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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

A Vesper Sparrow, true to its name, sings from its badlands perch in the gathering dusk. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Like many other finch species, Evening Grosbeaks are prone to irruptions—drastic fluctuations in numbers, often driven by food availability. Here in southern Alberta, we seem to be in the midst of such an irruption. This male grosbeak was quietly feeding on Russian olive when I happened by. #birds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Should the American Ornithological Society ever do away with the Wilson's Warbler's eponymous name, what do you think the replacement should be? Black-capped Warbler seems a likely if unimaginative contender. I'm partial to shorter, creative names. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

This littl'un is one of Alberta's five ground squirrels—that most likely to be confused with a chipmunk, the Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel. Alongside the Columbian Ground Squirrel, these are the mountaineers of the family. #notabird

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

This year, I put up no hummingbird feeder. But my bee balm blossomed all the same. And a hummingbird found it! A Rufous Hummingbird—a new yard bird for me. Perhaps the best feeders are the ones that fill themselves, and look nice while they're at it! #birds #albertabirds #birdphotography

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Earlier this week, I did a bit of a photo shoot with a family of coots in the pond behind my house. The parents tolerated it, but just barely. Fortunately, when the cootlets as old as the young one in this photo, they don't induce nausea like the ugly hatchlings do. #birds #birdphotography

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

I don't suppose I will ever fail to be impressed at birds' ability to nab insects in mid-air. And that's probably as it should be. The bird, by the way, is a Baltimore Oriole. They're not known to fly-catch often. #birds #albertabirds #birdphotography

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

They say one good tern deserves another, so here's a Black Tern cruising over the prairie. It was foraging at the same slough as the Forster's Tern of yestermonth's post. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Common Grackles are not a much-loved bird. (See, for instance, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, season 2, episode 23.) But when the light hits their plumage just right, their iridescent feathers shine blue and bronze. They're still nuisances at the bird feeder, to be sure. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

As nesting season draws to a close, it's becoming less common to find pairs of breeding birds. But these Lazuli Buntings are holding their territory well into the dog days of summer. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

The Forster's Tern is a common tern in my part of the world. Indeed, it is the most common tern. But it is not a Common Tern; that's a different species. And this serves as an example of why I capitalize species' names. #birds #albertabirds #birdphotography

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

I absolutely love Birds of the World's description of the Brewer's Blackbird's song: "a rush of air with little vocal accompaniment... a short, harsh, toneless, whirring gurgle lacking in musical quality." Ouch! It's a good thing Brewer's Blackbirds can't read. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

I was today years old when I learned that Alberta has no moles. This is, quite frankly, shocking, and it has me questioning my life decisions. I mean, if the province isn't even good enough for moles... #alberta

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

I'm always struck by the amount of effort blackbirds appear to put into their, um, "songs." Whether an airy hiss, a grating wail, or a disjointed noisy jumble, the vocalization is at least delivered with unrivalled vigour. #birds #birdphotogrpahy #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Inclement weather often brings interesting birds to the pond behind my house. This evening, three Caspian Terns dropped by between rain showers. I'm very grateful for those occasions when something unexpected turns up right outside my window. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

One would be hard-pressed to identify a bird of the Great Plains more iconic than the Western Meadowlark. Their bubbly song serves as a fine welcome to visitors to their expansive haunts. To residents of the open prairie, the song heralds the arrival of spring. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

For a woodpecker, this dapper bird wasn't pecking all that much wood. At times, it played the warbler, gleaning what it could find among the twigs and leaves. At other times, it would play the flycatcher, sallying out to catch insects on the wing. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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Reposted by David Scott

Birds Canada @birdscanada.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

On The Warblers Podcast @davidrscott.bsky.social and Gavin McKinnon share why they wrote a brand new field guide for Alberta's birds, expand on the effort involved, and relish in their favourite birding stories. If you've ever been curious about the guide in your backpack - this episode is for you!

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

This wee bird on a wire is a female Chestnut-collared Longspur, a denizen of the native prairie. Sadly, the latest State of Canada's Bird Report finds that this species' numbers have declined by 95% since 1970. We need to keep what grasslands we still have if these birds are to have any hope. #birds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

This female Yellow-headed Blackbird looks a little worse for wear, but that didn't stop her from posing for the camera whilst foraging on the beach. She offered much better photo ops than did the flyby jaeger offshore, and so the limelight is hers. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

This crow didn't take kindly to the interloping Broad-winged Hawk in its neighbourhood. Fortunately, the hawk was just passing through on its way to more northerly forests. Both birds executed some impressive aerial maneuvers before the hawk bid the crow adieu. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

House Finches are building a nest in my yard. Or, should I say, "House Finch." The female is building the nest. The male follows her around assiduously. While she's gathering material or weaving it into the nest, he sings. I'm sure she appreciates the help. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

There are a lot of dazzling ducks out there, but in North America, the Wood Duck is definitely a contender for top spot. Unlike the Harlequin Duck, its lacklustre name doesn't conjure much in the way of expectation. Yet, to my mind, it is no less stunning. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Grasshopper Sparrows are one of our native grassland specialists; you'd be hard-pressed to find one in cropland. Their short-necked appearance, big head, and short tail give them a more borb-like physique than most other sparrows! #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds #borbs

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

I find Bonaparte's Gulls to be a particularly agreeable member of their family. I am partial to their graceful flight, arboreal nests, and distaste for landfills and parking lots, and so these dainty gulls are always a welcome sight when they pass through my part of the world. #birds #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Since moving to my current home, I've kept a list of bird species I've found in the small city park behind it. With over 150 tallied to date, new birds are becoming few and far between. A pair of Canvasbacks this morning were a welcome addition! #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

