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Chris Fisher

@fisherspeaks.bsky.social
12K followers 863 following 1.6K posts

Best-selling Author • Nature • Photo Tours • Podcast • Speaker 🇨🇦 Wings Environmental Solutions 🌎

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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 8h
This American Bittern seemed to be trying its best to blend in so as not to be seen by this large flock of Snow Geese! #SK #Birds
AnAmerican Bittern in the foreground takes on its cryptic pose by lifting its head and bill straight up. The bird stands in a harvested field with a flock of white snow geese in the background.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The Pronghorn boys are showing some brawn. While known for their speed, at this time of the year they are nice and thick.
A male Pronghorn stands in the native grasslands broadside.A male Pronghorn stands in the native grasslands head on.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
While Western Meadowlarks has lost a bit of their spring flair with muted colours and voice - their numbers on the northern plains have swelled. At this time of the year they act like blackbirds and crowd together before they leave. #AB
A fall-coloured Western Meadowlark perches on a fencepost.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
By my tastebuds, these Pincushion berries are a top 5 wild berry in #AB! And this fall there is a bumper crop.
Four plump berries grow out of a small pincushion cactus.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
At the end of WW2 there were less than 20 Whooping Cranes on earth. I've been doing tours in #SK and regularly see more than that in a single field (or photo) and tally >100 (of a ~600 population) for the trip. Nice fall vibes.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Greater White-fronted Geese despite their impressive numbers are the unheralded goose of NA. They hang in the countryside away from many eyes and superficially blend in with more well-known geese. But, set your sights on them and enjoy them as they pass. #birds
A flock of Greater White-fronted Goose flies against a blue sky.An individual Greater White-fronted Goose looks down from above while it flies against a blue sky.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
While Pronghorn are not thought of some of the great overland migrants - they actually are pretty impressive movers. Here at their northern edge, they are moving south in raggedy herds, 100s of kms in a quest to find great, snow free areas to winter. #mammals
A male Pronghorn gallops over a grain field.A herd of Pronghorn lay down in a harvested grain field.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
What a great piece of science writing. Its excellence matches the excellence of its subject. Bison serve as a perfect symbol of NA conservation from our past to the present.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The Ringed-necked Pheasants have resumed their daily check-in to our backyard. From the colours of the fall, the freeze of the winter, to the hope of the spring, pheasants add a lot to our living experience. #birds
A male Ringed-necked Pheasant stands on top of a fence next to mountain ash berries and fall colours.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Last week, I spent a few minutes with CBC RadioActive to discuss #AB bird migration from rarities to your backyard visitors. Enjoy a listen. www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
A trio of Whooping Cranes fly against a blue sky.A Harris's Sparrow, a large bulky brownish sparrow stands mid fallen leaves in grass.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Thinking back a few years to an incredible trip in the north Pacific. #birds #BC
A Black-footed Albatross soars against a blue sky.A dark morph Northern Fulmar soars against a blue sky.A Pink-footed Shearwater soars against a blue sky.Hundreds of pelagic birds congregate near an off shore fishing vessel.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Heading off into the teeth of our bird migration later on this week! #SK here we come! #birds
A cloud of Snow Geese numbering about 2700 individuals rises up in fall migration.A migratory flock of 25 Whooping Cranes stand in a harvested cropland.A flock of Greater White fronted Geese stand in a harvested cropland.A small flock of Sandhill Cranes rise from a field in fall migration.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
While birders are now out and about tracking the fall migration - nothing tracks migrant birds like a Peregrine Falcon. #birds
An immature Peregrine Falcon is perched in a dead tree looking over its shoulder.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
It's sparrow-palooza time. These often-drab #birds are some of our most loyal backyard visitors thanks to their taste for bird seed. #AB
A collage of ten sparrows with a label text Sparrows of Alberta.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Last year we met this Vagrans Shrew on a fall hike - I wonder what's in store for us today? #AB #Rockies
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Coming up at 5:05pm on CBC RadioActive #YEG I am joining Jessica Ng to discuss #Alberta bird migration. Some rarities, some regulars - are all amazing in their own ways!
A Laughing Gull, a gull with a black head and feet,  flies up against the sky.A Harris's Sparrow, a large chunky sparrow hops among fallen leaves on a lawn.Two Whooping Cranes stand in a field next two golden aspen trees.Nine Sandhill Cranes fly headlong against a blue sky.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Coming up at 5:05pm on CBC RadioActive #YEG I am joining Jessica Ng to discuss #Alberta bird migration. Some rarities, some regulars - are all amazing in their own ways!
