign of the sun, it wasn't that cold. Many of our temperatures this winter have been so ridiculously mild. Makes you wonder what our summer is going to be like! theweaselhead.com/ www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/SW-parks/Weasel... There are supposed to be no feeders in Weaselhead, but certain ones have stayed. This photo shows a popular one. A few people leave seeds for the birds and it must be costing a few regulars such a huge amount of money to do so. Feeding the birds does give these folks tons of fresh air, exercise, and the joy of doing something that they love. Unlike bird feeders in people's gardens, these forest feeders do keep the birds in their natural habitat. "As energetic as their electric zapping call notes would suggest, Common Redpolls are active foragers that travel in busy flocks. Look for them feeding on catkins in birch trees or visiting feeders in winter. These small finches of the arctic tundra and boreal forest migrate erratically, and they occasionally show up in large numbers as far south as the central U.S. During such irruption years, redpolls often congregate at bird feeders (particularly thistle or nyjer seed), allowing delightfully close looks." www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Redpoll/id The following is a list of the species seen on 4 February: FFCPPSoc. BIRDING, Weaselhead Natural Area, Calgary, 0915-1215, Thu, 04Feb2016. Heavy overcast, NW wind 15kph, -2 to 3°C. Combined results, 2 groups. 1. Bald Eagle-1ad 2. Downy Woodpecker-5 3. Hairy Woodpecker-2 4. Northern Flicker-1 5. Blue Jay-3+ 6. Black-billed Magpie-3 7. Common Raven-5 8. Black-capped Chickadee-20 9. Boreal Chickadee-3 10. Red-breasted Nuthatch-1 heard 11. White-breasted Nuthatch-2 12. Bohemian Waxwing-1 13. Pine Grosbeak-40+ 14. House Finch-8+ 15. White-winged Crossbill-1 16. Common Redpoll-150 17. Pine Siskin-50 18. American Goldfinch-1 Coyote-1 Red Squirrel-8 White-tailed Deer-4+

In the early afternoon on 31 January 2016, I decided to go for a drive east of the city. The weather was getting sunny and I needed to get out for a while. Recently, I have had to replace several kitchen appliances and can't believe the hassle this has created. I automatically expect something new to work perfectly and forget that this isn't necessarily going to happen. It started when I replaced my dead kettle just before Christmas. Had to return the new one later, as the power lever wasn't working. When I later Googled this brand, I found so many reviews complaining about the very same problem. I had carefully bought a 'good' quality one, thinking it would last for a few years. Next came a toaster - so far, it is working fine. After that, I decided I had better replace my microwave that was making a loud, very unhealthy noise. Well, I couldn't find a store that delivers! I did find a microwave that I liked, but gave up, as there was no way I could even lift it. Giving up, I started walking away, when I suddenly decided to look at dishwashers - I've been without a working machine for about 12 of the last 18 years and had been meaning to treat myself to one for the last few years, to give my painful hands and back a break from standing at the kitchen sink. The guy I dealt with said that the microwave could be delivered at the same time, which sounded like the perfect solution. However, that didn't happen and the store guy very kindly delivered it himself to my home! I was so grateful! Oh, and my dishwasher that was delivered ended up sitting in the middle of my small kitchen, having to wait a few days to be installed. Apparently, the pipes in the basement are "unusual" and needed other parts and tools - the guy said that, in all the years he has been working, he's never come across pipes like mine, ha. A large flock of these gorgeous little Common Redpolls took my mind off the shoddy quality of new gadgets : ) I don't particularly like taking bird-on-wire shots, but better than nothing. Usually when I see Redpolls, they are females, like this little one. "As energetic as their electric zapping call notes would suggest, Common Redpolls are active foragers that travel in busy flocks. Look for them feeding on catkins in birch trees or visiting feeders in winter. These small finches of the arctic tundra and boreal forest migrate erratically, and they occasionally show up in large numbers as far south as the central U.S. During such irruption years, redpolls often congregate at bird feeders (particularly thistle or nyjer seed), allowing delightfully close looks." www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Redpoll/id I also checked on the Short-eared Owls when I was driving out east. Could only find a distant one, tucked away in the trees. Bumped into a friend out there, who said he had just been to see a Northern Hawk Owl because he had more or less given up on the Short-eared Owls. Said the last few times he had been there, the owls weren't around much. I'm hoping that the number of cars and birders/photographers didn't push the owls to move on.

