Although Kim and I were out looking for bluebirds we did see some other fine feathered friends on our outing south of Calgary. We had heard of the Bluebird Trail and thought it would be no problem figuring this out. Well, just so you know, there is no map… it is a network of roads and nest boxes that The Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society manages, maintains, and monitors through volunteers to help restore the natural range of the Mountain Bluebird across Southern Alberta. Three cheers for all of the managers and volunteers!
All of these guys are “Lifers” for me. As mentioned in a previous post, finding Lifers is pretty easy when your a newbie.
We found our first Mountain Bluebirds at the Leighton Centre just off their pathways in a stand of trees. These guys were hard to photograph and they were moving fast, darting about and hiding behind branches. He was watching us for a bit but I think an insect must have scurried into view!We sat down for our picnic and right there was a very occupied house. Dad checked us out momentarily, decided we were not a threat and then both Mom and Dad preceded to feed their young.Mama with some lunchShe would pop in momentarily and then fly off again for find more goodies for her babes.Dad, doing his shareOne of the birdhouses on one of the roads we drove down. I loved these ones with the sunflower painted on the front.Bird on a Fence – I did have some Bird on a Wire but it is mostly bird butt so thought this was way better.I got a few shots of two Eastern Kingbirds that were checking out the beautiful scenery we have in the foothills. They winter in South America and can fly as far north as southern NWT and Yukon for summer. They have a crown of hidden read, orange or yellow feathers that is revealed when potential predators (crows, hawks, squirrels, bluejays) is lurking about. They flare their crown, stretch their beak wide open to reveal a red gape and dive bomb the intruder. Clearly we were just a curiosity as we did not get to witness this amazing feat of courage! And last but certainly not least is a Savannah Sparrow
5 comments
You took some great photographs of the bluebirds, they are beautiful! They must be hard to photograph as you say, they do flit around a lot. I have never seen a Kingbird, he looks very sharp.
First time I got a response from you…. yay!
But it is requiring me to once again fill in my email and name even though it must know that if I got the response. So not user friendly
You took some great photographs of the bluebirds, they are beautiful! They must be hard to photograph as you say, they do flit around a lot. I have never seen a Kingbird, he looks very sharp.
Thanks Heidi. Hoping to I get back to the Bluebird Trail this year and get a few more pics.
Well at least all the birds in my shots are now identified for me!!
Next we have to figure out the names of all the wildflowers we got pics of!
First time I got a response from you…. yay!
But it is requiring me to once again fill in my email and name even though it must know that if I got the response. So not user friendly