A Laughing Gull, a gull with a black head and feet,  flies up against the sky.A Harris's Sparrow, a large chunky sparrow hops among fallen leaves on a lawn.Two Whooping Cranes stand in a field next two golden aspen trees.Nine Sandhill Cranes fly headlong against a blue sky.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
A few years ago, I watched these two bulls going at it among the dusty and low sun angle of a fantastic fall day in Elk Island NP #AB.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The Bison rut may be the most brutal tussle among NA mammals. The males get fired up and throw their impressive weight around with each other.
A bull Bison walks toward a cow bison in tall dry brown grasses.
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EcoFriendly West @ecofriendlywest.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Join Ryan Fisher, curator at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, for an “ask me anything” conversation about birds, birdwatching, and tales from the field from 6-7:30 pm, Sept. 28, at Rebellion Brewing, Regina royalsaskmuseum.ca/visit/events...
photo of Ryan Fisher beside a stuffed bird
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Ruffed Grouse have year round fall vibes. It's fitting that they will also drum at this time of year. #birds
A Ruffed Grouse, a chicken like wild bird is well camouflaged against a leafy background.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Lots of funky familiar birds right now due to the moult. Both this drake Mallard and this young Black-billed Magpie are 'in-between' more permanent and stylist looks. #birds
A pair of Mallards rest on a rock beside a river. The male is in eclipse plumage - a mid way point in his moult.An immature Black-billed Magpie is in the process of moulting. Its body feathers are that of an adult, but its head still had the feathers of a fledgling.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Shout out to the Harris's Sparrow! In this time of unrivalled 🇨🇦 pride - this is the only bird that nests exclusively in this country. Be on the lookout for these hosers as they start to appear in migration in more southern areas. #Birds
An immature Harris's Sparrow stand in grasses amid dried fallen leaves.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Beavers are now on the clock. As days get shorter and nights colder, there are limited days left in the calendar to set up for the winter. All the food that they will eat will need to be jammed below where the ice will form, so no tie to enjoy the fall colours. #AB #Mammals
The head of a beaver rises from the calm golden surface of a pond. The beaver feeds on a willow branch.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I flew on this 1957 DHC-2 Beaver to Admiralty Island Alaska in 2009 and it looks to be still flying in 2026 - more than 70 years of service. The paint job is from its Ward Air legacy days.
A DH Beaver float plane is parks on the gravel bar of an inlet in Alaska.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Buffaloberry season ended in mid August this year. There haven't been any saskatoons for over a month, either. Chokecherries, Pin cherries & Dogwood berriers are on the current menu for Black Bears in valleys. But every grizzly I know is in the alpine digging up roots and ground squirrels.
Grizzly digs in an alpine meadow. In this case, digging up the roots of Silverweed, a potentilla sapecies.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
It's berry time for #AB Grizzly Bears. Buffaloberries, chokecherries, saskatoons by the thousands are on the daily menu.
An adult grizzly bear stands amid fall foliage and buffaloberry shrubs.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I was happy to help this Bullsnake to the other side of this busy road as it makes its way to the river valley. Angry though it was. Snakes are crossing many roads this weekend as they head back to their winter dens #AB
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Now is the time of year to look up, way up. And have a listen too. #Ab #birds Canada Geese, White-fronted Geese, Sandhill Cranes
A flock of Canada Geese fly against the blue sky.A flock of Greater White-fronted Geese fly against the blue sky.A flock of Sandhill Crames fly against the blue sky.
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Effin' Birds @effinbirds.com · 19/09/2026
See you tonight for Comics Xplosion, Edmonton.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Bull Elk are now looking their best - and in the weeks to come, their best will be put to the test. #Ab #mammals
A male bull elk stands in front of glowing yellow aspen trees.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Nice hot day yesterday signalled to northern snakes to get moving back to their dens. I met more than a dozen (8 in one hibernacula) comprising of three species. Not bad for late Sept! #herps #AB
A mature Bullsnake rests in the late afternoon sun on a paved road.A wandering garter snake swims in a clear backwater channel.A small yearling Prairie Rattlesnake is laying among loose rocks.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I call them 'the rugged warblers'. Yellow-rumped, Tenessee & Orange-crowned Warblers shared the same drab tailoring and the same late season passage. Each late sighting reaffirms their resolute northern roots and those ties to gentler southern winters.
