https://www.ipernity.com/tag/293827/keyword/232685 https://cdn.ipernity.com/p/101/C3/7B/293827.buddy.jpg https://www.ipernity.com/tag/293827/keyword/232685 Sun, 06 Sep 2026 18:19:59 +0000 Sun, 06 Sep 2026 18:19:59 +0000 https://www.ipernity.com https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47820084 tag:ipernity.com,2018-12-11,doc-47820084 Tue, 11 Dec 2018 07:54:06 +0000 2018-05-13T08:53:29-07:00 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/293827/47820084"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/84/47820084.6e195ddf.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">These 10 photos were all taken during a morning birding walk in Tadoussac on 13 May 2018. I have now reached Day 7 of our two-week holiday in Ontario and Quebec, so I guess I am very roughly half way through. The next photos to sort through, edit and post will be photos taken on a whaling trip that we went on in the afternoon of this day. We did see Belugas and Minke Whales, but they were far, far away, so no decent shots. <br /> <br /> At the end of our 4-day stay at Point Pelee, we had to drive all the way back to Toronto, from where we flew to Quebec City airport. From there, we had a four-hour drive to Tadoussac on the coast of the St. Lawrence Seaway. This is such a delightful, small place and in a beautiful setting. One of our friends, Anne B, and her husband have a summer cabin further along the cliff from the few stores and port. She had invited the four of us to go with her from Pelee to spend a week at her beautiful home. What an absolute treat this was! We were able to meet some of her relatives, too, who also have built cabins out there. We were looked after so well, and we were able to see and photograph all sorts of birds and other things. <br /> <br /> "Tadoussac is quite rightly listed as one of the 50 most beautiful bays in the world.<br /> <br /> Tadoussac is also the oldest village in Canada. In fact, the village celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2000.<br /> <br /> But above all, Tadoussac is an internationally-renowned whale-watching site." From the link below.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.authentikcanada.com/holidays/tourist-office-tadoussac" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.authentikcanada.com/holidays/tourist-office-tadoussac</a><br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tadoussac" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tadoussac</a><br /> <br /> Several trips were made to see different places along the coast, including the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, where we were able to see endless thousands of Snow Geese, in flight and also up close. Breathtaking! <br /> <br /> We also had two boat trips from Tadoussac - one was a whaling trip in a Zodiac, where we saw very, very distant Beluga and Minke Whales. The Belugas looked almost like the white wave crests - but they were Belugas. The other boat trip was to the Brandy Pot Islands, inhabited by thousands of Razorbills and Common Murres, which were new birds for us, and Double-crested Cormorants that were nesting in tree tops. That long boat trip (in a tiny boat named Juno) started off in the rain and dark clouds and it was soooo cold! Thermal underwear, layers of fleece and toque and gloves were needed. This day was arranged through a contact of Anne's and it was so much enjoyed! Of course, we anchored a distance away from the island and sat there and ate our sandwiches and took endless photos - difficult when bobbing up and down on the rough water! It is forbidden to land on the island at nesting time. <br /> <br /> Anne B, I can't thank you enough for organizing this holiday for us all and for inviting us to spend a week at your cabin. You worked so hard and it was so much appreciated by each and every one of us. Thank you for doing all the many hours of driving, too! Janet and Anne, thank you so much for compiling the lists of birds seen each day at various locations, and posted to ebird. These entries will be a huge help while I try and sort out where we were and when, and what species we saw. Miss your cookies and muffins, Janet, that you kindly made for us in Tadoussac, to go along with the wonderful meals that Anne planned and made for us : )<br /> <br /> Link to my album (358 images) about Point Pelee and area, Ontario: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/albums/72157667191771677" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/albums/72157667191771677</a></div> Day 7, American Robin, Tadoussac <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/293827/47820084"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/84/47820084.6e195ddf.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">These 10 photos were all taken during a morning birding walk in Tadoussac on 13 May 2018. I have now reached Day 7 of our two-week holiday in Ontario and Quebec, so I guess I am very roughly half way through. The next photos to sort through, edit and post will be photos taken on a whaling trip that we went on in the afternoon of this day. We did see Belugas and Minke Whales, but they were far, far away, so no decent shots. <br /> <br /> At the end of our 4-day stay at Point Pelee, we had to drive all the way back to Toronto, from where we flew to Quebec City airport. From there, we had a four-hour drive to Tadoussac on the coast of the St. Lawrence Seaway. This is such a delightful, small place and in a beautiful setting. One of our friends, Anne B, and her husband have a summer cabin further along the cliff from the few stores and port. She had invited the four of us to go with her from Pelee to spend a week at her beautiful home. What an absolute treat this was! We were able to meet some of her relatives, too, who also have built cabins out there. We were looked after so well, and we were able to see and photograph all sorts of birds and other things. <br /> <br /> "Tadoussac is quite rightly listed as one of the 50 most beautiful bays in the world.<br /> <br /> Tadoussac is also the oldest village in Canada. In fact, the village celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2000.<br /> <br /> But above all, Tadoussac is an internationally-renowned whale-watching site." From the link below.