Pelicans at Patterson Lake

I just went to Olha to buy sunflower seeds for the feeder. On the way I noticed several pelicans at Patterson Lake. The lake is stocked with trout and the pelicans are notorious for feeding off the trout before the fisherman get a chance at them!

Trip to Rivers

We took a trip to Rivers the other day. I did not see any new birds. However, we did see an American White Pelican at River's Lake. There were also a few hummingbirds at a feeder at the yard where we had a birthday celebration. There is no sign of hummingbirds leaving as yet even though there have been some quite cool nights.

Our feeder is constantly bombarded by hummingbirds who refuse to share the two feeders. Usually a successful feeder perches nearby and dive bombs any intruders but it is of no avail. While chasing off an intruder another will come and feed!

We still have plenty of birds at the other feeder. I have seen several purple finches (photo) including a couple of immature birds that just have a few weak splashs of color as yet.
Chickadees are still frequent visitors as are the goldfinches, pine siskins, and house sparrows.

Trip to Brandon

We drove to Brandon today to shop. I have a new digital camera. I hope I can get some good photos at the feeder as soon as I learn how to use it!

On the way we saw many red-winged blackbirds and there were a few ducks on sloughs. At one point near Newdale we saw a flock of American White Pelicans. This is just my second sighting of pelicans this year. We also saw a red-tailed hawk just taking off from the ditch with a gopher in its talons.

When we arrived back home the house sparrows (pictured) had emptied out all the sunflowers onto the ground. My wife insisted on undoing their work before she could rest for the night!