Sunday, December 18, 2016

Gray Jay - Canada new bird.

The big birding news of the month has to be the new official Canadian bird: The Grey Jay, Whiskey Jack, Canada Jay. I’m not saying I would have voted for the Grey Jay, but let’s see if, when I’m done, you might find yourself thinking this truly is a bird with a Canadian heart:
Grey Jays are survivors and have been in Canada for thousands of years. The bird’s name was derived from both the Cree and Algonquin languages: Wìsakedjàk in Algonquin or Wīhsakecāhkw in Cree. They are part of the corvid family (Blue Jays, Crows and Ravens), and they are one of the smartest birds on the planet. One sign of their intelligence is their opportunistically friendly behaviour, for example if you put food on your hand, especially cranberries, they will come down immediately to take advantage of the situation. While some other popular Canadian birds, looking at you Canadian Geese, abandon us for warmer weather, the Grey Jay not only winters in Canada but can nest their eggs in -300C! Add to all of this the fact that Grey Jays are found in every province and territory and you’ve got yourself a truly Canadian bird.




Blizzard and they still come out




Fluffed up


Such a good choice for Canadian bird.

Evening Grosbeak from Algonquin Park Dec 2016


So lucky to see all the Evening Grosbeaks in Algonquin.  Both times the snow was falling so hard but a few shots of male and female.
All photos ©Ann Brokelman Photography





Still a few rusty leaves up


Handsome male



Red Fox - my favourite animal. December 2016

Spend 3 days up in Algonquin with Sheila.  We saw 2 bull moose crossing road plus one gorgeous fox.  Enjoy the series of shots of him with snow covered face. 
All photo are © Ann Brokelman Photography


Love this


The trees were loaded with snow.  Most roads into the park were snow covered and not worth taking a risk of driving them.

Such a beautiful face



Snow was appr. 2 feet deep in places


Running through snow. 



Appears to have a wound on the side of body. Looked old and healed.

Love the stance

Hard work running and walking in snow


Snow moving with his foot

Plowing the snow with nose





What a face


Sunday, December 4, 2016

Rosetta Park and Gardens . Dec 2016














What is the shape



Last day of roses






Every day is a good day when you can walk at Rosetta McLain Park and Gardens