Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: goslings

A month ago, on 17 May 2015, I finally got out with my camera for a few hours. The previous few days had been dreary and overcast, with rain the last couple of the days. The sense of freedom felt so good, as I stopped in at a wetland in SW Calgary and then drove my usual loop along the backroads SW of the city. At this first pond, I saw the usual Mallards, Lesser Scaup, Redheads, Common Grackle, Red-headed Blackbirds, and a quick glimpse of a distant pair of Cinnamon Teal glowing in the sunshine. I had intended walking around to where I had seen the Canada Geese nest in other years, but before I did so, I suddenly noticed a distant pair of Geese swimming in my direction. I didn't really think much about it, but as they got closer, I realized that they were escorting 10 little goslings. They swam right up to where I was standing, as if to show off their new little family. And then they were gone, swimming off in the direction from where I had seen them come. After taking a few more photos of the nearby ducks, I carefully looked at each pair of Geese on the pond and none of them had any goslings swimming with them. Maybe they had returned them to the edge of the wetland and hidden them well. These were my very first goslings this spring, so I was happy as can be to see them. A week earlier, on 10 May, my daughter and I had great views of the pair of Red-necked Grebes, who seemed to be building a nest closer to shore than in previous years. It was disappointing to see that the tiny "island" that they seemed to have chosen was now very low in the water, after all the rain we had had. Hopefully, they won't move to a higher mound that is further away, but that is what I am expecting. (A more recent trip showed that they were now nesting further away.) Makes me thankful to have seen the pair earlier, fairly close. From this pond, I continued on my drive, greatly appreciating the sunshine and fairly empty roads, despite this being the Victoria long weekend here. The Brewer's Blackbirds were perched on fence posts, and I always love to see these birds with their white eyes. In one large pond, I watched two pairs of Blue-winged Teal, a Muskrat, a Pied-bill Grebe, and a pair of Red-necked Grebes. Most of these birds were very far away, but I just managed to get a few shots of the Teal. At the next slough that I stopped at, I saw one solitary Swan, too far away to tell if it was a Trumpeter or Tundra. I also spotted a funny little Pied-billed Grebe swimming fairly close to the road, but by the time I had driven a bit further in order to turn my car around, the Grebe was already closer to the far shore. Further on, I stopped to see a pair of Mountain Bluebirds that came to their nesting box just once while I was there. Tree Swallows made a quick appearance at the nest box that was nearby. Continuing my drive, I passed a pair of Wigeon preening themselves at a tiny slough, along with a Green-winged Teal. Further yet, I stopped to take a few photos of Red-winged Blackbirds and - to my great delight - a Wilson's Snipe, one of my favourite birds to photograph. Last year seemed to be such a great year for Snipe, so I was hoping this spring might be the same. When I drove this road in one direction, I was happy to spot a Snipe down in the grasses, but still wished that it had been standing on a fence post. After turning my car around, I slowly drove along the edge of the wetland again and, this time, there it was! Absolutely made my day - anyone would think it was my very first sighting ever of a Snipe! It didn't stay for long, but gave me time to get three or four shots. From here, it was time to return home along some of the backroads before eventually having to get back on to the highway. A dark phase Swainson's Hawk was where I had seen it (same one?) on a couple of other occasions. Took a photo or two through the windscreen, so not the best photos, but I thought it might fly if I got out of the car. It was so good to get out and, though I saw no new or rare birds, I was as always happy to see the more usual ones, especially when they are close enough to photograph.

