Boreal Owl

At night, the Boreal Owl becomes active in the spruce and fir forests, hunting for small mammals and birds with its talons. If you're out there, you might hear its hooting sounds from late winter through spring. Boreal Owls spend the entire year in the boreal forest, only migrating south when food is scarce. Like other owl species, the female is larger than the male, but with Boreal Owls, the size difference is especially pronounced. Sometimes the female can be twice as heavy as the male. Additionally, Boreal Owls have asymmetrical ear openings, with one opening positioned higher than the other. This asymmetry helps the owl better determine the direction of sounds, which is crucial for hunting.

Boreal Owls tend to be solitary. Even during the breeding season, mated pairs do not roost together and only come together at the nest site during courtship and feeding. The male courts the female with food and calls, feeding her for up to three months before nesting, and continues to bring food throughout the nesting period. Due to their nocturnal habits, Boreal Owls are not commonly encountered, making it a special occasion when I spotted one a few months ago.

Calliope Hummingbird

There are 360 species of hummingbirds in the world, and their colour palette is just amazing. The iridescent rainbow of colours found on hummingbirds exceeds that of all other bird species combined—by 56 percent when hummingbird colours are added to the existing inventory of other bird colours. Hummingbirds create these amazing colours by capturing, bending, and reflecting beams of sunlight using tiny structures built into their feathers. Feathers alone are limited in their ability to produce colour pigments.

Hummingbirds have what are called barbules, tiny structures on the outermost part of their feathers. They help create shiny, reflective iridescence. Hummingbirds have flat barbules, which contain layer after layer of flattened, air-filled discs called melanosomes, stacked on top of each other. When light hits the top layers of melanosomes, some light is reflected and some passes through, refracting as it goes. This process is repeated as the light passes through the other layers. When the waves of light from these reflections align, we get the brilliant colours. The colours are amplified when the peaks and valleys of the light waves are aligned.

This male Calliope Hummingbird is not as colorful as other hummingbirds, but it is still worth the wait to see its magenta rays light up.

Mallard Duck

How many eggs or clutch size varies among bird species. Depending on food and calcium availability, latitude, age of the female, weather, and time of year. The Black Swift lays just one egg, but a Wood Duck may lay 7-14 eggs per clutch. Birds incubate their eggs to keep them at the proper temperature to ensure normal development. Many songbirds begin incubation after laying all their eggs so they hatch around the same time. Common Ostriches can have about 50 eggs in a single nest, but they are laid by several females. An ostrich egg is also the heaviest, with an average weight of 1.36 kg. The Vervain Hummingbird, found in Jamaica and two nearby islets, lays an egg weighing 0.365 grams. The Mallard Duck, shown in the picture with 11 ducklings, can lay up to 13 eggs. The newly hatched birds are covered in down and are alert; they are ready to leave the nest within 13-16 hours of hatching.

Western Wood-Pewee

This Western Wood-Pewee had found a perch it was content with. There were enough flies in the area for this member of the flycatcher family to take off from its perch, catch an insect, and return to the same spot. This pattern made it easier for me to capture its pictures, along with a few shots of it leaving and returning to its perch. I ended up spending about an hour there. However, the pewee wasn't the only bird I encountered. I also observed Yellow-rumped Warblers, and at least one or two of each Townsend’s, Yellow, and Wilson’s Warblers. Every few minutes, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet would join the party, while Song Sparrows, Common Yellowthroats, and a few other species could be heard contributing to the evening's symphony, though they remained out of sight. Halfway through, a Least Flycatcher made an appearance. Towards the end, a pair of Canada Geese, who I could hear, decided to enter the scene and stand in the background. You can just make them out in the image.

