Early Happy Thanksgiving…..

Yes it is a few days early but we’re taking off shortly to enjoy what will most likely be our last camping trip of the year.  Spending Thanksgiving (the Canadian one) at Tunkwa Lake has become a tradition over the last few years….and with the glorious weather, I expect we won’t be alone (although I hear it was minus 10 there last night – that’s good – it will feel more like October than it does around here right now!!!

We got for our full walk today.  Less than 24 hours after the sign appeared – it disappeared – although I doubt that will be the end of the issue.

the day was sunny and warm but with quite a breeze so all the little birds were hiding in the bushes. Over against that bank…

this Great Blue Heron was sheltering out of the wind.

You know, it seems a little early to me for both the number of Bald Eagles out there right now, besides these (I think 15 in picture) there were an equal number riding the thermals up over the hillside to the west of the estuary.  I also saw a live Salmon today, struggling through the shallow water…again, that seems a bit early.

 at one spot in the trail, out of the wind, there was quite a large flock of Yellow-rump Warblers.  These warblers are the first to head north in the spring and pretty much the last to leave.

While I was standing at the viewing platform, this guy flew up into the ‘eagle tree’ right over head and proceeded to eat this rather revolting looking ‘prize’!

There were quite a few ducks sunning themselves in various spots.  Thought this was a good example to show the size difference between Mallards on the left and the one Green Wing Teal on the right.

actually took these 3 shots yesterday but wanted to post to show that Dark-eyed Junco are around, their numbers growing.

The Red-breasted Nuthatch continue – I’m hoping my freshly stocked peanut feeder lasts through the long weekend – between the nuthatch, jays and chickadees it is sure doesn’t last long and last night there were two flying squirrels wrapped around it munching on peanuts too!

and finally, one of the Chestnut-backed Chickadees.  We still have Black-capped too of course.  I haven’t seen the Band Tail Pigeon for a couple of days, so maybe it has moved on.