Crows Feet Birding with Don & Elaine

November Birding on the Lake

As the days shorten and my desire to sleep just after sunset arrives, it’s nice to think of the fact that even though many of our birds have left the area in their respective migratory routes, Lake Chestermere is one key location for birders to enjoy. Although the north end of the lake is drained of its water, revealing its soft, clay and silt bottom, feathered treasures take advantage of what has become available – food.

In the small pools of water remaining in the east canal and on the north side of the bridge, a potpourri of life awaits the person curious enough to make a stop and take a look. No less than four species of gulls make the pools of water home including the Herring, California, Bonaparte and the common RingBilled Gull, with gulls walking awkwardly on the ice. Wildfowl species such as the Green-Winged Teal, American Wigeon, Mallards, Buffleheads, Northern Pintails, Hooded and Common Mergansers make a stop, sharing the north end. Not be outdone, shorebirds such as Killdeer, Long-Billed Dowitchers and Greater Yellow Legs use their bills to siphon nutrients from the ooze. These past few days numerous Trumpeter and Tundra Swans have made the south half of the lake home, especially along the shorelines. It’s not uncommon the see swans with “dirty faces”, after their dabbling and foraging for sustenance. Smart Mallards follow the swans closely, snatching up any random food bits fit for a duck that are dredged up by the swans. Canada Geese march in an awkward gait along the shoreline by Chestermere Landing.

Skyward, it is not unusual to see the majestic American Bald Eagle peering lake ward, searching for a potential victim. While taking my nearly daily walk around the north end of the lake, I see other species reveal their appearance, adding to my observation list and potential photograph collection. A sizable flock of European Starlings, fly tightly in formation above and around The Cove. Rock Pigeons roost on lakeside rooftops, taking off every now and then. A few days ago I was fortunate enough to watch a race for life and a meal. A fast flying pigeon was receiving extra attention from a Merlin, our local falcon species, with the Merlin in hot pursuit, a few feet behind. Much like classic aerial dog fighting, racing above Founder’s Point, the pigeon was making every evasive manoeuvre hoping to live another moment. House Sparrows flit about the shrubs near the library. American Tree Sparrows and the odd Dark-Eyed Junco, make home temporarily in the dead branches of the shrubs just north of “Dog Beach”. The short days of November remind us that winter is not far away. City staff decorate John Peake Park with Christmas decorations. People remain in their cars, sipping a coffee and looking out over the lake, taking time to relax and enjoy those quiet moments all of us need. The smiling faces of those with pet dogs add that touch of humanity and say hello, enjoying the fresh air and getting exercise. A late autumn birder can truly find memories in the soft sunlight November days.

Contributors

The views, opinions and positions expressed by all columnists and contributors are the author’s alone. They do not inherently or expressly reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of The Chestermere Anchor News Magazine or Anchor Media Inc.