Ingham Nature Photography Inc.: Blog https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog en-us (C) Ingham Nature Photography Inc. (Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) Thu, 07 Dec 2023 04:19:00 GMT Thu, 07 Dec 2023 04:19:00 GMT https://www.inaturephoto.com/img/s/v-12/u812883816-o112298866-50.jpg Ingham Nature Photography Inc.: Blog https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog 120 91 "OUT WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/12/-out-where-the-wild-things-are---coyote "OUT WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE"

Coyote - 9 Photos

 

If one is overwhelmed by the increasing growth of "reality" shows out there, to achieve a reality check - go out to where the wild things are, i.e. the natural world.

 

And one such visit gifted me a wonderful sighting of a coyote pack/family. I had seen the three younger coyotes the day before but this time, the three youngsters (I believe they were born Spring 2022, full grown but a little on the inexperienced side) were accompanied by an adult. Am not certain of the gender of the adult but there was no mistaking this as an older coyote because of its bulkiness & visible scars (Photo #7)

 

And yes, it was an ideal situation with the coyotes positioned across a creek and me safely on the other side. Yes, one or more could have crossed the creek but with an experienced adult to keep the "children" in line, the youngsters were more pre-occupied in the hilly terrain and the possibility of finding food and having the odd scratch (Photo #1 through Photo #3)

 

And in the end, the adult moved along the creek & then up the hill to cross over to the other side of the woods. That coyote was eventually followed by the other three, who took a more direct route moving along the ridge, most likely to meet up all together for a full day/night of hunting.

 

The youngsters have already proven their hunting abilities, catching rodents in the meadows, but hopefully now with some parental guidance they will fine tune their existing skills, tempered with a wariness of people.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/12/-out-where-the-wild-things-are---coyote Thu, 07 Dec 2023 04:19:13 GMT
"WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING" - Mule Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-while-you-were-sleeping---mule-deer "WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING"

Mule Deer - 7 Photos

 

It appears that mating season for Mule Deer is at its end. 

 

The does have now gone back to relaxed grazing & the large stags have disappeared or at the very least, have retired to the woods for some rest, relaxation & building up on calories to see them through the Winter.

 

But for the younger bucks, there is still some mock fighting or jousting to be had - ahh youth! On this particular morning, both a two year old (Photo #1) and a three year old (Photo #2 & Photo #3) (ages approximate from their antler size), thought they would try to entice a resting stag into some engagement but to give this wonderful stag his due, he just couldn't be bothered or was just too tired to stand to meet the challenge. So he just pushed back in a resting position and then retired for the morning (Photo #4)

 

So when the adults won't play silly games, let's have some play fighting between the younger generations (Photo #5, Photo #6, Photo #7)

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-while-you-were-sleeping---mule-deer Wed, 29 Nov 2023 22:50:17 GMT
"IT'S NOT ALL JUST A WALK IN THE PARK" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-its-not-all-just-a-walk-in-the-park---coyote "IT'S NOT ALL JUST A WALK IN THE PARK"

Coyote - 8 Photos

 

It's never just a walk in the park for me but for this coyote what started out as a romp down the hill to the meadow below, ended in a flat out chase and in this instance, the coyote wasn't the pursuer.

 

First we have the descent down the hill with a brief stop for a much needed scratch (Photo #1).

 

Then there was the walk along the meadow's edge (Photo #2 through to Photo #4)

 

Finally, well I didn't think it was the best decision this coyote could have made but then again I'm not a coyote. Rather than make it back up the hill and take the path along the ridge and then descend again and into the woods some distance along, the coyote decided to take the most direct route which was unfortunately through a herd of mule deer does.

 

There was that moment when coyote stare met mule deer stare. Then the flag went down and the largest mule deer doe headed straight for the coyote in a flat out run with the other six following in hot pursuit. It was a heart stopping moment for me as the photos show, that alpha doe came so close to making full on contact with the coyote (Photo #5 through to Photo #7)

 

Wildlife mothers are, of course, extremely defensive of their young so the response was totally understandable but in this instance I was cheering for the "underdog". I have seen this particular coyote on its own on several occasions now and I believe it be a youngster probably born in Spring 2022. Hopefully, it's a lesson well earned for the coyote not to approach, on its own, prey animals as large as deer even if it is purely out of curiosity or the shortest route to where it's going.

 

And one might ask where were the male mule deer, particularly the larger stags, when this event was unfolding. Well after the coyote had been chased up to the very top of the ridge where it disappeared and the does went back to peacefully grazing, one lone stag appeared out of the woods with that "What's Up?" attitude (Photo #8).

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-its-not-all-just-a-walk-in-the-park---coyote Tue, 28 Nov 2023 03:50:01 GMT
"UP CLOSE & PERSONAL " - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-up-close-personal---beaver-north-american "UP CLOSE & PERSONAL"

Beaver (North American) - 9 Photos

 

Just a recap of the past couple of months of one of my two favourite rodents, the other one being, of course, the porcupine. :)

 

It's hard to believe that the photos below were taken in late October & November 2023. Yes, the leaves had turned colour and had fallen from the trees but the weather remained relatively mild which probably explains why the beavers were still hard at harvesting & building. Like us, they were taking advantage of the mild Autumn weather before the colder weather & Winter settles in.

 

We are now in the last weeks of November and the beavers' pond has now almost completely iced over. There are still small openings which I'm certain the beavers are using to surface from and access the wooded areas to top up their food supplies. They appear to have now changed their routines to a more nightly routine or at least under darkness. So less photo opportunities during daylight hours. 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-up-close-personal---beaver-north-american Tue, 28 Nov 2023 01:56:13 GMT
"BEST IN SHOW" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-best-in-show---coyote "BEST IN SHOW"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

It may be slightly unusual to utilize a dog show term for wildlife but there was one particular moment when this coyote paused and took a stance not dissimilar from that seen in the finals where the lone undefeated dog at the end of the conformation event is named "Best in Show" (Photo #7).

 

And this coyote, not only being a skillful hunter, is a gorgeous representative of its species. Like all stars, he/she is extremely photogenic and luckily enough, there were some opportunities where the coyote slowed down its movements long enough to capture this canid in its pursuit of a potential meal.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-best-in-show---coyote Tue, 28 Nov 2023 01:55:54 GMT
"JUMPIN JACK FLASH" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-jumpin-jack-flash---coyote "JUMPIN JACK FLASH"

Coyote - 8 Photos

 

Not certain if this is a "Jack" or a "Jackie" but it definitely is a coyote with great jumping skills & dexterity.

 

Taken just a few weeks ago when deep snow covered the meadow grasses, the conditions warranted making a few gymnastic manoeuvres necessary to navigate the landscape & locate prospective prey.

 

And like the Red Fox, an aerial approach is sometimes the best way to get through to the tunnels and rodents under the snow. And if you don't succeed at first, it's on to other venues to try again.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-jumpin-jack-flash---coyote Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:49:43 GMT
"IN PURSUIT ON HAPPINESS OR SOMETHING" - Mule Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-in-pursuit-on-happiness-or-something---mule-deer "IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS OR SOMETHING"

Mule Deer - 7 Photos

 

 

 

It's that time of year again when a male Mule Deer's thoughts turn to things other than grazing & sleeping. And yes there certainly is a variety in ages & racks but unfortunately for the younger males they will most likely have to wait a few more years before they actually become contenders.

 

That being said, I did witness one very large bulky male confronting a second almost its equal but while these two were in the process of a stand-off, a much younger male moved in to try his chances with the doe in contention. I guess one should always keep your eye on the "prize".  The doe was not having any of it, though, ran off and decided to wait for the outcome of Nature's reality show.

 

And if you are ever in the vicinity of male deer stand-offs, keep a close watch on where all the participants are heading. Even with a huge area with varying terrain, the speed at which mule deer can chase after one another (other rivals or does), is incredible and the darting & dashing can bring a hulking male deer suddenly too close for comfort. A grouping of large trees adjacent to each other can make for a safe viewing platform. :) 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-in-pursuit-on-happiness-or-something---mule-deer Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:02:02 GMT
"UP THE CREEK" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-up-the-creek---mink-north-american "UP THE CREEK"

Mink (North American) - 7 Photos

 

During the last vestiges of daylight, a mink turned up looking for a quick fish meal. 

 

Although the conditions appeared to be almost perfect, after several attempts the mink left empty handed, probably for a more lucrative area.

 

So unfortunately, I guess the mink was literally and figuratively "up the creek" and in this instance, without a fish. :) 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-up-the-creek---mink-north-american Thu, 16 Nov 2023 01:50:48 GMT
"COYOTES CAN FLY" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-coyotes-can-fly---coyote "COYOTES CAN FLY!"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

Coyotes appear in folklore & indigenous culture. In some stories, he has the power of creation. In others he is a culture hero, battling supernatural enemies. And sometimes, he appears as a messenger.

 

Now I know coyotes can't really fly but if you can manage to catch a coyote on camera at the precise moment when it is running, you can capture that moment when all four legs are off the ground (like a thoroughbred racehorse). The coyote can appear to be then truly flying (Photo # 6)

 

So coyotes can't fly but there is definitely something magical about them, particularly as they can seemingly appear and then disappear into the landscape. 

 

 

PHOTO #1

CoyoteCoyote"COYOTES CAN FLY #5"

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CoyoteCoyote"COYOTES CAN FLY #1"

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CoyoteCoyote"COYOTES CAN FLY #3"

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CoyoteCoyote"COYOTES CAN FLY #2"

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CoyoteCoyote"COYOTES CAN FLY #4"

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CoyoteCoyote"COYOTES CAN FLY #6"
PHOTO #7  CoyoteCoyote"DID YOU CATCH THAT???"

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-coyotes-can-fly---coyote Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:39:02 GMT
"THE GENERATIONS" - Mule Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-the-generations---mule-deer "THE GENERATIONS"

Mule Deer - 11 Photos

 

 

With November half way through and the Winter months looming ahead, the deer herds have been in close proximity to each other with eligible & non-eligible males mingling with the does & youngsters.

 

Unfortunately, I have not been witness to any major battles but there certainly appears to be a great variety of male mule deer now in their full Autumn adornment. Antlers have grown to their full size depending on the age of the male stag and bulking up in weight is another sure sign of prowess.

 

And there are certainly pursuits of does, who are urinating frequently, no doubt to signal an interested stag as to who is is available.

 

Due to the serious bulking of the male deer who appear to change appearance almost daily, I have lost track of who's who, but you will definitely ascertain from the photos, which ones are in the top contention for the fair ladies. 

 

And I have included as the last photo, a youngster most likely born this Spring. Who can resist a fresh face? I don't know whether it is male or female but you just have to love those ears!

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-the-generations---mule-deer Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:21:53 GMT
"SUNRISE, SUNSET" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-sunrise-sunset---beaver-north-american "SUNRISE, SUNSET"

Beaver (North American) - 7 Photos

 

Have started with the sunset photos and as the cooler temperatures had remained during the day, the pond remained partially frozen around the beavers' lodge.

 

Photo #1 is a beaver sitting just at the edge of the ice shelf assessing the distance to shore.

 

Photo #2 is an appearance of the beaver just after there was a loud crack in the ice and up it popped through the hole. You can see a small sliver of the ice that he/she broke through just resting on its back. And part of the beaver still remained under the ice shelf as it just "hovered", eating away.

 

Photo #3 is a the close-up as it rested just above the ice happily munching.

 

And yes there are still greens to be had, as the beaver managed to find its way through the ice (a true Canadian icebreaker) and up the bank to partake of the remaining grass on shore (Photo #4).

 

The sunrise photos were taken just after sunrise with the diffused sunlight shining into the creek and the beaver (Photo #5 through to Photo #7).

 

SUNSET - AS THE EVENING WAS DRAWING IN

 

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SUNRISE - EARLY MORNING LIGHT

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-sunrise-sunset---beaver-north-american Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:08:56 GMT
"THE ONE THAT ALMOST GOT AWAY" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-the-one-that-almost-got-away---coyote "THE ONE THAT ALMOST GOT AWAY"

Coyote - 9 Photos

 

Picking up from the blog of October 30th, 2023, "The Coyote in Winter", here is the narrative & photos of the coyote's "doggedness" in its pursuit of a meal.

 

First there was a lot of stop, look & listen before this coyote settled on one particular burrow hidden in the snow. Then came a lot of digging, stuffing its head into the hole, retreating and repeating that process again and again and again (Photo #1)

 

In fact, that intensity went on for at least 15 minutes and all the while I was thinking, "There is something worth pursuing down there for a coyote to be so determined to spend all that time on one spot". 

 

And then came success and a large vole appeared in the coyote's mouth which it promptly carried away from the hole (Photo #2 through Photo #4 ). The coyote laid down and dropped its well deserved meal into the snow  (Photo #5), but yikes!

 

Of course, I couldn't see into the snow but from the coyote's reaction, the prey had been caught but there was still enough life in the vole to try to make a get away. So then it was a matter of quickly re-catching it before our dine became a dine & dash (Photo #6 & Photo #7)

 

There was no second mistake and one big vole became a well deserved meal (Photo #8)

 

Obviously, I do not know the exact age of this coyote but from its demeanor and hunting habits, although full grown, it was most likely born Spring 2022 and just needs some experience to temper that youthful exuberance. An older coyote would probably not have made that error in judgement. And what a prolific hunter maturity will produce.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-the-one-that-almost-got-away---coyote Wed, 08 Nov 2023 03:24:14 GMT
"STOP, DROP & ROLL" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-stop-drop-roll---coyote "STOP, DROP & ROLL"

Coyote - 8 photos

 

 

The title does have other connotations but I have seen that look of "oh no" when someone's dog gets a ground scent, stops, checks it out, drops & then proceeds to roll in it with great enthusiasm.

 

And no, this activity isn't a learned behaviour, it's inherited with that "canid" or canine gene so it's not restricted to domestic dogs.

 

Firstly, the coyote in the following photos, is actually in a state of total bliss & is not in anyway, injured. It put its nose to the ground, picked up a scent of some kind, did an about face and sniffed again. Then came the stop, drop & roll. And then it stood up and continued on with that all important pursuit of mice and voles hidden deep in the snow & matted prairie grasses. 

 

This coyote has some quite dark red colouring on its ears, legs and tail and can appear almost fox like (other than its size). I've included a a close up to demonstrate what a stunning example of its species this coyote truly is (Photo #8).


 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-stop-drop-roll---coyote Tue, 07 Nov 2023 02:24:31 GMT
"CLOUDY DAYS" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-cloudy-days---coyote "CLOUDY DAYS"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

Not everyone enjoys cloudy days for photography but I have found that on those days when you can have the light source behind you & your subject, the light softly filters through the cloud cover. It provides a more diffuse & softer effect. The overall lighting quality is even & it generates no shadows.

 

Snow can also intensify that muted light source so higher ISO settings are not required.

 

And then enter one beautiful coyote and the mood & setting are ethereal or otherworldly.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/11/-cloudy-days---coyote Thu, 02 Nov 2023 22:50:59 GMT
"THE COYOTE IN WINTER" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-the-coyote-in-winter---coyote "THE COYOTE IN WINTER"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

I am one of the last people to rush the seasons and I do realize that Winter officially is over a month away.

 

But from appearances, in Calgary, Alberta, the seasons went from Autumn to Winter in less than one week. And with colder temperatures, came snow and an accumulation that covered the grasses & shrubs in a deep cover.

 

But with those huge pads, a thick warm coat & an acute sense of hearing, the coyote is very adept at uncovering food under that snow cover. I envy the coyote's ease of traversing the snowy fields and it's only when it encounters a steeper incline that a leap into the white stuff is necessary.

 

And that sparkle on the snow is courtesy of Nature & her lighting skills.

 

With regard to Photo #6, the coyote after a solid 10 minutes of digging (and persistence), managed to uncover a large vole (I believe it was a vole) and after a couple of near escapes by the vole, the coyote laid down to finish off its meal. But that will be another blog.

 

The coyote is sometimes referred to as the "North American Jackal" because of its colouring & looks (Photo #7) although in its thick wintery coat, the coyote does have a resemblance to its cousin, the wolf. In fact, from its positioning & back-end shape, in this photo it almost looks like another member of the canid family, the African Hyena. 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-the-coyote-in-winter---coyote Mon, 30 Oct 2023 22:46:04 GMT
"AND JUST THE VERY NEXT WEEK" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-and-just-the-very-next-week---coyote "AND JUST THE VERY NEXT WEEK"

Coyote - 9 Photos

 

There are other places in North America where weather & seasons can change rapidly but Southern Alberta certainly has its share of dramatic transitions. Case in point, last Friday and this past Friday. Temperatures went from the high 20 degrees Celsius to -15 degrees Celsius (at night) with highs of the lower single digits during the day.

 

And with those lower temperatures came snow and quite a lot. In fact, there was enough to flatten the prairie grasses & shrubbery and encase the woods in a thick white covering.

 

Unlike the Long-Tailed Weasel who changes its Summer tawny/cream coat to a white one for the Winter (someone must be very happy, as two weeks ago this little mustelid would have been easy to spot against the Autumn browns), the coyote's coat has a more subtle change from lighter to slightly darker in the colder months.

 

And even with a quick change in weather & environment, the coyote still retains its crown as a master of disguise, blending into its surroundings and seemingly disappearing into the landscape. It can then reappear some distance from where it was originally. Usually it is only the coyote's movement that gives it away.

 

And then comes a magnificent sunny day when the coyote is drawn into a snowy grassland where potentially there are hidden mice & voles, close to the surface looking for some warming. 

 

And if you wish to experience the contrast between two weeks, check out the "Prairie Grasslands" blog of October 23, 2023.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-and-just-the-very-next-week---coyote Sun, 29 Oct 2023 00:56:51 GMT
"ARNOLD VS ELVIS" - Mule Deer (Male) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-arnold-vs-elvis---mule-deer-male "ARNOLD VS ELVIS"

Mule Deer (Males) - 10 Photos

 

I first saw "Elvis" a few weeks ago exiting a woods, following one of the does in his harem. Then I spotted him again this weekend with exactly the same doe & youngster grouping (Photo #6 through to Photo #10).

 

The next day I spotted a stag in the same area but this time there were only two does & youngsters. At first I thought it was Elvis (so named because of his consistent "lip curl") and I hadn't spotted all the herd members. But then he stood up - oh my!

 

There was no way within 24 hours, could a stag size up to this level. Arnold (and one might guess why I named this particular stag, "Arnold"), is certainly a bruiser size wise. He basically has no neck and an even more impressive rack of antlers. Perhaps there were more members in his herd but out of sight. However, with that casual sauntering demeanor, Arnold did not appear to be concerned over the immediate lack of ladies (Photo #1 through to Photo #5). 

 

With Autumn generally comes a battle of the mature male deer. Perhaps, he doesn't have youth on his side but if I was a betting person, I would be putting my money on Arnold. When it comes to the pushing & shoving of two stags, that bulk and strength will definitely put Arnold ahead of the game and a strong contender for all the ladies.

 

ARNOLD

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ELVIS

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-arnold-vs-elvis---mule-deer-male Mon, 23 Oct 2023 22:04:37 GMT
"PRAIRIE GRASSLANDS" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-prairie-grasslands---coyote "PRAIRIE GRASSLANDS"

Coyote - 9 Photos

 

Not certain of the age of this coyote but it was hunting with a partner, who subsequently disappeared at a far off distance. 

 

However, this one continued its hunting along the top of the ridge until finally making its way down through the grass where it eventually ended up across from the creek where I was seated.

 

It definitely was on a hunting mission, periodically stopping to stop, jump & pounce for hidden rodents, albeit a relaxed & non-aggressive meander and that's when it took a "time out" where it just sat and took in the scenery (Photo #5).

 

Coyotes should always be treated with great respect and viewed from a safe distance. That having been said, normally I don't have an opportunity to lift the camera and have it focused before the coyote removes itself from the area. I do carry a small repellant spray for coyotes & domestic dogs but in all the years, I have been photographing wildlife the only issues I have had are with dogs who have been left off-lead (illegally) and the owners not taking any responsibility. Last Winter I had an unnerving experience with a pit bull when it ran up and sat behind me on the log where I was sitting and proceeded to try to play (and only play thank goodness) by climbing onto my back. The owner did absolutely nothing although he was less than 30 feet away. Eventually the dog returned to its "dog walker" where the two crept off on an alternative path. I purchased the spray the next day.

 

Now this coyote was looking for rodents that had been disturbed by removal of some debris by the creek, earlier in the week. It was on one side of the creek and I was on the other side. When the coyote appeared to direct its attention to my side of the creek, I enacted the "tsch" sound and it jumped back and trotted down the creek where it crossed much further down. And I did see it enter the woods, merrily jumping & pouncing on potential mice, etc. and finally disappeared as it moved out of the vicinity.

 

Coyotes naturally have a healthy respect for humans unless they have pups in a den close by, where they are on the defensive or they have been subject to feeding by people, a crime for which coyotes pay dearly. When will we, humans, understand that wildlife does well enough on its own and interference by us only results in its termination.

 

Thanks to this gorgeous coyote, I have a moment committed to memory & the photographs to remind me of the coyote's walk on the wild side.

 

PHOTO #1

CoyoteCoyote"HIDDEN SECRETS"

PHOTO #2

CoyoteCoyote"LOOKING BACK"

PHOTO #3

CoyoteCoyote"STOP & LOOK"

 

PHOTO #4

CoyoteCoyote"NOSE TO THE GROUND"

PHOTO #5

CoyoteCoyote"JUST SITTING PRETTY"

PHOTO #6

CoyoteCoyote"SITTING PRETTY" - #2

PHOTO #7

CoyoteCoyote"SITTING PRETTY" - #3

PHOTO #8

CoyoteCoyote"SITTING PRETTY" - #4

PHOTO #9

CoyoteCoyote"ONLY A PAUSE BEFORE MOVING ON"

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-prairie-grasslands---coyote Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:16:50 GMT
"LOG-GRRR-HEADS" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-log-grrr-heads---mink-north-american "LOG-GRRR-HEADS"

Mink (North American) - 7 Photos

 

So the definition of "loggerheads" is to be in disagreement with someone and believe it or not, "grrr" is used to express annoyance. 

 

So put the two together & include the "logs" that the mink was utilizing as cover. Then one can accurately describe a long session waiting, watching for and periodically having a mink put in brief & erratic appearances, some of which are under water chasing fish.

 

Then add in some lighting challenges, as it goes from partly cloudy to full bright sunshine, with the sun not in the most ideal position bearing down from left of the mink and eventually in direct line to the front of the lens. 

 

So it was a lot of "grrr" and some wishful thinking for longer mink pop-ups and better positioning but in the end, you always work with Nature and you can obtain those enchanting captures.

