American Goldfinch in the snow

In Alberta, American Goldfinches are common from late May to September and a few might overwinter, which is what this male must have done. He is in almost full breeding plumage. A few friends and I saw it yesterday morning, when we went on a birding walk down in the Weaselhead. I wasn't sure I wanted to go, as it was snowing, just like the previous day, too. The temperature was -3°C to 1°C. However, I am glad I did go, otherwise I would have missed this welcome splash of colour.

After walking as far as the main metal bridge, we then drove through the park, stopping at one place to look over the Glenmore Reservoir from North Glenmore Park. The second stop was at the Crowchild Stormwater Pond.

The total bird count list for the morning, recorded by leader, Gus Yaki, is as follows:

Canada Goose-24
Swan sp.-2, seen before starting.
Wood Duck-1+ m.
Mallard-36
Bufflehead-6
Common Goldeneye-6
Hooded Merganser-1m.
Merlin-1, seen at parking lot before start.
Killdeer-2
Gull sp-20+
Herring Gull-1+
Downy Woodpecker-2+
Hairy Woodpecker-2
Northern Flicker-3
Black-billed Magpie-12
American Crow-14+
Common Raven-3
Black-capped Chickadee-10+
Red-breasted Nuthatch-1
American Robin-2
American Tree Sparrow-6+
Dark-eyed Junco-2
Common Redpoll?-1
American Goldfinch-1 m. now almost in full breeding plumage.

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Goldfinch/id

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Goldfinch

After the birding walk, I decided to drive just a short distance further to see if I could find any Prairie Crocuses. I wasn't sure if they would be completely covered in snow. Fortunately, I found a few, but they were not in the best condition. Also, the hillside was wet and very slippery, so I was glad when I had taken several very quick shots and could leave.