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.authentikcanada.com/holidays/tourist-office-tadoussac" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.authentikcanada.com/holidays/tourist-office-tadoussac</a><br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tadoussac" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tadoussac</a><br /> <br /> Several trips were made to see different places along the coast, including the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, where we were able to see endless thousands of Snow Geese, in flight and also up close. Breathtaking! <br /> <br /> We also had two boat trips from Tadoussac - one was a whaling trip in a Zodiac, where we saw very, very distant Beluga and Minke Whales. The Belugas looked almost like the white wave crests - but they were Belugas. The other boat trip was to the Brandy Pot Islands, inhabited by thousands of Razorbills and Common Murres, which were new birds for us, and Double-crested Cormorants that were nesting in tree tops. That long boat trip (in a tiny boat named Juno) started off in the rain and dark clouds and it was soooo cold! Thermal underwear, layers of fleece and toque and gloves were needed. This day was arranged through a contact of Anne's and it was so much enjoyed! Of course, we anchored a distance away from the island and sat there and ate our sandwiches and took endless photos - difficult when bobbing up and down on the rough water! It is forbidden to land on the island at nesting time. <br /> <br /> Anne B, I can't thank you enough for organizing this holiday for us all and for inviting us to spend a week at your cabin. You worked so hard and it was so much appreciated by each and every one of us. Thank you for doing all the many hours of driving, too! Janet and Anne, thank you so much for compiling the lists of birds seen each day at various locations, and posted to ebird. These entries will be a huge help while I try and sort out where we were and when, and what species we saw. Miss your cookies and muffins, Janet, that you kindly made for us in Tadoussac, to go along with the wonderful meals that Anne planned and made for us : )<br /> <br /> Link to my album (358 images) about Point Pelee and area, Ontario: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/albums/72157667191771677" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/albums/72157667191771677</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47785860 tag:ipernity.com,2018-12-03,doc-47785860 Mon, 03 Dec 2018 18:48:20 +0000 2018-05-13T08:53:33-07:00 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/293827/47785860"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/58/60/47785860.536a91de.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A few days ago, I started on photos taken during the week we spent in Quebec, 12-18 May 2018. Some photos were taken in the small, coastal village of Tadoussac itself, others were taken in the wonderful garden of the home in which we stayed all week, and the rest were taken on several drives we made further along the coast. Unfortunately, so many of my bird photos will have to be deleted, as there was no room for me right by the window, so I had to take the shots from further inside the room and that definitely did not work! This one was OK.<br /> <br /> The one morning, I made sure that I got to the window first and was able to get some reasonable images : ) For many of them, I used my Panasonic FZ1000, which only has a small zoom, but I like the quality of images taken with it. I had to give up trying to use the faulty Nikon B700 - I was just wasting precious time and photo opportunities, and ending up with ruined photos (camera was since returned and money refunded). Though I prefer a more natural setting, I am happy to take fence or feeder shots if they mean I can see the beautiful details of the birds up close.<br /> <br /> Link to my album (358 images) about Point Pelee and area, Ontario:<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/albums/72157667191771677" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/albums/72157667191771677</a><br /> <br /> At the end of our 4-day stay at Point Pelee, we had to drive all the way back to Toronto, from where we flew to Quebec City airport. From there, we had a four-hour drive to Tadoussac on the coast of the St. Lawrence Seaway. This is such a delightful, small place and in a beautiful setting. One of our friends, Anne B, and her husband have a summer cabin further along the cliff from the few stores and port. She had invited the four of us to go with her from Pelee to spend a week at her beautiful home. What an absolute treat this was! We were able to meet some of her relatives, too, who also have built cabins out there. We were looked after so well, and we were able to see and photograph all sorts of birds and other things. <br /> <br /> We made several trips to see different places along the coast, including the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, where we were able to see endless thousands of Snow Geese, in flight and also up close. Breathtaking! <br /> <br /> We also had two boat trips from Tadoussac - one was a whaling trip in a Zodiac, where we saw very, very distant Beluga and Minke Whales. The Belugas looked almost like the white wave crests - but they were Belugas. The other boat trip was to the Brandy Pot Islands, inhabited by thousands of Razorbills and Common Murres, which were new birds for us, and Double-crested Cormorants that were nesting in tree tops. That long boat trip (in a tiny boat named Juno) started off in the rain and dark clouds and it was soooo cold! Thermal underwear, layers of fleece and toque and gloves were needed. This day was arranged through a contact of Anne's and it was so much enjoyed! Of course, we anchored a distance away from the island and sat there and ate our sandwiches and took endless photos - difficult when bobbing up and down on the rough water! It is forbidden to land on the island at nesting time. <br /> <br /> Anne B, I can't thank you enough for organizing this holiday for us all and for inviting us to spend a week at your cabin. You worked so hard and it was so much appreciated by each and every one of us. Thank you for doing all the many hours of driving, too! Janet and Anne, thank you so much for compiling the lists of birds seen each day at various locations, and posted to ebird. These entries will be a huge help while I try and sort out where we were and when, and what species we saw. Miss your cookies and muffins, Janet, that you kindly made for us in Tadoussac, to go along with the wonderful meals that Anne planned and made for us : )</div> Day 7, American Robin, Tadoussac <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/293827/47785860"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/58/60/47785860.536a91de.