This lil' Loggerhead Shrike posed very nicely for its photo shoot this morning. I could have done with a more becoming perch, however. I'm sure the shrike's proximity to barbed wire is entirely coincidental. Such an adorable songbird would surely have no use for it, right? Right!? #birds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Typically, it's advisable to get oneself between the sun and the subject when taking wildlife photos. But occasionally, backlighting makes for a nice effect. I especially like it with the water droplets in the air. And pelicans are always fun to work with. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

For some, Northern Cardinals, while vibrant, may seem ho-hum. Not so in Alberta! When a cardinal is found to be gracing our province, people take notice. 👀 We typically host only one or two a year. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Townsend's Solitaires are often associated with montane forest, and rightly so, but in migration, they can seem to turn up just about anywhere. I've seen them in city parks, in riparian forest, at a boreal wetland, and on the prairie with nary a tree in sight! #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

I can never quite decide whether Marsh Wrens sound cheery or angry. Either way, they're not holding anything back! I wish I had a fraction of the energy of these little reed-dwellers. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

I love watching swallows forage over a lake. Managing a half decent photo of one doing so can be a challenge, but the attempt at least sharpens one's appreciation for the stunning aerial maneuvers these birds perform with apparent ease. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Where Black-billed Magpies can be found, they are often so common that locals think them "trash" birds. To those who routinely cross paths with this species, however, know that fewer than one in four Canadians and one in twelve Americans share the privilege! #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

I was pretty excited when I looked out my window and spotted a storm wigeon in the pond behind my house. (Storm wigeons are American Wigeons sporting an unusual plumage: cream-coloured rather than grey cheeks.) #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

A conversation with my son earlier this evening: "Daddy, is that bird evil?" "What do you think?" "Let me see.... Yeah, it gots red eyes." (Evil) Horned Grebe #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

While curating photos for a book, I was struck by how few good local shots I could find of many female and immature birds. Though they may not be as flashy, let's not ignore them! This female Mountain Bluebird was more cooperative than her mate, so she got all the attention. #birds #birdphotography

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Do you suppose a cormorant takes any enjoyment from a scenic vista? #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds #chiefmountain

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

Yesterday, a friend spied this wee kinglet bearing its golden crown with aplomb. While the bird itself is not rare in this part of the world, a good photo op of one is by no means common. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Sometimes I wonder if we'd better appreciate our common birds were they rarer. Like, in the case of the Mallard, would we marvel at their iridescent green heads and purple specula? Admire those curly black uppertail coverts and finely vermiculated flanks? I imagine we would. #birds #albertabirds

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Reposted by David Scott

Janet Hill @saskajanet.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

"The Prime Minister’s announcement is a significant step forward for nature conservation and we look forward to acting together to protect the beauty and diversity of Canada’s birds and the places they need to thrive." Let’s get to work! 💪

birdscanada.org

Birds Canada Welcomes Significant Investments in Nature Conservation by the Prime Minister

Photo: Jack Belleghem | Today, Prime Minister Carney announced $3.8 billion in new funding and renewed programs to protect nature. Programs that can help conserve the places birds need to thrive

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

Many birders find shorebird identification daunting. The Black-necked Stilt, however, is tough to confound with any other species. I hesitate to call anything "unmistakable," because humans are remarkably good at making mistakes, but this bird comes very close. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

In my part of the world, early spring migration is dominated by waterfowl. The Mountain Bluebird is among the few songbirds that arrive in March. They offer a welcome diversion from playing duck, duck, goose (×10,000) at the local reservoirs. #birds #birdphotography #bluebird #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Yesterday, satellite images captured this ghostly apparition on southern Alberta's Tyrrell Lake. What could it be? As I was there to check in on the spring waterfowl migration, I know that it was tens of thousands of Snow Geese! Image from the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem. #birds #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

The Snow Goose legions—and their diminutive Ross's Goose attendants—have descended upon southern Alberta in earnest. Spring migration's first great spectacle is upon us! #birds #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Winter birding in the north can leave much to be desired at times, but special moments—like watching a Golden Eagle cruise over snow-dusted badlands—make up for the relative dearth of birdlife. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds #winterbirding

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

The carefully choreographed courtship display of the Common Goldeneye seems to serve it well; beware, however, that humans attempting to recreate it risk serious injury and are less likely to attract a mate. #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

Photographers often refer to "golden hour"—the part of the day near dawn and dusk when the light is great for taking pictures. Short-eared Owls, being crepuscular, are often active during the golden hours. Warner County, Alberta #birds #birdphotography #albertabirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Whether or not the Black Swan is native to New Zealand is a matter of some debate. I'd expand on that, but I'm not allotted enough characters to do so. Besides, the birds themselves have shown exceptionally little interest in the question. #birds #birdphotography #newzealandbirds

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

My friend Rain Saulnier just published this short video on birders and photographers. I thought it worth sharing. youtu.be/QM_s-ZerquA?... #birding #birdphotography

youtu.be

Birders vs. Photographers | Two Paths, One Passion

YouTube video by Rain Saulnier

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David Scott @davidrscott.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

New Zealand boasts some great cormorants, or “shags.” One of its great cormorants is the Great Cormorant, though this is not one. Rather, this is a Pied Cormorant (not to be confused with Little Pied Cormorant) overlooking a pond at Waikuku Beach (not to be confused with Waikiki Beach). Clear?

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