Classic
A classic pose in the J Poole wetland. St Albert
Grebe
A Red-Necked Grebe on a floating reed bed in Nadeau Pond. St Albert.
Roost
These Avocets had found a safe haven to roost in the shallow Sturgeon River. St Albert.
Line up
An Avocet keeping the ducks in a row? Sturgeon River, St Albert.
Walking the red line
An Avocet on the edge of the Sturgeon River in St Albert.
Avocet Courtship
A year of low spring run off and low water levels in Big Lake and the Sturgeon River portends for some wading birds to stay and breed here over the summer, this could be a promising start. St Albert.
Mirrors and shadows
A fine pair of Avocets in the spring morning sunshine on the Sturgeon River (after two days of steady rain). St Albert.
Posing
This White-Crowned Sparrow seemed happy to pose for a few moments on the banks of the Sturgeon River. St Albert.
Ankle Deep
Last year was an extreme high water year, this year is the complete opposite with the water barely covering the ankles of these Avocets. Big Lake, St Albert.
Keep your distance
This Red-Winged Blackbird was not giving up his perch for anyone or anything, I was forced to walk by at a non-compliant (social) distance. J Poole Wetland, St Albert.
On the trail
A Snowshoe hare blocking the trail in the woods in Sturgeon County.
Trail block
On the trail in Sturgeon County.
Wing beat
The sound of a Ruffed Grouse beating its wings to attract a mate instead brings me this spot deep in the bush in Sturgeon County.
Standing Proud
A Ruffed Grouse deep in the bush in Sturgeon County.
Up and Ready
Whilst photographing these moose I sat down to add a teleconverter to my lens, apparently a signal for them to stand up. I took a few shots and left them standing there. Passing by 1/2 hour later they had moved on. Sturgeon County.
Lay down area
An adult mom and her yearling calf find a snug place to have an afternoon nap. Disturbed by me and the dog walking the skyline of the bank of an old river course. Sturgeon County.
Final display
A Ruffed Grouse makes himself look handsome to any potential mate attracted by his beating of wings. More here; https://www.wildstalbert.com/A-year-in-the-wild/Beating-the-drum/ A slightly artistic rendition in low key using Nik Color Efex Pro. Sturgeon County.
Standing in shaft of light penetrating the dark forest undergrowth a Ruffed Grouse tries to attract a mate by using a log to amplify the sound of his beating wings . More here.https://www.wildstalbert.com/A-year-in-the-wild/Beating-the-drum/ This is a slightly artistic rendition using low key processing in Color Efex Pro. Sturgeon County.
Pairing up
The Canada Geese are pairing up all over, this year should see a bumper crop of goslings provided safe places can be found for nesting sites, may be a problem due to lack of water. Big Lake.
Bookends
A pair of Canada Geese in the reeds of Big Lake.
Sunny
The only thing moving in he woods today, this squirrel paused and posed for a while. Sturgeon County.
Pumped
I thought I was going to get a drumming display but alas he turned and left the scene. I heard him drumming a bit later on and a bit deeper in the bush. Sturgeon County.
Deer
The second of two deer in the field behind our house in Sturgeon County, taken at dusk.
One of two deer in the filed behind our house at dusk. Sturgeon County.