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A few days ago, I started on photos taken during the week we spent in Quebec, 12-18 May 2018. Some photos were taken in the small, coastal village of Tadoussac itself, others were taken in the wonderful garden of the home in which we stayed all week, and the rest were taken on several drives we made further along the coast. Unfortunately, so many of my bird photos will have to be deleted, as there was no room for me right by the window, so I had to take the shots from further inside the room and that definitely did not work! This one was OK.<br /> <br /> The one morning, I made sure that I got to the window first and was able to get some reasonable images : ) For many of them, I used my Panasonic FZ1000, which only has a small zoom, but I like the quality of images taken with it. I had to give up trying to use the faulty Nikon B700 - I was just wasting precious time and photo opportunities, and ending up with ruined photos (camera was since returned and money refunded). Though I prefer a more natural setting, I am happy to take fence or feeder shots if they mean I can see the beautiful details of the birds up close.<br /> <br /> Link to my album (358 images) about Point Pelee and area, Ontario:<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/albums/72157667191771677" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/albums/72157667191771677</a><br /> <br /> At the end of our 4-day stay at Point Pelee, we had to drive all the way back to Toronto, from where we flew to Quebec City airport. From there, we had a four-hour drive to Tadoussac on the coast of the St. Lawrence Seaway. This is such a delightful, small place and in a beautiful setting. One of our friends, Anne B, and her husband have a summer cabin further along the cliff from the few stores and port. She had invited the four of us to go with her from Pelee to spend a week at her beautiful home. What an absolute treat this was! We were able to meet some of her relatives, too, who also have built cabins out there. We were looked after so well, and we were able to see and photograph all sorts of birds and other things. <br /> <br /> We made several trips to see different places along the coast, including the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, where we were able to see endless thousands of Snow Geese, in flight and also up close. Breathtaking! <br /> <br /> We also had two boat trips from Tadoussac - one was a whaling trip in a Zodiac, where we saw very, very distant Beluga and Minke Whales. The Belugas looked almost like the white wave crests - but they were Belugas. The other boat trip was to the Brandy Pot Islands, inhabited by thousands of Razorbills and Common Murres, which were new birds for us, and Double-crested Cormorants that were nesting in tree tops. That long boat trip (in a tiny boat named Juno) started off in the rain and dark clouds and it was soooo cold! Thermal underwear, layers of fleece and toque and gloves were needed. This day was arranged through a contact of Anne's and it was so much enjoyed! Of course, we anchored a distance away from the island and sat there and ate our sandwiches and took endless photos - difficult when bobbing up and down on the rough water! It is forbidden to land on the island at nesting time. <br /> <br /> Anne B, I can't thank you enough for organizing this holiday for us all and for inviting us to spend a week at your cabin. You worked so hard and it was so much appreciated by each and every one of us. Thank you for doing all the many hours of driving, too! Janet and Anne, thank you so much for compiling the lists of birds seen each day at various locations, and posted to ebird. These entries will be a huge help while I try and sort out where we were and when, and what species we saw. Miss your cookies and muffins, Janet, that you kindly made for us in Tadoussac, to go along with the wonderful meals that Anne planned and made for us : )</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46606708 tag:ipernity.com,2018-04-30,doc-46606708 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 16:59:08 +0000 2017-07-20T17:37:23-06:00 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/293827/46606708"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/67/08/46606708.ae6536cc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Back to local birds, but also back to the archives. It was a case of either post no photos this morning or quickly grab three from my archives. Still taking no new photos and still missing all the new bird arrivals back to the city and surroundings, which is so frustrating and disappointing. Soon, that will change, and I will be so thankful.<br /> <br /> Late afternoon on 20 July 2017, the smoke haze from the B.C. and Alberta wildfires seemed to have lifted somewhat. So, I took a drive along some of my favourite roads SW of the city, seeing a few of the 'usual' things. These included this handsome American Robin, who was busy collecting insects for his babies. He flew in just when I was looking for Mountain Bluebirds, landed on a fence post and then off he flew. Such beautiful, but often overlooked, birds.