"There was a problem loading your albums". I was able to add to albums with my third photo but I am unable to add the first two images to albums. At least the problem with Stats seems to have now been resolved - not that it's ever accurate, of course. This photo was taken on 7 February 2016, when I was on an afternoon birding walk with friends, in Weaselhead. I had been on the same walk three days earlier, but as I had missed the previous week's walk at another location, I felt it was OK to go a second time for the walk in Weaselhead. I had been hoping for sunshne, but unfortunately, the weather was little better than three days before, though the sun did come out in the later part of the walk. I came home with about three shots only, ha. theweaselhead.com/ www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/SW-parks/Weasel... There are supposed to be no feeders in Weaselhead, but certain ones have stayed. A few people leave seeds for the birds and it must be costing a few regulars such a huge amount of money to do so. Feeding the birds does give these folks tons of fresh air, exercise, and the joy of doing something that they love. Unlike bird feeders in people's gardens, these forest feeders do keep the birds in their natural habitat. "As energetic as their electric zapping call notes would suggest, Common Redpolls are active foragers that travel in busy flocks. Look for them feeding on catkins in birch trees or visiting feeders in winter. These small finches of the arctic tundra and boreal forest migrate erratically, and they occasionally show up in large numbers as far south as the central U.S. During such irruption years, redpolls often congregate at bird feeders (particularly thistle or nyjer seed), allowing delightfully close looks." www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Redpoll/id List of species complied by our leaders: FFCPPSoc. Birding Weaselhead Natural Area, Calgary. 1:15-3:45pm. Sun. Feb 7/16. Overcast becoming sunny, calm, +2 to +7C. 1. Northern Flicker - 1 heard 2. Downy Woodpecker - 2 3. Hairy Woodpecker - 1 4. Black-billed Magpie - 7 5. Common Raven - 6 6. Black-capped Chickadee - 22 7. Boreal Chickadee - 1 8. White-breasted Nuthatch - 6 9. Red-breasted Nuthatch - 2 10. White-winged Crossbill - 3 11. House Finch - heard 12. Pine Siskin - 6 13. Common Redpoll - 8 14. Pine Grosbeak - 15 Red Squirrel - 7 Meadow Vole - 1

This photo was taken on 4 February 2016, when I was on a birding walk with friends, in Weaselhead. Unfortunately, it was heavily overcast - though there was no sign of the sun, it wasn't that cold. Many of our temperatures this winter have been so ridiculously mild. One recent mid-February day, we broke a record for the warmest February day on that date in 90 years, soaring to +16.4C! Whatever happened to the -20Cs and -30Cs? Makes you wonder what our summer is going to be like! theweaselhead.com/ www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/SW-parks/Weasel... There are supposed to be no feeders in Weaselhead, but certain ones have stayed. A few people leave seeds for the birds and it must be costing a few regulars such a huge amount of money to do so. Feeding the birds does give these folks tons of fresh air, exercise, and the joy of doing something that they love. Unlike bird feeders in people's gardens, these forest feeders do keep the birds in their natural habitat. "As energetic as their electric zapping call notes would suggest, Common Redpolls are active foragers that travel in busy flocks. Look for them feeding on catkins in birch trees or visiting feeders in winter. These small finches of the arctic tundra and boreal forest migrate erratically, and they occasionally show up in large numbers as far south as the central U.S. During such irruption years, redpolls often congregate at bird feeders (particularly thistle or nyjer seed), allowing delightfully close looks." www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Redpoll/id The following is a list of the species seen on 4 February 2016: FFCPPSoc. BIRDING, Weaselhead Natural Area, Calgary, 0915-1215, Thu, 04Feb2016. Heavy overcast, NW wind 15kph, -2 to 3°C. Combined results, 2 groups. 1. Bald Eagle-1ad 2. Downy Woodpecker-5 3. Hairy Woodpecker-2 4. Northern Flicker-1 5. Blue Jay-3+ 6. Black-billed Magpie-3 7. Common Raven-5 8. Black-capped Chickadee-20 9. Boreal Chickadee-3 10. Red-breasted Nuthatch-1 heard 11. White-breasted Nuthatch-2 12. Bohemian Waxwing-1 13. Pine Grosbeak-40+ 14. House Finch-8+ 15. White-winged Crossbill-1 16. Common Redpoll-150 17. Pine Siskin-50 18. American Goldfinch-1 Coyote-1 Red Squirrel-8 White-tailed Deer-4+

