Floating Down the River

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

It’s certainly that time of year…everything is beginning to return.
Even though the river has yet to crest here in Winnipeg, Pelicans now can easily be found since the ice is gone.
Both male and female develop a bump on their beaks during breeding season…this bump falls off after the birds have mated and laid eggs.

The American White Pelican can be found across the Prairie Provinces and migrate South as far as Texas and Mexico in the Winter months.
I had always thought up un-till a few years ago that they were found across Canada…apparently not.
Being informed by a friend in Montreal that they only have Brown Pelicans…although there has been the odd White Pelican show up in the area.

By the look of things fishing is good on the Red River…clearly this Pelican has caught a good sized fish.

Standing Guard

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Mr. Great Horned Owl found close to the nest site…standing guard and watching for any intruders like Crows that seem too often mob a nest.
From what I’ve witnessed…when a nest is being mobbed the male will come in and try and drawn the attention to himself so that the Crows will follow him away from the nest.
During this the female becomes very vocal and loud hooting can easily be heard anywhere in the bush.

He now has his work cut out as there appears to be three hungry owlets to feed…along with Mama Owl.
Their diet consists mainly of rabbits and squirrels.

Someone’s Handy Work

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

I’ve seen this before where someone has provided a nest for Great Horned Owls.
As Owls don’t do their own nest building and reply on other birds like Crows to do it for them.

Since Crows build a new nest each season…the old nest is there for the taking and will often be used by Great Horned Owls if in a suitable location.
These nests after being used in a second year are usually unusable again and a new location would be required.

Humans lend a helping hand by constructing nests for owls to use year after year…such is the case at this location.
Unclear just how long the nest has been there…but does appear to be very sturdy and should last a long time.