 

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PHOTO #7

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-log-grrr-heads---mink-north-american Fri, 20 Oct 2023 00:13:40 GMT
"LOOKING FOR LOVE" - Mule Deer (Male) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-looking-for-love---mule-deer-male "LOOKING FOR LOVE"

Mule Deer (Male) - 7 Photos

 

Was hoping to have another encounter with a small grouping of Mule Deer does & youngsters, when I found a couple of does and their offspring at the end of a meadow next to a small grove or copse of trees.

 

I set up and started taking photos when there was some rustling in the fallen leaves surrounding the woods.

 

So I looked right and there was another doe just making her exit into the meadow but close behind her was another deer, head bent. And then it straightened its neck and those magnificent antlers appeared.

 

As you can see from Photo #1 & Photo #2, the stag was executing the lip curl, which is formally called the Flehmen response, having detected the doe's pheromones. Unfortunately, for this handsome fellow, neither this doe or the other two were interested in his attention and they quickly made their way up the hill and into more cover.

 

But I guess the Autumn is young and there still remains time for this male deer to have more encounters with does, as well as potentially meeting up with other contenders for the "fair does". So it was back to sampling Nature's greenery for this stag (Photo # 3 through to Photo #7).  

 

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PHOTO #7


 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-looking-for-love---mule-deer-male Mon, 16 Oct 2023 01:27:21 GMT
"MUSTELID MISCHIEF" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-mustelid-mischief---mink-north-american "MUSTELID MISCHIEF"

Mink (North American) - 6 Photos

 

Minks may be small in size but huge in energy.

 

The lighting in the first three photos differs from the last three because of a quick change in positioning from north to south by this mink. You never know where a mink is going to pop up (and it's not only weasels that go "pop") and for how long. Sometimes the camera doesn't have the opportunity to re-focus and that doesn't take into account a change in lens length. Mink do have that annoying habit , albeit endearing, of being some distance away, disappearing and then reappearing right in front of you, within spitting distance.

 

So for all those times that a mink has taken sufficient time to pause the action so that a clear photograph can be taken, I say "thank you"! :) 

 

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PHOTO #3

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PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-mustelid-mischief---mink-north-american Wed, 11 Oct 2023 22:23:24 GMT
"NOT SO MULISH" - Mule Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-not-so-mulish---mule-deer "NOT SO MULISH"

Mule Deer - 5 Photos

 

Mule deer which are native to Western North America are so named because of their ears, which resemble, yes you guessed it, a mule.

 

And that would be where the similarity ends, particularly when agility comes into play. They can "prong" right up there with the Pronghorn, covering great distances with their bouncing. 

 

These photos were taken over the course of a couple of days & show a more relaxed mule deer doe & this year's offspring. 

 

But you just have to love those big ears! :) 

 

 

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PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-not-so-mulish---mule-deer Tue, 10 Oct 2023 22:24:24 GMT
"CATCH ME WHILE YOU CAN" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-catch-me-while-you-can---mink-north-american "CATCH ME WHILE YOU CAN"

Mink (North American) - 5 Photos

 

The best time to catch minks with photography generally is when they are pre-occupied with fishing, in my experience. 

 

They can pop up from hidden spaces, then disappear & reappear some distance away.

 

This mink, obviously, had an appointment with a favourite fishing hole so having popped up from a log pile, it dashed off to places far, far away. :)

 

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PHOTO #2

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PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-catch-me-while-you-can---mink-north-american Tue, 10 Oct 2023 22:15:39 GMT
"WHAT IS IT?" - Muskrat https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-what-is-it---muskrat "WHAT IS IT?"

Muskrat - 7 Photos

 

Saw this little mammal swimming towards a small peninsula in the pond. At first I thought it was a muskrat, then well maybe a mink and then it was back to a muskrat again.

 

Once it came out onto land, I could see it was a muskrat but a very very wet muskrat, with some pond sediment probably mixed into its fur, which probably accounts for its dark colouring. The pond shoreline has some low spots where the muskrat was swimming.

 

It then spent the next 45 minutes, grooming with intermittent breaks for eating and nibbling and then back to grooming again. From its size (and cuteness), I believe it to be a youngster. It's actually the first muskrat I have seen at this particular pond in some time.

 

From the sequence of the following photographs, you can see the transition from "gremlin" to "hedgehog" and then the final transformation to the traditional muskrat.

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-what-is-it---muskrat Tue, 10 Oct 2023 16:35:45 GMT
"THE BEAVER PORTRAIT STUDIO" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-the-beaver-portrait-studio---beaver-north-american "THE BEAVER PORTRAIT STUDIO"

 Beaver (North American) - 9 Photos

 

One may question why you would have a portrait studio for a rodent but how could you not love that gorgeous beaver face with those relatively small ears and huge nose. And if you look closely, you can see that beavers actually have fur/hair on their noses, particularly the older ones (hmmmm)! 

 

Beavers are amazing engineers, having been beaver home schooled under their parents' tutelage, are unbelievably hard working & very family orientated. Even the youngsters born the year before, look after (i.e. babysit) their much younger siblings. And although like most families they have their little disagreements, they live, work & play together as a family unit. 

 

I guess you have to be, seeing that they are huddled up, sharing the same living space in a lodge for five to six months of the year.

 

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PHO

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-the-beaver-portrait-studio---beaver-north-american Tue, 10 Oct 2023 16:12:21 GMT
"IT'S NOT ALL WORK" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-its-not-all-work---beaver-north-american "IT'S NOT ALL WORK"

Beaver (North American) - 9 Photos

 

The two beavers in the following photos are two siblings in a family of at least six beavers. There are two more younger ones, born the following year. Although each beaver has its own set of tasks, the two sets of siblings do appear to hang out as pairs at various times.

 

I spotted one of the two heading down towards the water channel, when suddenly the second one quickly appeared running through the grass to catch up to its sibling. And there they were, nose to tail, heading into the water, off on another harvesting mission for material to winterize their lodge (Photo #1 to Photo #3).

 

And it was another busy day of transporting branches & logs from the trees fallen by the adults. 

 

As the afternoon drew to a close, the only two beavers who remained above water were these two older siblings, nibbling at the branches that rested above water, next to the lodge.

 

A quick snack and then the wrestling match began, all in fun, of course. Nothing violent but it had all the appearance of two teenagers having a friendly tussle on the living room sofa (Photo #4 through to Photo #9)

 

After a few minutes, one dived under and then the other, most likely to join the rest of the family at the lodge.

 

 

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PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

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PHOTO #8 

PHOTO #9

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-its-not-all-work---beaver-north-american Thu, 05 Oct 2023 02:59:45 GMT
"THE ARTFUL DODGER" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-the-artful-dodger---mink-north-american "THE ARTFUL DODGER"

Mink (North American) - 7 Photos

 

I thought what a great nickname for this agile & expert escape artist, namely the North American Mink.

 

It's usually a "now you see me, now you don't" type of scenario, particularly if the mink is not pre-occupied with fishing. Add in that body type & camouflage and it seems to disappear completely from view.  And quite often, like its weasel cousin, it can pop up much further away or even more frustrating right next to you, too close for the camera lens to adjust.

 

So times like this, when there is a slight pause in the action, are to be cherished and appreciated. So fish on, little mink and feel free to stop by any time (and if you can, please stay a little longer). 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-the-artful-dodger---mink-north-american Thu, 05 Oct 2023 00:33:46 GMT
"I'M A LUMBERJACK & I'M OKAY" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-im-a-lumberjack-i-m-okay---beaver-north-american "I'M A LUMBERJACK & I'M OKAY"

Beaver (North American) - 7 Photos

 

To quote that famous line of the Monty Python "Lumberjack Song" -

"I'm a lumberjack, and I'm okay

I sleep all night and work all day"

 

I don't know about the "sleep all night and work all day" part for this beaver, although he/she was out during the latter part of an afternoon doing beaver work, harvesting trees for lodge renovation.

 

I have been fortunate to watch beavers, chew down trees before and drag them across flat terrain, to reach water where they ferry them across ponds, etc. to their destination but this was a real show stopper.

 

Having floated this felled tree through a water channel near the tree grove, the beaver had hauled it uphill to the dam where the log got wedged in between some branches in the dam's make-up. So what's a beaver to do? After some major tugging & twisting, the beaver went to the other side of the dam where the terrain is flat and then disappears into the pond and took a very short break (Photo #2).

 

And then comes the amazing feat (and feet). :)  The beaver stood on its hind legs, reached up & grabbed the log with its two front paws, pulled it down, dug its back feet into the mud and dragged it across walking along on its back feet, until it could pull it into the water (Photo #3 through to Photo #7). From there, it was only a matter of steering (well, for a beaver I guess it's much easier), until it reached the lodge where the log was deposited.

 

Perhaps I'm not the most nimble of individuals, but I would say most people would be hard pressed to lift a heavy freshly harvested tree (and heavy) onto their shoulders, walk through muddy & wet terrain and then swim across a deep pond. And that's for a two legged mammal but the beaver normally travels on all four of its feet and rarely stands on two, except for very short periods usually to sniff the air for an "all clear".

 

If ever there was a "Beaver Olympics", this beaver is definitely a contender for the "Gold"!

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-im-a-lumberjack-i-m-okay---beaver-north-american Thu, 05 Oct 2023 00:13:55 GMT
"A CLOSED MOUTH DOESN'T CATCH FLIES" - Eastern Phoebe https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-a-closed-mouth-doesnt-catch-flies---eastern-phoebe "A CLOSED MOUTH DOESN'T CATCH FLIES"

Eastern Phoebe - 5 Photos

 

Many of us have probably been told by someone (maybe even our mothers) to "close your mouth or you'll catch flies!

 

Well in this instance, for the Eastern Phoebe, it is an adage to live by and an action that is required to "live".

 

I was just watching the comings and goings of the regulars at the creek when I noticed a small bird dashing across the water. As it dashed, it grazed the water and then alighted on a low branch, much like a small raptor "hawking" its prey.

 

I am not the most knowledgeable when it comes to identifying smaller birds but this little one appeared somewhat different from the "regulars".

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/10/-a-closed-mouth-doesnt-catch-flies---eastern-phoebe Wed, 04 Oct 2023 23:23:05 GMT
"DAY 2 - MUDDING OR THE LABOURS OF HERCULEAN BEAVERS" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-day-2---mudding-or-the-labours-of-herculean-beavers---beaver-north-american "DAY 2 - MUDDING OR THE LABOURS OF HERCULEAN BEAVERS"

Beaver (North American) - 11 Photos

 

Beavers use logs, twigs & branches, stones & mud to build their lodges and it's that combination that makes for a strong reinforced beaver home. The mud is used similar to the cement utilized in human construction. It goes on wet and then solidifies, reinforcing the structure.

 

However, unlike human construction, beavers only have the tools literally at hand (or foot or tail) to collect the material, transport it to the building site and then make their way up to the top levels to complete the tasks.

 

Obviously, the transportation is probably the easiest step, literally ferrying the logs & branches across the pond but there are no chainsaws, cranes or heavy equipment to assist in the harvesting or the moving of heavy boulders & rocks up to the top of the lodge. 

 

And I can say as a meager human, it would not be possible for me to carry a log or a huge boulder up a slippery muddy slope, having extracted oneself out of deep water. And then, of course, there is the matter of a four legged mammal balancing itself on two legs and walking, let alone climbing to the top of a beaver lodge with a heavy load.  Extreme human athletes should take note.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-day-2---mudding-or-the-labours-of-herculean-beavers---beaver-north-american Sat, 30 Sep 2023 19:54:34 GMT
"DAY 1 - HARVESTING TIMBER" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-day-1---harvesting-timber---beaver-north-american "DAY 1 - HARVESTING TIMBER"

Beaver (North American) - 9 Photos

 

Question: Do the beavers know something we or our meteorologists don't know? (Perhaps, Winter will soon be upon us?)

 

This family of beavers was hard at it, late afternoon and well before sunset, doing major lodge work, presumably in preparation of Winter. The lodge, itself, is an already well established one but obviously the beavers know it will need more insulation & build-up, as well as pantry stocking prior to the freeze up of the pond.

 

And in typical beaver fashion, all family members had a job, with the two adults (Mum & Dad) doing the cutting down & hauling of trees & branches into the pond. The two oldest youngsters appeared to be the ones taking the smaller leaf covered branches down under and into the lodge, while the youngest two were fetching and carrying small greenery for the beavers' pantries (Photo #7 through Photo #9).

 

Dad is one massive beaver, as you can see just by the size of his head (Photo #4 though to Photo 6). It was an unbelievable opportunity to see a beaver in broad daylight, tackle huge trees, chewing them down and then hauling them through brush to the pond and welcoming water (Photo #1 through to Photo #3). And just the pure determination and purpose, just endears you to this amazing mammal.

 

The next blog will be "Day 2 - Mudding (Or The Labours Of Herculean Beavers)"

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-day-1---harvesting-timber---beaver-north-american Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:40:31 GMT
"ENRAPTURED BY A RAPTOR" - Bald Eagle https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-enraptured-by-a-raptor---bald-eagle "ENRAPTURED BY A RAPTOR"

Bald Eagle (Adult) -11 Photos

 

How could you not admire a mature Bald Eagle hanging out on a branch overlooking the river.

 

After some manoeuvering to obtain an unobstructed view, I managed to find a sweet spot for shooting albeit half sitting, half lying down and shooting up. It was good to be relatively comfortable as this amazing bird remained on this one branch for over 40 minutes, just surveying its surroundings and grooming (Photo #1 through Photo #7)

 

Well that was the case until the magpie mob showed up, followed shortly thereafter by the raven rabble. You have to give the magpies their due, in particular, as they are truly bold as brass but somehow they know that the eagle will not retaliate for fear of any type of feather damage (Photo #8 & Photo #9).

 

But this time, the eagle had the last laugh (Photo #10 & Photo #11).  It didn't actually fly off to another location, it dropped down to a lower location on the tree, with its back up against thick leaf covered branches (so no sneak attacks from behind) and a frontal attack that would entail trying to fly directly into the sun. It took me some time to locate its new location as it was totally in shadows and a direct line of sight into bright sunlight.

 

So it was off to other venues for me and when I returned, the eagle had gone, probably flown back to join its mate and the entourage had left, no doubt to find other raptors to bully.

 

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PHOTO #9

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-enraptured-by-a-raptor---bald-eagle Sun, 24 Sep 2023 01:24:29 GMT
"HECK I CAN'T EVEN MANAGE CHOPSTICKS" - Great Blue Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-heck-i-cant-even-manage-chopsticks---great-blue-heron "HECK, I CAN'T EVEN MANAGE CHOPSTICKS!"

Great Blue Heron - 9 Photos

 

Photo #1 documents one of the "antics" of the Great Blue Heron I've named "Goofy". It is usually seen with another Great Blue Heron in a location nearby and sometimes they fly in together so I'm not sure if it's a partner or a youngster. 

 

I have noticed on several occasions that this particular heron would look upward and quickly snap open & close its bill, while fishing and at first I thought it might be clearing something from its mouth, like a small piece of food. While it was fishing this time, I took a shot as it was standing on a beaver lodge and it happened to be at exactly the same time this snapping motion occurred.

 

It wasn't until I got home and downloaded the photos from the camera, that I realized that "Goofy" had successfully caught a large blue dragonfly, which he/she quickly ate. Nothing like a little appetizer before the main course. Photo #2 is an enlargement of Photo #1 with a text marker showing the dragonfly's location.

 

I don't know if all Great Blue Herons try to grab large insects from the air but talk about dexterity. I can't even manage a pair of chopsticks! :) For me, this is one for the books.

 

The remaining photos (Photo #3 through Photo #9) are of a more stately "Goofy", with its magnificence feathers and tall elegant heron status.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-heck-i-cant-even-manage-chopsticks---great-blue-heron Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:41:45 GMT
"PIKA AT SUNSET" - Pika https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-pika-at-sunset---pika "PIKA AT SUNSET"

Pika - 5 Photos

Kananaskis, Alberta, CA

 

Taken almost at sunset as the sun slowly dipped just below the shelf where this Pika had moved to munch on greenery and have a good scratch.

 

The Pika had approached me but I backed up and grabbed the photos some distance away, a great advantage to a lens with a long focal length. I was somewhat appalled when the day before I had witnessed a photographer attempting to take photos of a pika by placing his camera lens almost into one of the rock tunnels, where I assume a pika had entered. What he achieved I do not know as we just continued on looking for more wildlife in a less intrusive atmosphere.

 

Caught in this subtle lighting, the rabbit appearance certainly becomes apparent, particularly when you can see the bottom of its feet (Photo #3 through to Photo #5), although perhaps not quite Peter Cottontail.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-pika-at-sunset---pika Tue, 19 Sep 2023 02:45:27 GMT
"ROCK RABBITS ROCK" - Pika https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-rock-rabbits-rock---pika "ROCK RABBITS ROCK!"

Pika - 7 Photos

Kananaskis, Alberta, CA

 

With Autumn almost here, the Pikas must be in the last stages of harvesting whatever grasses & flowers remain to see them through another mountain winter. Pikas do not hibernate. They travel through the tunnels under the rocks & snow during the winter months, surviving on the plant material they have stored during the warmer weather.

 

The following photos were taken an hour before sunset and although there didn't appear to be many about, those that were, were busy grabbing whatever vegetation was around. And there was some disappearing into small caves and exiting with food. Hopefully, this was actual harvesting and not raiding another pika's pantry! :)

 

PHOTO #1

PikaPika"PIK-A-BOO"
(Kananaskis, Alberta, CA)

PHOTO #2

PikaPika"ROMEO OR JULIET"
(Kananaskis, Alberta, CA)

PHOTO #3

PikaPika"FROM THE BALCONY"
(Kananaskis, Alberta, CA)

PHOTO #4

PikaPika"HUNKERED DOWN"
(Kananaskis, Alberta, CA)

PHOTO #5

PikaPika"PIKA ON THE ROCKS"
(Kananaskis, Alberta, CA)

PHOTO #6

PikaPika"POISED"
(Kananaskis, Alberta, CA)

PHOTO #7

PikaPika"FOOD SATISFACTION"
(Kananaskis, Alberta, CA)

 


 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-rock-rabbits-rock---pika Mon, 18 Sep 2023 19:42:05 GMT
"BETWEEN A ROCK & A HARD PLACE" - Rocky Mountain Sheep https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-between-a-rock-a-hard-place---rocky-mountain-sheep "BETWEEN A ROCK & A HARD PLACE"

Rocky Mountain Sheep (Immature) - 7 Photos

Kananaskis, Alberta, CA

 

It's that time of the year when the mothers and their offspring in the Rocky Mountain Sheep herds break off into nursery groups, while the mature rams battle it out for breeding rights at the higher elevations.

 

This group was originally on a high cliff shelf but eventually all members made their way down to take in some refreshment at the river. And then each little grouping of a Mum & a youngster(s) returned to their original plateau, most likely for the evening and safe from predators. There was at least one set of twins (Photo #7), double the fun & double the trouble.

 

At this early age with assistance from genetics & the right "footwear", you have to admire their skill at manoeuvring the uneven boulders with the river rushing below. And it's so effortless, with no looking down.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-between-a-rock-a-hard-place---rocky-mountain-sheep Mon, 18 Sep 2023 01:47:05 GMT
Mink (North American) - "GOING FISHING" https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/mink-north-american---going-fishing "GOING FISHING"

Mink (North American) - 8 Photos

 

Caught a brief glimpse of this mink as it walked along a log but then it disappeared into the woods. Not what I was expecting.

 

But I thought I would give it a go and followed it into the trees, waited 20 minutes and then spotted it again, this time heading towards the water.

 

So I walked around and there it was, making its way down this fallen log where it actually stayed for 10 minutes.

 

And it literally hung out on this log, keeping a close eye on the water looking for fish, I assume. I almost expected it to pull out a fishing rod & line and be there for the morning.

 

I keep referring to the mink as "it" as I'm not certain whether it is male or female. My initial thought was that it was female. Males generally have squarer heads, where this one has that narrow and finer look. And males are much larger, almost a third more than the females and this one did not look that large. 

 

Perhaps, it is a female whose cubs have now grown and are self-sufficient, so now she is only fishing for one. That would explain that "chilled" attitude. This had to be one of the most relaxed minks I have encountered (by mink standards that is). 

 

And then it slowly turned around, worked her way up and out of sight.

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/mink-north-american---going-fishing Mon, 11 Sep 2023 01:26:57 GMT
"A NIGHT'S JOURNEY" - Black-Crowned Night Heron (Immature) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-a-nights-journey---black-crowned-night-heron-immature "A NIGHT'S JOURNEY"

Black-Crowned Night Heron (Immature) - 7 Photos

 

According to some research, immature Black-Crowned Night Herons take approximately 2 years to obtain their adult plumage. They can fly at about 6 weeks of age and this youngster has passed that period and milestone. 

 

It is now only a matter of building flight muscle and ability before it begins its first journey of its migration for southern climates to live during the colder months.

 

I have to admit that like the immature Bald Eagles, I find the plumage of the young Black-Crowned Night Herons striking, particularly in flight (Photo #4 through to Photo #7). And, of course, they are so well camouflaged in the marsh areas against the wetland vegetation (Photo #1 through to Photo #3).

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-a-nights-journey---black-crowned-night-heron-immature Mon, 04 Sep 2023 20:39:52 GMT
"HERE'S GOOFY" - Great Blue Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-heres-goofy---great-blue-heron "HERE'S GOOFY"

Great Blue Heron - 7 Photos

 

Am not certain if this is a somewhat young heron or a fully mature & breeding adult but because it has frequently ignored "human" presence and maintained its position, I am suspecting that is a younger heron. I have had encounters with another larger heron that has taken to flight immediately it has sensed an approach.

 

I named it "Goofy" partly because of its looks at times but mainly because of its activities.

 

I have caught it actually bathing in a large pond and by bathing I mean submerging its entire body into the water up to almost its back (another blog to come). In fact, at one point it actually was floating in the water like a duck. In my past experience, Great Blue Herons generally don't like to get their belly feathers wet & try to extract themselves from situations where this may occur.

 

At one point during the day, "Goofy" flew onto a pathway & proceeded to walk along the path, until it decided to take flight, only to return eventually to the same pond.

 

Afternoon became early evening and after some hours of successful fishing,  it took to the grassy verge along the wall, walked along and then took position on the wall to do some grooming.

 

And as the sun became lower in the sky, it provided some wonderful soft lighting, accenting "Goofy" and the magnificence of its feathers and colouring. My apologies, "Goofy", that nickname was given more out of affection & admiration than malice! :)

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/9/-heres-goofy---great-blue-heron Mon, 04 Sep 2023 02:04:06 GMT
"POND PATROL" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-pond-patrol---beaver-north-american "POND PATROL"

Beaver (North American) - 3 Photos

 

 

This is a sequel to the previous blog, "BABY ON BOARD", August 28th, 2023.

 

So the next morning I headed out to where I had spotted the mink the day before, hoping to have more mink sightings. 

