https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/album/858582 https://cdn.ipernity.com/p/101/C3/7B/293827.buddy.jpg https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/album/858582 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 01:31:58 +0000 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 01:31:58 +0000 https://www.ipernity.com https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44425140/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2017-03-07,doc-44425140 Tue, 07 Mar 2017 18:04:52 +0000 2016-01-03T11:14:12-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44425140/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/51/40/44425140.6d2678d0.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">We are back into serious winter weather again! This morning, 7 March 2017, the temperature is -14C (windchill -23C), with snow forecast for tonight and the next four days. Apparently, March is our snowiest month.<br /> <br /> I was looking at a folder of winter photos taken just over a year ago, on 3 January 2016, during a Nanton Christmas Bird Count. Thought I'd post another shot taken along this particular road, as this is one of my favourite views.<br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. <br /> <br /> I think the highlight of the day, certainly for me, were all the beautiful Pine Grosbeaks that we saw. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any closer photos<br /> <br /> I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads (not this one) are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! <br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we happened to be very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight.<br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks.</div> One of my favourite views <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44425140/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/51/40/44425140.6d2678d0.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">We are back into serious winter weather again! This morning, 7 March 2017, the temperature is -14C (windchill -23C), with snow forecast for tonight and the next four days. Apparently, March is our snowiest month.<br /> <br /> I was looking at a folder of winter photos taken just over a year ago, on 3 January 2016, during a Nanton Christmas Bird Count. Thought I'd post another shot taken along this particular road, as this is one of my favourite views.<br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. <br /> <br /> I think the highlight of the day, certainly for me, were all the beautiful Pine Grosbeaks that we saw. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any closer photos<br /> <br /> I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads (not this one) are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! <br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we happened to be very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight.<br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43999682/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-12-13,doc-43999682 Tue, 13 Dec 2016 13:41:20 +0000 2016-01-03T10:40:48-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43999682/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/96/82/43999682.aa79babc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. <br /> <br /> I think the highlight of the day, certainly for me, was all the beautiful Pine Grosbeaks that we saw. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any even remotely close photos<br /> <br /> I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! <br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we happened to be very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it on our next visit. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for this year's Christmas Count, in about two and a half weeks' time!</div> Beautiful farm cat <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43999682/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/96/82/43999682.aa79babc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. <br /> <br /> I think the highlight of the day, certainly for me, was all the beautiful Pine Grosbeaks that we saw. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any even remotely close photos<br /> <br /> I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! <br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we happened to be very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it on our next visit. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for this year's Christmas Count, in about two and a half weeks' time!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43994356/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-12-12,doc-43994356 Mon, 12 Dec 2016 10:15:34 +0000 2016-01-03T11:21:44-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43994356/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/43/56/43994356.abfced88.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I'm posting my 'daily three' at the unearthly hour of 3:15 am on 12 December 2016, as I just could not get to sleep - most unusual for me. I guess they will be buried under all the photos posted at a more reasonable time.<br /> <br /> I was looking at a folder of winter photos taken almost a year ago, during a Nanton Christmas Bird Count. Thought I'd post this one, showing the kind of scenery we will be travelling soon. It will be interesting to find out how much snow there is on the ground this year.<br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. <br /> <br /> I think tthe highlight of the day, certainly for me, were all the beautiful Pine Grosbeaks that we saw. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos<br /> <br /> I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads (not this one) are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! <br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we happened to be very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for this year's Christmas Count, in about two and a half weeks' time!</div> Following the fenceline <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43994356/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/43/56/43994356.abfced88.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I'm posting my 'daily three' at the unearthly hour of 3:15 am on 12 December 2016, as I just could not get to sleep - most unusual for me. I guess they will be buried under all the photos posted at a more reasonable time.