A very grainy shot of this little Common Redpoll. The image was so dark that I could barely tell what it showed, so it needed a huge amount of brightening, but I don't often get photos of these little winter visitors. It was taken on 4 February 2016, when I was on a birding walk with friends, in Weaselhead. Unfortunately, it was heavily overcast - though there was no sign of the sun, it wasn't that cold. Many of our temperatures this winter have been so ridiculously mild. Can't remember now if it was yesterday or the day before, that we broke a record for the warmest February day on that date in 90 years, soaring to +16.4C! Whatever happened to the -20Cs and -30Cs? Makes you wonder what our summer is going to be like! theweaselhead.com/ www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/SW-parks/Weasel... There are supposed to be no feeders in Weaselhead, but certain ones have stayed. A few people leave seeds for the birds and it must be costing a few regulars such a huge amount of money to do so. Feeding the birds does give these folks tons of fresh air, exercise, and the joy of doing something that they love. Unlike bird feeders in people's gardens, these forest feeders do keep the birds in their natural habitat. "As energetic as their electric zapping call notes would suggest, Common Redpolls are active foragers that travel in busy flocks. Look for them feeding on catkins in birch trees or visiting feeders in winter. These small finches of the arctic tundra and boreal forest migrate erratically, and they occasionally show up in large numbers as far south as the central U.S. During such irruption years, redpolls often congregate at bird feeders (particularly thistle or nyjer seed), allowing delightfully close looks." www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Redpoll/id The following is a list of the species seen on 4 February 2016: FFCPPSoc. BIRDING, Weaselhead Natural Area, Calgary, 0915-1215, Thu, 04Feb2016. Heavy overcast, NW wind 15kph, -2 to 3°C. Combined results, 2 groups. 1. Bald Eagle-1ad 2. Downy Woodpecker-5 3. Hairy Woodpecker-2 4. Northern Flicker-1 5. Blue Jay-3+ 6. Black-billed Magpie-3 7. Common Raven-5 8. Black-capped Chickadee-20 9. Boreal Chickadee-3 10. Red-breasted Nuthatch-1 heard 11. White-breasted Nuthatch-2 12. Bohemian Waxwing-1 13. Pine Grosbeak-40+ 14. House Finch-8+ 15. White-winged Crossbill-1 16. Common Redpoll-150 17. Pine Siskin-50 18. American Goldfinch-1 Coyote-1 Red Squirrel-8 White-tailed Deer-4+