 

Before I had had a chance to sit down, there was the unmistakable sound of a beaver slapping its tail against the water. And then once I had settled in, there was another slap. Yes, there definitely was a beaver in the pond and close by.

 

I have seen beavers out at this time of the year (around 9:00 a.m.) but generally they are on their way home to their main lodge from a night/early morning of dam repairing, eating, etc. This beaver was actively patrolling, travelling the full extent of this particular pond including the individual water channels and the area near the small disused beaver lodge where the mink had disappeared the day before. 

 

Occasionally it took a break in a shaded area to groom and at several points, it almost appeared to be napping, taking that beaver position of sitting, with its stomach protruding. This time, however, its head was low to its chest and eyes closed. Have never actually seen a beaver nap! :)

 

There were at least four complete patrols and they lasted until 11:30 a.m. (No wonder this poor beaver was tired. It was well passed its bedtime.)

 

On one of those last patrols, the beaver swam around to where I was sitting (next to the little lodge) and popped up (Photo #1 through to Photo #3) and looked directly at me before diving back down.

 

It then swam across to the wooded area, where it exited the pond and walked down a little dirt path through the trees. I believe this path leads into a water meadow where the beaver could then cross one of its dams and head home.

 

And no, there was not a mink to be seen. In fact, there was no sign of a mink all day. Lots of fish breaking the surface, though.

 

These beavers do patrol the full extent of the pond network on a nightly basis. However, I have not seen a beaver in this pond since very early Spring and generally it's the youngsters in the early evening. Because of the minimal rainfall this Summer, this area has been somewhat difficult for the beavers to traverse from their lodge. Was it coincidental that only the day before, a mother mink had taken up residence in the small beaver lodge and a beaver was sent out to check out the area?

 

Unlike muskrats, mink are not welcome visitors to beaver lodges and definitely not welcome as lodgers. Mink can easily prey on baby beavers so any intrusion would result in a beaver defense and friends in the past have witnessed a beaver taking on a mink on top of a lodge.

 

So if this was a reconnaissance mission, who was the CI (Confidential Informant)??? Was it the scent of the mink alone? Mustelids have a very strong distinct odour. Or was it one of the Mallard Ducks who inhabit the pond? :) :)  I know they were very vocal in quacking the times the mink appeared in the water the day before, which had alerted me. And why did that beaver swim over and give me the once over! :) :) :) 

 

Only Nature knows the truth of what happens out there. 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-pond-patrol---beaver-north-american Tue, 29 Aug 2023 18:01:13 GMT
"BABY ON BOARD" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-baby-on-board---mink-north-american "BABY ON BOARD"

Mink (North American) - 9 Photos

 

So there I was checking out a pond where I have seen beavers in the early Spring but not much else in the way of mammals. There was, however, some bird & duck activity which I was monitoring but then just off to my left, came what I thought was a muskrat. And then quickly changed my mind, it was a mink. It dived underwater & then briefly thereafter popped up in front and then disappeared under an unused beaver lodge (Photo #1 & Photo #2).

And then a few minutes later, it popped up again, went back into the water & swam across onto a nearby shore, where it disappeared (Photo #3 through to Photo #5). A short while later it came out, swam directly back to where I was sitting, dived under again and went off to what I thought would be fishing.

 

And then sometime later it re-appeared & repeated the same process. This time I managed to catch some shots of what it had in its mouth as it approached my side of the shoreline. "That's some strange looking fish?" and then "Why would it be bringing fish back & forth." Mink generally eat fish in-situ other than mother minks who bring back freshly caught fish to their offspring. And then it's only one trip, not repeated trips in succession from dry land.

 

I had had an opportunity to review the photos initially on camera & because of this mink's narrowed head size & more delicate features, I thought it might be a female mink.

 

And then reviewing the "catch", I realized this was no fish but a young mink. Mother minks, like weasels, have been known to move their little ones from one den to another to ensure they are not discovered by predators. This was probably one of those moves & Momma had decided that a disused beaver lodge was the perfect location. It was close by to the original den, could be reached by water, with an abundance of fresh fish just on the doorstep. And they carry them across, by the scruff of the neck, much like a mother cat with her kittens (Photo #6 through Photo #9).  

 

That first swim to & from was probably the first, if not the second trip, the mother had made and I had caught her with the camera bringing over the last of her offspring.

 

After this last trip, no more sightings and I assume everyone was all tucked up in their new abode.

 

And there is a sequel to this story, which happened the following morning. It will appear in the next blog, "Pond Patrol".

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-baby-on-board---mink-north-american Mon, 28 Aug 2023 22:27:04 GMT
"OUT OF THE BLUE, INTO THE GREEN" - Great Blue Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-out-of-the-blue-into-the-green---great-blue-heron "OUT OF THE BLUE, INTO THE GREEN"

Great Blue Heron - 5 Photos

 

The Great Blue Heron had been fishing in one of the ponds, probably having some success as it had been there quite awhile.

 

Eventually, it took to the air but this time, instead of going directly north it made a complete circle around the pond, which not only allowed for some flight photography but an opportunity to photograph the same bird in flight not only against the blue sky but the also the backdrop of the dark green foliage of trees & shrubbery.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-out-of-the-blue-into-the-green---great-blue-heron Tue, 22 Aug 2023 21:40:44 GMT
"SPOTTED AGAIN" - White-Tailed Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-spotted-again---white-tailed-deer "SPOTTED AGAIN"

White-Tailed Deer (Doe & Fawns) - 8 Photos

 

It's been almost two months since I first spotted this doe with her two fawns in the ponds. And there they were in the same body of water as before. 

 

The fawns still have all their spots but they are much taller & bolder and if possible, even more adorable. With the water a little deeper than it was, although a little hesitant about crossing the small channel, once in they boldly ventured into the water and onto dry land. 

 

Just a few minutes previously I saw a handsome buck with a set of already impressive antlers heading into the same water meadow. He was seen again later in the afternoon. I'm assuming with his presence being so close to the little family, he actually sired at least one of the fawns. From some of the material I have researched, one or more bucks can mate with one doe, producing two or more offspring with different fathers. Perhaps, with mating season just a few months away, he is keeping an eye on the doe.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-spotted-again---white-tailed-deer Mon, 21 Aug 2023 21:32:21 GMT
"NIGHT IS DRAWING IN" - Black-Crowned Night Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-night-is-drawing-in---black-crowned-night-heron "NIGHT IS DRAWING IN"

Black-Crowned Night Heron (Adult) - 7 Photos

 

"Night is drawing in" can mean so many things. It can be that the days are getting shorter or it can have a more personal note as drawing someone into a conversation, for example.

 

In this instance, this might have been one of the last opportunities I have of photographing an adult Black-Crowned Night Heron prior to its migration south from the Calgary area.

 

This, I believe, is one of a pair who actually nested and produced one offspring, which probably explains so much activity in the late Spring. (See Blog "The Night is Still Young - July 20, 2023.) One can only hope that they return next year to repeat the same chain of events.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-night-is-drawing-in---black-crowned-night-heron Thu, 17 Aug 2023 16:36:13 GMT
"BIRD'S EYE VIEW" - Great Blue Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-birds-eye-view---great-blue-heron "BIRD'S EYE VIEW"

Great Blue Heron - 5 Photos

 

There's nothing quite like catching something out of the corner of your eye, spotting a Great Blue Heron flying in low and then it suddenly landing on top of an old fir tree.

 

It wasn't there long but probably just long enough for the heron to take in the surrounding wetland from a "bird's eye view", making a decision as to where to fish and then flying onto its destination.

 

And once it has landed in among the dense bulrushes, the heron can fish undisturbed without being seen. It may, however, have somewhat like company. Black-Crowned Night Herons have been spotted heading in the same general vicinity.

 

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-birds-eye-view---great-blue-heron Tue, 15 Aug 2023 19:57:58 GMT
"GOT ONE!" - Pied-Billed Grebe (Immature) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-got-one---pied-billed-grebe-immature "GOT ONE!"

Pied-Billed Grebe (Immature) - 5 Photos

 

Have been trying to capture Momma Pied-Billed Grebe with a fish. Unfortunately, she has been too quick on the dive, resurface & off to feed her four youngsters.

 

But now that the little Grebes are now fishing for themselves, this opportunity presented itself.

 

And unlike Mom, immature Pied-Billed Grebes are a little slower in their uptake of swallowing the fish. In fact, it took at least a minute for this youngster to position the fish into a devouring position. It does seem a little self-satisfied with its catch or perhaps, it was a case of "can't believe I caught one". :)

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-got-one---pied-billed-grebe-immature Tue, 15 Aug 2023 19:23:52 GMT
"BIRD WARS" - Belted Kingfisher, Merlin, Grackle https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-bird-wars---belted-kingfisher-merlin-grackle "BIRD WARS"

Belted Kingfisher, Merlin, Grackle - 8 Photos

 

So the youngsters born this Spring have fledged and although their parents appear still to be in the picture, they have become quite self-sufficient, including superb flying & hunting abilities. 

 

The young Belted Kingfishers are very successful in diving for small fish & the Merlins excel in catching dragonflies in mid-air. 

 

But, of course, there is always sibling rivalry between families and different species.

 

Photo #1 & Photo #2 are of an encounter between the Belted Kingfisher & Merlin. Believe the Merlin, was actually looking to land on the next tree but was just taking the shortest route which was, of course, past the Kingfisher. And yes, the reason I managed the capture was that I was shooting the Kingfisher, saw it became agitated, kept shooting and into the frame appeared the Merlin.

 

Photo #3 through Photo #6 are of the two Merlin siblings. There are three but the oldest now only makes brief visits to this particular tree. As with all siblings, sometimes they are quite happy to be next to each other or on nearby branches. And then other times, there is a lot of "he/she is touching me" or a fight over the same top branch. 

 

Photo #7 & Photo #8 are of an encounter between the Belted Kingfisher & the Grackle. With this first incident, the Kingfisher gave way and took flight to avoid the Grackle. Once the Grackle had left the tree, the Kingfisher took its original perch, dived & got a fish. The Grackle re-appeared some time later, tried to bully again but this time the Kingfisher held its perch.

 

The Grackle did try the same tactic on the Merlins but you can imagine what their attitude was. "Really, you want to make this tree an issue." Grackles do know their limits. 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-bird-wars---belted-kingfisher-merlin-grackle Mon, 14 Aug 2023 18:48:43 GMT
"MERLINS FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED" - Merlin https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-merlins-feel-the-need-for-speed---merlin "MERLINS FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED"

Merlins - 9 Photos

 

The following photos were taken over a period of a few days and times, hence the change in lighting.

 

It appears these are three young Merlins hanging out together in a wetland area with the occasional oversight of one or both parents. And yes, they do seem to get along but like all siblings there is a lot of "he's/she's touching me" or no sharing & whining.

 

One thing is for certain. Merlins are incredible flyers even at such a young age. They have the agility, speed & manoeuvrability of jet fighters. On more than one occasion I was hazed by a Merlin, having spotted its target and flying overhead.

 

And what are they targeting? Believe it or not it's dragonflies. They catch them in mid-flight, sometimes inverting, flying upside down and grabbing the insect with their talons, just like a jet fighter doing a roll. Heck, I can't even capture a dragonfly with the camera while it is pausing in flight. Included, as Photo #9, is a close-up of the successful hunter with its prize. I normally don't include photos where a bird is resting on a wire but this young Merlin just seemed to cry out to have a photo with its trophy. That shiny look near its beak is a dragonfly wing. Merlins seem to devour dragonflies like people eat lobsters, pulling off certain appendages first.

 

So young Merlins, good luck in all your endeavours and have a successful southern migration in the next month or so. But if you could, please leave some dragonflies to combat those mosquitoes! :)

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-merlins-feel-the-need-for-speed---merlin Wed, 09 Aug 2023 23:08:17 GMT
"TREE TOPPINGS" - Great Blue Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-tree-toppings---great-blue-heron "TREE TOPPINGS"

Great Blue Heron - 7 Photos

 

What with intense sunlight, humidity and smoke, Nature's lighting this Summer has been interesting and challenging at times. In fact, the day prior I had a similar opportunity to capture a Great Blue Heron (may even have been the same heron) on the same tree close to the same time of day.

 

Because the heron had been so gracious with its time, I had had ample opportunity to check and even experiment with the settings on the camera. However, when I downloaded the photos, although sharp, they weren't what I was expecting.

 

The next day the heron returned to the same tree & although, the lighting was slightly subdued with light cloud around, the clarity had definitely improved and the sky was almost magical with subtle tones of blue & pink. 

 

That background brought out definition & sharpness in the heron and its feathers giving it this surreal appearance. And what could be better than to find at the top of an old fir tree, a Great Blue Heron.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-tree-toppings---great-blue-heron Wed, 09 Aug 2023 02:17:32 GMT
"NIGHTY NIGHT - HERON" - Black-Crowned Night Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-nighty-night---heron---black-crowned-night-heron "NIGHTY NIGHT - HERON"

Black-Crowned Night Heron - 5 Photos

 

Because of the hot sunny weather Southern Alberta has been currently experiencing, I decided to try an early evening reconnaissance in the wetland area. Wildlife has tons of common sense. It knows not to expend energy unnecessarily in the dry heat and use up valuable energy and resources. So I thought there might be more wildlife sightings as the evening temperatures began to cool.

 

At first it was relatively quiet. There were a few ducks swimming and of course, the muskrats were out doing their pond patrol. Then a pair of Merlins showed up, diving for dragonflies. They were persistently pursued by magpies who I assume were trying to steal their catches.

 

A couple of beavers swam into the pond but as their food sources are now plentiful in & close to the water, they just swam through to the next body of water.

 

And then this Black-Crowned Night Heron showed up & flew onto a dead fir tree.

 

At first, I thought it was just there for a brief rest before going on to join its partner or fishing but no, there it sat, preening, resting & ignoring the scuffles going on around it.

 

And it was still there perched on the tree when I left at sunset. 

 

The lighting in the photos below show the passage of time, as it goes from soft evening light to sunset. And as the daylight faded, so it appeared did the Night Heron. Perhaps this was its night perch, a safe oasis with a gentle breeze. 

 

And perhaps, another "bird fact" fades into the sunset as well. A Black-Crowned Night Heron that sleeps at night & is active during the day. :)

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/8/-nighty-night---heron---black-crowned-night-heron Thu, 03 Aug 2023 02:52:49 GMT
"ALL IN THE FAMILY" - Black-Crowned Night Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-all-in-the-family---black-crowned-night-heron "ALL IN THE FAMILY"

Black-Crowned Night Heron (Mature & Immature) - 3 Photos

 

Rain was now moving in, so made the decision to head back. Just as I approached the edge of a pond, I looked across & down and there huddled up was this young Black-Crowned Night Heron (Photo #1).

 

So quietly moved in, took some shots & then as I increased my range, I spotted the adult (Mum/Dad) sitting in the willows just a short distance away (Photo #2).

 

Just couldn't resist and I pulled back the lens and got the two together sitting so still (Photo #3).  I looked down to drop my water bottle and when I looked up, they had both disappeared into the willows.

 

I thought they might creep back in so I waited but a short time later two adults & the youngster flew out of the wetland, landed in the nearby trees and then flew off again into the middle of the marshes.

 

Earlier this Spring, I was fortunate to capture this pair of Black-Crowned Night Herons on a number of occasions but have noticed in the last month or so, their range has increased & is further into the ponds. At first I thought they were trying to avoid the bullying of the Red-Winged Blackbirds (which might be one reason). However, having captured this youngster on its own ("The Night is Still Young" blog - July 20/2023), coming out of the middle of the marsh where the adults had frequented earlier, I believe they had nested and raised at least one offspring. Now that "junior" has earned its wings & can fish on its own, there is no longer a need for this family to stay in one spot. 

 

And so now they can travel across the wetland network as a family, allowing the young heron ample opportunity to increase its flight skills & endurance in time for the migration south.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-all-in-the-family---black-crowned-night-heron Sun, 30 Jul 2023 17:37:44 GMT
"AHHH - YOUTH" - Pileated Woodpecker https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-ahhh---youth---pileated-woodpecker "AHHH - YOUTH"

Pileated Woodpecker (Immature) - 7 Photos

 

Was off to track down a Great Blue Heron (GBH) that from all appearances had landed in a nearby pond when passing a small wooded area, I spotted that distinctive red headdress peaking out from behind a tree trunk. 

 

It then flew to a fallen tree and began scooping up ants with its tongue.

 

A few minutes later it flew deeper into the trees and I continued my GBH search. It wasn't until I downloaded the photos that I could ascertain that this was probably a youngster born earlier this year. Now having fully fledged, it was out on its own in pursuit of woodpecker goodies and what better way to start a meal than with some easy to find appetizers. :) 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-ahhh---youth---pileated-woodpecker Sun, 30 Jul 2023 04:31:53 GMT
"DEEP DIVE" - Double-Crested Cormorant https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-deep-dive---double-crested-cormorant "DEEP DIVE"

Double-Crested Cormorant - 7 Photos

 

 

Once in a while, Nature does give do-overs.

 

Had missed a dive & resurface of a Double-Crested Cormorant the day before. When it came up, there was something hanging from its bill. The "something" disappeared down the cormorant's throat so quickly I thought it was some weedy substance from the bottom of the pond.

 

Fast forward to the following morning. In swam a cormorant which dived & resurfaced, again directly in front of me. This time I was ready and could see that it was indeed a fish.

 

And together with that do-over, all the stars were aligned (or perhaps birds) and the cormorant, the camera focus & the photographer all worked as one. :)

 

I rarely hold down the shutter button for a long period but this was one for the books. No sooner had the cormorant resurfaced with the fish, then it swallowed and down the throat it went. Time can appear to slow and having rechecked the playback of the camera sometime later, the entire episode took less than 3 seconds.

 

Because of the size of the fish, I reached out to Fish Tales Fly Shop in Calgary, Alberta for an identification. If you ever want to know what type of fish, reach out to a source that specializes in fishing & fishing equipment. It was identified as a White Sucker, a native & common species in Alberta and a bottom feeder. So it's a shout out to David & Courtney for their rapid response & assistance. Very much appreciated!

 

After a few less successful dives, the cormorant swam back into the larger pond and then took off to new fishing destinations.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-deep-dive---double-crested-cormorant Tue, 25 Jul 2023 03:30:40 GMT
"CLOSE TO THE END OF THE RAINBOW" - White-Faced Ibis https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-close-to-the-end-of-the-rainbow---white-faced-ibis "CLOSE TO THE END OF THE RAINBOW"

White-Faced Ibis - 11 Photos

 

Although with the very hot weather continuing in Alberta, it is difficult to believe that Summer officially ends in September but before that the White-Faced Ibises will begin their migration south. It should be noted that White-Faced Ibises are only found in the Americas.

 

It has been a celebration in colour with the iridescent feathers of this "rainbow" bird.  Now if only the camera could consistently focus on this erratically moving metallic ibis. It may seem to the naked eye, focusing on such a colourful creature would be an easy task but I have also encountered this issue with Wood Ducks in among grasses & shrubbery. What appears to us to be a "stand-out" is actually a masterful disguise. The dark metallic colours of both birds are a distraction to the camera & in attempting to keep up with the bird's walk, the camera's focus can be caught up in the background.

 

So we might be close to seeing the end of the appearance of the "rainbow" but for now we aren't quite there yet.

 

PHOTO #1

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PHOTO #11

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-close-to-the-end-of-the-rainbow---white-faced-ibis Sun, 23 Jul 2023 00:24:27 GMT
"THE NIGHT IS STILL YOUNG" - Black-Crowned Night Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-the-night-is-still-young---black-crowned-night-heron "THE NIGHT IS STILL YOUNG"

Black-Crowned Night Heron (Immature) - 9 Photos

 

 

Apologies - I just couldn't help myself with the title of this one.

 

The following photos are of an immature Black-Crowned Night Heron. I find the colour transition of immature birds to mature totally fascinating. That includes the gradual change of the young Bald Eagle into its mature white head & tail feathers.

 

Just chilling out by a pond, waiting for some bird to fly in or a mammal to swim in when I looked up and saw a bird standing behind a Mallard Duck but definitely much taller. "Where did you come from??" It just seemed to magically appear. One moment it wasn't there & the next, there it was.

 

And then keeping it in sight, I realized it would crouch and walk down a small gully in the bulrushes out of sight and then repeat the process sometime later & up it would suddenly pop again. 

 

It would catch a few fish just while standing with the ducks and then would retreat into the shade of the marsh grasses for some time, probably to take advantage of the shade and potentially more fishing opportunities.

 

And although the heron appeared to be a little nervous manoeuvring around the Mallard Ducks, it seemed to take some comfort from their company, birds of a feather and all that, I suppose.

 

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PHOTO #9


 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-the-night-is-still-young---black-crowned-night-heron Fri, 21 Jul 2023 02:56:35 GMT
"THE MUD STALKER" - Black-Crowned Night Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-the-mud-stalker---black-crowned-night-heron "THE MUD STALKER"

Black-Crowned Night Heron - 6 Photos

 

 

According to The National History Museum, "birds evolved from a group of meat-eating dinosaurs called theropods. That's the same group that Tyrannosaurus rex belonged to, although birds evolved from small theropods, not huge ones like T. Rex".

 

The Black-Crowned Night Heron although small in stature, stalks shallow creeks & ponds and their shorelines for fish & small prey, including young muskrats. Watching the heron in its hunting mode, creeping along the edges like a cheetah consistently in stealth mode, makes one thankful for its small size & less ferocity than the Velociraptor. But on my, those ruby red eyes!

 

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PHOTO #6

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-the-mud-stalker---black-crowned-night-heron Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:42:26 GMT
"SNIPPETS" - Wilson's Snipe https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-snippets---wilsons-snipe "SNIPPETS"

Wilson's Snipe - 4 Photos

 

This little bird was making so much vocalization from a clump of reed grasses, I just had to wait and see if it would make an appearance into a non-obstructed area.

 

And then it walked across to the little beaver dam and there was Wilson - sorry Wilson's Snipe.

 

It took a few minutes to view the surroundings and then off it flew. 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-snippets---wilsons-snipe Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:41:47 GMT
"NIGHT TIME, DAY TIME" - Black-Crowned Night Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-night-time-day-time---black-crowned-night-heron "NIGHT TIME, DAY TIME"

Black-Crowned Night Heron - 8 Photos

 

There is something so special of spending some day time with a Black-Crowned Night Heron, particularly one that has found sanctuary in a more remote part of a pond, safe from the harassment of Red-Winged Blackbirds. 

 

I can relate, having been hazed by a few of those Red-Winged bullies  while walking along a path far from a wetland area and/or potential nesting spots. They can be intimidating despite their size but unlike herons who appear to cower (both Great Blue & Black-Crowned Night), a few defensive swipes from my hands generally sends them packing. Those moves aren't to make any contact but only to state my case. "I'm no where near your territories so go back to where you came from!"