<br /> <br /> I was looking at a folder of winter photos taken almost a year ago, during a Nanton Christmas Bird Count. Thought I'd post this one, showing the kind of scenery we will be travelling soon. It will be interesting to find out how much snow there is on the ground this year.<br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. <br /> <br /> I think tthe highlight of the day, certainly for me, were all the beautiful Pine Grosbeaks that we saw. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos<br /> <br /> I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads (not this one) are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! <br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we happened to be very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for this year's Christmas Count, in about two and a half weeks' time!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43994348/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-12-11,doc-43994348 Sun, 11 Dec 2016 19:17:13 +0000 2016-01-03T09:42:35-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43994348/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/43/48/43994348.ede68409.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one of Grosbeaks : )<br /> <br /> "One of the larger members of its family, the Pine Grosbeak is a bird of the boreal forests, found across northern Eurasia and North America, and south into the mountains of western Canada and the United States. A large, unwary finch, it makes periodic winter irruptions into southern Canada and northern United States. It is the largest and rarest of the "winter finches." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id</a><br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see is that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms/acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. Unlike some years, we saw only a handful of very distant Grouse, perched on a group of hay bales. <br /> <br /> I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of the backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's home as we were nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for the next Count, in about two and a half weeks' time!<br /> <br /> I will add the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Pine Grosbeak in winter sunshine <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43994348/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/43/48/43994348.ede68409.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one of Grosbeaks : )<br /> <br /> "One of the larger members of its family, the Pine Grosbeak is a bird of the boreal forests, found across northern Eurasia and North America, and south into the mountains of western Canada and the United States. A large, unwary finch, it makes periodic winter irruptions into southern Canada and northern United States. It is the largest and rarest of the "winter finches." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id</a><br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see is that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms/acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. Unlike some years, we saw only a handful of very distant Grouse, perched on a group of hay bales. <br /> <br /> I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of the backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's home as we were nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for the next Count, in about two and a half weeks' time!<br /> <br /> I will add the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43994082/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-12-11,doc-43994082 Sun, 11 Dec 2016 19:17:12 +0000 2016-01-03T14:19:44-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43994082/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/40/82/43994082.9a9f41c6.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I photographed this old barn later in the day on last year's Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton. The light was beginning to fade and the barn was mainly in shadow. I can't remember just where we were, but maybe we will call in at the same place on the Count that is coming up later in December 2016.<br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> I think the gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks that we saw were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any even remotely close photos.<br /> <br /> The weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see is that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms/acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. Unlike some years, we saw only a handful of very distant Grouse, perched on a group of hay bales. <br /> <br /> I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of the backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's home as we were nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for the next Count, in about two and a half weeks' time!<br /> <br /> I will add the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Winter on the farm <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43994082/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/40/82/43994082.9a9f41c6.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I photographed this old barn later in the day on last year's Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton. The light was beginning to fade and the barn was mainly in shadow. I can't remember just where we were, but maybe we will call in at the same place on the Count that is coming up later in December 2016.<br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> I think the gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks that we saw were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any even remotely close photos.<br /> <br /> The weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see is that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms/acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. Unlike some years, we saw only a handful of very distant Grouse, perched on a group of hay bales. <br /> <br /> I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of the backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's home as we were nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for the next Count, in about two and a half weeks' time!<br /> <br /> I will add the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43955530/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-12-05,doc-43955530 Mon, 05 Dec 2016 15:39:22 +0000 2016-01-03T15:19:29-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43955530/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/55/30/43955530.00c32502.