McGregor Lake AB

Another cold windy day out bird watching and some really nice spots and new birds for our new Canada journey.  :)

Along with a Northern Harrier spotted from the car on the way to the lake we saw Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintails, Cinnamon Teal, Eared Grebe and American Avocet.

We had good views too of the Red Winged Blackbird and American Robin.

And just as we were leaving we spotted Killdeer in the campground hanging out with the Prairie Dogs.

We did see 3 more birds of prey on the wing but unable to identify and a few ducks probably missed because we couldn't stand the wind long enough to stay out!

Chestermere AB

Bufflehead Duck

Our first day out this year bird watching on a cold rainy Easter weekend!

But we saw a few new birds on Chestermere lake including the Common Merganser, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Canvasback and Lesser Scaup.  We also spotted a Sharp-tailed Grouse in a nearby field and closer to Calgary a Bald Eagle overhead near the Bow River.

Unable to get a photo today due to weather but this image from MrTinDC sets the mood on the lake today perfectly.

Shawnna

Potteric Carr

Photo by Johnson Cameraface

Spent a few hours at Potteric Carr Nature Reserve today and were lucky enough to spot a Merlin circling overhead but not lucky enough to get a glimpse of the Bittern that we could hear very close by.

Another new bird spotted though was the Gadwall.

Despite a lack of new birds spotted though it was a fantastic location and a great day out for a nature walk.

Shawnna

New Bird!

It's been tough to spot new birds in the neighbourhood but we found a Merlin hanging out at a nest box on a farm in Markington today.  Not sure if it's actually nesting or not as we didn't have time to hang out and wait but it was a nice spot nonetheless.

Shawnna

Birding in Portugal

Finally after many months of busy schedules we've got two relaxing weeks in Portugal's Algarve and several days spent bird watching.

We added a new bird almost daily and found several good spots for some great bird spotting.  Even without a scope we racked up 73 total birds with 20 brand new birds for us.

Avocet, Spoonbill, Black-winged Stilt, Crag Martin, Stonechat, Sardinian Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Winchat, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-eared Wheatear, Common Waxbill, Blue Rock Thrush, Sanderling, Thekla Lark, Fire Crest, Little Owl, Rock Bunting, Grey Plover and Ring Plover.


Shawnna