 

Because of the rocky sections of this part of the creek, the Night Heron was camouflaged by the environment and therefore, could spend hours fishing & grooming, without interruption from annoying low flyers. And yes, there were Red-Winged Blackbirds in the vicinity, just totally oblivious to a little heron minding its own business. 

 

And woe to a heron who ventured out of its "safe zone" - Photo #8

 

 

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PHOTO #8

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-night-time-day-time---black-crowned-night-heron Sun, 16 Jul 2023 03:53:42 GMT
"MOUNT MUSK-ARAT" - Muskrat https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-mount-musk-arat---muskrat "MOUNT MUSK-ARAT"

Muskrat - 7 Photos

 

I'm not certain why this muskrat repeatedly made a beeline to this small mound created by a fallen reed.

 

From its size and appearance, it is most likely a young muskrat, maybe even born earlier this year. 

 

It had to divert from its regular swimming path to make its ascent. The muskrat could easily have swam around it or avoided it entirely, but several times that afternoon, it climbed up, walked a step or two across and then went back down the other side. The photos below document that ascent of "Mount Musk-arat" and include some of the tiny flying inhabitants of the pond. Every athlete deserves its own cheering section.

 

Being young perhaps it was the challenge or just enjoyment. Or maybe it is a young muskrat's way of strengthening its core to be better prepared to confront any potential adversaries, maybe even take on the odd Great Gray Heron or two! :)

 

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PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-mount-musk-arat---muskrat Fri, 14 Jul 2023 02:22:34 GMT
"NATURE'S SPLASH POOL" - White-Tailed Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-natures-splash-pool---white-tailed-deer "NATURE'S SPLASH POOL"

White-Tailed Deer (Doe & Fawns) - 5 Photos

 

Another hot sunny day in Calgary, Alberta and like all mothers out there, this doe was trying to keep her twin youngsters hydrated and cool in the outdoors. 

 

And what better place, than one of Nature's splash parks, i.e. a shallow creek. 

 

This one comes with not only cooling waters to walk in but a convenient snack bar close-by. And, of course, another sibling to share playtime (Photo #5)

 


PHOTO #1

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PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-natures-splash-pool---white-tailed-deer Mon, 10 Jul 2023 23:02:51 GMT
"FINDING NEVERLAND" - Sora https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-finding-neverland---sora "FINDING NEVERLAND"

Sora - 6 Photos

 

So what are the chances of this happening twice??

 

The Sora is not a rare bird but it is a very shy one so to catch it twice open areas within the space of a month or so, is quite the gift. Hence, the title "Finding Neverland". Neverland is, of course, that fictional island featured in the literary works of J.M. Barrie, and home to Peter Pan.

 

It's not an is-land but the Sora does live in wet-lands, which provide food, shelter & nesting area potentials.

 

The Sora is also known as the "meadow chicken", probably due to the way it "hen pecks" in its pursuit of food in the muddy marshlands but that does seem so unfair a description for such a unique looking little bird, with its almost zebra like camouflage feathering. 

 

PHOTO #1

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PHOTO #4


PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-finding-neverland---sora Sat, 08 Jul 2023 04:43:13 GMT
"BIG BLUE" - Great Blue Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-big-blue---great-blue-heron "BIG BLUE"

Great Blue Heron - 8 Photos

 

Great Blue Herons can be as tall as one metre with their necks outstretched so it's somewhat amusing to see them harassed, terrorized & even bullied by Red-Winged Blackbirds (Photo #6)  - yes, that's a black bird sitting on the back of the heron who is trying to hide in the rushes. And not only is it from the air but from "sea" as well, i.e. the local pond dweller, the Muskrat.

 

In fact, this past weekend I was witness to Muskrat/Great Blue Heron encounter. The heron was hugging the pond shoreline where I was sitting, unfortunately for me partly obscured by marsh grasses & reeds. So I thought I would wait it out and hopefully the heron would make its way around & out for a great close-up shot. And then the large male muskrat showed up on its regular patrol.

 

It was heading across the pond when it saw the heron standing close to where the muskrats have a small bank den. It immediately made a detour & beelined straight to the heron. It moved in close to the heron, turned its back towards the heron & gave one mighty slap with its tail. Needless to say, the heron flew off from a standing position to parts unknown. Really Heron? What's the muskrat going to do? Bite your toes! :)

 

But here are some photos of a more relaxed heron, stalking out fish & occasionally catching a meal. And then there is always the resulting shake-out of feathers after a quick head splash (Photo #1)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/7/-big-blue---great-blue-heron Tue, 04 Jul 2023 23:29:21 GMT
"BEAVER REFLECTIONS" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-beaver-reflections---beaver-north-american "BEAVER REFLECTIONS"

Beaver (North American) - 8 Photos

 

After a brief summer rain shower, it was back to the pond to see what new arrivals had appeared. 

 

Mother Mallard was back with her now eight ducklings (there had been nine - uh-oh) and of course, there was the muskrat patrol. And then out of the rushes, swam a beaver, the first time I had seen one so close since Spring.

 

Now that the pond superhighway is open, allowing for complete access to the entire pond areas, there are ample food & supplies for the beaver family, without having to make treks out of the safety of the water. If a beaver did decide to take to ground for some grooming or dam repairs, the marsh reeds & grasses are so tall now they would be well hidden from sight.

 

Three more beavers eventually swam through, each exiting in the same direction but one particular beaver turned, swam back and did a swim by and appeared to be checking out the "strange object" on the shore. I believe these four beavers to be the offspring of various ages of the two adults, as they had not yet reached their full potential size wise (Photo #5 through Photo #8).

 

As I spend some hours just sitting at the edge of ponds, waiting & watching for wildlife and potential photographic opportunities, the regular inhabitants, I believe, have come to view me as just part of the background of pond life as long as I maintain a low profile. Sometimes, however, that profile may be a bit too low key. I have on a number of occasions had to duck for low flying Yellow-headed Blackbird youngsters acting out sibling rivalry.

 

So as this one beaver swam by, I caught him/her in a blink or was that perhaps a wink between pond inhabitant & pond visitor?? :) :) (Photo #1 through Photo #4) And that blink was highlighted by a ring of white fur circling each eye! 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-beaver-reflections---beaver-north-american Wed, 28 Jun 2023 01:27:50 GMT
"TRUE COLOURS" - White-Faced Ibis https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-true-colours---white-faced-ibis "TRUE COLOURS"

White-Faced Ibis - 8 Photos

 

Perhaps the metallic bird would be a more apt description for the White-Faced Ibis.

 

And I know that it is only a physical characteristic of its bill, but it always appears to be smiling. Maybe it's a little knowing smile of a secret being shared, i.e. it's true beauty. :) 

 

These ibises were secure enough in their surroundings to allow for some close-ups, including grooming (Photo #1 through to Photo #4). Then it was time for some stand-up stretches & shakes (Photo #5 & Photo #6).

 

And then there was a stretch of wings, which I assume included some sun bathing, which, once again, showed off those magnificent colours (Photo # 7)

 

A final shot is a close up of the second ibis to show off those ruby red eyes. (Photo #8)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-true-colours---white-faced-ibis Mon, 26 Jun 2023 02:14:52 GMT
"JUST ANOTHER SWIM IN THE POND" - Muskrat https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-just-another-swim-in-the-pond---muskrat "JUST ANOTHER SWIM IN THE POND"

Muskrat - 6 Photos

 

 

Light, weather conditions, time of day & location are all factors that can influence photography. And what better way to demonstrate the variables than with cute muskrats on various patrols in their home ponds.

 

Two muskrats whom I believe to be male & female, have given me ample opportunity to view the comings & goings of the beaver's little cousin. They have a vast system of ponds that they utilize & I have come to realize they visit the same area of a pond on a set schedule. You can't set your watch by their timing, but they definitely have a particular routine. 

 

They are also most likely the same pair that were featured in the June 1, 2023 blog, "Make Love - Not War". It was only a week ago, that they appeared to be back at the business of making more little muskrats. This time, though, they chose a reed bed thick with bull rushes & marsh grasses. In fact, one particular Yellow-Headed Blackbird family have nested on the platform so that particular afternoon, there was a lot of muskrat squeaking & bubbling, accompanied by that distinctive rusty gate vocalization of the blackbirds.  But this day, all was discreet with the muskrats except for the arrivals & departures at the "green room" (Photo #1 through Photo #3).

 

Muskrats can have two to three litters a year and within a month, the kits are independent, being able to swim & feed themselves. Unfortunately, some of the youngsters make the mistake of taking refuge in the shallow reed edges along the water where herons like to wade looking for a meal & it's not only fish that will satisfy a heron's hunger!

 

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PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-just-another-swim-in-the-pond---muskrat Wed, 21 Jun 2023 16:08:49 GMT
"FLY BY NIGHT" - Black-Crowned Night Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-fly-by-night---black-crowned-night-heron "FLY BY NIGHT"

Black-Crowned Night Heron - 9 Photos

 

So these are a "fly by night heron" during the day. 

 

I have included, as the last photo, a stationary Black-Crowned Night Heron to demonstrate how this small heron changes its appearance purely by different actions.

 

And it always helps in achieving "fly-bys" to have a few Red-Winged Blackbirds scaring up & chasing herons. 

 

 

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PHOTO #9

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-fly-by-night---black-crowned-night-heron Tue, 20 Jun 2023 16:49:01 GMT
"ENCHANTMENT IN THE WETLANDS" - White-Faced Ibis https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-enchantment-in-the-wetlands---white-faced-ibis "ENCHANTMENT IN THE WETLANDS"

White-Faced Ibis - 10 Photos

 

Just having the White-Faced Ibis summering in Calgary, Alberta's wetlands is magical. It is such an exotic looking bird and gives that tropical feeling on a hot summer day.

 

But like most animals, depending on the circumstance they can appear to change their appearance into different shapes & sometimes, other creatures.

 

For example:

 

PHOTO #1 - "A GIGANTIC HUMMINGBIRD" :) 

PHOTO #2 - "THAT SALON HAIR STYLE"

PHOTO #3 - "LOOK OUT - INCOMING VULTURE"

PHOTO #4 - "A BIRD THAT CAN APPEAR TO WALK ON WATER"

PHOTO #5 - "A MYTHICAL CREATURE - PERHAPS A MODE OF TRANSPORTATION FOR ELVES OR FAIRIES"

PHOTO #6 - "FLYING OUT OF MIDDLE EARTH (LORD OF THE RINGS)"

PHOTO #7 - "LOOK UP IN THE SKY, IT'S A BIRD - IT'S SUPER IBIS!"

"PHOTO #8 - "DOUBLE VISION - PART 1"

PHOTO #9 - "DOUBLE VISION - PART 2"

PHOTO #10 - "DOUBLE VISION - PART 3"

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-enchantment-in-the-wetlands---white-faced-ibis Mon, 19 Jun 2023 16:02:43 GMT
"A WHINNY IN THE WILDERNESS" - Sora https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-a-whinny-in-the-wilderness---sora "A WHINNY IN THE WILDERNESS"

Sora - 7 Photos

 

So maybe it's actually a whinny in the marshlands but have heard that distinctive "whinny" for some years now and have known what it was but have never had visual contact.

 

And then it happened and I finally had a sighting while waiting for other marsh dwellers to put in an appearance (Photo #6 & Photo #7 ).

 

Fast forward to the following hot afternoon and I had taken refuge for shade in among some tall grasses pond side. Again, I was watching the goings on of the various wildlife when I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. As this edge is frequented by Yellow Headed Blackbirds, I thought it was just another forage when through the grasses I spotted the Sora making its way out of the grassy clump into the water's edge.

 

I had the camera already in hand ready to shoot but not wanting to spook the little bird, I held my breath & waited those few seconds, while it took a path directly across my camera line and into a clear view (Photo #1 through to Photo #5). It then took a turn to my right and disappeared back into that massive thicket of marsh grasses & rushes.

 

So now I can put a "face" to that mournful whinny when I next hear it.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-a-whinny-in-the-wilderness---sora Tue, 13 Jun 2023 16:16:49 GMT
"WHEN NIGHT TURNS INTO DAY" - Black-Crowned Night Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-when-night-turns-into-day---black-crowned-night-heron "WHEN NIGHT TURNS INTO DAY"

Black-Crowned Night Heron - 9 Photos

 

I occasionally wonder how birds are given their common names. In this instance, I suppose, 1 out of 3 isn't bad in the description department.

 

First - The crown of the Black-Crowned Night Heron isn't black. It's dark navy blue.

Second - For a bird that's described as a "night heron", it certainly appears in the daytime regularly, including in and around noon time.

 

So that leaves us with "heron". That part's right. A much smaller compatriot to the Great Blue Heron, it too enjoys the same prey such as fish, small crustaceans and the odd small muskrat. :)

 

So here are some photos of the "Black-Crowned Night Heron". And depending on its positioning & activity, it can change appearance quite dramatically.

 

PHOTO #1

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PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

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PHOTO #9

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-when-night-turns-into-day---black-crowned-night-heron Mon, 12 Jun 2023 02:22:16 GMT
"VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-variety-is-the-spice-of-life---beaver-north-american "VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE"

Beaver (North American) - 7 Photos

 

They may be rodents but life is never boring. It can involve family, eating and food gathering to name just a few pastimes (and work times). 

 

Have added captions to the photos below as they seemed to cry out for some comments. :) 

 

With regard to Photo #6, I reached out to Dr. Emily Fairfax who is an Assistant Professor at a California university & beaver (dam) enthusiast & asked if the adult beaver was cleaning or grooming its youngster. Her reply was, "The adult is probably grooming the baby. They get waterproofing from their castor glands so the adult may be accessing to use it as it grooms the baby, rather than "cleaning" the glands." (Thanks, again, Dr. Fairfax!)

 

 

PHOTO #1 - "STAND TALL"

PHOTO #2 - "AN INTIMATE MOMENT BETWEEN ADULT & YOUNGSTER"

PHOTO #3 - "UP CLOSE & PERSONAL"

PHOTO #4 - "DOOR DASH FOR BEAVERS???"

PHOTO #5 - "GOLDEN BEAVER (RETRIEVER)?"

PHOTO #6 - "ADULT GROOMING YOUNGSTER USING THE OILS FROM ITS CASTOR GLAND"

PHOTO #7 - "WHAT A SHOOT!" (The beaver put all its weight onto its back legs to pull out this behemoth.) 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-variety-is-the-spice-of-life---beaver-north-american Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:31:06 GMT
"FLYING PRISMS" - White-Faced Ibis https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-flying-prisms---white-faced-ibis "FLYING PRISMS"

White-Faced Ibis - 6 Photos

 

As the term "Flying Rainbow" bird has already been taken, (it refers to the Rainbow Lorikeet), I thought perhaps "Flying Prism" bird might be an apt description for the White-Faced Ibis.

 

It may look entirely black from certain perspectives, but looks can be deceiving. And although it is continually pursued by Red-Winged Blackbirds, perceiving it to be a bird of prey that will feed upon their eggs & young, again it is a case of mistaken identity.

 

The White-Faced Ibis's diet consists mainly of insects, snails, crayfish & small fish. Birds' eggs do not appear to be on the menu. Perhaps it's that "vulture pose" as it comes in for landings that have led blackbirds, etc. astray.

 

 

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PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

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PHOTO #6

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-flying-prisms---white-faced-ibis Mon, 05 Jun 2023 02:02:42 GMT
"MAKE LOVE, NOT WAR" - Muskrat https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-make-love-not-war---muskrat "MAKE LOVE, NOT WAR"

Muskrat - 11 Photos

 

The following two sets of photos were taken over 2 days in a period of approximately one week.

 

And in reverse order, let's start with the "war" part. A smaller muskrat entered a small cove in the pond where a large muskrat was eating. It was greeted with what I believe was aggression and chased into the open water. As you can see from Photo #1 to Photo #4 , teeth were bared by both parties, there was paw to paw contact and eventually the larger muskrat literally put the smaller one on its back in the water. This large muskrat then did a somewhat partial submerged victory swim, with the defeated quickly swimming to the far end of the pond.

 

I thought this might be a younger, less mature muskrat (perhaps even an offspring), trying to push its way into an adult's food source, particularly with the ensuing battle.

 

Now for the "make love" part. The very large muskrat was enjoying basking, scratching & feeding in a small inlet on this warm Spring evening several days later (Photo #5 & Photo #6). It suddenly stopped, sniffed the air (Photo #7), turned and in swam a smaller muskrat.

 

This time events were entirely different. They swam around each other in a mutual greeting and then well, I'll let Photo #8 through to Photo #10 tell the story. And yes, they did "get a room", that being the little sunlit inlet.

 

After a brief encounter where the male groomed the female, they swam briefly together (Photo #11) and then separated harmoniously, one going north, the other going south.

 

I can't say for certain that the first set of events was or wasn't an adult putting a youngster in its place or whether it was a show of unwanted mating but there was no doubt what the intention was in the latter. And hopefully, within the next month, there will be the pitter patter of little muskrat feet in the beaver lodge.

 

"WAR?"

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

 

"MAKE LOVE"

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

PHOTO #10

PHOTO #11

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/6/-make-love-not-war---muskrat Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:23:14 GMT
"THE NEXT GENERATION" - Great Horned Owlet https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-the-next-generation---great-horned-owlet "THE NEXT GENERATION"

Great Horned Owlet - 5 Photos

 

Another successful fledging by a Great Horned Owlet. 

 

Let's hope it's one giant leap for a long & productive life for this little Great Horned Owl. Wildlife has a steep learning curve. The length of time spent with parent(s) differs between species but when all is said and done, the survival of offspring depends mostly upon how well it has learnt those all important life lessons from the adults. And in most cases, there is no moving back into the parents' domain if things don't work out! :) 

 

Wishing all the very best to this young owlet on its journey into the great domain of Nature.

 

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PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-the-next-generation---great-horned-owlet Tue, 30 May 2023 15:01:42 GMT
"LITTLE RED" - Squirrel (Red) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-little-red---squirrel-red "LITTLE RED"

Red Squirrel - 6 Photos

 

This "Little Red" is not the "Riding Hood" kind. It's Alberta's native Red Squirrel.

 

It had appeared in the same area of woods the day before when the weather was wet and damp. And then the next day when sunshine & warmer temperatures re-emerged, so did the squirrel.

 

"Little Red" hung out perusing the logs & trees, looking for food and grabbing a quick "squirrelly" nap ever so often, basking in the sun. And then it was gone but not before giving some great poses for the camera.

 

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PHOTO #6

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-little-red---squirrel-red Mon, 29 May 2023 02:27:54 GMT
"COLOUR MY WORLD" - White-Faced Ibis https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-colour-my-world---white-faced-ibis "COLOUR MY WORLD"

White-Faced Ibis - 5 Photos

 

I have a fanciful theory that most birds were given the opportunity to choose two out of the three following gifts from Nature:

1. Flight

2. Beauty

3. Song

 

For example, the little House Wren can fly and flit about. Although very plain, its song is lyrical. The Bald Eagle has magnificent looks and incredible flight abilities but song or voice - not so much. Of course, then there is the Emperor Penguin. I suppose if you substituted swimming ability for flight, you still end up with two out of three, the second being beauty.

 

And now we come to the White-faced Ibis. It definitely has great flight and the ability to hop small distances. It definitely didn't choose "voice" as its vocalisation is like a witch's cackle. And seeing this bird from afar or in flight, it can look somewhat like a black vulture. But then here comes the magic - iridescence. In sunlight, the true beauty of the ibis appears, in vibrant greens and maroons. 

 

And add to that mix, a very generous White-faced Ibis who chose a bed of last year's rushes to hunt for food, making the contrast so complete.

 

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PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-colour-my-world---white-faced-ibis Thu, 25 May 2023 02:13:37 GMT
"MINKED-IN" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-minked-in---mink-north-american "MINKED-IN"

Mink (North American) - 5 Photos

 

LinkedIn is marketed as the "world's largest professional network on the internet". One can utilize it to locate the right job, for example.

 

So what is "MinkedIn"? How about using it to locate the right mink! :) :)

 

And this little mink is a definite candidate. I believe from its body & head sizes, it's female. Although minks are not a very big mustelid, the male mink is much larger than its female counterpart. Having seen two different males last year, it was quite shocking to see the size difference between the sexes. Male minks are much bulkier & have a "devil may care" attitude, probably due to the fact that the only interaction they have with females is during mating & there is no worry about little minks to provide for at the den.

 

So here is one adorable mink, cute as its button nose but of course, looks can be deceiving. :)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4


PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-minked-in---mink-north-american Tue, 23 May 2023 01:12:10 GMT
"MIND YOUR P's & Q's" - Porcupine (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-mind-your-ps-q-s---porcupine-north-american "MIND YOUR P's & Q's"

Porcupine (North American) - 8 Photos

 

That, of course, would be Porcupines & Quills.

 

No worries about a porcupine throwing its quills but this large male decided to make its way down to ground level during a busy time onto a potentially dangerous path. No danger from any wildlife, only the two-legged kind, including bicycles.

 

I don't know how it knew there was a lull in the action other than a porcupine's acute sense of hearing but having watched it for several hours from a safe & hidden location, I moved in to ensure it moved into another nearby tree and not an attempt to cross the path. This may have been its original intention because it climbed up a new tree and immediately slumped into a position totally out of the sun & the wind (Photo #8). Porcupines know best!

 

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PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

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PHOTO #8

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-mind-your-ps-q-s---porcupine-north-american Tue, 16 May 2023 16:12:44 GMT
"THE CATWALK" - Ring Necked Pheasant https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-the-catwalk---ring-necked-pheasant "THE CATWALK"

Ring Necked Pheasant - 7 Photos

 

In this instance, I suppose "catwalk" isn't the best terminology for a Ring Necked Pheasant walking back & forth along a log. Perhaps "birdwalk" would be better??

 

Believe it or not, this male pheasant flew in and landed on a downed tree trunk while I was watching a porcupine. I was amazed that having struggled to stand up having sat for so long & reset the camera settings, that the pheasant continued its birdwalk, without interruption, along the fallen tree. Just like a model, it strutted from one end of the tree to the other and then repeated the manoeuvre. 

 

It paused twice to perform the "crow" announcing to all of its presence (Photo #5 & Photo #6). 

 

I have a particular preference for Photo #3 , which I believe is an unusual frontal view of a male Ring Necked Pheasant. Unfortunately, because of its head feathers sticking out from each side of the head & the demarcation of its head colouring, I have a desire to break out into a chorus of "M-I-C-K-E-Y MOUSE"! :) 

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-the-catwalk---ring-necked-pheasant Mon, 15 May 2023 15:20:38 GMT
"COME ON IN - THE WATER'S FINE" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-come-on-in---the-waters-fine---mink-north-american "COME ON IN - THE WATER'S FINE!"

Mink (North American) - 7 Photos

 

A bright sunny afternoon and the mink was out fishing. That blue colour of the water is actually the reflection of the clear blue sky in the still pools.