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Hello winter - again! Our temperature this morning is -16C (windchill -25C), and it snowed again yesterday. This deep dive in temperature is due to an Arctic airmass that is flooding into Alberta. Tomorrow morning is expected to be -22C (windchill -30C). The forecast is for this bitterly cold weather to continue for the next couple of weeks. <br /> <br /> This photo was taken late in the day, towards the end of a great day of birding. A day that I look forward to each year.<br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> The weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. I remember that on the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! This year, my small group had 5 people, in two cars.<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we happened to be very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it on the next Count. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for the upcoming Count in about three and a half weeks!</div> The barn cat gang <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43955530/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/55/30/43955530.00c32502.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Hello winter - again! Our temperature this morning is -16C (windchill -25C), and it snowed again yesterday. This deep dive in temperature is due to an Arctic airmass that is flooding into Alberta. Tomorrow morning is expected to be -22C (windchill -30C). The forecast is for this bitterly cold weather to continue for the next couple of weeks. <br /> <br /> This photo was taken late in the day, towards the end of a great day of birding. A day that I look forward to each year.<br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> The weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. I remember that on the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! This year, my small group had 5 people, in two cars.<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we happened to be very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it on the next Count. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for the upcoming Count in about three and a half weeks!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43945518/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-12-02,doc-43945518 Fri, 02 Dec 2016 18:13:47 +0000 2016-01-03T09:26:11-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43945518/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/55/18/43945518.dbc28604.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">NOTE to anyone who belongs to the ipernity website (includes me): ipernity will be closing. A great shame, but also frustrating. I have all 12,644 of my images and descriptions on ipernity - exactly the same as on Flickr. No idea where we are supposed to move to now, if anywhere. Does anyone have any ideas for good sites? I seem to read complaints about them all! Hope Flickr keeps going and going and going .....<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.ipernity.com/blog/team/4642052" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ipernity.com/blog/team/4642052</a><br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one of Grosbeaks : )<br /> <br /> "One of the larger members of its family, the Pine Grosbeak is a bird of the boreal forests, found across northern Eurasia and North America, and south into the mountains of western Canada and the United States. A large, unwary finch, it makes periodic winter irruptions into southern Canada and northern United States. It is the largest and rarest of the "winter finches." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id</a><br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms/acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. Unlike some years, we saw only a handful of very distant Grouse, perched on a group of hay bales. <br /> <br /> I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of the backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's home as we were nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> I have added the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Pine Grosbeaks <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43945518/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/55/18/43945518.dbc28604.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">NOTE to anyone who belongs to the ipernity website (includes me): ipernity will be closing. A great shame, but also frustrating. I have all 12,644 of my images and descriptions on ipernity - exactly the same as on Flickr. No idea where we are supposed to move to now, if anywhere. Does anyone have any ideas for good sites? I seem to read complaints about them all! Hope Flickr keeps going and going and going .....<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.ipernity.com/blog/team/4642052" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ipernity.com/blog/team/4642052</a><br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one of Grosbeaks : )<br /> <br /> "One of the larger members of its family, the Pine Grosbeak is a bird of the boreal forests, found across northern Eurasia and North America, and south into the mountains of western Canada and the United States. A large, unwary finch, it makes periodic winter irruptions into southern Canada and northern United States. It is the largest and rarest of the "winter finches." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id</a><br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms/acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. Unlike some years, we saw only a handful of very distant Grouse, perched on a group of hay bales. <br /> <br /> I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of the backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's home as we were nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> I have added the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41341382/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-03-10,doc-41341382 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 15:46:38 +0000 2016-01-03T10:13:50-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41341382/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/13/82/41341382.2094f9b3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! <br /> <br /> I think the gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a real thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos. Most of the time, the Grosbeaks were at the feeders, but, much as I prefer to not have feeder shots, I was still happy to get the chance to photograph these birds up close. <br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!