<br /> <br /> In between photographing Mountain Bluebirds, I drove part way along a road that I had only ever been on once before, and that was quite recently. Usually, I am home earlier than I was on this particular day. This later time meant that I was lucky enough to see two families of deer - White-tailed and Mule Deer. The first was a Mule Deer doe with her fawn standing at the edge of the road. I pulled over way down the road and waited till they had safely crossed. Managed to get a couple of distant shot through the windscreen, with the usual poor quality results. I knew that there would be a barbed-wire fence the far side of the road and I didn't want to spook them and risk them getting tangled in the sharp barbs. Several years ago, I had seen a huge Moose get spooked and then get briefly tangled in barbed wire - it spooked when it suddenly realized that some farm cows had quietly come up behind it!</div> Gathering food for his babies <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/293827/46606708"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/67/08/46606708.ae6536cc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Back to local birds, but also back to the archives. It was a case of either post no photos this morning or quickly grab three from my archives. Still taking no new photos and still missing all the new bird arrivals back to the city and surroundings, which is so frustrating and disappointing. Soon, that will change, and I will be so thankful.<br /> <br /> Late afternoon on 20 July 2017, the smoke haze from the B.C. and Alberta wildfires seemed to have lifted somewhat. So, I took a drive along some of my favourite roads SW of the city, seeing a few of the 'usual' things. These included this handsome American Robin, who was busy collecting insects for his babies. He flew in just when I was looking for Mountain Bluebirds, landed on a fence post and then off he flew. Such beautiful, but often overlooked, birds.<br /> <br /> In between photographing Mountain Bluebirds, I drove part way along a road that I had only ever been on once before, and that was quite recently. Usually, I am home earlier than I was on this particular day. This later time meant that I was lucky enough to see two families of deer - White-tailed and Mule Deer. The first was a Mule Deer doe with her fawn standing at the edge of the road. I pulled over way down the road and waited till they had safely crossed. Managed to get a couple of distant shot through the windscreen, with the usual poor quality results. I knew that there would be a barbed-wire fence the far side of the road and I didn't want to spook them and risk them getting tangled in the sharp barbs. Several years ago, I had seen a huge Moose get spooked and then get briefly tangled in barbed wire - it spooked when it suddenly realized that some farm cows had quietly come up behind it!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46548550 tag:ipernity.com,2018-04-21,doc-46548550 Sat, 21 Apr 2018 17:21:50 +0000 2018-04-20T00:16:16-06:00 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/293827/46548550"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/85/50/46548550.ebc6d2bc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Uploading problems again! I just can't get my main photo (American Kestrel) to upload! Tried old and 'new' uploader and drag and drop - nothing works. Now showing.<br /> <br /> Good luck, SmugMug! You've got your work cut out for you, now that you have taken over the Flickr website, but keeping it as a separate site. Sounds very hopeful, though : ) I have a good many of my photos (same ones as on Flickr) already on the SmugMug site. Adding a link to my main page, in case anyone is not familiar with SmugMug.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://annkelliott.smugmug.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">annkelliott.smugmug.com/</a><br /> <br /> Yesterday afternoon, 20 April 2018, I had no choice but to go out somewhere to test a Nikon Coolpix B700. I had returned the original one to the store as soon as I got a chance to use it, as it had a major problem. When taking maybe half the photos, the camera would give a loud "clunk" that could be heard and felt. Fortunately, I had just come across someone's review online and it mentioned what his camera was doing - when the shutter button was pressed, the image was suddenly shifted upward, downward or to one side. This was exactly what was happening with my camera each time the clunk was heard and felt. As a result I was getting headless birds or birds without the tail or feet (like the Robin in this photo)! So, I took the camera back to the store and was given a replacement to try out. I am finding the same problem with shifting, but there is no "clunk" to be heard or felt. Now I need to try and find out the connection between this image shifting and perhaps Image Stabilization/Vibration Reduction. The extra zoom on this camera, along with it having 60x optical (instead of the 24X optical on my Panasonic FZ200) is what I need.<br /> <br /> Anyway, I took my usual short drive SW of the city to find some things that I could photograph. Not a whole lot to be found, but a group of three competing American Robins made my first stop. Later, three distant Mountain Bluebirds were in fighting mode and two of them were down on the ground in quite a vicious attack. Too far away for more than snapshots. I also stopped to watch three distant Hawks that were competing. You know what they say : "Two's company, three's a crowd".<br /> <br /> A very cooperative American Kestrel gave me a good chance to try out the camera at different zoom distances. Cars were a different thing - and I was not on the best road for stopping, so I ended up driving the same stretch of road several times. These birds are so beautiful. I knew that this one caught something to eat, but it was timed just when another car came down the road and I needed to move on. <br /> <br /> Of course, an old barn is always a bonus. The one I posted today shows how fields are still covered in snow. This should disappear before too long, as we have much warmer temperatures coming up. Unfortunately, after so much snow this winter, there is now flooding in fields and over roads south of us. Before heading out that way, it is a good idea to check which roads are closed.<br /> <br /> The sun was shining for most of my drive, with cloud moving in towards the time I wanted to leave. A stop to pick up some delicious chili was the final stop of the afternoon.