Mystery Bird

This fuzzy little bird was playing some kind of chicken on the road by Francis Lake. It escaped three vehicles while we watched, but if it doesn't find what it's looking for, I am concerned for the future.  I've checked my bird books but couldn't find a picture that resembled him.  Any ideas?

I deeply regret the quality of these pictures.

Francis Lake

We drove almost to Herbert yesterday to take our chances on an Ibis or two at Francis Lake. Were happy to see one, though too far away to make a decent photo.  Lots of ducks there as well as Grebes and a few shorebirds. I'd go again just to gaze at the White-faced Ibis. Apparently we saw one in Mexico in 2007, but this was our first Canadian Ibis. We've seen the White Ibis more often in Mexico, but not enough to make them seem common.

An unexpected sighting was what I take to be a Greater White-fronted Goose sticking close to a couple of Canadas. A little far away for a great photo, but it shows the important markings.

Canada Geese: a small family, but healthy

 June 3

June 24

Not a Common Snipe

I looked up Common Snipe online but discovered that the people who do these things have separated our Snipe from the more common Snipe so this one is now called a Wilson's Snipe. I guess I have to buy a new bird book. All of ours have some catching up to do.

Black-billed Magpie

If it wasn't around our farm year 'round, and if it didn't eat our dog's food, and if I wasn't pretty sure it also eats baby birds, or at least their eggs, I would think it was a striking looking bird.

Yesterday in Lucky Lake

 I often hear Eurasian Collared-Doves cooing, but when I look for them I either see a swoop of pale feathers or nothing at all. Other times I can only find Mourning Doves. Yesterday, however, I walked out to my car at noon and there was the real thing. I followed him around the block and managed to get a few shots, though they are all from far below. They seem to like heights.