Wild Gooseberry

The day before yesterday, 3 May 2015, I met up with a group of birding friends in South Glenmore Park. We walked east towards the "point" and beyond. In places, the air close to the Reservoir was thick with Midges! Thank goodness they weren't Mosquitoes! These insects are a staple in the diet of fish (Trout) at all stages - also for the Swallows in the area.

Happened to notice this Wild Gooseberry that was blooming along the edge of the path. I'm not sure if it is Canada/Northern Gooseberry, Ribes oxyacanthoides, which I've seen elsewhere in Calgary. I didn't know until a few minutes ago that there was more than one kind of wild Gooseberry. I think it has to be Ribes oxyacanthoides, as the stem was covered with numerous soft prickles, with a few stouter prickles at leaf nodes.

Not a huge number of birds that afternoon and most were the far side or in the centre of the Glenmore Reservoir. However, 25 species were seen - will add the list compiled by leaders, Janet and Bernie, posted mainly to help my own memory:

1. Common Loon - 1 heard
2. Horned Grebe - 40+
3. Red-necked Grebe - 40+
4. Western Grebe - 60+
5. Canada Goose - 4
6. Mallard - 12
7. American Wigeon - 10
8. Lesser Scaup - 2
9. Common Goldeneye - 35
10. Bufflehead - 32
11. Swainson's Hawk - 2
12. American Coot - 2
13. Bonaparte's Gull - 3
14. Franklin's Gull - 35+
15. California Gull - 12
16. Northern Flicker - 1
17. Black-billed Magpie - 5
18. American Crow - 15
19. Common Raven - 8 + 2 young in nest
20. Tree Swallow - 2
21. Rough-winged Swallow - 2
22. Black-capped Chickadee - 2
23. American Robin - 6
24. Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1 Myrtle
25. House Sparrow - 2+

Five of us went to the Good Earth cafe after the walk and, as always, coffee and a chat were most enjoyable. Thanks for the good walk, Janet and Bernie!