</div> Remembering the snow <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41341382/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/13/82/41341382.2094f9b3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! <br /> <br /> I think the gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a real thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos. Most of the time, the Grosbeaks were at the feeders, but, much as I prefer to not have feeder shots, I was still happy to get the chance to photograph these birds up close. <br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41300366/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-03-05,doc-41300366 Sat, 05 Mar 2016 12:37:21 +0000 2016-01-03T09:34:23-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41300366/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/03/66/41300366.a68445f1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks, this one a juvenile male I believe, were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one of a Grosbeak : )<br /> <br /> "One of the larger members of its family, the Pine Grosbeak is a bird of the boreal forests, found across northern Eurasia and North America, and south into the mountains of western Canada and the United States. A large, unwary finch, it makes periodic winter irruptions into southern Canada and northern United States. It is the largest and rarest of the "winter finches." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id</a><br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms/acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. Unlike some years, we saw only a handful of very distant Grouse, perched on a group of hay bales. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of the backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's home as we were nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20</div> Pine Grosbeak enjoying the sun <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41300366/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/03/66/41300366.a68445f1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks, this one a juvenile male I believe, were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one of a Grosbeak : )<br /> <br /> "One of the larger members of its family, the Pine Grosbeak is a bird of the boreal forests, found across northern Eurasia and North America, and south into the mountains of western Canada and the United States. A large, unwary finch, it makes periodic winter irruptions into southern Canada and northern United States. It is the largest and rarest of the "winter finches." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id</a><br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms/acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. Unlike some years, we saw only a handful of very distant Grouse, perched on a group of hay bales. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of the backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's home as we were nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41193198/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-02-21,doc-41193198 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 14:33:13 +0000 2016-01-03T09:34:57-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41193198/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/31/98/41193198.733dbe88.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks, this one a male, were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one of a Grosbeak : )<br /> <br /> "One of the larger members of its family, the Pine Grosbeak is a bird of the boreal forests, found across northern Eurasia and North America, and south into the mountains of western Canada and the United States. A large, unwary finch, it makes periodic winter irruptions into southern Canada and northern United States. It is the largest and rarest of the "winter finches." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id</a><br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms/acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. Unlike some years, we saw only a handful of very distant Grouse, perched on a group of hay bales. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of the backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's home as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20</div> Male beauty <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41193198/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/31/98/41193198.733dbe88.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks, this one a male, were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we arranged to call in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one of a Grosbeak : )<br /> <br /> "One of the larger members of its family, the Pine Grosbeak is a bird of the boreal forests, found across northern Eurasia and North America, and south into the mountains of western Canada and the United States. A large, unwary finch, it makes periodic winter irruptions into southern Canada and northern United States. It is the largest and rarest of the "winter finches." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id</a><br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms/acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. Unlike some years, we saw only a handful of very distant Grouse, perched on a group of hay bales. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of the backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's home as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41192930/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-02-18,doc-41192930 Thu, 18 Feb 2016 15:19:26 +0000 2014-12-21T13:58:05-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41192930/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/29/30/41192930.0c767100.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton (roughly 98 km / 61 miles S of Calgary), held on 21 December 2014, was so different from the previous Count, with more snow mainly seen only from the higher roads, making the roads so much easier to drive, and with temperatures that were much milder (-7C). As usual, I didn't get many birds photos, but I was very happy to get a shot or two of Sharp-tailed Grouse. I absolutely love the scenery on this Count, so I was able to get a few shots to show some typical landscapes. I usually manage to get the odd photo of a farm cat, too, and in this case, a rather cute garden ornament in someone's yard..