Susan's headspace

A Magic Moment

2012-02-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

Raven's call

When I headed out today, I did so just because I needed it. I had no expectations, no direction and no purpose other than to soak up some light and breathe in the air. As soon as I stepped out the door, I let my feet lead and my mind rest. The first thing that I noticed was that the birds were very active and vocal. In fact, I was surrounded by birdsong. I stopped here and there just to listen. The House sparrows and House finches were singing their mating songs. The Nut hatches and Blue Jays were unusually vocal as well, although I don't know what their mating call sound like, and then I heard the high pitched voices of a flock of Bohemian Waxwings.

Bohemian Waxwings

It is then that I realized, that the bird song was more concentrated in a specific direction and I wasted no time in getting there.

All puffed up

It seemed as soon as I arrived in a small patch of forest just off the side of a busy road, I was literally surrounded by birds as if by magic. House Finches and sparrows, Nuthatch, Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays and even a Raven, joined a huge flock of Bohemian waxwings that were feasting on berries. The waxwings were not shy. As long as I stood still they continued to consume berries at a incredible rate.

Downy Woodpecker

Downy above me

I wandered away from them for a while, only to have a Downy woodpecker land on a branch directly over my head. Suddenly there were Downy woodpeckers everywhere, and they seem to have paired off. No sooner would a female arrive on the trunk of a tree and a male would follow almost instantly. They were calling to each other all the time. I also spotted some Dark-eyed Junco's foraging on the forest floor and almost danced a jig. Their presence is a sure sign that spring is not too far off.

Scarfing down a berry

All puffed up

When I returned to where I first saw the Bohemians, it was to find them still greedily consuming berries. They would eat a few berries, then drop down to the forest floor to eat some snow. Once in a while, one or two would shoot up to the tree tops, or off to another berry bush, their flight so swift that I trouble following it with the eye. These birds were in constant motion so that there was a steady stream of traffic from one berry bush to another, and from one tree to another. I was delighted to discover, that I could get as close as five feet before they would all fly off. Having discovered the distance that the birds would tolerate, I stayed there, working the shutter.

In Song

I managed to get a few decent photos as you can see. Nuthatches came and went, and a Raven arrived to perch on the top of a pine, announcing his arrival with his harsh calls. When I finally went home the waxwings were still mobbing the berry bushes and birdsong continued to fill the air. This had been a magic moment, one that I will remember for quite some time.

Enjoy,
Susan

Don't Give Up

2012-01-27T21:11:00.002-07:00

I will begin writing this post to extend a warm welcome to all my new followers, and to let you all know that I appreciate your warm, kind and encouraging comments.

Every New Dawn Brings a New Promise

You are in a round about way teaching me a valuable lesson with your arrival. I had all but given up in my efforts to to create more of an awareness and appreciation for nature, and to share her beauty. While it is true that this blog is mainly about birds, I also try to showcase all aspects of nature that I encounter. All the benefits and wonders, all the things that can be discovered and learned. Your arrival has gladdened my heart and taught me not to give up.

Thank you,
Susan

To see with the heart

2012-01-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

Coming in for a landing

When I was going to school in Germany I had an art teacher that would tell us repeatedly, in order to do great art, one had to see with the heart. I never really understood that concept, until I did just that, many years later in another country, the one where I now live. I was returning home one day, totally discouraged and exhausted. It was a period in my life, that everyone experiences at one time or another, where nothing seemed to be going right. I needed to walk, which is what I did in those days, and so I did. When I got off the bus, I was at the freeway, where I crossed the bridge.

Goshawk sub-adult

Looking around

I wasn't thinking about anything at all really, when I spotted a large bird on a light post near the other side of the bridge. For the first time in my life I looked, and saw with my heart. As I learned later, here was a juvenile Goshawk, presented to me in full, glorious sunlight. The streaks on his gleaming chest stood out, as did his eyebrows. He looked so strong and proud, healthy and full of life, fierce and determined. We looked each other in the eye, yellow to brown, and at that moment, time and space seemed to disappear, like magic. So I don't really know how much time passed, but if the moment hadn't ended, I know I'd still be standing there, quite fascinated.

Goshawk winging off

When I left that bridge I did so determined to see that bird again and to sketch him. I returned to the freeway many, many times in hopes of doing just that. So my love of birds; my birdwatching days began although I was entirely focused on hawks at first. My determination to sketch these birds, brought about the need to photograph them and the subsequent purchase of a camera, although I never saw that particular Goshawk up close again, except in memory.

Enjoy,
Susan

One second with nature: January

2012-01-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

Bright Fungi

The Recycling of a tree
Enjoy,
Susan
Susan

Soaking up the peace

2012-01-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

Fallen log

A few years ago I read an incredible book called "Please understand me." I learned a lot about people and personality types, which helped me to understand my children, as well as myself, and the strangers I encounter daily a little better. One of the things that I learned about myself is that I am an introverted personality type and that when I need to recharge my batteries, as it were, I need to do so in solitude.