A Yellow-rumped Warblers perches amid fall vegetation.A Tennessee Warbler perches amid fall vegetation.An Orange-crowned Warbler perches amid fall vegetation.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
While Common Mergansers are a year round staple of #AB birding, they tend to draw our eyes a bit more sharply during our cooler months. Today's grey September mood was a fine precursor to wintry scenes that lie ahead of us, where winter waters remain open. #birds
Two Common Mergansers swim in grey waters. The lead duck has its bill opened wide.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Most waterfowl have been on the moult 'low down' for the last while, but the turn in temps seems to have rekindled a return to action. Today, a small gathering of Common Mergansers were milling about the shallows and provided nice close looks at their interactions. #birds
Two Common Merganser with russet heads swim in greyish waters - the lead bird has its beak wide open.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A white-crowned Sparrow blast has occurred in #YYC - perfect combination of migratory timing and weather. These chunky sparrows are eating berries and kicking up leaves and litter all over town. Enjoy them while they last! #birds
An adult White-crowned Sparrow perches near the top of a spruce tree.An immature White-crowned Sparrow perches near the top of a wild rose bush.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Right now the continent is confused by near identical immature sparrows - yet one species provides hope. Young White-crowned Sparrows do lack the B&W adult head gear, but the ginger trim and yellow beaks make them stand out nicely from the crowds of younsters. #birds
An immature White-crowned Sparrow with a ginger head stripe and yellow bill perches on a spruce.An immature White-crowned Sparrow with a ginger head stripe and yellow bill perches on a work of metal art.
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@kathyedm.bsky.social @kathyedm.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Environmentalist Kevin Van Tighem is raising the alarm on the sport hunting of Grizzly bears that is operating under the auspices of animal control thanks to changes made by the UCP...
Environmentalist Kevin Van Tighem is raising the alarm on the sport hunting of Grizzly bears that is operating under the auspices of animal control thanks to changes made by the UCP...
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Birder K @birderk.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Pretty early in the night yet, but this has the makings of another half a billion night! #birds #fall #migration #LightsOutForBirds
BirdCast map showing 415.3 million birds in flight at 9pm EDT on September 13. The Sun is still setting to the west and migration is concentrated at the moment in the east to Midwest.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
While the Clay-colored Sparrow may not be the color of clay, the Clay-colored Sparrow's collar is coincidently clay colored. #birds
A Clay-colored Sparrow perches on a small branch amid tall grasses.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
September is the time for seeds. With sparrows and finches now fluttering through our yards it is a very productive time to get back to feeding backyard birds. Up high, down low and well away from your windows. #Ab #birds
A pine siskin perches on a tube feeder.An adult White-crowned Sparrow stands on a log.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Short-horned Lizards are mythical in these northern parts - and so too are their blood-squirting eyes. To find one with fresh evidence of this macabre act is a once-in-a-lifer moment. #AB #herps
A Short-horned Lizard stands on exposed soil with dried red blood on this cheeks, forehead, nose and head.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
It's mid-September, let the flehmen begin! #bison #rut
A bull Plains Bison is seen lifting its upper lip to better detect the breeding condition of nearby females.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
While this Mountain Bluebird image was actually taken in the spring - with the yellow courtesy of a well-positioned excavator, I think, it nonetheless gives off nice autumn feels! #birds #photography
A male Mountain Bluebird perches in the sun on a thin branch. The background glows golden.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Up here #AB Osprey are at the northern edge of their range and while the temps are dipping, they still have another. month of good fishing before heading south. #birds
An Osprey flies over a waterbody with a large fish in its talons.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Today this Osprey seemed to be testing the maximum payload capacity with this rather large mountain whitefish. For a bird weighing about 4 lbs (1.8 kgs) this catch seems to push the theoretical limits - thought to be about 50% of the bird's weight. #YYC #AB #birds
An Osprey lifts off the surface of the water with wings fully spread and a large whitefish clasped upside down in its talons.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Tiny wild dogs live in the shadows of their larger kin - but in doing so, they often live closer to us. Red Fox (CN), Argentinian Grey Fox (CH), Black-backed Jackal (TZ)
A red fox stands in the golden glow of autumn sunlight.An Argentinian Grey Fox, rests on a rocky pad with its tail curling towards its head.A black-backed jackal is focussed on prey while rising up in tall green grass.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
A walk in nature is good for your brain — a new study adds to the evidence www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks...
cbc.ca
A walk in nature is good for your brain — a new study adds to the evidence | CBC Radio
Researchers used brain-monitoring technology to show that a 40-minute walk in nature helped people recover from a demanding mental task, and restored the ability to focus.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
After making the film circuit rounds throughout NA, "Emergency" comes home #YEG. Screening on Sept 27 at #EIFF2026 this short film features our kid, who embodies a young child who choices one night would frame an entire life.
A film poster of Emergency of a young boy and girl, with various film festival logos.
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Chris Fisher @fisherspeaks.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
From my Falkland Islands files. Kelp Goose, Long-tailed Meadowlark, King Penguin, Brown Skua #birds
A male (white) and female (brown) Kelp Goose stand on the rocky shoreline. A Long-tailed meadowlark with a bright red chest and grass seeds in its bill stands on the ground.Eight King Penguins stand on a barren landscape with the blue sky as a backdrop.A Brown Skua sits on the ground overlooking a gentoo penguins colony.
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