All three photos posted today were taken yesterday morning, 4 February 2016, when I was on a birding walk with friends, in Weaselhead. Unfortunately, it was heavily overcast - though there was no sign of the sun, it wasn't that cold. Many of our temperatures this winter have been so ridiculously mild. On Monday and Tuesday of next week, the forecast is for PLUS 11C! This morning, as I type, it is +6C (windchill +2C). Makes you wonder what our summer is going to be like! theweaselhead.com/ www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/SW-parks/Weasel... There are supposed to be no feeders in Weaselhead, but certain ones have stayed. This photo shows a popular one. A few people leave seeds for the birds and it must be costing a few regulars such a huge amount of money to do so. Feeding the birds does give these folks tons of fresh air, exercise, and the joy of doing something that they love. Unlike bird feeders in people's gardens, these forest feeders do keep the birds in their natural habitat. "As energetic as their electric zapping call notes would suggest, Common Redpolls are active foragers that travel in busy flocks. Look for them feeding on catkins in birch trees or visiting feeders in winter. These small finches of the arctic tundra and boreal forest migrate erratically, and they occasionally show up in large numbers as far south as the central U.S. During such irruption years, redpolls often congregate at bird feeders (particularly thistle or nyjer seed), allowing delightfully close looks." www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Redpoll/id The following is a list of the species seen yesterday: FFCPPSoc. BIRDING, Weaselhead Natural Area, Calgary, 0915-1215, Thu, 04Feb2016. Heavy overcast, NW wind 15kph, -2 to 3°C. Combined results, 2 groups. 1. Bald Eagle-1ad 2. Downy Woodpecker-5 3. Hairy Woodpecker-2 4. Northern Flicker-1 5. Blue Jay-3+ 6. Black-billed Magpie-3 7. Common Raven-5 8. Black-capped Chickadee-20 9. Boreal Chickadee-3 10. Red-breasted Nuthatch-1 heard 11. White-breasted Nuthatch-2 12. Bohemian Waxwing-1 13. Pine Grosbeak-40+ 14. House Finch-8+ 15. White-winged Crossbill-1 16. Common Redpoll-150 17. Pine Siskin-50 18. American Goldfinch-1 Coyote-1 Red Squirrel-8 White-tailed Deer-4+

In the early afternoon on 31 January 2016, I decided to go for a drive east of the city. The weather was getting sunny and I needed to get out for a while. Recently, I have had to replace several kitchen appliances and can't believe the hassle this has created. I automatically expect something new to work perfectly and forget that this isn't necessarily going to happen. A large flock of these gorgeous little Common Redpolls took my mind off the shoddy quality of new gadgets : ) This photo shows a little female, perched on a fence post for just long enough to get this one, quick shot. The sun was shining on the bright red dot on her forehead. "As energetic as their electric zapping call notes would suggest, Common Redpolls are active foragers that travel in busy flocks. Look for them feeding on catkins in birch trees or visiting feeders in winter. These small finches of the arctic tundra and boreal forest migrate erratically, and they occasionally show up in large numbers as far south as the central U.S. During such irruption years, redpolls often congregate at bird feeders (particularly thistle or nyjer seed), allowing delightfully close looks." www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Redpoll/id I also checked on the Short-eared Owls when I was driving out east. Could only find a distant one, tucked away in the trees. Bumped into a friend out there, who said he had just been to see a Northern Hawk Owl because he had more or less given up on these Short-eared Owls. Said the last few times he had been there, the owls weren't around much. I'm hoping that the number of cars and birders/photographers hasn't pushed the owls to move on.

It's 10:30 am on 2 February 2016, and there are only two new photos from contacts showing on my Contacts' page. That seems very strange. All three photos posted this morning were taken yesterday, 1 February 2016, when I spent the day east of the city with friends Sandy and Debbie. We were hoping to see a few owls and ended up seeing three species, which was quite a treat – a distant Snowy Owl that was perched on a round, white tank of some sort on the ground, an extremely well-hidden Short-eared Owl and an equally well-hidden Great Horned Owl. Pretty useless for photos, but lovely to see. We were also treated to a beautiful Rough-legged Hawk that was perched on a power pole along one of the backroads. Not much in the way of other birds, other than endless Black-billed Magpies, a few Ravens and a large flock or two of dainty Common Redpolls. The latter are usually almost impossible to photograph, they are so fast and constantly on the move. The photo I've posted today is a messy shot and poor quality, but these little Redpolls, with the red spot on their forehead, do look rather cute hidden among a tangle of thin branches. "As energetic as their electric zapping call notes would suggest, Common Redpolls are active foragers that travel in busy flocks. Look for them feeding on catkins in birch trees or visiting feeders in winter. These small finches of the arctic tundra and boreal forest migrate erratically, and they occasionally show up in large numbers as far south as the central U.S. During such irruption years, redpolls often congregate at bird feeders (particularly thistle or nyjer seed), allowing delightfully close looks." www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Redpoll/id The day was a mix of sun and lots of cloud, but very pleasant. It was interesting to see how some areas had quite a lot of snow on the ground, but others had the golden stubble showing in fairly bare fields. The odd barn or two offered a few photo opportunities, too, of course. Many thanks for driving us on this outing, Sandy! Thank goodness that you love driving and that you have a vehicle in much, much newer and better shape than mine or Debbie's : )