</div> A bright and cheery American Robin <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/293827/46548550"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/85/50/46548550.ebc6d2bc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Uploading problems again! I just can't get my main photo (American Kestrel) to upload! Tried old and 'new' uploader and drag and drop - nothing works. Now showing.<br /> <br /> Good luck, SmugMug! You've got your work cut out for you, now that you have taken over the Flickr website, but keeping it as a separate site. Sounds very hopeful, though : ) I have a good many of my photos (same ones as on Flickr) already on the SmugMug site. Adding a link to my main page, in case anyone is not familiar with SmugMug.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://annkelliott.smugmug.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">annkelliott.smugmug.com/</a><br /> <br /> Yesterday afternoon, 20 April 2018, I had no choice but to go out somewhere to test a Nikon Coolpix B700. I had returned the original one to the store as soon as I got a chance to use it, as it had a major problem. When taking maybe half the photos, the camera would give a loud "clunk" that could be heard and felt. Fortunately, I had just come across someone's review online and it mentioned what his camera was doing - when the shutter button was pressed, the image was suddenly shifted upward, downward or to one side. This was exactly what was happening with my camera each time the clunk was heard and felt. As a result I was getting headless birds or birds without the tail or feet (like the Robin in this photo)! So, I took the camera back to the store and was given a replacement to try out. I am finding the same problem with shifting, but there is no "clunk" to be heard or felt. Now I need to try and find out the connection between this image shifting and perhaps Image Stabilization/Vibration Reduction. The extra zoom on this camera, along with it having 60x optical (instead of the 24X optical on my Panasonic FZ200) is what I need.<br /> <br /> Anyway, I took my usual short drive SW of the city to find some things that I could photograph. Not a whole lot to be found, but a group of three competing American Robins made my first stop. Later, three distant Mountain Bluebirds were in fighting mode and two of them were down on the ground in quite a vicious attack. Too far away for more than snapshots. I also stopped to watch three distant Hawks that were competing. You know what they say : "Two's company, three's a crowd".<br /> <br /> A very cooperative American Kestrel gave me a good chance to try out the camera at different zoom distances. Cars were a different thing - and I was not on the best road for stopping, so I ended up driving the same stretch of road several times. These birds are so beautiful. I knew that this one caught something to eat, but it was timed just when another car came down the road and I needed to move on. <br /> <br /> Of course, an old barn is always a bonus. The one I posted today shows how fields are still covered in snow. This should disappear before too long, as we have much warmer temperatures coming up. Unfortunately, after so much snow this winter, there is now flooding in fields and over roads south of us. Before heading out that way, it is a good idea to check which roads are closed.<br /> <br /> The sun was shining for most of my drive, with cloud moving in towards the time I wanted to leave. A stop to pick up some delicious chili was the final stop of the afternoon.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/45195166 tag:ipernity.com,2017-07-23,doc-45195166 Sun, 23 Jul 2017 16:22:07 +0000 2017-07-20T19:52:05-06:00 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/293827/45195166"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/51/66/45195166.81312d57.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Late afternoon on 20 July 2017, the smoke haze from the B.C. and Alberta wildfires seemed to have lifted somewhat. So, I took a drive along some of my favourite roads SW of the city, seeing a few of the 'usual' things. These included this handsome American Robin, who was busy collecting small insects for his babies. He flew in just when I was looking for Mountain Bluebirds, landed on a fence post and then off he flew. Such beautiful, but often overlooked, birds.<br /> <br /> In between photographing Mountain Bluebirds, I drove part way along a road that I had only ever been on once before, and that was quite recently. Usually, I am home earlier than I was on this particular day. This later time meant that I was lucky enough to see two families of deer - White-tailed and Mule Deer. The first was a Mule Deer doe with her fawn standing at the edge of the road. I pulled over way down the road and waited till they had safely crossed. Managed to get a couple of distant shot through the windscreen, with the usual poor quality results. I knew that there would be a barbed-wire fence the far side of the road and I didn't want to spook them and risk them getting tangled in the sharp barbs. Several years ago, I had seen a huge Moose get spooked and then get briefly tangled in barbed wire - it spooked when it suddenly realized that some cows had quietly come up behind it!</div> American Robin with food for his babies <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/293827/45195166"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/51/66/45195166.81312d57.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Late afternoon on 20 July 2017, the smoke haze from the B.C. and Alberta wildfires seemed to have lifted somewhat. So, I took a drive along some of my favourite roads SW of the city, seeing a few of the 'usual' things. These included this handsome American Robin, who was busy collecting small insects for his babies. He flew in just when I was looking for Mountain Bluebirds, landed on a fence post and then off he flew. Such beautiful, but often overlooked, birds.