Yesterday, 17 May 2015, I finally got out with my camera for a few hours. The previous few days had been dreary and overcast, with rain the last couple of days. The sense of freedom felt so good, as I stopped in at a wetland in SW Calgary and then drove my usual loop along the backroads SW of the city. At this first pond, I saw the usual Mallards, Lesser Scaup, Redheads, Common Grackle, Red-headed Blackbirds, and a quick glimpse of a distant pair of Cinnamon Teal glowing in the sunshine. I had intended walking around to where I had seen the Canada Geese nest in other years, but before I did so, I suddenly noticed a distant pair of Geese swimming in my direction. I didn't really think much about it, but as they got closer, I realized that they were escorting 10 little goslings. They swam right up to where I was standing, as if to show off their new little family. And then they were gone, swimming off in the direction from where I had seen them come. After taking a few more photos of the nearby ducks, I carefully looked at each pair of Geese on the pond and none of them had any goslings swimming with them. Maybe they had returned them to the edge of the wetland and hidden them well. These were my very first goslings this spring, so I was happy as can be to see them. A week earlier, on 10 May, my daughter and I had great views of the pair of Red-necked Grebes, who seemed to be building a nest closer to shore than previous years. It was disappointing to see that the tiny "island" that they seemed to have chosen was now very low in the water, after all the rain we had had. Hopefully, they won't move to a higher mound that is further away, but that is what I am expecting. Makes me thankful to have seen the pair fairly close a week ago From this pond, I continued on my drive, greatly appreciating the sunshine and fairly empty roads, despite this being the Victoria long weekend here. The Brewer's Blackbirds were perched on fence posts, and I always love to see these birds with their white eyes. In one large pond, I watched two pairs of Blue-winged Teal, a Muskrat, a Pied-bill Grebe, and a pair of Red-necked Grebes. Most of these birds were very far away, but I just managed to get a few shots of the Teal. At the next slough that I stopped at, I saw one solitary Swan, too far away to tell if it was a Trumpeter or Tundra. I also spotted a funny little Pied-billed Grebe swimming fairly close to the road, but by the time I had driven a bit further in order to turn my car around, the Grebe was already closer to the far shore. Further on, I stopped to see a pair of Mountain Bluebirds that came to their nesting box just once while I was there. Tree Swallows made a quick appearance at the nest box that was nearby. Continuing my drive, I passed a pair of Wigeon preening themselves at a tiny slough, along with a Green-winged Teal. Further yet, I stopped to take a few photos of Red-winged Blackbirds and - to my great delight - a Wilson's Snipe, one of my favourite birds to photograph. Last year seemed to be such a great year for Snipe, so I was hoping this spring might be the same. When I drove this road in one direction, I was happy to spot a Snipe down in the grasses, but still wished that it had been standing on a fence post. After turning my car around, I slowly drove along the edge of the wetland again and, this time, there it was! Absolutely made my day - anyone would think it was my very first sighting ever of a Snipe! It didn't stay for long, but gave me time to get three or four shots. From here, it was time to return home along some of the backroads before eventually having to get back on to the highway. A dark phase Swainson's Hawk was where I had seen it (same one?) on a couple of other occasions. Took a photo or two through the windscreen, so not the best photos, but I thought it might fly if I got out of the car. It was so good to get out and, though I saw no new or rare birds, I was as always happy to see the more usual ones, especially when they are close enough to photograph.

