A nature writer never lacks things to write about, after all, every living thing on this earth falls into the category! But---, sometimes this computer screen seems to stare back at the writer, and no hints of the subject for the week are evident. When this happens to me, as it did this week, I go out to a spot nearby and see what there is to see. This week, I went to a nearby reservoir, and sure enough there were birds there that gave me some ideas. For instance, there was a bird that is most often seen in more northerly areas, on quiet lakes in the boreal forested areas. This bird is the Common Loon, or as it used to be called, the Great Northern Diver. I wonder why this beautiful bird was spending some time on this small bit of water, all by itself. There is no answer, but it is the second year in a row that a loon has been seen here on the reservoir. Last year, a loon managed to get itself tangled in some fishing line and a hook, and was rescued successfully. Maybe it is the same one that is here this year, and it came back because of the friendly people who helped it when it needed human intervention to survive.

There were other birds on the water, ones that I see every time that I go out there. Spotted Sandpipers, those interesting little birds that we can see along the shorelines of ponds and lakes everywhere. These sandpipers have the odd habit of bobbing their tails up and down as they move around looking for food. Their flight is the best identifier of the species, as they seem to be suffering from arthritis in the wings! They fly with stiff wings, which never rise above the body, and the rhythm is intermittent. The wing beats seem to stutter as they fly low across the water when flushed. The Canada Geese that live here and raise their families were out for an evening swim, and to show off their young to an appreciative bird watcher. Other birds that got my attention were the Black Terns. These birds are quite dark, and fly like gulls. They fly over the water looking down, and when they see a minnow they drop like a stone, with a huge splash. They usually get what they were diving for!

On my way home, I stopped at a local wildlife viewing blind. There were many ducks on the water, but what caught my attention were the Barn Swallow nests in the blind. These pretty little swallows are very friendly, and the thought crossed my mind that they really appreciated the kindness of those humans who built the wonderful shelter for them to nest in! There are other swallows that nest around here, such as the Cliff Swallows that nest under many of the bridges. Some bridges have nearly a hundred cliff swallows in the colony! Some of the Tree Swallows on the bluebird trail seem to really enjoy my visits. I remember one little mother from last year who was raising 8 voracious chicks. She would stop her busy search for food, and sit quietly on the fence wire as I checked her brood. She seemed to appreciate an excuse for a rest, and looked like she would love to put her feet up for a while with a cup of tea! I know that I enjoyed the visit, even if I don't speak Tree Swallow!

When I got home and sat down to write again, there were all of the sights and sounds of the past couple of hours swirling around in my mind, and this column is the result.

Carl Grosfield
5105-51 Ave.
Vegreville, AB
T9C 1M1
wildscape@telusplanet.net