from retreating to sanctuarying

How fortunate we are to be having gorgeous weather as September winds down!  I was excited to get back out birding at The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary after spending three days retreating in beautiful Banff National Park. It was quiet for the first while, probably because it was cold, cold enough that I needed gloves and three upper layers.  The colours were a distraction and became my focus for photographing.  

Once it warmed up a bit, The Sanctuary began to wake up and become alive.  

There were a few of us admiring this Red-tailed Hawk.

I gave two guys a hard time for calling this “just” a White-throated Sparrow.

Greater Yellow Legs

I chatted with a fellow about this Red-necked Grebe.  He saw it a few times over the past few days.  He believes it is a juvenile and wondered did it get left behind during migration.  We both hope it finds its way.  

Warning: adult content!  When I saw the female Wood Duck in that position, I was pretty sure what was going to transpire.  But, it is not spring time, it’s autumn and time to head south.

she circled around to the front of the male Wood Duck

he pushed her under the water then

pulled her up by the head

She shook it off, fluffed her feathers, spread her wings then swan away!

Happily I would think!

In addition to the above, I also saw lots of Robins, a few White-breasted Nuthatches, some Black-capped Chickadees, a Merlin, a Belted Kingfisher, a muskrat, a young Buck with a Doe and loads of Northern Flickers.  It was a most delightful stroll through The Sanctuary today!