Beaver in the pond

So quite often, I go out on bird-watch, not so much to capture new images while watching birds, but to rejuvenate. I try to find a spot where I am surrounded only by nature and I settle onto the ground, a rock or fallen log. Here I will sit just watching and listening to the birds, the play of wind, the burble of a stream or silence, as the case may be, thinking about nothing at all. It is almost magical, as all my cares seem to drop away and I soak in the peace of my surroundings.

A small creek

These are the times when I observe the most about the birds, insects wildlife and nature all around me. The birds seem to come closer, unafraid, singing their beautiful songs, as if I am not there. The squirrels, detecting no threat, go about their business.

Patch of forest

When my thoughts return to me, I am always at peace, my energy has returned and the world is bright with color.

Enjoy,
Susan

Nature Provides

2012-01-05T09:19:00.003-07:00

Bohemian Waxwings during winter storm

It doesn't matter where you go or why, nature provides. Whether you are looking for berries, mushrooms, seeds, or birds there is always something new to find, depending of course on the season and where you go. In 2011 I had some very delightful bird encounters, starting in January with Bohemian waxwings, or winged nomads as I like to call them, in the neighborhood.

Cooper's Hawk adult male

April delivered the return of Cooper's hawks in the little forest down the street, as well as Mallard ducks and Canada Geese. But the highlights of 2011 for me, were observations at the pond near my work, the explorations of a ravine not far from my neighborhood, the Edmonton river valley, a pond near a new development in the south of the city, as well as a place along the free way where I love to watch hawks.

I was delighted by a Pileated Woodpecker in the ravine in May, and continued sighting of the species throughout the year.

Mama Mallard and adopted Gosling

Pileated Woodpecker femal

A second source of discovery and joy was brought about by four fledgling Raven's that played on the wind and the rooftops in and around my complex at about the same time. May and June were eventful months for me. I encountered and watched as a lone, injured Canada Goose Gosling lost it's parents, was adopted by mother Mallard and then adopted, or reunited with a pair of adult Canada Geese. I was delighted to watch it grow over the summer into a splendid adult at the little pond near my work.

American White Pelicans fly over

Swainson's Hawk

July brought the discovery that White Pelicans breed and live in Alberta during summer months and some wonderful close-up photos of Swainson's hawks.

Red-eyed Vireo

Yellow warbler

Peregrine Falcon

Juvenile Red-Tail

In August nature delivered a photo of a just fledged Juvenile Red Tailed hawk by the freeway, as well the sighting of a Peregrine Falcon and wonderful photos of Yellow warblers and Red-eyed Verios in the river valley.

Black and White Warbler

Gray Cat-bird

Greater Yellow-legs

Pine Grosbeak

Although I didn't get to travel this year outside of the city, I was warmed by an introduction to several species of bird during fall migration, including the Black and White Warbler, Greater Yellow-legs, Pine Grosbeak and Gray Catbird.

Brown Creeper

Common Crossbill male

The end of the year was an absolute delight with the surprising introduction of the Brown Creeper and, on the last day of the year, the Common Crossbill. Since 2011 was such a great year, I am eagerly look forward to 2012 and what nature may provide for both myself and you.

Enjoy,
Susan

Sometimes the Mountain comes to you

2011-12-31T17:42:00.003-07:00

Common Crossbill in flight

The last day of 2011 proved to be absolutely amazing. At sunrise this morning, around 10 am I was waiting for the bus, when a flock of birds swooped in out of nowhere. As I was asking myself, oh my god what is that bird, and breaking out my camera, the birds settled on a tall pine not twenty feet from me. I had literally no time to adjust the camera's settings, the wind was gusting and icy cold, but I wasn't going to miss this opportunity, even if it meant missing that bus.

Two males

When I realized I had another lifer, I started chanting- awesome, this is so awesome- as my shutter was clicking away. Who could blame me, when I had just been wishing I could travel with the purpose of birding, and knew that isn't possible at this time. I'm sure this has happened to you a time or two, but if it hasn't, I sincerely hope that is does. There is an old saying that goes something like this: If Mohammed can't go to the Mountain, the Mountain will come to Mohammed.

Common Crossbill - female

Common Crossbill-male

I'm a firm believer that this is true, even though my name isn't Mohammed. Anyway I felt so good about this encounter, that I went for one last outing later in the day. I hope your last day of 2011 was a great as mine.

