Feathered Wanderings

Canada doesn’t have the exotic birds that I see from other countries, but the ones that we have are cool and charismatic in an understated way. They can also be shy, like this little bird that I was trying to capture in some local bushes. I could hear him chirping through the tall grasses and vines. Investigating further, I saw the tiniest chubby bird flitting about the thorny vines.

I must’ve taken fifteen photographs, and these two were the best. So the beginning of my birding weekend adventure didn't start so promising considering I got poked by the sharp needles while sneaking around said bushes.

Later in the hike, I was rewarded with clearer sights like a wondrous Great Blue Heron fishing in the lagoon. But first here’s a cranky Canada Goose hissing at another nearby goose for a reason I could not discern.

On the branches above, a raven enjoyed the show and made clacking noises as if approving of the goose's antics.

The stately bird also had a good view of the grounds below where a group of wood ducks waddled around foraging through the winter detritus.

When they saw me get on one knee to take their photo, they approached me in a coy but inquisitive manner. Evidence, I conjectured, that humans have been feeding them. It’s a $500 fine if one is caught feeding wildlife around here.

Surely, a reasonable person might wonder, if I feed a duck, nobody is going to care or even see me out here.

Allow me to take an equestrian detour and show you how we enforce trail laws in the Canadian wilderness.

So what will it be? A cute picture of a well-fed duck or a horse trampling?

Continuing with my exploration of this natural and well preserved area, I came across a large population of ducks hanging out in the lagoon this fine spring day.

It was somewhat difficult to get a decent shot on account of the thick vegetation there. Thankfully, I noticed there were some small paths that approached the edge of the lagoon, and from there I was able to capture the photographs through branches and leaves.

Then, as I sat on a log reviewing the photos and nibbling on a chocolate bar, I looked up and was greeted with the spectacular sight of a Great Blue Heron in the water. I always stop to admire these birds. They’re like the mystics of the bird world with their infinite patience and stoic demeanor.

There were also several ducks drying on a platform nearby, and the heron seemed to be curious about them, and it even tried to approach them at one point, but the ducks were having none of it.

It didn’t seem to be having any luck catching fish, so it slowly walked a few paces behind the shrubs and once again remained still.

Thank you for joining me in this avian excursion.

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