Bonaparte's Gull

During winter, the Bonaparte’s Gull can be found on ocean coasts, lakes, and rivers. But these beautiful gulls breed and nest in the boreal forest, the only gull species that regularly nests in trees. They can move with tern-like agility, capturing flying insects and grabbing tiny fish from the water with ease. Around Banff, we generally get to see them during spring migration. A few weeks back, snowstorms brought several thousand waterfowl to open lakes and rivers. For a few days, we got to see Bonaparte’s Gulls throughout the Bow Valley. One late afternoon, I watched three of them spring out of the water to plunge their whole heads into the water to grab food. In this image, the Canada Goose seems to be watching this feat.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

There are believed to be around 10 quintillion individual insects alive on our favorite planet. That’s a 10 with 18 zeros behind it. Approximately 55,000 species of insects can be found in Canada; the giant water bug is most likely the biggest in our country. Around 90 percent of bird species rely on insects as food during some part of their lives. It’s believed that insectivorous birds around the world eat 400 to 500 million metric tons of beetles, flies, ants, moths, aphids, grasshoppers, crickets, and others. There are numerous places around the world where people get their protein from consuming insects as part of their overall diet. On the day I took these images, I enjoyed a few hours watching several species of birds, including the Yellow-rumped Warbler, making lunch of the insects fallen in the air and on the water.

Red-necked Grebe

Red-necked Grebes mostly breed in Canada and Alaska. Just as I witnessed several years back, they nest on shallow freshwater lakes that have some marsh vegetation around the edges. Their diet mainly consists of fish, crustaceans, and some insects. Hunting in clear water, from top to bottom, they swallow small fish whole before coming to the surface. With larger prey, they come up to the water surface before preparing their prey for swallowing. You can just make out their legs behind them. Due to their location, they would be terrible at getting around on land. Therefore, their nest is located on the surface of the water, made of floating aquatic vegetation anchored to emergent plants or piled directly on the lake bottom in shallow water. Either way, most of the nest lies underwater. Clutch sizes tend to be between 1 to 9 eggs. After hatching, the chicks will spend most of their time on the back of their parents until they are 10 to 17 days old, increasing the cuteness factor tenfold. The pairs usually separate once the young are fully fledged, at about four weeks of age. Wintering occurs at shallow water along the coastlines and at larger lakes with open water.

Northern Pintail

The Northern Pintail begins nesting as soon as the ice starts to melt, breeding across the country and extending as far as the Northwest Territories. They are also found in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. For food, they dabble on the surface of the water, filtering out seeds and insects with their bills. Additionally, they feed on grain and insects at the edges of wetlands and fields. This male arrived in the Bow Valley area about two weeks ago. 

Spring migration started in mid-March; raptors were spotted coming up north a few weeks ago, waterfowls are making use of any open pool of water, and Varied Thrushes, American Robins, and others can be heard on land. This drake, dressed as if for a formal occasion, was hanging out with other members of its species, along with mallards and wigeons. With just the right amount of light filtering through, the conditions were perfect for capturing a few good pictures.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagles main source of food is fish and carrion. But they will prey on various waterfowl, other birds, rabbits and other small animals. They have been known to kill animals as large as deer. And some have preyed on domestic sheep and goats, mostly young lambs, and kids. But when larger kills or carrion, they would have to feed at the site. With their two-meter wingspan, their wings must support a 4 to 6 kg bird. That leaves them with a lifting power of 2 to 3 kg.  An eagle can carry more when flying in snatching prey and continue flying away. Using their momentum. But they must carry less, when taking off from a dead stop position. Lift is not only dependent on the wing size but also on airspeed. The faster the bird is flying, the greater the lift potential it has. The average speed of an eagle flying in to catch a fish is 30 to 50 km/h. Adult eagles who are experienced are less likely to make a mistake like a young eagle, who through trials and errors and testing their limits, to become more successful hunters. 

This eagle was off to check out what the ravens were up to, across the lake from its nest. With no coyotes in the area, it would jump in front of the line if any food was waiting for it there.

American Dipper

Out of the five dipper species in the world, only one is found in North America. The American Dipper. The only true North America’s aquatic songbird. Dippers do not fly south for the winter, just to an area with open moving water. Some of the features that help them survive the cold waters in the winter are their low metabolic rate, extra oxygen-carrying capacity in their blood and their extra thick coat of features. They even have feathered eyelids. Since they feed on aquatic invertebrates, and fish. They can stay underwater by stretching out their wings against the current, this action helps push them downward and keep them submerged. They can also hold on to stones to prevent being swept off. As well, they have specialized flaps over their nostrils to prevent water from entering. One of the few species of birds that we can watch during the cold days of winter. As long as we have our down feathers.