Happy New Year,
Susan

The little forest down the street

2011-12-28T20:26:00.001-07:00

Flock of Bohemian Waxwings

The little forest down the street is only about a block and a half long and half a block wide, but it is packed full of a variety of wildlife. In the year and a half that I have been birding there regularly I have been introduced to at least twenty species of birds and have made many observations. The most interesting of those, is how the bird populations shift and change in this tiny patch of forest with the seasons.

Unidentified flycatcher

Tennessee warbler

During the summer of 2009, for instance, this forest was occupied by a nesting pair of Cooper's hawks and although I never saw the adults, I did get many photos of their two juveniles, who spent the summer learning to hunt and fend for themselves.

In January of 2010 a pair of Ravens set up their nest very near by. When the two Juvenile Cooper's hawks returned at the beginning of April to hunt the forest again, the Ravens chased them off almost immediately, being very intolerant of other predators in their territory, which tends to be very large. I saw the Ravens do so on a couple of occasion, after which I never saw the Cooper's hawks again.

Orange Crowned Warbler

Ruby Crowned Kinglet

From January to about mid April, 2010 the little forest was occupied mainly by two species of woodpecker and nuthatch, Chickadees, House finches, House Sparrows and shifting flocks of Bohemian waxwings. However, about the middle of the month I began to encounter some very rapid shifts in bird species population. Now there was a different species to be observed every few days, beginning with the Dark-eyed Junco, followed by the Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Orange Crowned Warbler, Tennessee Warbler and theYellow-rumped warbler.

Eastern Kingbird

Swainson's thrush

After a short break where few birds were seen, these were followed by the Gray flycatcher, the Western Tanager, Olive sided Flycatchers, Cedar Waxwings and eventually the Robin. By May the forest was occupied by a new variety of birds which included Yellow warblers, Cedar waxings, Chipping sparrows and a pair of Mallard ducks. The Chickadees and House finches were now spread out all over the neighborhood, while the Bohemian Waxwings had returned to the north and the colder climates that they enjoy.

Gray Flycatcher

Juvenile Cooper's Hawk

In the fall, the same rapid shift in bird population and occupation occurred, only in reverse, with the Dark-eyed Junco leaving last. But there were differences in the bird species I encountered this time. These included the American Redstart, House Wren, Ovenbird, Swainson's Thrush and Nelson's Sparrows. It is still amazing to me how such a small natural space can be a home, both temporary and permanent to such a large variety of birds and other wildlife. I'm certainly looking forward to what this spring will bring in the way of changes for the little forest this spring.

Enjoy,
Susan

Christmas Wishes

2011-12-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

My Christmas wish this year ~ peace, healing, and good will toward the planet which is our home, and all of it's inhabitants, be they four footed, winged, finned, rooted or two legged.

For those who don't celebrate:

For all those Who do:

Enjoy,
Susan

Home Sweet Home

2011-12-15T10:00:00.001-07:00

Where does the wildlife live?

Pileated Woodpecker home

Pileated Woodpeckers create square holes, unlike most woodpeckers. Their nesting hole is created the same way, a new one every year. Although Pileated Woodpeckers typically choose the highest tree in the forest for their nesting site. The nest hole above was abandoned, although obviously used at some time, perhaps by another woodpecker species, as there is a second hole dug out inside.

Nuthatch leaving shelter

I was lucky to capture an image of this Red breasted Nuthatch leaving it's shelter this year, an abandoned woodpecker nest hole.

Muskrat entering it's den

Last spring I captured many images of a Muskrat in a local pond. I learned that the Muskrat is primarily nocturnal and lives in a den it digs out at the edge of a pond. The den will have several entrance/ escape tunnels when the Muskrat is done. In the photo above the Muskrat is heading for it's den, as it was uncomfortable with my presence.

Dug-out colony

Last fall I discovered this colony of homes of simple dugouts around a single tree. I didn't see the animals that live here. Ground squirrels perhaps?

This home may have started out as a woodpecker hole, which was then enlarged. It has since been abandoned, but I found nesting materials inside.

Under a tree

I know that Squirrels will often dig a home amongst and under the roots of trees, but this one was quite large leaving me to speculate about which animal may have lived here.

Enjoy,
Susan

One second with Nature: December

2011-12-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

The pond

Abundance
Enjoy,
Susan

What Woodpeckers provide

2011-12-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

Pileated Woodpecker

I love Woodpeckers and will often stop and just watch them quietly whenever I get the chance. The things that all Woodpeckers do naturally, provide, not only for their young, but for other wildlife species as well.

Northern Flicker

Aside from ridding trees of a plague of insects, they also build homes which, when abandoned serve as homes for other birds and wildlife. Or when they dig deeply while mining for beetles, larvae and other bugs, the resulting hole may also become a home for another small bird or creature.

