A Cold Day Out On The Levee

This afternoon, Merilee and I decided to drive out the the levee by the airport. With all the cold and snow we have had, I really didn't expect much bird activity. It was more a way to get out of the house and see some nature, even if that nature was mainly views of the frozen lake and snow-covered grasses. Our first wildlife sighting was of the human variety; two girls with a pink upholstered wing-back chair, one taking photos of the other in the middle of the road under the trees. They kindly moved the chair so we could pass, and they were still there when we drove back. Once we were in the open again, it was not long before we saw this guy.

It's not the best photo, but it is a Northern Flicker. I was rather surprised see one in February, but when I checked my books, they said they are year-round residents here. This is the first time I have photographed a male. I have a photo of a female that took me forever to identify.

Speaking of taking forever to identify, how about this fine specimen.

My identification skills are still in their infancy in may ways and I find myself at a loss when it comes to this raptor. At first I thought it might be a juvenile Northern Harrier coming into it's adult plumage, but I really could not say for sure.  Any ideas anyone? The only thing I am sure of is that he was an amazing sight and he seemed totally unconcerned with our presence.

Not far from the mystery bird, I noticed some activity on the ground. At first I was not sure what it was, but a closer look through my camera revealed a Ring-necked Pheasant, apparently foraging in the grass under the snow. I wonder if the raptor was watching this guy as well.

We didn't drive very far because I did not relish the thought of getting stuck in the muck and mire I was certain existed in the rougher parts of the road. We drove on to where the paved portion of the road ends and turned around. On the drive back, as we were passing an old beaver lodge that is often used as a roosting spot by numerous birds at other times of the year, I was very surprised to see this.

That is a Great Blue Heron. I wish I had a longer lens at times like these. This is zoomed in as far as I could get. Both Merilee and I wondered what the heron could possibly be finding to eat. We also noticed that it was standing on one leg, keeping the other warm no doubt. The Great Blue Heron is one of favourite birds to see while on the levee, and it was quite the sight on a cold winter afternoon by a frozen lake.

Just for curiosity, I decided to drive to the other side of the levee road and see what condition it was in. I put the rodeo in 4WD as the road was covered in snow, mud, and slush. I was soon glad that I decided to chance the road because we saw a Red-tailed Hawk perched up in one of the trees.

All in all, a rather productive winter afternoon at the levee. It makes me look forward even more to the activity that comes with spring. We also saw some robins, but I decided that I have enough photos of robins right now.

Activity at the seed bowl at home remains brisk, though it is mainly the House Sparrows that I see these days. I have heard the scrub jay a couple of times, but have not seen him again. I need to find a way to get a feeder hung up because the increased bird activity has led to increased feline activity. We have seen as many as four different cats in the immediate vicinity, and they all look well cared for. That means they are simply up to no good as far as I am concerned. I'm not a big fan of people who let their pets roam free, especially when they are caterwauling right under my office window. Anyway, it appears that there have been no casualties to the cats, and I would like to keep it that way.

So far this year, I have 27 species sighted (maybe 28 depending on what the mystery raptor is). Not a bad start for the dead of winter.