 

And no, a mink can't walk on water (Photo #3 & Photo #4).  It's the fallen marsh reeds creating a bed under the water that the mink is prowling along. It actually swam under the reed bed looking for fish with some success but scampered quickly away with its small catch before you could say "mustelid".

 

PHOTO #1

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PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 


 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-come-on-in---the-waters-fine---mink-north-american Tue, 09 May 2023 02:24:07 GMT
"LOOK MA, NO HANDS!" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-look-ma-no-hands---beaver-north-american "LOOK MA, NO HANDS"

Beaver (North American) - 5 Photos

 

Beavers are clever. Other than people, perhaps no other species can modify its surroundings for its own purposes. They are ecosystem engineers and current research is uncovering how they help fight drought and even be instrumental in reversing climate change. 

 

They have been called a "keystone species", which is a unique organism that supports the entire biological community. Wow - that's a big legacy for all those young beavers to live up to! :) 

 

They are very dexterous with their hands but can also use their mouths to carry even large branches. So who needs a hand or two?

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5 - "Well maybe, when eating." :) 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-look-ma-no-hands---beaver-north-american Fri, 05 May 2023 07:39:00 GMT
"A LONG WAY DOWN" - Porcupine (North America) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-a-long-way-down---porcupine-north-america "A LONG WAY DOWN"

Porcupine (North American) - 5 Photos

 

 

It isn't often that I see a porcupine descend (or even ascend) a tree but every time is as exciting & nail biting as the first.

 

Any noise (and that can include the click from the camera shutter) or slight movement can send a porcupine back up the tree. They don't see very well but their hearing and sense of smell are both acute. And that can mean a very long silent wait for another potential descent.

 

Then if you add in early evening light (and not dusk) and a clear view of the tree & the climber, it doesn't get more perfect to document the event.

 

PHOTO #1

Porcupine - North AmericanPorcupine - North American"STEP BY STEP, PAW BY PAW, CLAW BY CLAW"

PHOTO #2

Porcupine - North AmericanPorcupine - North American"LONG WAY DOWN"

PHOTO #3

Porcupine - North AmericanPorcupine - North American"DON'T LOOK DOWN, DON'T LOOK DOWN"

 

PHOTO #4

Porcupine - North AmericanPorcupine - North American"CHECKING FOR AN ALL CLEAR"

PHOTO #5

Porcupine - North AmericanPorcupine - North American"HOMEWARD BOUND"

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-a-long-way-down---porcupine-north-america Thu, 04 May 2023 07:30:00 GMT
"A MINK SPA DAY" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-a-mink-spa-day---mink-north-american "A MINK SPA DAY"

Mink (North American) - 7 Photos

 

As a starter, this mink is not in distress, no matter what it may look like from some of the photos.

 

It's Spring and I think it was a combination of cleaning out that Winter coat and a re-oiling process of its fur after swimming and fishing.

 

And what better way to get those unreachable places but to rub both topside & underside along an accommodating log, particularly when you have such short legs like the mink. From some of those expressions, I think it was a combination of feelings of relief and jubilation.

 

And those looks can range from "cuteness" to "look out - predator on the loose"!

 

PHOTO #1

Mink - North AmericanMink - North American"ABSOLUTE BLISS"

PHOTO #2

Mink - North AmericanMink - North American"GETTING ALL THOSE ITCHY SPOTS"

PHOTO #3

Mink - North AmericanMink - North American"SOMETIMES THOSE MINK ARMS JUST AREN'T LONG ENOUGH TO GET TO THOSE ITCHY PLACES"

PHOTO #4

Mink - North AmericanMink - North American"HOW TO GET TO THOSE UNDERBELLY PLACES"

PHOTO #5

Mink - North AmericanMink - North American"LYING DOWN ON THE JOB"

PHOTO #6

Mink - North AmericanMink - North American"A QUICK RESPITE"

PHOTO #7

Mink - North AmericanMink - North American"MINK SELF- MASSAGE FEELS SO GOOD!"

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/5/-a-mink-spa-day---mink-north-american Tue, 02 May 2023 20:17:28 GMT
"TO THE VICTOR GOES THE SPOILS" - Bald Eagles https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/4/-to-the-victor-goes-the-spoils---bald-eagles "TO THE VICTOR GOES THE SPOILS"

Bald Eagles (Adult & Immature) - 11 Photos

 

 

It was one of those non-Spring days in April with intermittent snow squalls. The lighting did, however, provide some wonderful contrast for eagle flights. And yes those white spots that appear on the eagles' wings are actually snow falling.

 

The immature Bald Eagle (probably 3 years old) was spotted first (Photo #1 & Photo #2).  He/she made a couple of flights down onto the ice but before I could get there, the gulls had chased it off and then it was back to a nearby tree.

 

And then the adult Bald Eagle flew in. Obviously it was not willing to share its territory or any food with this youngster and an aerial chase ensued with the young eagle making a hasty departure (Photo #3 and #4).

 

Then it was back to the same tree as a look-out for the adult, with intermittent fly overs to check out gull positioning and potential left-overs (Photo #5 through to Photo #9).

 

It appeared that the gulls were scavenging dead fish that had appeared just under the melting ice on the pond. They were patrolling the ice edge, pulling out the fish and feasting on the remains (Photo #10). The eagle was looking for that moment when a piece became available as gulls squabbled among themselves for who got the meal.

 

What was surprising was how cautious the Bald Eagle was. Considering its beak and talon size, you would think there would be no worries about taking on a gull or two but this was not the case. It was willing to wait for that opening when it thought it could swoop down and make off with a fish carcass but unwilling to take a stand (or flight) against the gulls. I suppose in an eagle's world, any potential injury is worth avoiding as no matter how slight, it could seriously impact its ability to hunt.

 

In the end, however, while the gulls fought it out within their group, the eagle swooped in, grabbed a piece of fish and flew off. And yes, that is a Mallard Duck ahead of the eagle making a quick get-away (Photo #11).

 

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PHOTO #6

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PHOTO #9

 

PHOTO #10

PHOTO #11

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/4/-to-the-victor-goes-the-spoils---bald-eagles Wed, 26 Apr 2023 16:08:45 GMT
"TRUST ME - I COULDN'T MAKE THESE UP!" - Porcupine (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/4/-trust-me---i-couldnt-make-these-up---porcupine-north-american "TRUST ME - I COULDN'T MAKE THESE UP!"

Porcupine (North American) - 7 Photos

 

 

When photographing porcupines, I try to find the most optimal location from which to shoot (location, light, etc.) & wherever possible, blend into the landscape. This minimizes the stress on the porcupine & doesn't cause undue attention to my subject. I've been exposed too many times where wildlife has been subjected to mobbing by onlookers. This may seem selfish but I do believe that the welfare of the animal is paramount and unfortunately, not everyone adheres to that code. 

 

When conditions are right, porcupines like to "hang out" during the day in trees, particularly deciduous ones, to catch some warm sunny rays (particularly in the Winter) and occasionally munch on the bark of branches. They also love buds just before they come into leaf. Those sap filled buds must be porcupine candy. 

 

Porcupines are more active than one would think, while they are in those lofty branches. Their movements can be frequent but for very short periods, usually just seconds. So I usually subscribe to some "porcupine meditation" where one gets comfortable for the long haul, lying on the ground and just hanging out in the shrubbery. 

 

Being hidden from passersby, leads to some occasional overhearing of commentary about porcupines. These are just four that I heard one afternoon.

 

1. "I didn't know they climbed trees!"

Now I don't know where these individuals are seeing porcupines on the ground & if it is that frequent, I would  like to know the locations.

 

2. "I've never seen a porcupine in a tree before. It must be injured and has gone up a tree to die."

This one hit me directly in the heart. I normally do not correct individuals but in this instance, I had to inform the gentleman that this was, indeed, a regular & normal occurrence and it was a very healthy & active porcupine.

 

3. "Be careful if you walk under that tree. You don't want to have any quills falling on you."

Okay, I think the general population now knows that porcupines do not throw their quills but this has to be a new one for the books. Probably the worst that could happen, is to be hit by falling porcupine poop. And no worries, it's very hard (because of the porcupine diet), about 1 inch long and 3/8 inch wide. 

 

4. "Oh my that's a beaver! I didn't know beavers climbed trees."

At first, I thought I had misheard but no, this statement was repeated to the fellow's wife & two additional walkers. I just couldn't bring myself to make any comments.

 

And now for some photos of one of those tree climbing porcupines, North America's second largest rodents, the largest being the beaver who, of course, does not climb trees :) :) ! Yes, beavers can stand upright but the only trees they can climb on are the horizontal kind. (Photo #7)

 

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PHOTO #4

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PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/4/-trust-me---i-couldnt-make-these-up---porcupine-north-american Tue, 25 Apr 2023 01:47:46 GMT
"BEAUTIFUL BEAVER" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/4/-beautiful-beaver---beaver-north-american "BEAUTIFUL BEAVER"

Beaver (North American) - 11 Photos

 

 

Slightly modifying two lines of the song by John Lennon, "Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)":

 

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful

Beautiful Beaver

 

The dam work having been completed, I suppose it was a night of relaxation and eating for the beavers, at least during the remaining hours of daylight.

 

Upon arrival at the pond, I spotted one smaller beaver sitting on a small reed island, munching away (Photo # 7).  It then disappeared onto the other side out of sight but I could still hear munching and tail slapping by at least two.

 

Then eventually a much larger beaver swam into the area, came out of the water, retrieved a branch and returned to the shoreline. This beaver was extremely large and a lovely ginger colouring, obviously coming into its Spring/Summer coat. There were comings and goings of several more beavers after, including a smaller one who remained with the adult who I believe to be last year's kit from its size and attachment to the adult.

 

Eventually all the beavers disappeared into their network of ponds, probably looking for other places to forage. There is something so relaxing about sitting with beavers hearing their quiet munching sounds. And that soft "mewing", vocalized particularly by the youngsters communicating with the adults that just touches my heart.

 

They may be rodents but I think you will agree, beautiful. And what better mammal could we have as a national symbol than the beaver. They are hard working, community minded, family orientated and phenomenal eco-engineers.

 

ADULT BEAVER

 

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PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

JUNIOR BEAVER

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

PHOTO #10

PHOTO #11

 

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/4/-beautiful-beaver---beaver-north-american Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:55:34 GMT
"IT'S NOT ALL WORK" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/4/-its-not-all-work---beaver-north-american "IT'S NOT ALL WORK"

Beaver (North American) - 9 Photos

 

Although there is some dam repair to complete, believe the beavers are waiting for some serious thaw of snow/ice to soften up the earth & material that lies beneath. And then it will probably be all "hands" on deck.

 

While waiting that out, the beaver family took some time to have a family "picnic" in one particular area of the creek to enjoy some refreshments & grooming.

 

One of the two adults, believe it to be Dad, decided to come ashore quite close in to attend to some fur maintenance, hence the close-ups.

 

 

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PHOTO #9

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/4/-its-not-all-work---beaver-north-american Mon, 17 Apr 2023 19:30:48 GMT
"SASQUATCH?" - Porcupine (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/4/-sasquatch---porcupine-north-american "SASQUATCH??"

Porcupine (North American) - 7 Photos

 

Of course, another name for Sasquatch is "Bigfoot" and this porcupine certainly qualifies.

 

And it also appears he (from its size & location), still has not shed his Winter under coat. He definitely has hairy  (and large) feet! :) 

 

I've heard people express surprise at seeing porcupines in trees, making the comment, "I didn't know they could climb." Like the mythological sasquatch, porcupines like the solitude & safety of tree top cover, generally saving walk about moments for after dusk. 

 

 

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PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/4/-sasquatch---porcupine-north-american Thu, 13 Apr 2023 15:19:15 GMT
"THERE HAS TO BE A BETTER NAME!" - Muskrat https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/4/-there-has-to-be-a-better-name---muskrat "THERE HAS TO BE A BETTER NAME"

Muskrat - 7 Photos

 

I've often thought that the name "muskrat" for this smaller cousin of the beaver is not the most complimentary term. 

 

This little rodent who frequently co-habitates with its beaver cousin, will make repairs to their lodges and often appears in open water just before beavers make their presence known. Perhaps, the muskrat acts as a semi-scout, checking out for an "all clear".

 

Unlike beavers, however, muskrats are not solely vegetarian and will also eat small fish, snails, clams, etc. when the need arises. I have included a photo that I took in March 2022 of a muskrat with its catch (Photo #7)

 

So how about a name change? As you can see from the photos below, they have similar harvesting habits as beavers and this particular muskrat seems to be particularly pleased with its choice (Photo #2 & Photo #3).

 

My suggestions in no particular order:

1. Muskbeaver

2. Lesser Beaver

3. Micro or Mini Beaver

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/4/-there-has-to-be-a-better-name---muskrat Wed, 12 Apr 2023 20:28:26 GMT
"LIKE A KID IN A CANDY STORE" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/4/-like-a-kid-in-a-candy-store---beaver-north-american "LIKE A KID IN A CANDY STORE"

Beaver (North American) - 7 Photos

 

 

Having watched this beaver in its Winter/Spring Wonderland, I came to the conclusion that there is at least one more mammal more clumsy going through the snow than a photographer, and that's the Castor canadenis or the North American beaver.

 

But the lure of willow on a small island was like a trip to the candy store. So many choices. It just had to be the right one. And maybe it's just wishful thinking, but I swear this beaver is smiling (Photo #1 through Photo #3). He/she certainly has bright eyes.

 

Having chosen the perfect candidate (Photo #4), it was off through the snow (Photo #5) and back to the water to enjoy Nature's bounty.

 

Having enjoyed a great meal, what better time than to take some time out for a quick shake & a groom (Photo #6 & Photo #7). 

 

PHOTO #1

Beaver - North AmericanBeaver - North American"SO MANY CHOICES"

PHOTO #2

Beaver - North AmericanBeaver - North American"ON MY WAY TO THE CANDY COUNTER"

PHOTO #3

Beaver - North AmericanBeaver - North American"ONE OF THESE, PLEASE"

PHOTO #4 - "I'm In Love"

Beaver - North AmericanBeaver - North American"I'M IN LOVE"

PHOTO #5

Beaver - North AmericanBeaver - North American"CARRY OUT"

PHOTO #6

Beaver - North AmericanBeaver - North American"A GOOD SHAKE"

PHOTO #7

Beaver - North AmericanBeaver - North American"HAVING HAD A GOOD MEAL, TIME FOR A GOOD GROOM"

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/4/-like-a-kid-in-a-candy-store---beaver-north-american Tue, 04 Apr 2023 15:08:53 GMT
"IS THIS THE ARCTIC?" - Beaver (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-is-this-the-arctic---beaver-north-american "IS THIS THE ARCTIC??"

Beaver (North American) - 11 Photos

 

"Is this the Arctic?" No Beaver, just a Spring day in Calgary, Alberta! :)

 

Firstly, I would like to say that these beavers have more secrets than Area 51.  :)

And that  leaves us with the following four questions and answers:

 

PHOTO #2 - "Is This A Polar Bear?"

PHOTO #3 - "No - It's A Beaver!"

 

PHOTO #4 - "Is This An Arctic Seal?"

PHOTO #5 - "No - It's A Beaver!"

 

PHOTO #6 - "Is This A Snowman?"

PHOTO #7 - "No - It's A Beaver!"

 

PHOTO #8 - "Is This The Creature From The Icy Lagoon?"

PHOTO #9 - "No - It's A Beaver!"

 

PHOTO #10 - "It's Really A Beaver!"

PHOTO #11 - "Yep - It's Definitely A Beaver!"

 

 


 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-is-this-the-arctic---beaver-north-american Fri, 31 Mar 2023 07:30:00 GMT
"SPRING HAS SPRUNG" - Weasel (Long-Tailed) & Northern Flicker https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-spring-has-sprung---weasel-long-tailed-northern-flicker "SPRING HAS SPRUNG"

Weasel (Long-Tailed) & Northern Flicker - 5 Photos

 

Spring has sprung, the weasel has "riz". I wonder where the birds is!

 

Unfortunately, I didn't manage to capture the pair of Northern Flickers on the tree where they were checking out potential nesting cavities. Needless to say, they were extremely agitated and flew off the tree as soon as they saw the weasel climbing up. But I did capture them later on in the nearby woods, performing their courtship ritual (male at top, female at bottom), which was so endearing (Photos #3, 4 & 5).

 

The chickadees had quickly joined in to the bird alarms. Then after a quick inspection of the tree hole (no nothing yet), the weasel descended the tree (Photo #1 & Photo #2) and onto more "grounding" matters.

 

It may seem cruel to some, but Nature just "is". Without predators, even small ones like this weasel, prey species would overrun the environment, damaging & disrupting Nature's delicate balance. And unlike predators whose successful hunts are at best 1 in 4 or even less, prey species such as herbivores (or even small birds) generally have a constant source of food without as much effort.

 

If this pair of Northern Flickers are aware of their surroundings & have the potential to be great parents, they will most likely choose a better venue to lay their eggs and raise their offspring. :)

 

PHOTO #1

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-spring-has-sprung---weasel-long-tailed-northern-flicker Mon, 27 Mar 2023 17:00:32 GMT
"ON A WING & A PRAYER" - Barrow's Goldeneye https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-on-a-wing-a-prayer---barrows-goldeneye "ON A WING & A PRAYER"

Barrow's Goldeneye - 7 Photos

 

It was a fairly quiet day beside the river, a few Common Goldeneyes & Mallards & an occasional sighting of a muskrat when in flew a male & female Goldeneye. 

 

Because they were relatively close as they flew by and lit by the sun, I thought I saw some "not so usual" markings. I knew they were Goldeneyes but once they had landed, I spotted the telltale white crescent marking on the male Barrow's Goldeneye.

 

Not so often sighted during the Winter months in Calgary, they can sometimes be seen in among the Common Goldeneye groupings. And even though, this male had brought his mate with him, he was still being chased off by the Common Goldeneyes as the courtship water wars continue.

 

So it was on a wing or four for the Barrow's Goldeneyes & a prayer to Nature from me that I had indeed spotted a "not so common" Goldeneye. :)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6 - Male Barrow's Goldeneye (foreground) & Female Barrow's Goldeneye (background)

PHOTO #7 - Barrow's Goldeneye (left of photo) & Common Goldeneye (right of photo)

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-on-a-wing-a-prayer---barrows-goldeneye Wed, 22 Mar 2023 16:43:31 GMT
"STOP! - Coyote Working" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-stop---coyote-working---coyote "STOP! - Coyote Working"

Coyote - 8 Photos

 

Am almost certain that this has happened to other photographers out there. You know the scenario. You have a great day of shooting, come home download from the camera onto the computer & then choose the very best images to develop.

 

And then somehow, that second tier never receive the attention that they deserve. Well this happened to me with a coyote session that I recently went back to, to review the photos. All I can think is that I must have had a spectacular day to have left this set unattended. 

 

It goes without saying the coyote is an exceptional representative of its species but I hope readers will agree that this set of photos deserved highlighting.

 

And yes, "shhh - coyote at work"! :) 

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-stop---coyote-working---coyote Mon, 20 Mar 2023 16:48:17 GMT
"SEMAPHORE" - Bald Eagle https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-semaphore---bald-eagle "SEMAPHORE"

Bald Eagle (Mature) - 9 Photos

 

Semaphore: A system of sending messages by holding the arms or two flags or poles in certain positions according to an alphabetical code.

 

Perhaps we could add "wings" to the above definition after "or poles". Does anyone know eagle semaphore?? (Photo #1 to Photo #5 )

 

Of course, this isn't an eagle signaling (but it certainly looks like it) but one shaking out the water from its feathers. In the past, I have managed to capture this action with ospreys but never with an eagle. It would be great in video to get the full effect but the length of time it took, was less than 5 seconds.

 

And then, of course, came the preening (Photo #6 to Photo #7 ). A bird's feathers are its life, particularly a bird of prey that needs that all important flight to hunt. 

 

And then it is close to mating time so maybe there is another side to this scenario - looking our best! (Photo #8 & Photo #9)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

 

PHOTO #9

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-semaphore---bald-eagle Mon, 13 Mar 2023 02:28:22 GMT
"MUST BE SOME PROUD PARENTS OUT THERE" - Bald Eagle (Immature) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-must-be-some-proud-parents-out-there---bald-eagle-immature "MUST BE SOME PROUD PARENTS OUT THERE"

Bald Eagle (Immature) - 5 Photos

 

I had managed to make it to the shoreline, just in time to get some clear shots of this immature Bald Eagle as it flew across the river. 

 

From its appearance, definitely hatched last year and as we are now in March, it has almost made that magical milestone of one year. Hopefully, it will continue to mature over the next few years and develop into a fully mature eagle.

 

But currently adorned in its mottled brown feathers and brown beak, this young eagle is a stunner & a magnificent flyer. Only time will tell if its hunting skills can keep up with its growth.

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-must-be-some-proud-parents-out-there---bald-eagle-immature Mon, 13 Mar 2023 02:23:15 GMT
"TROUBLE IN PARADISE" - Swans (Trumpeter) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-trouble-in-paradise---swans-trumpeter "TROUBLE IN PARADISE"

Trumpeter Swans (Adult) - 9 Photos

 

Swans appear to have this angelic or seraphic quality, maybe because of their pure white colour (in the adults) & their grace in flight (Photo #1). However, this gracefulness doesn't transpose when it comes to their movement on land, which brings us to the dialogue & photos below.

 

These two swans from their closeness & familiarity with each other were obviously a pair & being Trumpeter Swans, life mates. Having managed to climb onto an icy shoreline from the river, appeared quite content to groom & nap.

 

And then the largest of the two (the male) and the furthest from the water, decided it was time for a drink. Rather than try to navigate the icy platform by slipping & sliding its way round its mate, one of a swans' ungainly movements, the quickest way was to push "Mrs." out of the way.

 

Subtlety isn't perhaps a swan's strongest suit. Much better to bite its mate to facilitate a move (Photo #2 to Photo #7). And, of course, its mate relinquished and moved back into the water (Photo #8).

 

And then that allowed the male to partake of some cold river water (Photo #9).

 

Amusingly, for some time after, the two remained apart but eventually all appeared to be forgiven and they were back on the ice, side by side.

 

So it appears that bird pairings have their little spats too. The disagreements don't appear to last too long though.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-trouble-in-paradise---swans-trumpeter Mon, 13 Mar 2023 01:55:21 GMT
"A MINK'S FAMILY TREE" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-a-minks-family-tree---mink-north-american "A MINK'S FAMILY TREE" - A Throwback Thursday Blog

Mink (North American) - 11 Photos

 

 

Having accumulated quite a number of photos of related minks over the past few years, I felt it time to put this family tree down, with a bit of their history.

