Yes, I’m still alive and I’m back for a bit to share some photos and catch up with all of you because it has been a while!
I thought I’d start with spring because it always feels like a good time for a fresh start. These snow buntings were happy to see some water appear as temperatures started to rise in April. I spotted a small flock near one of the stables in Yellowknife where there is lots of food so it is a good place for them to stop on their way up to the high arctic where they breed.
The birds were picking seeds from the nearby willows and sitting along the top of a melting snowbank. The pool was in front of them and I pulled my truck up beside the pool and of course they all flew off. If you’ve ever tried to photograph snow buntings you’ll know they are very shy and take off in a flutter of wings at any approach.
The key is to get near a spot where there is something they want like food or a bath and then just wait. Generally, they will return and provided you don’t make any sudden movements you should be able to spend as much time watching them as you please. Most of these shots were taken from my truck window!
It was fun to see these birds splashing about in the water and then fly off to preen and feed. The appearance of snow buntings is always a sign that spring and more birds are on the way!
Thanks for checking in and sticking with me. I hope you enjoy the images. Please feel free to share and I’ll see you here again soon with some more photos!