The Pembina Valley

I have often mentioned the Pembina Valley and the Hawk Migration which takes place there.

I took a drive to the Valley last Sunday and now I have a few pictures to share.

Before I got to the valley,I stopped at a place known to have Bald Eagles there frequently.

I was not totally disappointed.I did see this one in the tree,but much too far away to get a really good shot.This picture is heavily cropped to be able to see the bird decently.

I also three Eagles on a field,but none of them wanted to have their picture taken.They left the minute I stopped and even after waiting  while they did not return.

I approached the valley from the north this time and this is the scene that greeted me.

You can see that we have very little snow and this is a real concern.

We depend on the spring run-off to fill lakes and ponds and generally bring the water table up.

This is looking in the opposite direction.At this time of year this valley should be  mostly white with snow,and we should be seeing huge drifts on the sides of the road.

It is still early and March and even early april can often bring the largest amounts of snow.

If it is to come,I hope it comes in early March and that we have spring come April.

The air was very hazy so this looks almost washed out.I do believe this is what it really looked like.

I kind of like the soft look and the way one can look into the valley,even though it is not very deep.

As I got closer to the part where the Hawk Migration is monitored,I did find a few small drifts in the ditch.

These may only be about 24 inches tall,if that,but the shadows caught my eye.

With the lack of snow this year I find myself looking for some snow to photograph.

I guess it is a little dangerous to talk about the lack of snow and wishing for more.

Should we get a real dump of snow,I am sure someone will remind me of what I wished for.

On another note,Hawk Migration monitoring will begin on February 23.

I hope someone tells the Raptors about this,so they actually show up.

Thought for Today:

Let every creature praise His holy name
Psalm 145:21