Nuthatch in an abandoned Woodpecker home

Squirrel feasting on tree sap

Some species of Woodpecker, such as the Yellow-bellied sapsucker also provide sustenance. When they bore their holes in a circular pattern around the trunk to glean the sap of a tree, the sap keeps flowing for some time after the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has gone. This then becomes a source of food for other birds, such as the Hummingbird, as well as other wildlife.


Yellow bellied spapsucker

Pileated Woodpecker and Blue Jay

The Pileated Woodpecker not only digs insects out of the bark of live trees, but will also excavate fallen trees in various stages of decay, exposing nests of insects and grubs in the process. When he does, other creatures benefit. And they know it, as shown by the photo above, where not only one, but several Blue Jays waited as he let the wood chips fly.

Enjoy,
Susan

Pest control and alternatives to poison

2011-12-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

Mechanical owl

In my post on the "Unintentional side effects of poison" a couple of weeks ago, I showed how more than one species of bird or wildlife can perish when we use poison as the means to control pest species such as Mice and Pigeons. However, pest control, especially for health reasons, is unfortunately necessary. What isn't, is the use of poison to achieve it because, as it turns out, there are many alternatives available.

The mechanical owl, shown in the photo on the left, was put in place just recently to discourage Pigeons, as well as a pair of Ravens that had nested inside the tower it is perched on this year. The owl must have a motion sensor attached to it, because when I saw one of the Ravens attempt to land on the top of the tower yesterday, I heard the voice of an owl and, although the owl itself didn't move, the Raven veered off in alarm. I haven't seen any Pigeons perched at the top since it was installed. According to my research there are several different versions of a device just like this, that can be installed which gives off the sound of a predator's call or certain types of sounds disliked intensely by specific pest species such as Mice.

Pigeon

There are also several other simple devices that can used to keep birds from landing on buildings, such as sharply slanted edging. Another is called a bird jolt, which is a flat strip of material installed much like a runner on the edges of a rooftop. This device gives a bird a slight, harmless jolt of electricity to condition it to stay away. Flat rooftops, or any flat surface, can also be decorated with an object called a bird spider. It moves with the breeze and startles birds away. Other objects, devices and methods include mesh barriers, climbing barriers and all natural, non-toxic liquid or pellet scent repellants and more.

Gopher

Not only are these pest control methods humane and effective, they prevent the death of other innocent species. Simple preventative measures such as these can even be used around your home keeping your pets and children safe accidentally poisoning. More can be learned at the following links and other such sites:

http://www.birdbgone.com/products/bird-spiders/
http://www.birdbgone.com/products/bird-jolt-flat-track/
http://www.nixalite.com/animalcontrolproducts.aspx

Enjoy,
Susan

Alberta winter birds

2011-11-24T15:41:00.001-07:00

Today's outing brought home both a surprise and new knowledge about winter and birds in Alberta. In fact, the day brought more than one surprise. Starting with the temperature outside, which being -4 this morning, is not typical for Alberta at this time of the year. In fact that's almost balmy for Albertans. I said hoora to that and unpacked my camera, having packed it away for winter because it doesn't do well in extremely cold weather. I will admit that I didn't go far and I was hoping to see some Common Redpolls at the very least, but I really wasn't expecting to see much more than the usual neighborhood birds such as Blue Jays, Chickadees, Merlins, Owls and one, or both species of nuthatch, just to name a few.

Chickadee

Goldfinch female

The first of the birds I heard was not one of those, in fact it had me moving right quickly to locate it. It's song sounded much like that of the Pine Grosbeak, but that, I realized when I saw it, was the wrong id, since those birds are definitely not yellow. The photos I got aren't very clear because the bird is at the top of a tall tree and, unfortunately, I don't have a telephoto lens yet. However I can make out just enough of this bird's coloring to identify it, but to do that I had to do some digging. I ended up doing a general search on the internet about wintering birds in the province and got more than one surprise, all them good.

The first is that the bird at the top of that tree turns out to be a female American Goldfinch, a first sighting for me. The second surprise is that many more bird species remain in Alberta over the winter than most people assume, including hawks and ducks. Although the American Goldfinch does migrate, not all of them do, just like not all Canada Geese migrate. This of course is wonderful news for me, which means I can't wait to get out there again, provided it isn't too cold. If you wish to find out which species are regularly sighted in Alberta every winter just follow this link: http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/maybank/other/abwinter.htm

Purple Finch male and female

My last surprise of the day was another first sighting. One that I didn't realize I had made, because I was totally focused on getting another glimpse of the Goldfinch. When I got a good look at all of my photos for today, I discovered a photo of Purple Finches in yet another tree top. Again the photo isn't particularly good, although better than the one of the Goldfinch. But that's ok, usually if I see a bird once, I see it again sooner or later, although hopefully sooner. That means better photos are in store eventually.

Enjoy,
Susan

One second with Nature: November

2011-11-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Cranberry

Nature provides
Enjoy,
Susan