 

My very first encounter with a mink was just over five years ago and eventually I came to know that this mink was a female (Photo #1 & Photo #2).  I repeatedly caught her fishing in a creek but it wasn't until I saw her with an enormous Prussian Carp (an invasive fish species) that I truly clued in to her gender (Photo #3). Having caught an amazing meal, she disappeared into a rock crevice & didn't materialize until 45 minutes later. (And yes, there I waited knowing, "one way in, one way out".) I expected to see only a mink exiting, having gorged itself on the fish but no, she slowly crept out, fish in mouth, and entered the creek. Then it dawned on me, the fish was for her entire family, her youngsters and herself.

 

A month or so later, I saw her entering & exiting her usual fishing spot & then close behind her, were two smaller minks (Photo #4 & Photo #5). From their size & appearance, I thought the larger one to be male (who I named Big Boy) and the smaller, a female (Little Girl or LG for short). Big Boy definitely had a much larger & flatter head. They followed their mother up a bank and to a much larger pond where I assumed they would be instructed in the art of fishing.

 

I never saw the young male again but on several occasions later in the month, I would see the mother first running along the creek, followed a minute or so later by the little female.

 

The following Spring, there was a "new" mink in town, a slightly smaller mink with a narrow face (Photo #6).  It was LG (Little Girl). As she had taken over her mother's fishing spots & wild mink live only 3 to 4 years,  I assumed that sadly her mother had passed and she had inherited her mother's territory. Again I would repeatedly see her fishing in the same fishing spots. Her approach & tactics were, however, completely different - another clue that this was not the same mink.

 

And again, that Spring whenever she caught a fish, it was back downstream with her catch, never pausing to take even a bite. Yep, a month or so later, I caught her running along the creek bed. Some fifteen minutes later, appeared not one, not two but three little minks in small, medium & larger sizes. And so they were named, Mini (for Mini Me because she looked like a smaller version of her mother), George & Sparky (Photo #7, Photo #8 & Photo #9). Sparky's name will become apparent. 

 

I went back to the same area the following day, hoping to spot at least one mink being that there were now four known minks in the area. After a period of waiting, the three youngsters appeared one at a time. The two smallest hit the rock pools looking for fish, the larger one went immediately to where his mother fished & not ten minutes later pulled out a whopper (Photo #10). Oh, Grandmother Mink would be so proud. So that's how Sparky got his name. He certainly "sparkled" when he appeared with that fish. (I wonder if he was allowed to keep it for himself or was forced to share when he got home?)

 

Last year, I scoured the same area for months & no minks. Being that Spring had come & gone, it didn't look good as this is when baby mink are born. And then on a hot day in very late July as I was having a quick snack by the creek, a mink suddenly appeared. My first thought was "that is one huge mink". It then proceeded to hunt in the grasses for rodents & fish in the creek. And shortly upon its arrival, up it popped with a sizeable fish. It could only be "Sparky", the oldest male (Photo #11).  

 

I had never encountered a full grown male mink before and I was amazed at its size & the "don't give a darn attitude". I saw Sparky a couple of times after that but I assume being a "fearless" male, his favourite fishing areas were the much larger ponds and of course the nearby river, particularly in the winter months.

 

I don't know what will happen this year. Hopefully, Sparky will meet up with a female & there will be more mink antics this Spring. One can only sit & wait! :)

 

PHOTO #1 - Grandmother Mink

Mink (North American)Mink (North American)"YO - DOWN HERE!"

PHOTO #2 - Grandmother Mink (grooming on a log)

PHOTO #3 - Grandmother Mink with her amazing catch

Mink (North American)Mink (North American)'ON OUR WAY OUT"

PHOTO #4 - Little Girl (or LG)

PHOTO #5 - Big Boy 

PHOTO #6 - LG (or Little Girl) now Mom,  the following year

Mink (North American)Mink (North American)"SLIDE OUT"
(Female - Adult) - LG or Little Girl (Mum)

PHOTO #7 - Mini Me (or Mini for short), the young female youngster

Mink (North American)Mink (North American)"PEEK A BOO"
(Female - Juvenile) - Minnie Me

PHOTO #8 - Curious George (the smaller male youngster)

PHOTO #9 - Sparky (the oldest male)

Mink (North American)Mink (North American)"A GIANT LEAP FOR MINK KIND"
(Male -Juvenile) - Sparky

PHOTO #10 - Sparky (his first year) with his catch

Mink (North American) - JuvenileMink (North American) - Juvenile"FLY"

PHOTO #11 - Sparky, the following year. (It's all in the genes.)

 

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-a-minks-family-tree---mink-north-american Thu, 09 Mar 2023 03:40:34 GMT
"OLD MAN COYOTE" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-old-man-coyote---coyote "OLD MAN COYOTE"

Coyote - 4 Photos

 

In some legends of Indigenous peoples, "Old Man Coyote" created people, animals, plants and the earth.

 

Upon close examination of the photos below, you can see that this healthy coyote's teeth are yellowish & relatively well worn which leads me to believe that this is an older canid, probably male from its size. Hence, the name, in this instance, of "Old Man Coyote".

 

Spotted him, merrily making his way down a snowy path at that easy coyote trot , heading directly in my direction. I tried to remain out of sight but unfortunately, with that sharp coyote eyesight to no avail. It was a quick stage right, down a small bank then along a frozen pond, where ever so often a head and a partial body appeared above the top of the bank, as he loped along.

 

I caught sight of him as he made his way across the pond, checked out the local beaver lodge and then up the bank where he joined the path again and then off he ran. And trust me, at a coyote's leisurely trot, there is no hope of keeping pace (or even getting closer) to bridge that distance.  And you can add "avoidance" to the coyote's repertoire. 

 

No matter - I managed a few camera shots of this exquisite canid and hopefully, he was off on a successful hunt and to return to his den, where perhaps he and his mate are planning on new arrivals this spring. :)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-old-man-coyote---coyote Tue, 07 Mar 2023 23:23:24 GMT
"MUSKRAT ON ICE" - Muskrat https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-muskrat-on-ice---muskrat "MUSKRAT ON ICE"

Muskrat - 11 Photos

 

 

Muskrats are, not only the cousins to our North American Beaver, but also to the European Water Vole. In fact, "Ratty" in the children's story, "The Wind in The Willows" was actually a water vole and not a rat.

 

It's so unfortunate to have "rat" in your name, particularly when you are a relative to the beaver & cohabitate with them in their lodges. And it has been documented that muskrats do not live "rent free" in beaver lodges. They actually assist with interior lodge repair, placing mud on holes in the structures, etc. Quite often, while watching in the early evening for beavers to appear, I have seen a muskrat exit the lodge first, usually sometime before the beavers. Perhaps, an early scouting trip to ensure an "all clear"?

 

This large muskrat had been swimming up and down a river channel, when it decided to relax, eat & groom on an ice shelf close to shore. It made periodic ventures into the water to obtain new shoots to return to the same ice shelf and enjoy. Being so large, I am thinking it was actually "Dad" to the muskrat clan in this area & on a previous weekend, I had counted up to seven swimming back and forth and diving under the water.

 

Muskrats, like beavers, do not have great eyesight, depending more on their hearing & sense of smell. There were various waterfowl feeding in the channel & I don't know why but one particular Mallard Duck decided to continually feed close to the ice shelf where the muskrat was sitting (Photo #11) and eventually on one foray into the water, the muskrat & the duck had a head on collision. I can understand a muskrat with low vision having such an encounter but what was the duck's excuse! :) 

 

Well after a quick attempted nip by the duck, Muskrat decided there were quieter & less controversial rest areas & went downriver to find a more secluded spot.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

PHOTO #10

PHOTO #11

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/3/-muskrat-on-ice---muskrat Wed, 01 Mar 2023 21:29:11 GMT
"WHAT? iT'S THAT TIME AGAIN?" - Bufflehead https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-what-its-that-time-again---bufflehead "WHAT? IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN??"

Bufflehead - 11 Photos

 

I'm probably not the only one out there who has seen the male Bufflehead duck from a distance and thought, "What a cute little black & white duck". Buffleheads are a third of the weight of a Mallard duck & smaller than the Common Goldeneye.

 

But if you add in one natural ingredient, sunlight, at just the right angle something magical occurs. (Well, I think it's magical.)

 

Like the White-Faced Ibis's feathers, when viewed in the right light, the male Bufflehead's head feathers shimmer and take on tones of emerald green & maroon. And with the white patch behind each eye, that black & white duck is no more. (Photo #1 - Photo #6)

 

I had been taking a snack break beside the river channel when two dueling male Buffleheads caught my attention. They must have gone at it for at least 20 minutes, one in particular chasing the other away, only for it to return for another round of sparring. As you will see from the photos, one male is slightly larger and more colourful than the other. This larger duck, I believe, was the victor in this match. (Photo #7 - Photo #9)

 

And what was the object of their attention - well, the female Bufflehead of course. (Photo #11) And just because this male Bufflehead won this round, it probably won't mean it has won the mating privileges of this particular female.

 

THE VICTOR

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

 

THE CONTENDER

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

THE DUEL

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

PHOTO #10

THE FEMALE

PHOTO #11

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-what-its-that-time-again---bufflehead Mon, 27 Feb 2023 01:35:06 GMT
"NOW YOU SEE ME, NOW YOU DON'T" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-now-you-see-me-now-you-dont---coyote "NOW YOU SEE ME, NOW YOU DON'T"

Coyote - 9 Photos

 

It's always great excitement to see a coyote out hunting.

 

This handsome canid, from its leggy appearance, was probably born Spring 2022 and from its size, most likely a male.

 

Hitting the shoreline just after sunrise, he was out looking for a meal - maybe a vole or two or perhaps, even a glorious pheasant. And yes, as you will see from the photos below, he did see me watching from a safe distance but he was much too busy and caught up in his searching to pay too much attention. 

 

Then he was back on track following his nose and heading further south in pursuit of breakfast.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-now-you-see-me-now-you-dont---coyote Tue, 21 Feb 2023 02:07:24 GMT
"BALD EAGLE FAN CLUB" - Bald Eagle (Mature) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-bald-eagle-fan-club---bald-eagle-mature "BALD EAGLE FAN CLUB"

Bald Eagle (Mature) - 11 Photos

 

This eagle is one of a pair that I have photographed previously. 

 

I am not certain if it is the male or female but whatever its gender, it certainly amassed a small number of admirers on this sunny Winter afternoon. 

 

The eagle had landed on a tree branch in a small grove of trees, close to a walking path. It had been there at least 20 minutes before I arrived, close enough to begin photographing and there it stayed, happily viewing the surroundings and perhaps even basking in the sun (and the adoration of its fans) for another 30 minutes before departing. 

 

One would like to think that its flight in our direction was to give a maximum show to those below but I believe it was mostly due to the direction of the wind. Birds, particularly, the larger ones take off into the wind.

 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

PHOTO #10

PHOTO #11

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-bald-eagle-fan-club---bald-eagle-mature Tue, 21 Feb 2023 02:02:07 GMT
"THE GRYPHON" - Bald Eagle (Immature) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-the-gryphon---bald-eagle-immature "THE GRYPHON"

Bald Eagle (Immature) - 7 Photos

 

I feel all Bald Eagles, no matter what their age, are magnificent & awe inspiring birds of prey.

 

This particular immature Bald Eagle has particularly striking markings and is probably approximately 3 years old. Because of its stature and appearance, I have dubbed him/her "The Gryphon", after the mythological creature. 

 

It will almost be a sad moment when this youngster ages a couple more years and achieves its white head & tail feathers and all the trappings of a mature Bald Eagle and loses the unique characteristics.

 

And although it was a suspicious eagle in the past, never staying long enough for me to get off more than a couple of camera shots, this time although it led a merry chase from tree to tree, it eventually settled for half an hour. Thus allowing for greater documentation of this truly beautiful bird.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-the-gryphon---bald-eagle-immature Wed, 15 Feb 2023 18:51:23 GMT
"MAKING A MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLEHILL" - Long-Tailed Weasel https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-making-a-mountain-out-of-a-molehill---long-tailed-weasel "MAKING A MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLEHILL"

Long-Tailed Weasel - 8 Photos

 

Having crept under a log with the "catch of the day", the weasel eventually resurfaced, first without its meal, then with.

 

At first I thought it had spotted me and kept ducking down to avoid a confrontation but then it dawned on me!

 

The little snow hill was probably no more than 18 inches to 24 inches in height but for a very short legged weasel it must have been huge, particularly with a mouthful. The popping up and down was its attempt to get enough momentum to get over the top. Trust me, being somewhat short myself, I can relate - trying to reach those drinking glasses from the top shelf is a real pain. :)

 

Eventually, there was success and the weasel ran off to a better location, hopefully to enjoy a well deserved meal.

 

 

PHOTO #1

 

PHOTO #2

 

PHOTO #3

 

PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

 

PHOTO #6

 

PHOTO #7

 

PHOTO #8

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-making-a-mountain-out-of-a-molehill---long-tailed-weasel Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:01:59 GMT
"A VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE" - Long-Tailed Weasel https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-a-view-from-the-other-side---long-tailed-weasel "A VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE"

Long Tailed Weasel - 5 Photos

 

A wildlife predator doesn't have a Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde split personality. Like Nature, it just "is". Without predators to maintain that delicate balance in Nature, the animals they prey upon would multiply & create unhealthy eco-systems. 

 

One good example is the re-introduction of native wolves back into Yellowstone National Park in 1995. Before their re-introduction, elk, etc. because they had no large predators, multiplied and remained relatively non-nomadic in the park. This resulted in decimation of grasslands and plants, etc. through their over grazing which impacted other wildlife, including insects. When wolves were added back into the landscape, elk and other similar species, became more nomadic, including moving to higher elevations, thus alleviating the stress on the environment.

 

Wolves generally pick the easier targets, such as the aged, the injured & sometimes the very young. But as with all predators, every hunt does not result in success. They may go for days without making a kill. 

 

Like the wolf, the weasel expends a great amount of energy in its pursuit of prey and not every expedition brings success. So here are a few photos of a "softer" side of a weasel, that adorable but "pound for pound", a fierce adversary.

 

PHOTO #1

 

PHOTO #2

 

PHOTO #3

 

PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-a-view-from-the-other-side---long-tailed-weasel Mon, 13 Feb 2023 17:53:24 GMT
"MAGPIE - THE OTHER WHITE MEAT" - Weasel (Long-Tailed) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-magpie---the-other-white-meat---weasel-long-tailed "MAGPIE - THE OTHER WHITE MEAT"

Weasel (Long-Tailed) - 5 Photos

 

Apologies to any extra sensitive individuals out there! :) 

 

I was going to use the first line of that old magpie nursery rhyme, "One for Sorrow" but although it was sad for the magpie, it was a great catch for an amazing little predator. The magpie's demise probably went a long way to adding to those calories that are so needed for the weasel's survival.

 

And how did I spot a white weasel in all that snow? Well, it wasn't the weasel I saw first. It was this feathery black & white ball bouncing towards me. Seconds later, I could see a long body attached, trying to make its way through the shrubbery in unique weasel fashion, half running, half bouncing.

 

And for all those Bald Eagles that have been harassed by magpies as they sat on their perches, there is probably one Bald Eagle out there somewhere, smiling! 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

 

PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-magpie---the-other-white-meat---weasel-long-tailed Tue, 07 Feb 2023 17:30:34 GMT
"NUM, NUM, NUM!" - White-Tailed Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-num-num-num---white-tailed-deer "NUM, NUM, NUM"

White-Tailed Deer - 7 Photos

 

This young deer was in relatively close proximity to its mother. From its size & appearance, I would say it was born Spring 2022 and as it does not appear to have any "buds" on its head, would assume it's a little girl.

 

It was a case of walking through some trees & shrubbery, watching for icy patches on the path, when we basically both looked up at the same time. She was some distance away, feasting on the small leaves & twigs in the grove. Once we had established a safe distance between us, she went back to happily munching & stripping the branches of their wares. 

 

It was an opportunity to take some close-ups of a deer eating from the tops of branches and being able to see the inside of her mouth, teeth & tongue. 

 

She eventually made her way around the grove, met up with her mother and the two wandered off into the woods.

 

As a final note, I would make this recommendation. Please do not feed the deer (or any wildlife for that matter) in these provincial parks. First, it is against Provincial Park regulations & second, believe it or not wildlife do well enough on their own. We are now having instances where individuals are actually hand feeding deer. This may seem adorable but hand fed deer can become aggressive deer. It is one thing to have a chickadee fly right to your hand or around your head looking for food, it's another thing for a deer to strike out looking for that hand-out which has not been offered.

 

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PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/2/-num-num-num---white-tailed-deer Fri, 03 Feb 2023 08:30:00 GMT
"THE NOT SO COMMON - COMMON GOLDENEYE" - Common Goldeneye https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-the-not-so-common---common-goldeneye---common-goldeneye "THE NOT SO COMMON - COMMON GOLDENEYE"

Common Goldeneye (Male) - 8 Photos

 

Common is, of course, a word defined as "the most known or the most frequently seen" and is often used in nomenclature of plants & animals. 

 

It can also be used in a derogatory sense,  inferring cheapness or inferiority. 

 

While pursuing opportunities for photos of the more infrequent sighting of the Barrow's Goldeneye, this particular male Common Goldeneye came close enough in to the shore line to capture some photos, which detail the finer attributes of this little bird.

 

Like the Barrow's Goldeneye, this little diving duck is one tough bird. It dives in the frigid waters for fish & can hold its breath from up to 10 to 30 seconds. Take a moment to review some photos of the Common Goldeneye and see if you agree that the "Common Goldeneye" is not so common. :)

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-the-not-so-common---common-goldeneye---common-goldeneye Tue, 31 Jan 2023 23:12:41 GMT
"EVERYONE MUST HAVE THOSE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL BLUE" - Belted Kingfisher https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-everyone-must-have-those-days-when-you-feel-blue---belted-kingfisher "EVERYONE MUST HAVE THOSE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL BLUE"

Belted Kingfisher - 4 Photos

 

Everyone must have those days, even occasionally, when you feel blue.

 

For the Belted Kingfisher, it must be every day. :) The question is does he know he's blue (literally) or on a poor fishing day, does he feel blue (figuratively)??

 

On this day, the skies were that great Alberta blue and the conditions were extremely cold. I have a great deal of respect for this little fisherman, some of whom brave the cold wintery conditions and stay in Calgary for the Winter. They fish quite successfully from the trees that border the Bow River or from trees along any open water such as creeks that have remained partially open.

 

The first acknowledgement that he is present is usually that kingfisher rattle, announcing his arrival.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-everyone-must-have-those-days-when-you-feel-blue---belted-kingfisher Mon, 30 Jan 2023 17:27:27 GMT
"WHAT EAGLES GET UP TO IN THEIR DOWNTIME" - Bald Eagles (Mature) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-what-eagles-get-up-to-in-their-downtime---bald-eagles-mature "WHAT EAGLES GET UP TO IN THEIR DOWNTIME"

Bald Eagles (Mature ) - 11 Photos

 

The following photos feature two Bald Eagles (actually a partnership) and were taken over the course of several hours.

 

I followed one as it landed on a tree and it was subsequently joined by its mate. The two then flew to a pair of trees very close by and then eventually ended up in one tree, one on a branch above the other where they remained for almost two hours, literally just chilling out. If you check out the feet and talons of one eagle, in particular, you can see they are bright red, presumably covered in the blood of a recent & probably substantial meal. They probably both had recently dined well which may explain why they were attending to "other matters" for such a long period.

 

As the afternoon sun began its descent, the two, one after the other, flew in the direction of the river.

 

So what do eagles get up to when they have some time to relax. Well ........

 

PHOTO #1 - Having A Conversation With Our Mate

 

PHOTO #2 - Spending Some Time With A 'Friend'. If I was this magpie, I would be paying close attention to the colour of this eagle's feet :) 

 

PHOTO #3 - A Quick Pose Before Changing Locations

 

PHOTO #4 - Choosing Just The Right Perch

 

PHOTO #5 - Taking That Horror Movie Pose

 

PHOTO #6 - Cleaning Our Beak With A Newly Broken Off Branch. Who said eagles don't use tools???

 

PHOTO #7 - Taking That "Who Me?" Look

 

PHOTO #8 - Now That Looks More Like A Bird Of Prey

 

PHOTO #9 - Relieving That Annoying Itch

 

PHOTO #10 -  S-t-r-e-t-c-h

 

PHOTO #11 - The Inevitable Good-Bye

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-what-eagles-get-up-to-in-their-downtime---bald-eagles-mature Tue, 24 Jan 2023 08:30:00 GMT
"GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN?" - Sharp-Shinned Hawk https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-guess-who-just-dropped-in---sharp-shinned-hawk "GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN?"

Sharp-Shinned Hawk- 10 Photos

 

So I was sitting by a river, waiting for a certain Belted Kingfisher to come in closer. The seconds turned to minutes which turned to over an hour, which - well you get the picture.

 

Then I heard this plop close-by and looked quickly to my right and there sitting on a semi-submerged branch in the river channel was a Sharp-Shinned Hawk. So I quickly aimed the camera taking as many shots as I could before the hawk flew away but then it just sat there.

 

"Now I know we just met & far from it for me to comment on your perch choices, but you're sinking!"  And yes, although Sharp-Shinned Hawks weigh only up to 115 grams, this branch was already half under water before the addition of the hawk. With the movement of the water and the weight of the bird, the branch was rapidly disappearing. So the hawk deserted the "sinking ship" to another branch more secure & then hopped to some rocks on the river bed.

 

I expected it to fly off at this point but then it flew clear of the debris onto a series of rocks where it sat & took some time to decide its next move. Eventually, it flew up onto fallen tree and then across the river where I saw it hunting, chasing after the smaller waterfowl along the shore.

 

I am not certain if it had gotten too close to the river in its pursuit of prey and made a semi-crash landing to dry off and it was any perch was better than no perch but it was amusing to see it sitting there in a dignified hawk manner, as its tail feathers slowly disappeared into the water. But obviously no lasting harm done.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-guess-who-just-dropped-in---sharp-shinned-hawk Sun, 22 Jan 2023 18:29:06 GMT
"CROUCHING EAGLE" - Bald Eagle (Mature) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-crouching-eagle---bald-eagle-mature "CROUCHING EAGLE"

Bald Eagle (Mature) - 3 Photos

 

"Crouching Eagle" can be a yoga pose or even a play on the movie title "Crouching Eagle (Tiger), Hidden Dragon". One could almost imagine an eagle being mistaken for a dragon, with its wing span, large head & beak and those magnificent talons.

 

This particular Bald Eagle flew into a grove of trees and chose to land on a broken tree, before departing.

 

Maybe it assumed this position because of the nature of the perch or perhaps for a quick get away. All that mattered was for a very short period, it allowed some quick shots of a magnificent bird.