<br /> <br /> The LAST Nanton Count was originally supposed to have taken place on 28 December 2013, but the weather forecast warned of a Flash Freeze, and so it was postponed till 5 January 2014. The weather was bright and sunny for us that day. However, photos taken on that day did not show how brutally cold it was! On the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! It did eventually warm up a few degrees and thankfully, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. The only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and homesteads. One backroad in particular had too much snow on it, so we had to leave that one out. Also, there was just too much snow in many of the farmyards, so we weren't able to check out all the trees and bushes as thoroughly as we would like to have done. <br /> <br /> After the Count, we returned to the meeting place at the home of Leah and Bill Truch, where they had prepared a delicious supper that they so generously provide each year for us (as well as a breakfast snack). You couldn't wish for a nicer, more welcoming family (includes their son, Mike, who puts in a lot of effort organizing this annual Count each year).<br /> <br /> I'm posting Andrew Hart's E-bird Summary of our small (just four of us in one car) group's day (leader Tony Timmons). Won't be of interest to most of you, but it helps me remember what we see from year to year!<br /> <br /> Andrew Hart<br /> BirdLog Checklist Summary for: Dec 21, 2014<br /> <br /> Number of Checklists: 7<br /> Number of Species: 14<br /> <br /> Checklists included in this summary:<br /> (1): Williams Coulee<br /> Date: Dec 21, 2014, 8:20 AM<br /> (2): CA-AB-Cayley - 50.3485x-114.0250 - Dec 21, 2014, 8:57 AM<br /> Date: Dec 21, 2014, 8:55 AM<br /> (3): Nanton general area<br /> Date: Dec 21, 2014, 9:45 AM<br /> (4): CA-AB-Nanton - 50.3330x-113.8737 - Dec 21, 2014, 11:18 AM<br /> Date: Dec 21, 2014, 11:18 AM<br /> (5): Nanton general area<br /> Date: Dec 21, 2014, 11:52 AM<br /> (6): Williams Coulee<br /> Date: Dec 21, 2014, 2:20 PM<br /> (7): Nanton general area<br /> Date: Dec 21, 2014, 2:30 PM<br /> <br /> 36 Sharp-tailed Grouse -- (2),(3)<br /> 6 Golden Eagle -- (1),(3),(5),(6)<br /> 3 Rough-legged Hawk -- (2),(3),(6)<br /> 102 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) -- (3),(4)<br /> 1 Hairy Woodpecker -- (1)<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) -- (4)<br /> 1 Merlin -- (4)<br /> 1 Prairie Falcon -- (1)<br /> 27 Black-billed Magpie -- (1),(2),(3),(4),(5),(7)<br /> 42 Common Raven -- (1),(2),(3),(4),(5),(7)<br /> 11 Black-capped Chickadee -- (3),(4)<br /> 4 European Starling -- (4)<br /> 21 Common Redpoll -- (4)<br /> 38 House Sparrow -- (2),(4),(7)<br /> <br /> Andrew Hart"<br /> <br /> I will also add leader Tony Timmons' account - simpler to read : ) A few of the numbers are slightly different in each summary, though I'm not quite sure why. We were so lucky to see so many Golden Eagles this Count.<br /> <br /> "Nanton Count-Area D<br /> <br /> Species 14<br /> <br /> Rough-legged Hawk 3<br /> Golden Eagle 5 <br /> Merlin 1<br /> Sharp-tailed Grouse 46<br /> Rock Pigeon 106<br /> Hairy Woodpecker 1<br /> Northern Flicker 1<br /> Northern Shrike 1<br /> Black-billed Magpie 36<br /> Common Raven 44<br /> Black-capped Chickadee 11<br /> Common Redpoll 21<br /> European Starling 4<br /> House Sparrow 38<br /> <br /> Prairie Falcon 1 Seen in Williams Coulee, included in Area B<br /> <br /> Tony Timmons"</div> Sweet little garden ornament <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41192930/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/29/30/41192930.0c767100.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton (roughly 98 km / 61 miles S of Calgary), held on 21 December 2014, was so different from the previous Count, with more snow mainly seen only from the higher roads, making the roads so much easier to drive, and with temperatures that were much milder (-7C). As usual, I didn't get many birds photos, but I was very happy to get a shot or two of Sharp-tailed Grouse. I absolutely love the scenery on this Count, so I was able to get a few shots to show some typical landscapes. I usually manage to get the odd photo of a farm cat, too, and in this case, a rather cute garden ornament in someone's yard..<br /> <br /> The LAST Nanton Count was originally supposed to have taken place on 28 December 2013, but the weather forecast warned of a Flash Freeze, and so it was postponed till 5 January 2014. The weather was bright and sunny for us that day. However, photos taken on that day did not show how brutally cold it was! On the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! It did eventually warm up a few degrees and thankfully, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. The only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and homesteads. One backroad in particular had too much snow on it, so we had to leave that one out. Also, there was just too much snow in many of the farmyards, so we weren't able to check out all the trees and bushes as thoroughly as we would like to have done. <br /> <br /> After the Count, we returned to the meeting place at the home of Leah and Bill Truch, where they had prepared a delicious supper that they so generously provide each year for us (as well as a breakfast snack). You couldn't wish for a nicer, more welcoming family (includes their son, Mike, who puts in a lot of effort organizing this annual Count each year).<br /> <br /> I'm posting Andrew Hart's E-bird Summary of our small (just four of us in one car) group's day (leader Tony Timmons). Won't be of interest to most of you, but it helps me remember what we see from year to year!<br /> <br /> Andrew Hart<br /> BirdLog Checklist Summary for: Dec 21, 2014<br /> <br /> Number of Checklists: 7<br /> Number of Species: 14<br /> <br /> Checklists included in this summary:<br /> (1): Williams Coulee<br /> Date: Dec 21, 2014, 8:20 AM<br /> (2): CA-AB-Cayley - 50.3485x-114.0250 - Dec 21, 2014, 8:57 AM<br /> Date: Dec 21, 2014, 8:55 AM<br /> (3): Nanton general area<br /> Date: Dec 21, 2014, 9:45 AM<br /> (4): CA-AB-Nanton - 50.3330x-113.8737 - Dec 21, 2014, 11:18 AM<br /> Date: Dec 21, 2014, 11:18 AM<br /> (5): Nanton general area<br /> Date: Dec 21, 2014, 11:52 AM<br /> (6): Williams Coulee<br /> Date: Dec 21, 2014, 2:20 PM<br /> (7): Nanton general area<br /> Date: Dec 21, 2014, 2:30 PM<br /> <br /> 36 Sharp-tailed Grouse -- (2),(3)<br /> 6 Golden Eagle -- (1),(3),(5),(6)<br /> 3 Rough-legged Hawk -- (2),(3),(6)<br /> 102 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) -- (3),(4)<br /> 1 Hairy Woodpecker -- (1)<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) -- (4)<br /> 1 Merlin -- (4)<br /> 1 Prairie Falcon -- (1)<br /> 27 Black-billed Magpie -- (1),(2),(3),(4),(5),(7)<br /> 42 Common Raven -- (1),(2),(3),(4),(5),(7)<br /> 11 Black-capped Chickadee -- (3),(4)<br /> 4 European Starling -- (4)<br /> 21 Common Redpoll -- (4)<br /> 38 House Sparrow -- (2),(4),(7)<br /> <br /> Andrew Hart"<br /> <br /> I will also add leader Tony Timmons' account - simpler to read : ) A few of the numbers are slightly different in each summary, though I'm not quite sure why. We were so lucky to see so many Golden Eagles this Count.