Yesterday afternoon, 31 January 2016, I decided to go for a drive east of the city. The weather was getting sunny and I needed to get out for a while. Recently, I have had to replace several kitchen appliances and can't believe the hassle this has created. I automatically expect something new to work perfectly and forget that this isn't necessarily going to happen. It started when I replaced my dead kettle just before Christmas. Had to return the new one later, as the power lever wasn't working. When I later Googled this brand, I found so many reviews complaining about the very same problem. I had carefully bought a 'good' quality one, thinking it would last for a few years. Next came a toaster - so far, it is working fine. After that, I decided I had better replace my microwave that was making a loud, very unhealthy noise. Well, I couldn't find a store that delivers! I did find a microwave that I liked, but gave up, as there was no way I could even lift it. Giving up, I started walking away, when I suddenly decided to look at dishwashers - I've been without a working machine for about 12 of the last 18 years and had been meaning to treat myself to one for the last few years, to give my painful hands and back a break from standing at the kitchen sink. The guy I dealt with said that the microwave could be delivered at the same time, which sounded like the perfect solution. However, that didn't happen and the store guy very kindly delivered it himself to my home! I was so grateful, but then, yesterday evening, I discovered that one of the number buttons doesn't work, sigh. Oh, and my dishwasher that was delivered has been sitting in the middle of my small kitchen, having to wait a few days to be installed. Apparently, the pipes in the basement are "unusual" and needed other parts and tools - the guy said that, in all the years he has been working, he's never come across pipes like mine, ha. Needless to say, I am really, really hoping that this machine works perfectly once it has been installed!! A large flock of these gorgeous little Common Redpolls took my mind off the shoddy quality of new gadgets : ) I don't particularly like taking bird-on-wire shots, but better than nothing. Usually when I see Redpolls, they are females, so I was glad to see this little male. "As energetic as their electric zapping call notes would suggest, Common Redpolls are active foragers that travel in busy flocks. Look for them feeding on catkins in birch trees or visiting feeders in winter. These small finches of the arctic tundra and boreal forest migrate erratically, and they occasionally show up in large numbers as far south as the central U.S. During such irruption years, redpolls often congregate at bird feeders (particularly thistle or nyjer seed), allowing delightfully close looks." www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Redpoll/id I also checked on the Short-eared Owls when I was driving out east. Could only find a distant one, tucked away in the trees. Bumped into a friend out there, who said he had just been to see a Northern Hawk Owl because he had more or less given up on the Short-eared Owls. Said the last few times he had been there, the owls weren't around much. I'm hoping that the number of cars and birders/photographers hasn't pushed the owls to move on.

Common Redpolls are such dainty little birds, that come to Calgary in large numbers some years, but not in others. This was a good year for them. Photographed this little lady during the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count in and around Nanton on 30 December 2012. A very distant shot to the top of this tree.

We saw this distant feeder at one of the farms we called in at during the annual High River Christmas Bird Count, on 18 December 2012. I always think Common Redpolls must be one of the daintiest little birds, and so pretty.

This dainty little Common Redpoll landed on a fence post in Weaselhead on 18 February 2013. When I usually see them, they are either flying fast or half hidden by a tangle of tiny branches, so this was a lucky shot.

