A different kind of perch

Three days ago, on 22 May 2014, I just needed to get out for a short while, so decided to call in at a wetland in SW Calgary and then drive a few of the backroads SW of the city. There was not a lot to be seen at the wetland - a few Yellow-headed Blackbirds and a handful of Red-winged Blackbirds, a pair of Red-necked Grebes, a Ruddy Duck or two, a sprinkling of Coots, a pair of Scaup, Terns and several Canada Geese.

SW of the city was just as quiet, though I was happy to see a pair of Mountain Bluebirds (the male is in this shot, perched on a metal gate instead of the usual barbed-wire – not sure which is worse!) and a Great Blue Heron. Happened to notice the Heron off in a distant field when I pulled over to let a truck, which was barrelling towards me, drive over a narrow wooden bridge before I did. I guess my “reward” for being polite was to spot the beautiful Heron : ) No sign of the Snipe that I usually find at one of the wetlands each year.

It's 10°C this morning (early, as it's just after 5:30 a.m.) and supposed to climb to 18°C this afternoon, with possible isolated showers. A good part of our Count is by car, stopping at various sloughs and wetlands and a few people's properties. Have a good Count Day, everyone, whatever area you cover!