<br /> <br /> "Nanton Count-Area D<br /> <br /> Species 14<br /> <br /> Rough-legged Hawk 3<br /> Golden Eagle 5 <br /> Merlin 1<br /> Sharp-tailed Grouse 46<br /> Rock Pigeon 106<br /> Hairy Woodpecker 1<br /> Northern Flicker 1<br /> Northern Shrike 1<br /> Black-billed Magpie 36<br /> Common Raven 44<br /> Black-capped Chickadee 11<br /> Common Redpoll 21<br /> European Starling 4<br /> House Sparrow 38<br /> <br /> Prairie Falcon 1 Seen in Williams Coulee, included in Area B<br /> <br /> Tony Timmons"</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41122800/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-02-12,doc-41122800 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 17:42:43 +0000 2016-01-03T09:42:04-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41122800/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/28/00/41122800.134ef593.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me, on 3 January 2016. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we called in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a real thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one : ) Most of the time, these Grosbeaks were at the feeders, but, much as I prefer to not have feeder shots, I was still happy to get the chance to photograph these birds up close. <br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (my small group saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! A few of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20</div> Pine Grosbeak <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41122800/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/28/00/41122800.134ef593.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me, on 3 January 2016. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we called in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a real thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one : ) Most of the time, these Grosbeaks were at the feeders, but, much as I prefer to not have feeder shots, I was still happy to get the chance to photograph these birds up close. <br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (my small group saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! A few of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40990146/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-01-26,doc-40990146 Tue, 26 Jan 2016 17:55:21 +0000 2016-01-03T09:34:59-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40990146/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/01/46/40990146.b82be089.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks, this one a male, were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we called in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one of a Grosbeak : )<br /> <br /> "One of the larger members of its family, the Pine Grosbeak is a bird of the boreal forests, found across northern Eurasia and North America, and south into the mountains of western Canada and the United States. A large, unwary finch, it makes periodic winter irruptions into southern Canada and northern United States. It is the largest and rarest of the "winter finches." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id</a><br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms/acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. Unlike some years, we saw only a handful of very distant Grouse, perched on a group of hay bales. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of the backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's home as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20</div> Pine Grosbeak / Pinicola enucleator <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40990146/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/01/46/40990146.b82be089.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks, this one a male, were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we called in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one of a Grosbeak : )<br /> <br /> "One of the larger members of its family, the Pine Grosbeak is a bird of the boreal forests, found across northern Eurasia and North America, and south into the mountains of western Canada and the United States. A large, unwary finch, it makes periodic winter irruptions into southern Canada and northern United States. It is the largest and rarest of the "winter finches." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Grosbeak/id</a><br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms/acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. Unlike some years, we saw only a handful of very distant Grouse, perched on a group of hay bales. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of the backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's home as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40982286/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-01-24,doc-40982286 Sun, 24 Jan 2016 16:40:50 +0000 2016-01-03T09:32:10-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40982286/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/22/86/40982286.9d2dd187.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me, on 3 January 2016. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we called in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a real thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one : ) Most of the time, these Grosbeaks were at the feeders, but, much as I prefer to not have feeder shots, I was still happy to get the chance to photograph these birds up close. <br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> The weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms/acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (my small group saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! A few of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20</div> Pine Grosbeak / Pinicola enucleator <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40982286/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/22/86/40982286.9d2dd187.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me, on 3 January 2016. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we called in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a real thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one : ) Most of the time, these Grosbeaks were at the feeders, but, much as I prefer to not have feeder shots, I was still happy to get the chance to photograph these birds up close. <br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> The weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms/acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (my small group saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! A few of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40958614/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-01-22,doc-40958614 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 11:55:30 +0000 2016-01-03T10:30:19-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40958614/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/86/14/40958614.3a02d7ba.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="181" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. The Count that took place two days ago, on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! This year, my small group had 5 people, in two cars.<br /> <br /> I think the gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we called in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a real thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos. Most of the time, the Grosbeaks were at the feeders, but, much as I prefer to not have feeder shots, I was still happy to get the chance to photograph these birds up close. <br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!</div> A winter day in southern Alberta <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40958614/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/86/14/40958614.3a02d7ba.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="181" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. The Count that took place two days ago, on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! This year, my small group had 5 people, in two cars.<br /> <br /> I think the gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we called in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a real thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos. Most of the time, the Grosbeaks were at the feeders, but, much as I prefer to not have feeder shots, I was still happy to get the chance to photograph these birds up close. <br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40958596/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-01-21,doc-40958596 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 16:25:39 +0000 2016-01-03T09:42:26-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40958596/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/85/96/40958596.9687ffdc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me, on 3 January 2016. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we called in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a real thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one : ) Most of the time, these Grosbeaks were at the feeders, but, much as I prefer to not have feeder shots, I was still happy to get the chance to photograph these birds up close. <br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (my small group saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! A few of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20</div> Pine Grosbeak <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40958596/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/85/96/40958596.9687ffdc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me, on 3 January 2016. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we called in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a real thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one : ) Most of the time, these Grosbeaks were at the feeders, but, much as I prefer to not have feeder shots, I was still happy to get the chance to photograph these birds up close. <br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (my small group saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! A few of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40893842/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-01-16,doc-40893842 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 12:42:00 +0000 2016-01-03T10:39:53-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40893842/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/38/42/40893842.0fb98b58.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="181" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> The weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. Love seeing all the farm cats and dogs!<br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! This year, my small group had 5 people, in two cars.<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!</div> Farm cat watching for farm mice <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40893842/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/38/42/40893842.0fb98b58.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="181" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> The weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. Love seeing all the farm cats and dogs!<br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! This year, my small group had 5 people, in two cars.<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40877160/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-01-13,doc-40877160 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:43:37 +0000 2016-01-03T09:34:20-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40877160/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/71/60/40877160.e4ecf78a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me, on 3 January 2016. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we called in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a real thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one : ) Most of the time, these Grosbeaks were at the feeders, but, much as I prefer to not have feeder shots, I was still happy to get the chance to photograph these birds up close. <br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (my small group saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! A few of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20<br /> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> Update about my daughter:<br /> <br /> She is out of the hospital and back at home, but now knows that she will most likely have to have major surgery. She is in shock, me too, and I feel so upset for her.