Rusty Blackbird

This male Rusty Blackbird, in its non-breeding colours can be spotted at times in open water in the mountains. In this case, near a cold spring. They are not being spotted as often as they were in the past. One of the bird species that had a major decline in its population. Between 1966 and 2019, there was a 75 percent decline in their population. Scientists are working to get a better idea of the full reasoning behind this. Their low densities and remote breeding habitat make it a challenge.

They primarily eat insects and plant matter but rare, they will sometimes attack and eat birds. Examples include sparrows, robins, snipes, and others. In this case, this one and its buddy were looking for insects in the water. Both were shy when I came across them. So, I stayed in one place, using shrubs as a blind. Before long, one was in full view of me, providing me with enough time to get a few pictures. I like their non-breeding plumage; they look like they are wearing a mask.

Pine Grosbeak

Even in the mountains one can find birds to take pictures of year-round. During the winter, the opportunities and varieties of species are a fraction of what you encounter during the spring and summer seasons, but they are there. With fewer opportunities, it’s ever more important to take advantage when they come along. This is where all those years of practice and years of learning about birds become important. In the wild, when the birds are not habituated and there is no blind to cover you, the birds are ever more alert. They see us as predators and their number one priority is their survival.

When my main goal is to take pictures, I tend to be by myself. Because the more people approach a bird, the more likely it will fly away sooner than later. From the bird's perspective, it’s a lot easier dealing with one predator than two or more. And no quick movements or big actions, like taking your pack off your shoulder near a bird to get the camera out. Have the camera in your hands before moving closer. If you want the bird to stay calm, then you and your body need to stay calm. All this is even more important if there is more than one bird and or more than one bird species. Then you must make sure you don’t scare away any birds, because others will follow.

Even with all this effort, if you don’t come back with any pictures. You still come back with a little more knowledge to improve your chances on your next encounter. In the end, the birds are not there for us. We went outside to see them and with some work to bring back a moment with your camera.

Common Redpoll

Before the turn of the 20th century, hunters had a holiday tradition called the Christmas “Side Hunt”. They would choose sides and see who would have the biggest pile of kills of feathered and furred friends. At this time, conservation was just in the beginning stages, and many observers and scientists were becoming concerned about declining bird populations. Starting on Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman proposed a new holiday tradition, the “Christmas Bird Census.” Counting the birds, instead of hunting them during the holidays. That year, 28 birders, including Chapman, held 25 Christmas Bird Counts from Toronto to Pacific Grove, California. 

Today, from December 14 through January 5, each year thousands of volunteers take part in the Christmas Bird Counts to help with conservation efforts to see the health of the bird populations. In the Bow Valley, this year’s Christmas Birds Count will take place on Saturday, December 16th. If those of you in the valley are interested in playing a role, please pop over to "https://bowvalleynaturalists.org/get-involved/citizen-science-projects/cbc/“ and click on “contact us.”

Tundra Swans

Tundra Swans can take off just as easily from land or water with their necks extended straight out. Tundra Swans are North America’s most abundant swan species. They are species of low concern, being allowed to be hunted in some states and parts of Canada. But on the other hand, Trumpeter Swans are a species that is continuing its comeback after almost being decimated by the late 1800s. Thanks to its features being used in hat fashion, as writing quills and for other uses. So, the Trumpeter Swans are protected in places where Tundra Swans can be hunted. The problem we have in these places is that we birders sometimes make mistakes in identifying these two species. Let along those hunters who may have less knowledge about the different swans.

The good news about this family of Tundra Swans, one adult is in the front, followed by three juveniles and one other juvenile and adult outside the frame. All six were spotted in Banff National Park a few days ago, where no hunting is allowed. There were a few of us on the shore of the lake, enjoying watching them before they decided to move on. As they slowly make their way south where the water will stay open during the coming cold months.

Yellow_rumped Warbler

The fall migration of birds started in late August. Many species have moved on to their winter homes, some are on their way and others will start that journey soon. Timing depends on the food they require on their journey, how far they must go and how cold weather they can stand. Last week I saw an Orange-crowned Warbler and a few days ago, a Wilson’s Warbler. But the warbler I’m more likely to see around this is the Yellow-rumped Warbler. They are not as common as they are during late spring and summer, but with a little effort I’ll come across one or two. Just yesterday I heard its familiar chipping sound. One was moving among the branches of a balsam poplar, looking for insects to feed on. Not a lot of live insects around this time of the year, but many dead ones are stuck to the branches. When I got this picture, there were several birds, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Mountain Chickadees and at least one Ruby-crowned Kinglet that almost made a complete call that we are used to hearing during spring and summer. Probably a juvenile that was practicing for a later time. And this being the fall colour season, I had to try getting some of the colours in the background.