<br /> <br /> In between photographing Mountain Bluebirds, I drove part way along a road that I had only ever been on once before, and that was quite recently. Usually, I am home earlier than I was on this particular day. This later time meant that I was lucky enough to see two families of deer - White-tailed and Mule Deer. The first was a Mule Deer doe with her fawn standing at the edge of the road. I pulled over way down the road and waited till they had safely crossed. Managed to get a couple of distant shot through the windscreen, with the usual poor quality results. I knew that there would be a barbed-wire fence the far side of the road and I didn't want to spook them and risk them getting tangled in the sharp barbs. Several years ago, I had seen a huge Moose get spooked and then get briefly tangled in barbed wire - it spooked when it suddenly realized that some cows had quietly come up behind it!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44854036 tag:ipernity.com,2017-05-25,doc-44854036 Thu, 25 May 2017 16:17:07 +0000 2017-05-21T14:12:07-06:00 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/293827/44854036"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/40/36/44854036.bb224954.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I guess I haven't posted any photos yet from a morning birding walk at Carburn Park, on 21 May 2017. Last week, I went on two walks at that location, as I had missed walks the previous two weeks. Not a whole lot to photograph, but I was happy to catch an American Robin each time. Such beautiful, but rather overlooked, birds.<br /> <br /> One of the first things I saw was a Comma butterfly that landed on a tree trunk - love the shape of their wings. Soon after, we came across a family - a very large family! - of Canada Geese. We counted at least 20+ young ones, so this must have been the family with which some abandoned or orphaned goslings had been placed. The youngsters totally ignored us, they were so busy feeding near the edge of the path. A large group of American White Pelicans, standing on a gravel bar in the middle of the Bow River, were a pleasure to see. The Fire Rescue Boat flushed them as it sped down the river.<br /> <br /> Carburn Park is always a nice place for a walk and a sunny day always helps. The sound of three Baltimore Orioles hiding in the trees was a lovely addition. Glad I actually saw one on my previous walk there.</div> American Robin male <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/293827/44854036"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/40/36/44854036.bb224954.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I guess I haven't posted any photos yet from a morning birding walk at Carburn Park, on 21 May 2017. Last week, I went on two walks at that location, as I had missed walks the previous two weeks. Not a whole lot to photograph, but I was happy to catch an American Robin each time. Such beautiful, but rather overlooked, birds.<br /> <br /> One of the first things I saw was a Comma butterfly that landed on a tree trunk - love the shape of their wings. Soon after, we came across a family - a very large family! - of Canada Geese. We counted at least 20+ young ones, so this must have been the family with which some abandoned or orphaned goslings had been placed. The youngsters totally ignored us, they were so busy feeding near the edge of the path. A large group of American White Pelicans, standing on a gravel bar in the middle of the Bow River, were a pleasure to see. The Fire Rescue Boat flushed them as it sped down the river.<br /> <br /> Carburn Park is always a nice place for a walk and a sunny day always helps. The sound of three Baltimore Orioles hiding in the trees was a lovely addition. Glad I actually saw one on my previous walk there.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44842158 tag:ipernity.com,2017-05-19,doc-44842158 Fri, 19 May 2017 04:57:25 +0000 2017-05-18T11:12:05-06:00 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/293827/44842158"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/21/58/44842158.9774d991.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I dragged myself away from my computer and joined a group of friends for a walk at Carburn Park, down by the Bow River. I missed the walks the last two weeks for one reason or another, and it felt good to take a short break from going through my Trinidad & Tobago photos - not to mention posting them! - but I know I must plod on. <br /> <br /> I only took a handful of photos today, as the birds were so far away. However, I was happy to see this American Robin posing nicely down by the edge of the river. Not far away, we found a Robin's egg lying on the ground. A brilliantly coloured Baltimore Oriole flitted from branch to branch, usually mostly hidden by leaves, but I did manage to get a very distant, cropped shot. A second Oriole was spotted in the same area. Towards the end of our walk, we stood and watched a pair of Canada Geese swimming with a long line of maybe 20 or more goslings, all in a very disciplined line. Apparently, some orphaned goslings had been placed with this pair, for them to adopt. It seemed to be working out just fine. Once they all reached a sandbar, then chaos ruled, with each gosling moving in a different direction. It almost looked like the adults seemed to be a little frazzled.<br /> <br /> Hopefully, tomorrow I will get some time to start on the photos from Day 7 of our trip to Trinidad & Tobago.</div> American Robin down by the river <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/293827/44842158"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/21/58/44842158.9774d991.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I dragged myself away from my computer and joined a group of friends for a walk at Carburn Park, down by the Bow River. I missed the walks the last two weeks for one reason or another, and it felt good to take a short break from going through my Trinidad & Tobago photos - not to mention posting them! - but I know I must plod on. <br /> <br /> I only took a handful of photos today, as the birds were so far away. However, I was happy to see this American Robin posing nicely down by the edge of the river. Not far away, we found a Robin's egg lying on the ground. A brilliantly coloured Baltimore Oriole flitted from branch to branch, usually mostly hidden by leaves, but I did manage to get a very distant, cropped shot. A second Oriole was spotted in the same area. Towards the end of our walk, we stood and watched a pair of Canada Geese swimming with a long line of maybe 20 or more goslings, all in a very disciplined line. Apparently, some orphaned goslings had been placed with this pair, for them to adopt. It seemed to be working out just fine. Once they all reached a sandbar, then chaos ruled, with each gosling moving in a different direction. It almost looked like the adults seemed to be a little frazzled.