</div> Pine Grosbeak in pretty light <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40877160/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/71/60/40877160.e4ecf78a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I think these gorgeous Pine Grosbeaks were the highlight of the day for me, on 3 January 2016. We had been told about a farm family who had lots of these Grosbeaks at their feeders, and we are so glad that we called in. We also saw a Gray Jay there, to add to our species list. My small group of 4 friends and myself, travelling in two cars, did see 5 Golden Eagles, too, which was a real thrill, but they were way off in the distance and I couldn't get any close photos like this one : ) Most of the time, these Grosbeaks were at the feeders, but, much as I prefer to not have feeder shots, I was still happy to get the chance to photograph these birds up close. <br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (my small group saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! A few of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20<br /> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> Update about my daughter:<br /> <br /> She is out of the hospital and back at home, but now knows that she will most likely have to have major surgery. She is in shock, me too, and I feel so upset for her.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40876890/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-01-13,doc-40876890 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:43:36 +0000 2016-01-03T12:38:01-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40876890/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/68/90/40876890.043a93e0.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. <br /> <br /> We (my group of four friends and myself, travelling in two cars) drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (my small group saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! A few of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20<br /> <br /> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> Update about my daughter:<br /> <br /> She is out of the hospital and back at home, but now knows that she will most likely have to have major surgery. She is in shock, me too, and I feel so upset for her.</div> Christmas remnants <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40876890/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/68/90/40876890.043a93e0.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. <br /> <br /> We (my group of four friends and myself, travelling in two cars) drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (my small group saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! A few of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group!<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!<br /> <br /> List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart:<br /> <br /> Nanton general area<br /> Jan 3, 2016<br /> 8:45 AM<br /> Traveling<br /> 113.00 km<br /> 360 Minutes<br /> All birds reported? Yes<br /> Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D<br /> <br /> 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse<br /> 5 Golden Eagle<br /> 1 Bald Eagle<br /> 12 Rough-legged Hawk<br /> 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)<br /> 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove<br /> 8 Downy Woodpecker<br /> 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)<br /> 3 Northern Shrike<br /> 4 Gray Jay<br /> 100 Black-billed Magpie<br /> 28 Common Raven<br /> 16 Black-capped Chickadee<br /> 4 European Starling<br /> 2 American Tree Sparrow<br /> 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee.<br /> 3 White-winged Crossbill<br /> 220 Common Redpoll<br /> 4 Hoary Redpoll<br /> 40 House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Number of Species: 20<br /> <br /> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> Update about my daughter:<br /> <br /> She is out of the hospital and back at home, but now knows that she will most likely have to have major surgery. She is in shock, me too, and I feel so upset for her.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40860428/in/album/858582 tag:ipernity.com,2016-01-11,doc-40860428 Mon, 11 Jan 2016 15:56:45 +0000 2016-01-03T10:48:34-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40860428/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/04/28/40860428.d14dddf4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">R.I.P. singer David Bowie.<br /> <br /> Thinking about my daughter as I type my descriptions this morning. She should be in surgery in about 45 minutes' time. Supposed to be just day surgery and hopefully it won't turn into anything more. More anxious than I would perhaps normally be, after we lost her sister one year ago. Completely different circumstances. Update: they are keeping her in the hospital overnight, to keep an eye on her. I don't have any details yet as to what they did or found. I know I won't be sleeping at all tonight.<br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! This year, my small group had 5 people, in two cars.<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we happened to be very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!</div> Enjoying the morning sun <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40860428/in/album/858582"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/04/28/40860428.d14dddf4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">R.I.P. singer David Bowie.<br /> <br /> Thinking about my daughter as I type my descriptions this morning. She should be in surgery in about 45 minutes' time. Supposed to be just day surgery and hopefully it won't turn into anything more. More anxious than I would perhaps normally be, after we lost her sister one year ago. Completely different circumstances. Update: they are keeping her in the hospital overnight, to keep an eye on her. I don't have any details yet as to what they did or found. I know I won't be sleeping at all tonight.<br /> <br /> Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016 was part of the 2015 Bird Count. <br /> <br /> As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On the January 2014 trip for the 2013 Count, on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms and acreages. <br /> <br /> We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! This year, my small group had 5 people, in two cars.<br /> <br /> Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we happened to be very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home.<br /> <br /> After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. <br /> <br /> Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!</div> Anne Elliott