"CELEBRATION OF THE BIRDS"

Birds (North American) - Various (9 Photos)

As the Avian Flu continues to hit both wild and domestic birds alike, I thought it might be a good time to pause and celebrate some of the bird species that have migrated to or through the Calgary, Alberta region. Not all will be staying here until the Autumn for mating (such as the Osprey), some are indigenous to the area (Great Horned Owl) and some will be migrating north to breeding grounds not to return until late Summer or Autumn. 

So here are just a few. All photos were taken in the past three weeks. Captions have been added where appropriate.

PHOTO #1 - Yellow-Rumped Warbler

PHOTO #2 - Western Tanager

PHOTO #3 - American Bald Eagle (Immature - last year's offspring)

PHOTO #4 - Red-Necked Grebes (Courting)

PHOTO #5 - Red-Necked Grebes (The "Happy Dance" after the "act")

PHOTO #6 - Osprey

PHOTO #7 - Swainson's Thrush (?) 

PHOTO #8 - Great Horned Owl (this year's owlet)

PHOTO #9 - American Coot (with those legs, it could be an extra terrestrial visitor)