Winter chill

Yesterday, 11 January 2015, my daughter went in for supposedly day surgery, but phoned me after she was moved from the recovery room, to say that they were keeping her in overnight. She wasn't able to give me any details, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it was all straight forward. Speedy recovery, Rachel! At least you are in the best place for the time being, but I hope it won't be too long before you can go home.

Being at home with a hot mug of coffee seems so much more appealing than being outdoors on an overcast, cold winter's day! However, sometimes I manage to push myself out the door and either go somewhere on my own or join a few friends for a birding walk.

Two days ago, on 10 January 2016, I joined a group of friends to go for an afternoon birding walk at Carburn Park. The weather was warmer than the previous day's trip east of the city to look for Snowy Owls and Short-eared Owls, when it was around -23C in the morning. The sun was shining and I just needed to get out.

This photo shows the Bow River, seen from the bridge at Carburn Park. Have to admit that down by the river is not my favourite place to walk, as most of the birds are always on the far side of the river, making it a real challenge for a photographer.

Thanks so much, Janet and Bernie, for an enjoyable walk and seeing 21 bird species. As always, the coffee and soup afterwards at Tim Horton's was just as enjoyable as the walk itself.

FFCPPSoc. Birding,Carburn Park , 1315-1600, Sun, 10Jan2016. Sunny, calm, -2°C.

Canada Goose-50
Mallard-200
Redhead-4 (3 f/1 m.
Greater Scaup-1 f.
Bufflehead-100
Common Goldeneye-400
Barrows X Common Goldeneye-1 m. hybrid
Barrow's Goldeneye-5 (4 m./1 f.).
Common Merganser-10
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER-1 juvenile m.
PIED-BILLED GREBE-1
Bald Eagle-10+
KILLDEER-7.
Downy Woodpecker-5
Northern Flicker-2
Black-billed Magpie-20
AMERICAN CROW-10
Common Raven-8
Black-capped Chickadee-20
White-breasted Nuthatch-2
Common Redpoll-12

Eastern Gray Squirrel, black morph-4
White-tailed Deer-5