Migration is on.

 Spring is arriving on wings. Today we drove out to Stony Plain to pick up the exhibition pieces and were told that my crochet sculptural Spirit Vessels garnered a lot of attention. Outside the Centre was a carving that is being remodelled by a chickadee. It looks like tape was placed over a previous hole but this wee fella is not deterred in the least.

 Heading south from Stony Plain we came across Tundra Swans and canvas backs. There were also Mallards, Coots, Canadian Geese, Buffleheads and Redheads on the marsh. Most were too far out of range for my 300 prime lens, this image is greatly cropped. Many of these swans have a yellow mark at the base of their bill near the eye, click on photo to see image large.

 Next we headed south to Clifford E Lee Nature Sanctuary and had a few White-fronted Geese fly overhead while we walked the boardwalk. There were Canadian Geese, mallards and one male shoveler on the pond. The wind blew up though luckily we were on the edge of a passing storm so we only got hit with cold raindrops for a short period. The ground is dry and dusty here already as there was lack of snow for moisture this past winter. Rain is definitely needed.

 Overwintering butterflies came out of hibernation and were flitting about in the warm sun once the winds passes us by. Milbert's Tortiseshell.

 Song Sparrows are heading north, there were a group of about thirty. Being secretive ground birds that spend time scratching under fallen branches in the leaf litter looking for bugs and seeds it took awhile to get a clear photo.

 A comma butterfly, saw two today.

Blues were sky dancing in the warm sunlight, twirling upward together then flitting about granting a happy moment when one settled for a moment.

Walking the Whitemud Ravine

The suns warmth lured us down the Whitemud Ravine this afternoon.

 First bridge who should greet us but this sweet chipmunk. They scurry so fast I never seem to be able to get clear shots but this wee one was generous and posed.

 The willows are in blossom, such a joy to witness when snows recede.

 A curious little vole?

 A fine looking Beaver.

 Theres a bit of snow and ice on this hillside and a few icy sections on the trails as well as the expected mud, thought the paths were mostly dry.

Comma butterfly.

Butterflies were out in numbers flitting in the warmth and once in awhile I was gifted with a momentary landing whereupon was able to quickly captured the image. 

 Milbert's Tortoiseshell Butterfly. Very tiny at this time of year. I have noticed the summer ones to be twice the size. 

Mourning Cloak butterfly. 

winter is back with us

Thoughts of sunny summer days and birdsong fill my thoughts as I view the whiteness of falling snow that lie silent on my world today. Hugs and warm wishes to all.