Thursday, April 28, 2011

Part One. A Hike on the West Side of the Vermilon River, along the Abanboned RR Track. A Post to Skywatch.

A Few Clouds, But Generally Bright


Now these Cumulus are building and Darkening.


Starting off it was a bright day with a few clouds, but as the day went on the clouds built up and darkened, a hint of the next few days when we actually had a rain storm warning. But we're going to continue because we've got cabin fever, and a fair distance to cover along side the west side of the river on the abandoned rail track.


The upper river.

Our Crow.


Male Purple Finch


Female Hairy Woodpecker


We were not about to leave without a fairwell to our crow. By the way the river scene is from the upper river just indicating the lack of ice. We won't be going that way today. We'll cut across an active track and use a RR maintenance road which is always good for something and sometimes a bear. This time we got the Purple Finch and the female Hairy Woodpecker, not a bad beginning. After them the trail went quiet and I thought bear, but Boom didn't pick up a scent at all.

Canada Geese In Flight


Geese in Flight





As the river was coming in sight these Canada Geese came tearing in honking all the time. 
Sparrow


Sparrow


Sparrow
 There were lots of Sparrows around. I think the one above may be an immature White-crown, while the one in the reeds, and the branches are Song Sparrows. If I'm wrong, some one will correct us.


Sparrow




Preening Ring-bill


Still Preening


Tree Fungus
The River Ring-billed Gulls are always active, and the tree fungus is a really interesting looking one.
A Post to Skywatch Friday @ http://skyley.blogspot.com/  I'll post Part 2 to Camera Critters and Scenic Sunday.


57 comments:

  1. Great shots I love tree fungus it is an art in itself. You are lucky to live where you do. B

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  2. i just always adore your crow guide. what a beauty! and i love sparrows of all kinds. :)

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  3. I know that cabin fever feeling! Gorgeous skies Gary, and a great hike, thanks for sharing.

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  4. Ah, yes! I can relate to cabin fever as well! Thanks for the hike! Your photos are superb as always! Love the shots of the birds, they are so beautiful! Always lovely clouds and skies! Hope you and Boomer have a great weekend, Gary!

    Sylvia

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  5. Beautiful skies and wildlife. I love the fat little Crow and the many Sparrows.
    Thanks for taking us all along with you and Boomer on this walk!

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  6. That was a good hike for wildlife viewing even if you didn't see a bear.

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  7. Great collection of photos from your hike, the wildlife is beautiful. Thanks for sharing with SWF.

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  8. What riches today, Gary.
    Terrific skies, that wonderful water scene and plenty of birds.( Lucky you! You know what I'm on about :-)
    You had a great outing.
    1jo.co

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  9. Gorgeous skies and birds. Happy skywatching!

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  10. I'm glad there was no bear. :) Great shots of the birds.

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  11. Nice shots, Gary, particularly of the preening gull. The aparrow with the rusty crown,the eye stripe and the plain chest is an American Tree Sparrow. The bicolored bill is a dead giveaway.

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  12. you go on wonderful trails. you see and capture a lot of pretty birds.

    http://ewok1993.wordpress.com

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  13. Bet Crow thinks you're its people.

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  14. You have the most amazing hikes. I am inspired to travel your way!
    Sweet sparrow.

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  15. Gorgeous skies and birds! I especially love the purple finch and sparrows.

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  16. This was a lovely walk and my favourite bird here is the red headed sparrow.
    Which one is Boom's favourite?

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  17. Hello Garry - I promise you that this stupid shopping cart is going to dissapear from this place. Thank you for your kind comment. Your many birds and skyes and even fungus are amazing. Among birds I choose sparrow. But where is Boomer?

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  18. Great photos Gary. Really like that Sparrow.

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  19. What a beautiful shot of the woodpecker!

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  20. I love your photos; especially the little finch.

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  21. Great shots. Those skies look like they could have been taken from an airplane. And of course the birds are nice to see!

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  22. Really beautiful pictures! Nice to see the bird taking a bath :)

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  23. No ice? Is spring finally there? Lovely blue skies!

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  24. Really nice hike along the tracks--thanks for taking us along. Your bird captures are a delight, including your Crow [some of my favorite feathered friends]. Lovely day from start to finish.
    Happy weekend!

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  25. Boomer now has it that only one crow is on the property at a time, texwisgirl.

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  26. Thanks ubberhund and you're welcome anytime.

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  27. We've been looking for them Martha.

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  28. Thanks joco and I read your views of blogging. Very good.

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  29. But we're looking for some EGW.

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  30. He does EcoRover. But Boom has restricted visits to one crow at a time.

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  31. Boom is really that partial, Birgitta.

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  32. Look, at the next post Marias.

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  33. Thanks Adam and they are attractive.

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  34. It took a lot of shots to get that Finch Joyful.

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  35. Thanks Fjallripan and welcome to the blog.

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  36. No,ladyfi, we had snow last night and this morning. For ice see the next post.

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  37. your photography is really stunning!
    i've always been in awe of your photography skills.

    happy weekend!
    (popping over to your site via Dianne AZ'.)

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  38. Hi Gary

    Great shots of the geese and inmature sparrow. The preening gull is a treat, I always like to see the water droplets fly. Hi to Boomer.

    Guy

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  39. Thanks Betty, but the equipment and the wildlife do most of the work.

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  40. nice shots of the gull. :)
    You have lots of nice birds where you live.

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  41. Beautiful skies and all the photos of the birds are excellent. You have some great country to take photos of. Mickie :)

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  42. I love all of your bird shots. Makes me want to get outside and get some decent photos!

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