<br /> <br /> Hopefully, tomorrow I will get some time to start on the photos from Day 7 of our trip to Trinidad & Tobago.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44842156 tag:ipernity.com,2017-05-19,doc-44842156 Fri, 19 May 2017 04:57:25 +0000 2017-05-18T11:11:08-06:00 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/293827/44842156"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/21/56/44842156.9068aaa0.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I dragged myself away from my computer and joined a group of friends for a walk at Carburn Park, down by the Bow River. I missed the walks the last two weeks for one reason or another, and it felt good to take a short break from going through my Trinidad & Tobago photos - not to mention posting them! - but I know I must plod on. <br /> <br /> I only took a handful of photos today, as the birds were so far away. However, I was happy to see an American Robin posing nicely down by the edge of the river. Not far away, we found a Robin's egg lying on the ground. A brilliantly coloured Baltimore Oriole flitted from branch to branch, usually mostly hidden by leaves, but I did manage to get a very distant, cropped shot. A second Oriole was spotted in the same area. Towards the end of our walk, we stood and watched a pair of Canada Geese swimming with a long line of maybe 20 or more goslings, all in a very disciplined line. Apparently, some orphaned goslings had been placed with this pair, for them to adopt. It seemed to be working out just fine. Once they all reached a sandbar, then chaos ruled, with each gosling moving in a different direction. It almost looked like the adults seemed to be a little frazzled.<br /> <br /> Hopefully, tomorrow I will get some time to start on the photos from Day 7 of our trip to Trinidad & Tobago.</div> American Robin&#039;s egg on the ground <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/293827/44842156"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/21/56/44842156.9068aaa0.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I dragged myself away from my computer and joined a group of friends for a walk at Carburn Park, down by the Bow River. I missed the walks the last two weeks for one reason or another, and it felt good to take a short break from going through my Trinidad & Tobago photos - not to mention posting them! - but I know I must plod on. <br /> <br /> I only took a handful of photos today, as the birds were so far away. However, I was happy to see an American Robin posing nicely down by the edge of the river. Not far away, we found a Robin's egg lying on the ground. A brilliantly coloured Baltimore Oriole flitted from branch to branch, usually mostly hidden by leaves, but I did manage to get a very distant, cropped shot. A second Oriole was spotted in the same area. Towards the end of our walk, we stood and watched a pair of Canada Geese swimming with a long line of maybe 20 or more goslings, all in a very disciplined line. Apparently, some orphaned goslings had been placed with this pair, for them to adopt. It seemed to be working out just fine. Once they all reached a sandbar, then chaos ruled, with each gosling moving in a different direction. It almost looked like the adults seemed to be a little frazzled.<br /> <br /> Hopefully, tomorrow I will get some time to start on the photos from Day 7 of our trip to Trinidad & Tobago.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44687198 tag:ipernity.com,2017-04-21,doc-44687198 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 15:08:16 +0000 2017-04-20T11:43:25-06:00 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/293827/44687198"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/71/98/44687198.7a16f24f.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday, 20 April 2017, I had to move my vehicle for the whole day so that the City could clean the whole area. I don't have an up-to-date street parking pass, which meant that I needed to find something to fill my day - instead of being at home, working on my Taxes! A morning walk at Carburn Park took care of around three hours - the only birds close enough for photos were an American Robin (seen in this photo), two Franklin's Gulls, and a Canada Goose : ) Afterwards, I called in at a local wetland and photographed a Mallard, a busy Muskrat - and a Canada Goose, lol. Not a very friendly Goose, either, though he must have a nest somewhere in the area. Hissed at me and followed me part way down the path. I had to go back along the same path to get to my car, and waited till the Goose was as far away as possible before I hurried back. Oh, there was also a Ring-billed Gull that was standing on the bridge railing, letting me take some nice, close shots. <br /> <br /> I can't wait till I can start editing my photos from Day 5 of our Trinidad & Tobago adventure! First, though, I have to finish my Taxes and try again to make an appointment.</div> American Robin / Turdus migratorius, Carburn Park <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/293827/44687198"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/71/98/44687198.7a16f24f.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday, 20 April 2017, I had to move my vehicle for the whole day so that the City could clean the whole area. I don't have an up-to-date street parking pass, which meant that I needed to find something to fill my day - instead of being at home, working on my Taxes! A morning walk at Carburn Park took care of around three hours - the only birds close enough for photos were an American Robin (seen in this photo), two Franklin's Gulls, and a Canada Goose : ) Afterwards, I called in at a local wetland and photographed a Mallard, a busy Muskrat - and a Canada Goose, lol. Not a very friendly Goose, either, though he must have a nest somewhere in the area. Hissed at me and followed me part way down the path. I had to go back along the same path to get to my car, and waited till the Goose was as far away as possible before I hurried back. Oh, there was also a Ring-billed Gull that was standing on the bridge railing, letting me take some nice, close shots. <br /> <br /> I can't wait till I can start editing my photos from Day 5 of our Trinidad & Tobago adventure! First, though, I have to finish my Taxes and try again to make an appointment.