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-crouching-eagle---bald-eagle-mature Tue, 17 Jan 2023 02:50:30 GMT
"CUDDLE BUG" - Porcupine (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-cuddle-bug---porcupine-north-american "CUDDLE BUG"

Porcupine (North American) - 7 Photos

 

Perhaps "'Cuddle Bug" isn't the first nickname that comes to mind when one thinks "porcupine" but with their dark furry brown faces & their cute little footpads (that always remind me of soled slippers), maybe a re-visit is in order.

 

This Cuddle Bug probably stayed up in a tree after a night outing, foraging for food, deciding that some warmth & sunshine would be conducive for some scratching & napping.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-cuddle-bug---porcupine-north-american Mon, 16 Jan 2023 00:16:38 GMT
"LIGHTNING BUG" - Belted Kingfisher https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-lightning-bug---belted-kingfisher "LIGHTNING BUG"

Belted Kingfisher - 7 Photos

 

I've been wanting to use the title of Country Artist, Dean Brody's song for some time and thought it was an apt description for the little Belted Kingfisher, although it probably should be "Lightning Bird"!

 

Am still amazed how some of Belted Kingfishers remain in Calgary, AB during the cold winter, fishing anywhere where there is open water (and fish, of course).

 

I try to be the "glass half full" photographer and not dwell on the shots that I miss, like this little Kingfisher landing in the tree. But thanks to Nature & the camera equipment, I managed to catch its dive from the tree & its flight away.

 

The Belted Kingfisher isn't as flashy as the British Kingfisher but when you can see the underside of its body with its wings spread, you can imagine those paint swatches you find in the paint aisle. The Belted Kingfisher certainly should have a swatch entitled, "Belted Kingfisher" featuring multiple shades of blue.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-lightning-bug---belted-kingfisher Mon, 09 Jan 2023 18:11:51 GMT
"NINJA WARRIOR VS SUMO WRESTLER" - Squirrels (Red & Eastern Gray) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-ninja-warrior-vs-sumo-wrestler---squirrels-red-eastern-gray "NINJA WARRIOR VS SUMO WRESTLER"

Squirrels (Red & Eastern Gray) - 9 Photos

 

In one afternoon, I encountered both the Red Squirrel & the Eastern Gray Squirrel. No matter what their status, both were extremely photogenic and so so cute.

 

The Red Squirrel is, of course, native to Alberta & unfortunately, because of the introduction of the Eastern Gray to the West in the early 1900's, has had its numbers significantly reduced. There does appear to be some recovery, however. In areas of Fish Creek Provincial Park, there are now Red Squirrels where I've never seen them before. Perhaps, it is because I haven't been aware of them previously but hopefully, the former is true and their numbers are increasing. It is a sad fact that as a species, humans have not learned the lesson of the question, "What could possibly go wrong?" of introducing non-native species in our environments.

 

They are both cheeky but each has a distinct appearance and having reviewed the photos, the terms "Ninja Warrior" & "Sumo Wrestler" struck me because of the stance, shape & attitude of each species. 

 

Review the photos below and see if you agree. That "bring it on" look of the Red Squirrel may explain why it is now showing up in more regions of the park.

 

THE NINJA WARRIOR - RED SQUIRREL (NATIVE TO ALBERTA)

 

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THE SUMO WRESTLER - EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL (INVASIVE)

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-ninja-warrior-vs-sumo-wrestler---squirrels-red-eastern-gray Fri, 06 Jan 2023 02:33:05 GMT
"WHAT LOVE IS" - Bald Eagle (Adults) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-what-love-is---bald-eagle-adults "WHAT LOVE IS"

Bald Eagles (Adults) - 9 Photos

 

The photos below are of a pair of Bald Eagles who are permanent residents of Calgary, AB. They have a nest on an island in the middle of the Bow River and frequent the river's shores regularly.

 

The male of the pair appeared in the January 2nd, 2023 blog, "When An Eagle & A Magpie Play Chicken" and unfortunately was "defeated" by the magpie, i.e. gave up his perch.

 

Mid-morning, again the male eagle flew into the same tree and took up the same perch, with the identical positioning as previously (Photo #1). So there I was madly shooting, when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a second & much larger eagle coming in for a landing. The male had to move over to allow sufficient room for its mate, who landed in all her magnificence (Photo #2 & Photo #3)

 

The female, however, had taken her perch in exactly the opposite direction to her mate. So there they were side by side but facing different ways. (Male is to the left of the photo, female to the right.)

 

Soon these two eagles will be re-affirming their commitment to each other, which can include chattering to each other with heads lifted up. But in the interim, what better way to show love but to watch either other's back. Magpies beware, there will be no sneaking behind and tweaking tail feathers with these formidable two, standing side by side.

 

And even Bald Eagles can sometimes look silly as they try to establish positioning on a branch (Photo # 6). 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-what-love-is---bald-eagle-adults Thu, 05 Jan 2023 04:02:36 GMT
"WHEN AN EAGLE & A MAGPIE PLAY CHICKEN" - Bald Eagle & Magpie https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-when-an-eagle-a-magpie-play-chicken---bald-eagle-magpie "WHEN AN EAGLE & A MAGPIE PLAY CHICKEN"

Bald Eagle & Magpie - 10 Photos

 

The Bald Eagle a large & truly magnificent bird of prey. Its vision is 4 to 5 times that of a human and with 4 talons on each foot, it is a formidable hunter and sometimes scavenger (Photo #1 through Photo #4)

 

And then there is the Black-billed Magpie. A large flashy relative of jays & crows, it is a social & intelligent creature. One particular magpie decided to take on this Bald Eagle, alone, in what can only be described as a game of chicken. I believe it had figured out, long before I did, that the way the eagle had perched with its talons in a position for a northerly take-off, that if it approached from the south, there was little the eagle could do to defend itself without putting its body off balance.

 

It proceeded to attack the eagle from the south, with extremely gutsy manoeuvres (Photo #5 through Photo #9), at one point going directly up the back of the eagle's tail & back feathers (Photo #9). It was interesting, for once, to see a "duel" between these two birds from the magpie's perspective.

 

It was a quick look through the legs (Photo #10) and then the eagle was off. 

 

Black-billed Magpie 1

Bald Eagle 0

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2023/1/-when-an-eagle-a-magpie-play-chicken---bald-eagle-magpie Tue, 03 Jan 2023 03:05:58 GMT
"SITTING PRETTY" - Great Horned Owl https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/12/-sitting-pretty---great-horned-owl "SITTING PRETTY"

Great Horned Owl - 9 Photos

 

Firstly and most importantly, the Great Horned Owl depicted in the photos below is NOT injured. 

 

I had been given a tip from a fellow photographer that he had seen a Great Horned Owl sitting in the snow on a frozen creek. Now it was at least a 20 minute walk to the site, even longer going the scenic route and that would mean that the owl had already been there at least that length of time already. So what are the chances of it still being there.

 

Well if you don't try - you don't get. So off I walked, took the scenic route around the creek as I thought it would bring me to the best spot to achieve shots without too much obstruction. And there was the owl sitting in the snow, with ravens in the trees lining the edge of the creek. 

 

As the ravens were quietly waiting in the trees, subsequently joined by magpies, this owl was most likely sitting on a freshly killed prey and not wanting it to be eaten by those "uninvited guests", it was literally sitting it out, waiting until the ravens got bored and left. You can see from the angles of its head, it was keeping a close watch on the comings and goings of the smaller birds.

 

And eventually it did fly off, with a small dead bird in its talons, hotly pursued by ravens & magpies hoping to obtain a piece of the "action".

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/12/-sitting-pretty---great-horned-owl Wed, 28 Dec 2022 17:38:49 GMT
"IF I LOOKED THIS GOOD" - Swan (Tundra) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/12/-if-i-looked-this-good---swan-tundra "IF I LOOKED THIS GOOD"

Swan (Tundra) - 7 Photos

 

If I looked this good and was this athletic, I would be doing more self admiration too (Photo #3 ).

 

Although the Trumpeter Swan is much larger, whiter & has that special presence, the Tundra Swan has its unique qualities as well, such as its yellow spot just in front of its eyes. And, of course, it has those magnificent white feathers as well.

 

And as for the light discrepancy, all the photos were taken during the same session, the sunlight disappeared the latter half of the day, which gave the softer blue light.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/12/-if-i-looked-this-good---swan-tundra Wed, 28 Dec 2022 17:14:39 GMT
"ARCTIC BLAST" - Tundra Swans https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/12/-arctic-blast---tundra-swans "ARCTIC BLAST"

Tundra Swans - 7 Photos

 

Because of Alberta's diverse weather & seasons, its wildlife can also be varied particularly with migrations. Where else can you encounter White-Faced Ibis in the summer months and swans from the Arctic in December.

 

So what do you do on those days that are -31 degrees C with the wind chill and snow showers - well you hunker down with those newly arrived Tundra Swans and hope for some great photo opportunities. 

 

And although these two swans were sitting on an icy shoal, they were much more prepared (and more practiced) for the state of an Arctic blast than one lonely photographer.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/12/-arctic-blast---tundra-swans Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:21:13 GMT
"THANKS FOR THE CONVERSATION" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/12/-thanks-for-the-conversation---coyote "THANKS FOR THE CONVERSATION"

Coyote - 7 Photos

 

This conversation was between a pair of coyotes and from their sizes & demeanors, I would say a partnership of male & female.

 

I was actually in the area scouting for coyotes when I heard the coyote cries/howls coming from very close-by. It was a conversation between these two and I was the eavesdropper, (although I don't believe they cared). And thanks to that vocal exchange, I knew that coyotes were in the near vicinity.

 

Now I knew where the sound was coming from. It was now a matter of trying to locate movement within the shrubbery & snowy surrounding and flat light. I spotted the larger one first, who I assume was the male, tracking every so often, with his nose to the snow, sniffing & listening for mice/voles (Photo #5). As he headed toward the bottom of a small uprising, I spotted the second coyote, smaller (but fully sized) and appearing to be a little more timid. Believe this must have been his mate.

 

She quickly trotted across the meadow and up the small hill, where she paused for a few seconds (Photo #7), then turned south along the small ridge and back down into the treed area and her mate quickly followed her.

 

Although never venturing too close, they both came in my direction to where I was standing & then leisurely trotted on looking for small rodents, etc. for their morning meal. Both were extremely relaxed & appeared content in their own environment, minding their own business of finding small prey (perhaps, even a pheasant if they were lucky). 

 

Not more than 15 minutes later, a couple of dog walkers arrived into the area, with dogs off leash (a prohibited practice in the Provincial Park), probably none the wiser. The coyotes had long moved on, most likely into the more thickly forested areas where people do not travel or cannot access and I had lost sight of them.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/12/-thanks-for-the-conversation---coyote Mon, 12 Dec 2022 20:30:28 GMT
"ALBERTA'S BLUE SKIES" - Bald Eagle (Mature) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/12/-albertas-blue-skies---bald-eagle-mature "ALBERTA'S BLUE SKIES"

Bald Eagles (Mature) - 10 Photos

 

Alberta, CA certainly has its share of extremely blue skies. One reason behind their vibrancy could be is that higher altitudes have less atmosphere to scatter light hence it appears lighter & brighter.

 

The following photos of two different Bald Eagles were taken on two different days. The first set (Photo #1 through Photo #8) was on a day in the early afternoon where the north wind was blowing in fluffy white clouds; hence the dramatic contrast in some of the photos. I don't add blue skies to my photography. The change in the lighting is due to the tracking of the flying bird. This mature eagle was literally just chilling out by the Bow River, Calgary, AB and appeared quite happy to perch and watch any people traffic passing under its tree and any incoming waterfowl.

 

The second set (Photo #9 & Photo #10) were taken on a completely blue sky day in the late afternoon. I had had a bit of a quiet day for photography so when this eagle did a wonderful fly by and angled just at the right moment, it made it all worthwhile. And because the tracking was minimal, the lighting basically remained constant.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/12/-albertas-blue-skies---bald-eagle-mature Tue, 06 Dec 2022 16:59:15 GMT
"FIGHT NIGHT (OR DAY)" - White Tailed Deer https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/12/-fight-night-or-day---white-tailed-deer "FIGHT NIGHT (OR DAY)"

White Tailed Deer (Bucks) - 11 Photos

 

It's not often you get front row tickets to one of Nature's Fight Nights/Days. These two male deer were almost evenly matched with regard to their racks but in the end, perhaps bulk and endurance won over antlers.

 

The match was the most serious I have ever witnessed lasting almost 20 minutes, with one deer, at one point, actually pinning the other to the ground (Photo #8 & Photo #9 )This was a serious contention over who had rights to the doe, who was lingering in the nearby woods. And before proceeding further, I would advise that both the victor & the challenger trotted off completely sound, with perhaps some minor scrapes. The victor scoped out the near vicinity after catching his breath, to ensure there were no more skirmishes to be had.

 

In the end, it was endurance and probably conditioning that won out and the challenger gave in from exhaustion.

 

And that haze that appears in Photo #2 is in fact, the heavy breaths expelled by both bucks in their battling.

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/12/-fight-night-or-day---white-tailed-deer Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:24:29 GMT
"ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES @ YYC" - Swans (Trumpeter & Tundra) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-arrivals-departures-yyc---swans-trumpeter-tundra "ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES @ YYC"

Swans (Trumpeter & Tundra) - Mature & Immature - 7 Photos

 

The swan migration south must now be in its final stages. It will be a matter of time to see how many swans actually stay in the Calgary, AB region over the Winter. I personally believe those that overwinter have a definite advantage over those that migrate further south. There are basically no predators, lots of food as the Bow River remains, for the most part, open for the winter months and the journey back up north in the Spring is much less and therefore they expend less calories. And they can get a head start over their counterparts on those nesting areas in the Spring.

 

So here are some arrivals & departures from Calgary. As a photographer, I really appreciate the vocalization of the swans, there is a lot of trumpeting & honking as they fly over & hopefully land and the Trumpeter Swans, in particular, perform synchronized head bobbing accompanied by strong honking prior to departure, which generally gives you some time to position yourself and the camera.

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-arrivals-departures-yyc---swans-trumpeter-tundra Tue, 29 Nov 2022 16:49:32 GMT
"LOVE IS IN THE AIR" - Porcupine (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-love-is-in-the-air---porcupine-north-american "LOVE IS IN THE AIR"

Porcupine (North American) - 5 Photos

 

I have been seeing this porcupine over the past three years and have managed to capture him in various trees and when extremely fortunate, on the ground.

 

It is definitely a male and a large one at that. 

 

There is a female porcupine who resides in a neighbouring wood. Two years ago, she had a "porcupette" (yep that's what they call a baby porcupine), who was also a male. And trust me, I know he is a male because he has been known to display his nether parts! He left his home woods last Spring and I think he now resides in his own territory much further south.

 

Male porcupines, in particular, can be very possessive of their territories and ladies. You wouldn't think so by seeing them asleep in trees but they will put up quite the defense. Late last Spring when the youngster mentioned above moved down into another male's territory, two photography friends actually witnessed the young porcupine having his butt kicked (literally) out of the tree by the much larger incumbent male. He did land safely on the leafy bed below and went quickly on his way, hopefully to greener pastures. :) 

 

So I assume that the porcupine who appears in the photos below, being that it is mating season, is looking for love from the female close-by. He has been spotted in this tree at least two times now and the tree is at the very end of the woods where he resides and closest to the patch of woods across from the female's home base. 

 

I have not spotted the female since this past Spring so hopefully all is well but as porcupines in the wild generally get up to their mating practices under the cover of darkness, so we won't know any results until next Spring! :)

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-love-is-in-the-air---porcupine-north-american Mon, 28 Nov 2022 17:06:23 GMT
"AGING" - Bald Eagle https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-aging---bald-eagle "AGING"

Bald Eagle - 5 Photos

 

American Bald Eagles generally do not achieve their full white head feathers, etc. and maturity until 5 years of age. This particular eagle appears to be a year or so shy of attaining that status.

 

However, the remaining immature head feathers make for some striking and interesting looks. For example, although it doesn't appear to have reached the "bald" status yet, we appear to have a comb over happening. :) See Photo #1 & Photo #2 .

 

Then there is Photo #3 for which the darker feathers almost appear to be either age or worry lines. :)

 

Am certain within the next 12 months, this eagle will possess its full adult feathering and it will be that much more difficult to identify among the other adults.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-aging---bald-eagle Tue, 22 Nov 2022 08:30:00 GMT
"LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING" - Long Tailed Weasel https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-looks-can-be-deceiving---long-tailed-weasel "LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING"

Long Tailed Weasel - 7 Photos

 

 

It is an old saying but one that may ring true.

 

Who could resist that adorable weasel face with its long whiskers and pinkish lined round ears? A small little mustelid who changes the colour of its coat for Winter camouflage and yet, such an effective predator regardless of its size.

 

And when confronted with a face to face on view of the Long Tailed Weasel (Photo #1 & Photo #2), one should be grateful that this predator is the size that it is and not that of a much larger predator such as the cougar. Then rodents wouldn't be the only potential invitees of the weasel "having a friend for dinner" (Photo #3 through to Photo #5)

 

PHOTO #1

Weasel - Long TailedWeasel - Long Tailed"CHECKING OUT THE COMPETITION"

PHOTO #2

Weasel - Long TailedWeasel - Long Tailed"ONE OF US IS HOLDING THEIR BREATH!"

PHOTO #3

Weasel - Long TailedWeasel - Long Tailed"HAPPY MEAL"

PHOTO #4

Weasel - Long TailedWeasel - Long Tailed"CATCH IT WHILE YOU CAN!"

PHOTO #5

Weasel - Long TailedWeasel - Long Tailed"READY TO STASH"

PHOTO #6

Weasel - Long TailedWeasel - Long Tailed"LURKING IN THE SHADOWS"

PHOTO #7

Weasel - Long TailedWeasel - Long Tailed"CHECKING OUT THE TERRAIN"

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-looks-can-be-deceiving---long-tailed-weasel Mon, 21 Nov 2022 01:13:21 GMT
"WILL-O'-THE WISP" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-will-o-the-wisp---coyote "WILL-O'-THE WISP"

Coyote - 9 Photos

 

The Will'-o'-The Wisp in folklore is an atmospheric ghost light seen by travelers at night. Coyotes even during the daylight hours seem to appear and disappear into the shrubbery & trees.

 

These were two coyotes on the hunt for food, patrolling across the Bow River in Calgary, AB.

 

The first was smaller & we basically spotted each other from across the water at the same time and then it was off (Photo #1 & Photo #2).

 

The second (perhaps the adult or the male) had no issues with a person safely positioned across a rather large moving body of water and just went on its coyote business, after having locked eyes for a brief moment (Photo #3 through to Photo #9).

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-will-o-the-wisp---coyote Thu, 17 Nov 2022 19:16:23 GMT
"FAMILY COMMITMENT" - Bald Eagles https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-family-commitment---bald-eagles "FAMILY COMMITMENT"

Bald Eagles (Male, Female & Immature) Plus 1 - 12 Photos

 

 

This is a pair of Bald Eagles that are true residents in the Calgary area and reside near the Bow River. 

 

They are full time residents, adding material to their nest each year and for the past two years that I have observed them, have been successful in raising at least one eaglet.

 

As they frequent an area along the Bow River, where there is some human activity (including fishermen), they appear to have become a little more accustomed to seeing people and therefore, as long as they haven't something else on their schedules, are more willing to perch in trees along the river for longish periods and tolerate a human presence. 

 

Particularly at this time of the year, I have observed them on several occasions, perching either alongside each other on one branch or one above the other on the same tree, chattering away in eagle speak. Their commitment to each other is outstanding.

 

As I was watching the swans, I saw a shadow cross the meadow, looked up and saw this gorgeous young immature American Bald Eagle (Photos #10, 11 & 12). As it was in very close proximity to the two adults & their nest (at one point it was perched in a tree near the nest) and because of its age, I'll go out on a limb (no pun intended) and say it was probably this year's offspring of these two nesting eagles. 

 

Later in the afternoon, the two adults perched one above the other along the river, checking out, no doubt, the waterfowl available in the water below (Photo #9). There were numerous photos of these two in this tree but this one was chosen because of the magpie that kept flying in and out and got bolder and bolder. So bold, in fact, that it is looking directly into the eyes of the female Bald Eagle - "Are You My Mother"!

 

Photo #1 though to Photo #4 are of the male departing. Photo# 5 through to Photo #8 are of the female's departure.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9 - "ARE YOU MY MOTHER???"

PHOTO #10

PHOTO #11

PHOTO #12

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-family-commitment---bald-eagles Wed, 16 Nov 2022 08:30:00 GMT
"MIGRATION" - Swans (Trumpeter & Tundra) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-migration---swans-trumpeter-tundra "MIGRATION"

Swans (Trumpeter & Tundra) - 7 Photos

 

It appears that the swan migration is now in full flight, with swans (both Trumpeter & Tundra) flying regularly through Calgary, Alberta, CA.

 

Only time will tell how many will actually overwinter here, having discovered that there is plenty of open water and food available on the Bow River for the duration of the Winter. Believe those that stay have worked out that they can go half the distance, spend half the calories in flight exertion and have a head start come Spring. Perhaps even have their choices of the best nesting areas having arrived a little earlier than those coming up from further south.

 

And in this fall migration, it was lovely to see so many families, with adults having more than one youngster accompanying them.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-migration---swans-trumpeter-tundra Mon, 14 Nov 2022 17:53:04 GMT
"FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED" - Bald Eagle (Adult) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-feel-the-need-for-speed---bald-eagle-adult "FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED"

Bald Eagle - 6 Photos

 

This adult Bald Eagle had other things to do on its agenda, so it didn't stay long enough for a few perching poses. However, it was generous enough that when it took off, it did so towards me which gave the opportunity for those dynamic flight poses.

 

The title may come from a "Top Gun" movie but this flyer would put most to shame.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-feel-the-need-for-speed---bald-eagle-adult Tue, 08 Nov 2022 20:32:56 GMT
"JUST QUILLING" - Porcupine (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-just-quilling---porcupine-north-american "JUST QUILLING"

Porcupine (North American) - 9 Photos

 

It's hard to believe the photos that follow this commentary were taken only two weeks ago.

 

A porcupine had decided to come out of its den and warm itself. It was extremely low on this broken tree trunk although as the sun moved around, it climbed higher where it could shade its face from the light.

 

But it did present some great opportunities without hindrance of branches. Those photos where you can see the porcupine with its head pointed upwards were the moments where it was sniffing the air. With the aid of the camera, you could actually see its nostrils moving in and out. This is the time of the year when porcupines are "looking for love" and as the sniffing was not in my direction, perhaps it was checking out a potential hook-up. :)

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-just-quilling---porcupine-north-american Mon, 07 Nov 2022 20:15:42 GMT
"THE EXTERMINATOR" - Coyote https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-the-exterminator---coyote "THE EXTERMINATOR"

Coyote - 6 Photos

 

Have a problem with mice, voles, gophers, etc.? Who are you going to call?? This handsome creature, of course.