Bald Eagle

Out of the two eagles that we can see in the Canadian Rockies, most of us will see the Bald Eagle. To see the Golden Eagle, you must spend a lot of time at higher altitudes. Bald Eagles can live 20 to 30 years in the wild, with some weighing near 6 kg and having a wingspan of 2 meters or more. They are impressive birds to see up close. The same can be said about their nest. The largest Bald Eagle nest on record was 2.9 meters in diameter and just over 6 meters tall. And the weight was almost 2 metric tons. That’s around 4409.25 pounds. 

Several years back, a nest that was being used by a mating pair stopped being used. They started using a new nest they built. The eagles knew something was up because it was long after the tree holding the nest came down. Even with the old nest spread out from the fall, it still came up to my waist. I can still recall looking at all the branches they had gathered over the years lying on the ground.

This mating pair was done with the nesting for the season and were hanging out last month. For a couple of hours, I watched them through my binoculars, every now and then pulling out the camera. Together, the called out several times, watching them react to other birds, including a close flyby of an Osprey. It’s not too often you get to watch a pair of Bald Eagles from forty meters away in the Rockies. Time just flew by.

Mallard Duck

Mallard Ducks are found across North America and Eurasia. With Mallard being so widespread, leading to a number of populations around the world. Some of those populations have changed enough to be considered separate species. Two examples are the Mexican Duck and the Hawaiian Duck. Mallards tend to pair well before the spring breeding season. With Mallard Ducks, only the female incubates the eggs and looks after the ducklings. As this female does with eight ducklings. Mallards are strong fliers, reaching 90 km per hour. The Mallard’s sound or quack, we are so familiar with is the sound of a female Mallard. Males have a much quieter sound. This female was quiet when I would see her sitting on the nest, watching me across the water as I walked by on the trail. Only five days earlier, she was still on the nest. The morning of this shot, the family was resting under the warm morning light.

Great horned Owl

There are not a lot of opportunities to spot an owl in the mountains. Any help from others is appreciated. Help for me often comes from wildlife, particularly from the birds. They are always helpful letting me know what else is going on. Just in the last few days, thanks to the birds like the robins, chickadees and juncos mobbing. I got to see a Barred Owl and a goshawk. The more you understand what is going on around you and what different calls mean. The more chances you have of seeing the uncommon. 

For this picture, it was another day for birding, getting my camera ready before following the trail into the woods. I could hear magpies and crows calling out. By their calls, it sounded like they were mobbing a predator. Slowly and carefully, I moved closer until I could see an adult Great horned Owl. After a few minutes, the owl had enough, it tried to fly away from the other birds. In pursuit were the crows and magpies. Just then, I realized there were two adult Great-horned Owls. The second was out of my view at first, but when it flew after the first owl, I got to see it. It looked as if both owls had enough and wanted to get away. The calls of the crowns and magpies got fainter and fainter as the owls got farther and farther away from where I was still standing. 

Say's Phoebe

I was coming toward the end of a long bird walk, when I noticed Say's Phoebe. If you’re going “say what?”. Say’s Phoebe is a bird that is a member of the flycatchers.  In the picture, it was trying to catch a fly just out of the frame. This bird breeds farther north than any other flycatcher. Breeding range goes from central Mexico to the arctic tundra. We normally see one or two passing through during spring migration. Say’s Phoebes are not picky when they decide where to build a nest. Machinery, mailboxes, old nests by other species and even on top of an oil pipeline. When I first saw this phoebe midday, it was mostly spending its time perched. But when I popped back out early in the evening, a light rain was falling. It was hanging out with a few Yellow-rumped Warblers. They all put on a great show, catching insects in the air.

Red-breasted Merganser

Handful of times I have come across Red-breasted Mergansers in Banff National Park, as they make their way north to their breeding territory. As this migration season, I normally come across one Red-breasted Merganser, but in 2020 there were 7. In the fall they migrate in larger groups, up to thousands at time. Unfortunately we don’t get to see them in the fall. In the thousands would be quite the site.