Despite the fact that the horrendous flooding situation in Calgary and Southern Alberta hasn't, thankfully, affected my own home, just looking at photos and watching TV coverage causes huge emotion, depression, concern and sadness. I overslept till 11:00 a.m. this morning, which is why I'm posting so late again, two days running! It really is an unbelievable state that everywhere is in at the moment. Wonderfully, it's not raining today (so far) and the sun is shining. Some more rain is in the forecast over the next few days, but after that the forecast so far shows for hotter, sunny weather, which is so desperately needed for the tremendous clean-up that is going to be needed. Apparently, 75,000 people have been evacuated in our city (my youngest daughter, who lives 9 blocks from the river, is still on evacuation standby). The major flood of 2005 was one of the worst in recorded history, but this week's flood is far worse. I do hope that none of my friends in Calgary have had flooding in their homes! Again, my thoughts turn to all our beautiful wildlife, wondering how much they have probably been affected by all this. Stay safe and dry, everyone! People living in Canmore, Bragg Creek and High River have even worse flooding than we have here in Calgary. My hearts go out to them. Saw these cute Canada Geese goslings at the Red Deer Wetlands Area, NW of Calgary, on 2 June 2013. There were so many of them all over the place, and a mix of ages. Just looked at Calgary's WEATHER FORECAST: 2-4 mm of rain from Saturday afternoon to Sunday evening; higher amounts in thunderstorms. Not good at all. "All Calgarians are asked to refrain from non-essential travel. Many roads, bridges and pathways around the city are closed or limited due to flooding. Access to the downtown core is not expected to resume until mid-next week." From the Calgary City News Blog. My power went off sometime during the night, but I don't know for how long. Water usage in the city is restricted. Incredible YOUTUBE VIDEO OF CALGARY FLOODS from Global News: youtu.be/bRS8YfVlt3Y In case anyone is wondering what is happening at the Calgary Zoo, located on an island in the middle of the Bow River, the Administration building, SCOW, ENMAX Conservatory and Kitamba Cafe all sit in several feet of water as they sit in some of the lowest areas on the island. However, all animals are safe and secure, many having been moved to higher ground or elsewhere. It will stay closed for the next two weeks, at least. As I type this, just before 3:00 p.m. on 22 June 2013, the sky is turning black and apparently the rain has already started to fall heavily in some areas. There are road closures all over the city, even places very far away from the rivers. Just noticed on the road closure map that the main road through the city is closed near where I live. There must be so many people that are feeling very trapped!

Took this photo of these two young Canada Goose goslings near one of the small ponds at the Calgary Zoo, on 20 April 2012.

These were my first Canada Goose goslings of the year, so I was delighted to see Mom, Dad and four babies out for an afternoon swim three days ago. Vibes of comfort coming your way, Linda (Dubois).

I was so disappointed when I found that the Canada Goose eggs at Carburn Park had been oiled, as we used to see lots of these little goslings there. However, a visit to the Zoo yesterday resulted in seeing these little cuties and a few siblings : ) Gotta dash, as I have my volunteer shift this afternoon and I am running so late!

There were six adults and dozens of tiny goslings when we went to the Coaldale Bird of Prey Centre yesterday (I was very lucky to go there last Saturday, too, thanks to Ron!) This photo shows just a few of the MANY : ) There are several ponds at the Centre and wild Pelicans and the usual assortment of ducks and birds have discovered these areas.

I saw this whole huddle (?) of adorable Canada Goose goslings yesterday, when I went with Ron (Flickrite Ronaldok) down to the Coaldale Bird of Prey Centre near Lethbridge in southern Alberta. They were hanging out with Mom and Dad near one of the ponds at the Centre. We'd been watching several goslings and then suddenly Mom stood up and revealed this tightly packed bundle of downy feathers : )

We were treated to these little 1-2-day-old Canada Goose goslings this morning. I never fail to marvel at how much they can do when they have only been in this world 24-48 hours!!

Love that natural instinct that comes right from the beginning - stay close to Mom : )

A very typical photo of a family of Canada Geese, swimming on one of the lagoons at Carburn Park.

I've seen very few goslings and ducks this year - just haven't been walking in the right places. They are so cute!

Wasn't sure whether to post this photo or not. Even though the family group is kind of cute, the water ripples are rather dark and distracting, especially in a small size.

Saw this family of Canada Geese on my walk this morning. I also saw my very first Ring-necked Ducks (three?) on the pond - or at least it was the first time I had actually seen the details.

Saw this Canada Goose and her goslings this morning. They always seem to be such cautious, caring parents.

These four little goslings looked as though they were planning "something". Too bad they grow up so fast!

I was not allowed to approach these youngsters too closely. Don't know if it was the father or a second female who noisily kept me at a reasonable distance.

Who can resist fluffy, yellow Canada Goose goslings? These happened to be at the Calgary Zoo, May 2005. The nearby father (?) was extremely protective of them.