 

Caught this gorgeous coyote on the way out of the park. He/she has donned its thick winter coat and appears to be healthy and a good weight. And has the necessary skills for survival, including a wariness of humans.

So look out rodents where ever you are!

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-the-exterminator---coyote Sat, 05 Nov 2022 02:51:12 GMT
"IT SUCKS TO BE A WEASEL SOMETIMES" - Weasel (Long Tailed) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-it-sucks-to-be-a-weasel-sometimes---weasel-long-tailed "IT SUCKS TO BE A WEASEL SOMETIMES"

Weasel (Long Tailed) - 7 Photos

 

The coat colouring of the Long Tailed Weasel, like other mammals such as the Jackrabbit, is dependent upon the hours of daylight, eg. tawny & cream to white for the weasel.

 

Certainly is a great method of camouflage for the changing of seasons but unfortunately for this little mustelid, in Calgary where snow can appear in August and disappear in winter months because of chinooks, etc., it definitely is challenging to maintain their "cloak of invisibility".

 

This little weasel was easy to spot against the terrain of rocks and brown grass & shrubbery but its speed and erratic behaviour wasn't hindered by a coat "malfunction". Snow should return again soon to the woods and then it will be a matter of watching for dancing portions of snow :)!

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

 

 

 



 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/11/-it-sucks-to-be-a-weasel-sometimes---weasel-long-tailed Wed, 02 Nov 2022 23:12:16 GMT
"BEAUTY DOESN'T NECESSARILY COME WITH AGE" - Bald Eagle (Immature) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-beauty-doesnt-necessarily-come-with-age---bald-eagle-immature "BEAUTY DOESN'T NECESSARILY COME WITH AGE"

Bald Eagle (Immature) - 8 Photos

 

Some may prefer to sight and photograph mature adult Bald Eagles. I will take any sighting and an eagle that is relaxed, perched in a tree, no matter what age, is a gift.

 

From the colouring and appearance of the feathers, this is most likely this year's offspring. Perhaps female because of its size. And what a beauty even at such a young age.

 

And there it perched, just chilling but keeping an eye on the river and occasionally checking out the waterfowl below and perhaps, the potential of fish and then it was off. 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-beauty-doesnt-necessarily-come-with-age---bald-eagle-immature Mon, 31 Oct 2022 19:25:59 GMT
"A HERON FISHING GUIDE" - Great Blue Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-a-heron-fishing-guide---great-blue-heron "A HERON FISHING GUIDE"

Great Blue Heron - 11 Photos

 

Believe this is the same Great Blue Heron but the photos were taken on two different days at two different (but close in proximity) locations. One was a large open pond, the other at a beaver dam where melting snow had increased the flow of the creek.

 

The heron appears to be wary of loud noises and movement in the water but is a little naive when it comes to people, i.e. it actually walked into the area where I was sitting on the bank. Hopefully with maturity, it will become a little more "worldly", particularly as it migrates south for the Winter and into the southern United States, where there are predators such as alligators, etc. lurking in the marshes/swamps.

 

However, it had no issue with the quantity and quality of fish it was catching, as you will see from the photos below. I was very happy to see it removing (and eating) a number of the invasive Prussian Carp from the eco-system before they had a chance to hit the Bow River. And some of them were whoppers! (See Photo #1 through to Photo #5.) In fact, I actually spotted one carp in shallow water along the bank, myself. It was so large I could see its head, etc. above the water level. The heron at the time was on the other side and it eventually saw it as well and sauntered across. (Photo #1 & Photo #2). I did have a camera moment at the point of shooting where the heron was so close & the fish so large, that the camera initially wouldn't focus. Luckily, we both re-adjusted and the heron took some time in getting the fish just right in its beak.

 

I have also included some grooming and fishing activity of the heron. (Photo #9 through to Photo #11)

 

PHOTO #1 - "OH NO MR. BILL" - (An homage to the character from Saturday Night Live)

PHOTO #2 - "MOUTH CLOSED"

PHOTO #3 - "HAVE I GOT EYES FOR YOU! :)"

PHOTO #4 - "POSING WITH THE WINNING FISH"

PHOTO #5 - "DOWN THE HATCH"

 

PHOTO #6 - "A LITTLE SALAD WITH THE MAIN COURSE"

 

PHOTO #7 - "STANDING TALL IN OUR BLUE "MORNING COAT" OVER THE BEAVER DAM"

 

PHOTO #8 - "WATCHING FOR THE FISH GOING OVER THE DAM"

 

PHOTO #9  - "GROOMING IN THE LATE AFTERNOON SUN"

 

PHOTO #10 -  "PROFILE"

 

PHOTO #11 - "A TOTAL GROOM"

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-a-heron-fishing-guide---great-blue-heron Thu, 27 Oct 2022 15:28:06 GMT
"WALKING THE LINE" - Bobcats https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-walking-the-line---bobcats "WALKING THE LINE"

Bobcats (Adult Female & Juvenile) - 9 Photos

Southeast Calgary, Alberta, CA

 

 

This is the second set of photos from the session that took place on October 16th, 2022. (See Blog of October 17, 2022, "Love is Not Just a Human Emotion").

 

As identified on the Home Page of the website, I do not utilize any form of baiting, that includes verbal cues. I also do not trespass on private property. These photos and the ones previous were taken in a public alley way, bordered by wooden fencing & a public building with an open parking lot. The cats were kind enough to stay within those perimeters.

 

As mentioned previously, bobcats in Calgary have set up territories close to residential areas where there is a great deal of prey and protection, but close to wild areas. Another spot much further north from this one where bobcats have been regularly sighted, has an infestation of feral (domesticated) rabbits that have been freed and have multiplied. 

 

So the bobcat like the coyote has adapted to our suburban/residential surroundings, walking the line between human habitation and wild woods & meadows. I would say for the majority of the time, they are reclusive and remain unseen but sometimes an opportunity arises like the one below, where you come to realize that Nature is always around us. We just have to be paying attention, be at the right place & time and you might see wildlife taking a walk on the "not so wild side"! :)

 

PHOTO #1

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - JuvenileBobcat (Lynx rufus) - Juvenile"ASLEEP ON THE FENCE"

PHOTO #2

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female)Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female)"A VERY RELAXED MUM"

PHOTO #3

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & JuvenileBobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & Juvenile"TIME OUT"

PHOTO #4

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & JuvenileBobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & Juvenile"WALKING THE LINE"

PHOTO #5

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & JuvenileBobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & Juvenile"FENCE HUGGERS"

PHOTO #6

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & JuvenileBobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & Juvenile"BACK TO FRONT"

PHOTO #7

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - JuvenileBobcat (Lynx rufus) - Juvenile"A BOBCAT LION KING IN WAITING"

PHOTO #8

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - JuvenileBobcat (Lynx rufus) - Juvenile"COULD BE OUT OF AFRICA!"

PHOTO #9

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female)Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female)"CAT ON THE SAVANA"

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-walking-the-line---bobcats Mon, 24 Oct 2022 18:55:52 GMT
"THE TALL FISHERMAN" - Great Blue Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-the-tall-fisherman---great-blue-heron "THE TALL FISHERMAN"

Great Blue Heron - 11 Photos

 

This set of photos were taken over a period of two days. I am not certain if it is the same Great Blue Heron or two different ones, as there have been two spotted flying together.

 

The creek had been full with water rushing over a beaver dam. The heron had discovered just by standing on the dam over which the water flowed, fish literally came to him. And what whoppers were caught. (See Photos #1 and #2.) In this instance, I don't think its eyes were larger than its stomach.

 

Photos #6 through #9 are from the second day when the heron moved further down the creek and did short flights, probably the most expeditious and safe method of travel.

 

It is believed this to be a young heron(s). Feathering does not appear to be as mature and the demeanor is certainly a little naive, i.e. they are not as wary of humans as they normally are. Or perhaps, it's just a food/fish frenzy of stocking up the calories before the migration south as the colder weather sets in.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

 

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

PHOTO #10

PHOTO #11

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-the-tall-fisherman---great-blue-heron Fri, 21 Oct 2022 07:30:00 GMT
"LOVE IS NOT JUST A HUMAN EMOTION" - Bobcat https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-love-is-not-just-a-human-emotion---bobcat "LOVE IS NOT JUST A HUMAN EMOTION"

Bobcat (Female & Kitten) - 9 Photos

Southeast Calgary, Alberta, CA

 

One of the first unwritten (or perhaps even written) rules is "never put the camera away".

 

I had just had quite a successful day in Fish Creek Provincial Park (Calgary, AB) and was heading home, late afternoon. Proceeding along a main road that borders a residential area and the park itself, I spotted a large cat sitting under a tree next to a building. From its size, colouring & demeanor, I thought "bobcat".

 

Looking for the quickest road to turn off, drive around and park, I headed into a small parking lot. I parked the car, grabbed the camera and thought, "There is no way this cat is still going to be there".

 

As I approached the area, one cat (which I soon discovered was a kitten), jumped up on the wooden fence, which bordered the alley and settled under some tree branches. Grabbed some shots, moved away from the road and looked down and there quietly sitting next to the fence, was Mum. 

 

I am not certain if this was her only kitten or whether Mum had already navigated the other(s) across the busy road into the provincial park. 

 

In Calgary, bobcats have taken to "hanging" out in residential areas, that are close to open spaces such as Fish Creek Provincial Park. There must be ample opportunity for prey (such as rodents, rabbits, etc.) and some protection from other predators. 

 

Mum was so relaxed and was more interested in trying to round up her skittish kitten. The kitten quickly jumped from the fence to join its mother and as you will see from the photos, both had some quality together time. Having had some reinsurance from Mum, both moved along to once again to try and cross the road.

 

Mum lined up first looking left and right and I honestly had my heart in my throat. She waited for the traffic to be held up at the lights and then proceeded to cross. One car made a right hand turn and I stood to one side on the pavement to catch the driver's attention. And yes, she came to a complete stop. Mum crossed the road safely to the park side and waited for her kitten.

 

The kitten was snuggled up under a bush near where Mum had been next to the building but no enticement from Mum or from my feeble efforts, could get it to cross. 

 

Nature knows best so I quietly left the area, got back into the car and drove off. I know Mum was waiting close by and if the little one didn't make it across soon thereafter, Mum probably would have navigated the road again to bring her kitten across later that evening.

 

So my thanks goes out to Nature for this extraordinary gift. As you will see from the photographs, the love displayed between mother & kitten is no less than (and perhaps is more) than that felt by humanity.

 

PHOTO #1 - The Kitten on The Fence (those red objects are small fruit on an ornamental crabapple tree)

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - JuvenileBobcat (Lynx rufus) - Juvenile"KITTEN WITH ORNAMENTAL FRUIT"

PHOTO #2 - Mum (and no, she is not concerned at all, only panting - it was warm)

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female)Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female)"BOBCAT MOTHER"

 

PHOTO #3 - A Yawn From Mum

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female)Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female)"YAWN"

PHOTO #4 - Cat (Mum) in the Grass (waiting for Junior)

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female)Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female)"WAITING FOR JUNIOR"

PHOTO #5 - The Kitten Looking for Reinsurance from Mum

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & JuvenileBobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & Juvenile"A MOTHER'S WELCOMING TOUCH"

PHOTO #6 - This Wasn't Just a Snuggle

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & JuvenileBobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & Juvenile"GETTING CLOSE"

PHOTO #7 - Looks Like Someone Was Looking for the Milk Bar!

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & JuvenileBobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & Juvenile"NOW WHERE IS IT?"

PHOTO #8 - Mum and Her Kitten

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & JuvenileBobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & Juvenile"MUM & KITTEN"

PHOTO #9 - Backfield in Motion 

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & JuvenileBobcat (Lynx rufus) - Adult (Female) & Juvenile"BACKFIELD IN MOTION"

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-love-is-not-just-a-human-emotion---bobcat Mon, 17 Oct 2022 21:53:31 GMT
"QUILLY CAPTIONS" - Porcupine (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-quilly-captions---porcupine-north-american "QUILLY CAPTIONS"

Porcupine (North American) - 7 Photos

 

I looked up the meaning of "quilly" and found two definitions:

 

1. Quilly is used to describe something that is limitless or truly timeless; or

2. Abounding in quills.

 

I believe both definitions describe the porcupine in different ways.

 

The photos below were taken late afternoon, early evening some weeks ago, while leaves were green on some trees. I have added captions to capture those porcupine expressions.

 

PHOTO #1 - "PLEASE, NO PHOTOS!"

PHOTO #2 - "OKAY, IF YOU INSIST"

PHOTO #3 - "YOU ARE GETTING SLEEPY"

PHOTO #4 - "AND SLEEPIER"

PHOTO #5 - "NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP"

 

PHOTO #6 - "ASLEEP"

 

PHOTO #7 - "BOTTOMS UP"

 

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-quilly-captions---porcupine-north-american Fri, 14 Oct 2022 07:30:00 GMT
"IT'S NOT THE SIZE OF THE MUSKRAT IN THE FIGHT" - Muskrat https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-its-not-the-size-of-the-muskrat-in-the-fight---muskrat "IT'S NOT THE SIZE OF THE MUSKRAT IN THE FIGHT"

Muskrat - 7 Photos

 

To paraphrase Mark Twain's quote regarding the size of the dog in the fight:

.

"It's not the size of the muskrat in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the muskrat."

 

As mentioned in the October 10th blog, "It's Time to Introduce Sidney", this adult muskrat was taking no prisoners when it came to a mink (no matter what size) who came prowling around its beaver lodge home. There was another smaller muskrat swimming in the vicinity, that I assume was an offspring.

 

There had been a lot of in water splashing & chasing, after which the mink left for another fishing area with less confrontation. It may seem a little strange that a fierce predator such as a mink would give in to a muskrat but in the wild, expending calories without reward can be paramount. That combined with the potential for injury would probably make this mink move along. And there are certainly more lucrative fishing areas in the vicinity and well within its territory.

 

So here is our little champion. If you have taken on a mighty mustelid, taking time out for some grooming & relaxing is a just reward. And, of course, you can always keep a watchful eye on the creek for a certain mink's return.

 

PHOTO #1 - Doesn't this muskrat looked rather pleased?

PHOTO #2 - Yep, nose to tail that's one big muskrat (in muskrat terms).

PHOTO #3 - Nibbling by the creek.

PHOTO #4 - Autumn does provide some great contrast for a little fuzzy brown rodent!

PHOTO #5 - A quick reflection.

PHOTO #6 - You (other than a certain mink) just have to love those feet and claws.

PHOTO #7 - No this isn't a muskrat in distress, just a muskrat having a good old scratch!

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-its-not-the-size-of-the-muskrat-in-the-fight---muskrat Wed, 12 Oct 2022 07:30:00 GMT
"IT'S TIME TO INTRODUCE SIDNEY" - Mink (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-its-time-to-introduce-sidney---mink-north-american "IT'S TIME TO INTRODUCE SIDNEY"

Mink (North American) - 7 Photos

 

I have had one previous sighting of this "new" mink but unfortunately it was brief and from some distance. My only thought at that time was that it was big and was some distance from the river (albeit in a large pond). So I am thinking another male due to physical and territory sizes.

 

The day was drawing to a close and I was hanging out at a creek (a completely different area from the Sparky sightings), hoping to photograph some muskrats. I was just about to pack it in when upstream comes a semi-aquatic mammal just motoring through the water. My first thought was a beaver.

 

It dove under the water, splashed and resurfaced by a small fallen log in the water.

 

And there it was, that mink. At the time, I couldn't understand why it remained beside this small log for some time but in retrospect, I think it was looking for the fish that swam in and around the log, potentially easy fishing.

 

Eventually, the mink swam close to a beaver lodge where it encountered one of those "take no prisoners" muskrats. Now if I was a muskrat, no matter how big, I wouldn't think about challenging a mink and would be heading for safety but this muskrat wasn't intimidated. The muskrat eventually made the creek too uncomfortable for the mink and the mink took to the high ground and off to more lucrative areas.

 

A further blog will feature this tough muskrat, who after its confrontation, took time out to groom and stretch on shore, in the wide open. I suppose once you have defeated a mighty mustelid, your confidence level soars.

 

And I have named this mink, Sidney, a name that could be appropriate whether it is male or female (just in case). 

 

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PHOTO #3

 

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PHOTO #7

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-its-time-to-introduce-sidney---mink-north-american Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:51:05 GMT
"BATTLE OF THE BIRDS" - Belted Kingfisher https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-battle-of-the-birds---belted-kingfisher "BATTLE OF THE BIRDS"

Belted Kingfishers - 9 Photos

 

So the day before the October 3rd blog "Sky Kingfisher", the kingfisher who I assume occupies this particular territory was sitting in a tree directly across the creek and from my standing position. Not particularly the best location for me, as my shot was slightly obscured by some small tree branches. But I thought, "What the heck, I'll just take what I can get and maybe the bird will move to a better photographic position.

 

So there I was aiming when two shakes of a kingfisher's tail, a second kingfisher flew in & that's when the fight started. And yes, it was fast with a lot of noise but having had the camera already aimed on the original bird, I managed to capture that first "not in my territory, you don't" shot. (Photo #1)

 

And then the chasing ensued. Some aerial fighting took place (Photo #2), followed by a low fly by with the intruder being driven out of the creek (Photo #3).

 

An amusing subplot subsequently took place. After I thought the second bird had left, I saw two birds coming towards me, which I thought from the size and the flight pattern, were the two kingfishers. Well, the second one was the victorious kingfisher chasing the first but as the first one landed in the tree, I realized this was a rather wet Northern Flicker. The kingfisher then chose a branch directly above the flicker.

 

As the flicker shook out the excess water from its wings and began to groom, I guess the kingfisher had an opportunity to count to ten and calm down and realize that this poor bird was not a rival but a mere woodpecker so it flew back to its favourite tree. Perhaps, in the heat of the moment following the original territorial dispute, this poor Northern Flicker had happened along at exactly the wrong place & time, got attacked by the kingfisher, ended up in the drink and hastened its escape to the nearest tree, where cooler heads prevailed.

 

Photo #4 through to Photo #10 are of our kingfisher at various times of the day in a more subdued frame of mind. Photo #6 & Photo #7 are of our little warrior performing that doggie shake to shed itself of excess water. Kingfishers are certainly flexible little birds. :)

 

I have included one additional photo of another kingfisher (Photo #9) taken in the late afternoon at a different location. The lighting and surroundings were so serene, I thought it would make a great ending to a rather exciting day. (But in true kingfisher form, I still had to work for the shot, as the bird flew from tree to tree before settling long enough to capture the moment.) 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

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PHOTO #9

 

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-battle-of-the-birds---belted-kingfisher Thu, 06 Oct 2022 00:06:30 GMT
"SKY KINGFISHER" - Kingfisher (Belted) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-sky-kingfisher---kingfisher-belted "SKY KINGFISHER"

Kingfisher (Belted) - 9 Photos

 

This Belted Kingfisher had had a fight, defending territory, with another kingfisher the day before. The best "fisher" won and sent the intruder packing or flying, in this case. But that's a blog for another day.

 

On Day 2, I had just arrived in the vicinity the kingfisher had been the previous day, hoping to catch some shots when before I had a chance to set up, it arrived and flew into the regular tree. Grabbed the camera and began shooting, when it flew to a tree just on the other side of the creek (Photo #1 and Photo #2). The kingfisher then flew towards the creek and set up a hovering position over the water, some 10 to 12 feet in the air. 

 

Now it felt like a lifetime but it wasn't probably more than 10 seconds, but for once the camera & I had the opportunity to focus, shoot and capture the stunning and extraordinary ability of this little fisherman. (Photo #3 through to Photo #9.)

 

The speed of the wing beats was probably mid-way between that of a hovering osprey and a hummingbird (without the hum).

 

As no diving took place, I assume it did not zoom on a fish that it could catch and the little bird flew back to the original tree.

 

And no, on this occasion I did not manage to capture bird with fish but the photos I obtained that day evidence an amazing acrobat worthy of a place in the Avian Hall of Fame.

 

PHOTO #1

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PHOTO #7

 

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/10/-sky-kingfisher---kingfisher-belted Mon, 03 Oct 2022 22:40:00 GMT
"FEELING A LITTLE SQUIRRELY COME FALL" - Red Squirrel (North American) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/9/-feeling-a-little-squirrely-come-fall---red-squirrel-north-american "FEELING A LITTLE SQUIRRELY COME FALL"

Red Squirrel (North American) - 7 Photos

 

So here's another Red Squirrel for all those "gingers" out there.

 

Am happy to report that it was in a different area much further south than the other Red Squirrel in the September 20, 2022 blog, "NOT A KNOTHOLE". So hopefully their numbers are increasing and the native species is making a stand against the Eastern Gray Squirrel. I had spotted something "tawny" with a tail up scampering off a log and made a rapid walk, thinking it was a Long Tailed Weasel. No weasel, but I was not disappointed to see another Red Squirrel.

 

To put it mildly, this squirrel was literally "nuts"! (Pardon the pun.) It did take some time to groom and catch its breath on a log but then it was off helter skelter looking for food. Twice, it made gigantic leaps from tree to tree that would have impressed a flying squirrel. Supposedly, this is the time of the year that squirrels are searching for food to store in their pantries to tide them over during the winter months. Pine cones are a favourite and there are definitely plenty of fir trees laden down with cones for a squirrel to choose from. 

 

The expression and position of the squirrel in Photo #1 brings to mind those times, when we have all delved into our pockets looking for keys and thought, "I'm sure I put it them in here." :)

 

PHOTO #1

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PHOTO #7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(Ingham Nature Photography Inc.) https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/9/-feeling-a-little-squirrely-come-fall---red-squirrel-north-american Thu, 29 Sep 2022 07:30:00 GMT
"BIG BLUE" - Great Blue Heron https://www.inaturephoto.com/blog/2022/9/-big-blue---great-blue-heron "BIG BLUE"

Great Blue Heron - 11 Photos

 

From the size & demeanor of this Great Blue Heron, I would say it's a male but male or female, it still is one striking heron, feathers and all. And because of its stature, etc., I have named it "Big Blue".

 

It is the same Great Blue Heron that caught the Jumping Mouse (see Blog of September 4, 2022) and was terrorized by the muskrat. 

 

This particular day it kept its diet to fish and managed to catch some large ones, one fish in particular. And when I say catch, I should say spear. If you look closely at Photo #7 through to Photo #8, that small black object/marking directly right of the fish head, is the tip of the heron's bill. No wonder herons are such great fishermen when they have all the tackle they need incorporated into their bodies.

 

Photo #1 through to Photo #6 illustrate the magnificence of this bird's feathering, while it groomed and took everything in.

 

And yes, I've included a photo of that muskrat (Photo #11) patrolling the pond (MOP or Muskrat On Patrol) prior to the heron's arrival. Lucky for the heron, this time it went back into the beaver lodge before the heron flew in.

 

PHOTO #1