This, and a number of other, Common Redpolls were feeding on the ground in someone's yard along one of the backroads SW of Nanton, Alberta. Taken on 30 December 2012, when three of us drove all the backroads in the SW quadrant of the circle for the annual Audubon Nanton Christmas Bird Count. It was such a great day, in such beautiful scenery. "As energetic as their electric zapping call notes would suggest, Common Redpolls are active foragers that travel in busy flocks. Look for them feeding on catkins in birch trees or visiting feeders in winter. These small finches of the arctic tundra and boreal forest migrate erratically, and they occasionally show up in large numbers as far south as the central U.S. During such irruption years, redpolls often congregate at bird feeders (particularly thistle or nyjer seed), allowing delightfully close looks." www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Redpoll/id

When friends, Dorothy and Stephen, invited me to go with them on a spur-of-the-moment drive east of the city on 7 December 2012, the main thing we were searching for was a Snowy Owl. Before we saw our first Snowy of this winter, we saw several flocks of Snow Buntings and Common Redpolls. They were flying at top speed over the fields and backroads, but we were lucky a couple of times when some of them landed on the snow-covered stubble near the edge of the road or on a barbed-wire fence. You can barely see the deep red "dot" on this female's forehead, but in better light, it looks so pretty. Luckily, we found four Snowy Owls. The first Owl was perched on an electricity power line, way down the road and unfortunately was mobbed by a whole flock of small birds (Snow Buntings or Common Redpolls) making it fly way off across a field, before we could slowly approach. The second one was so far away, sitting on the ground in a huge field that was a mix of snow and golden stubble. I just happened to notice the tiniest white speck - probably not far off a kilometre away? - with my naked eyes. We pulled over and, sure enough, it was a Snowy. I might post a photo I took, using 48 times zoom and then heavily cropped, to give an idea, for those who have never been on a Snowy Owl search, just how difficult these birds can be to find : ) The third Owl was perched on the usual, ugly, power pole, but at least it was closer : ) The fourth owl, seen on our way back home, must have been a young one, as it was so curious about us. It just had a young look to it and really was quite cute to watch. These Snowy Owls were simply amazing to see, as always. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Redpoll www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Redpoll/id

One of the tiny Common Redpolls that friends, Dorothy and Stephen, and I saw when we went for a drive east of the city on 7 December 2012. The main thing we were searching for was a Snowy Owl. Before we saw our first Snowy of this winter, we saw several flocks of Snow Buntings and Common Redpolls. They were flying at top speed over the fields and backroads, but we were lucky a couple of times when some of them landed on the snow-covered stubble near the edge of the road or on a barbed-wire fence. You can barely see the deep red "dot" on this female's forehead, but in better light, it looks so pretty. Ha, she looks like she really didn't want her photo taken!

You are probably getting tired of seeing Common Redpoll photos, but I so rarely see these dainty little birds, so wanted to add one more shot taken on 7 December 2012. Friends, Dorothy and Stephen, invited me to go with them east of the city, to see if we could find a Snowy Owl - which we did - four of them : ) Three more days, and the first Christmas Bird Count (Banff/Canmore) will be here! I had hoped to be all organized way ahead of time - but, of course, I'm not! Pretty much anything that doesn't get done before the Bird Counts start, won't be getting done, so today I have to finish the last few Christmas cards and letters, for a start. These out-of-town Counts are exhausting, starting at around 6:30 a.m. (which means getting up around 4:00 a.m.) and then not getting home till the evening, but it is a great chance for me each year to get to places I wouldn't otherwise get to, and see different things to photograph. Wish I wasn't a night owl, getting to bed between maybe 1:30 and 2:30 a.m.!!! Not good when you have to get up at 4:00 a.m.! Not sure how many Counts I will take part in, but it's somewhere around 7-9, I believe. I'll most likely be posting on Flickr at some really weird times, lol.

These are such pretty little birds, though somehow they don't look quite so cute in this photo - for one thing, you can't really see the large, red dot on their forehead. The upper left bird is a male with his touch of pink - who said males don't wear pink, lol? The rest are females. Taken on 18 December 2012, when a small group of us took part in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count in High River (south of Calgary). We drove all the backroads in the SE quadrant of the huge circle that centres on the town, calling in at several farms along the way.

These little guys/gals always seem to be on the move and I rarely get to see one close enough for an OK shot. I was very lucky with this one, in Weaselhead on March 24th.