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/42283660 tag:ipernity.com,2016-06-17,doc-42283660 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 11:45:10 +0000 2016-06-12T18:57:32-06:00 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/293827/42283660"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/36/60/42283660.a6eb04ea.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I have missed so many of the birding walks (and botany walks) this year, There is just one more birding walk left, this week - and I may not be able to make it - and then they come to an end till the end of August/beginning of September. I did manage to get out on the afternoon walk five days ago, on 12 June 2016, and it was very enjoyable, as was a stop at the Good Earth cafe afterwards : ) Will add our leaders' final list of species seen - thanks for a great walk Janet, Bernie and Stephen!:<br /> <br /> FFCPPSoc. Birding West end of South Glenmore Park, Calgary. 1:15-4:15 PM. Sun. June 12/16. Gusting West winds 30 - 40 Km/hr, 21 to 23C, Sunny skies. <br /> <br /> 1. Great Blue Heron - 1<br /> 2. Swainson's Hawk - 1 seen by BD pre-walk<br /> 3. Franklin's Gull - 60<br /> 4. Great Horned Owl - 2 juveniles<br /> 5. Downy Woodpecker - 4 (including pair seen at nest sight feeding young)<br /> 6. Eastern Phoebe - 2<br /> 7. Least Flycatcher - 4 heard<br /> 8. Red-eyed Vireo - 4 heard<br /> 9. American Crow - 7<br /> 10. Tree Swallow - 3<br /> 11. Red-breasted Nuthatch - 2 including one flying into nest<br /> 12. White-breasted Nuthatch - 1<br /> 13. House Wren - 3 heard<br /> 14. American Robin - 1<br /> 15. Veery - 2 heard<br /> 16. Cedar Waxwing - 3<br /> 17. Yellow Warbler - 6 (5 heard, 1 seen)<br /> 18. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 heard<br /> 19. Clay-coloured Sparrow - 4<br /> 20. White-throated Sparrow - 2 heard<br /> 21. Red-winged Blackbird - 13<br /> 22. Brown-headed Cowbird - 5<br /> 23. American Goldfinch - 4<br /> 24. House Sparrow - 1<br /> <br /> White-tailed Deer - 1<br /> Least Chipmunk - 1<br /> Red Squirrel - 1<br /> Swallow-tailed Butterfly - 8<br /> <br /> As usual on our birding walks, I take very few photos, so after this walk, I decided I would drive to a wetland in SW Calgary to check on the Red-necked Grebes. The light was harsh and I had to look into the sun and couldn't even tell if there were any babies. Obviously the wrong time of day to go there.<br /> <br /> From there, I decided to go SW of the city and check on Bluebirds, Snipe and maybe even a Great Gray Owl if I was very lucky. Only stopped at one Bluebird box and the parents were busy bringing insects to feed their babies. Every now and then, a baby would peer out of the small hole, so I know it won't be long till they fledge. An American Robin flew to the fence post next to the male Bluebird at one point, as if to ask for its photo to be taken, too. What a sight to see the two birds together - brilliant blue and bright red.<br /> <br /> Driving along one road to search for an owl, I noticed a truck pulled over in the distance. I always slow right down when I see a vehicle stopped, just in case it is a photographer taking photos of something interesting. I never want to spook a bird or animal and spoil a photographer's fun. I was so focused on the truck, looking to see if there was a driver pointing a camera, that at first I didn't notice the person standing the other side of the road OR the owl sitting on the fence! When I realized it was a friend, I pulled over, got out and took a few photos. I don't know if this was one of the two Great Grays that I had seen within the last couple of weeks. It is possible either way. <br /> <br /> Also spotted two distant Bobolinks chasing each other and then disappearing - no chance for a photo. That is, until two evenings ago! I was SO thrilled to find them (maybe 5?)! These birds are rare in Alberta and are much sought after by birders. I was unable to go and check on the Bluebirds the previous evening, as I had dropped off my car ready to be serviced the following day. I collected it in time - $1,300 later! - to go for a drive. So glad I went, as luck and timing were both on my side. The Bobolinks were on the far side of the road and I managed to get just a few distant, very poor shots before a truck came along and off they flew. I drove down the road and turned around, hoping to see them again, but they didn't reappear. I was just happy to get any kind of photo as a record of this special sighting.</div> Everyday 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/293827/42283660"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/36/60/42283660.a6eb04ea.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I have missed so many of the birding walks (and botany walks) this year, There is just one more birding walk left, this week - and I may not be able to make it - and then they come to an end till the end of August/beginning of September. I did manage to get out on the afternoon walk five days ago, on 12 June 2016, and it was very enjoyable, as was a stop at the Good Earth cafe afterwards : ) Will add our leaders' final list of species seen - thanks for a great walk Janet, Bernie and Stephen!:<br /> <br /> FFCPPSoc. Birding West end of South Glenmore Park, Calgary. 1:15-4:15 PM. Sun. June 12/16. Gusting West winds 30 - 40 Km/hr, 21 to 23C, Sunny skies. <br /> <br /> 1. Great Blue Heron - 1<br /> 2. Swainson's Hawk - 1 seen by BD pre-walk<br /> 3. Franklin's Gull - 60<br /> 4. Great Horned Owl - 2 juveniles<br /> 5. Downy Woodpecker - 4 (including pair seen at nest sight feeding young)<br /> 6. Eastern Phoebe - 2<br /> 7. Least Flycatcher - 4 heard<br /> 8. Red-eyed Vireo - 4 heard<br /> 9. American Crow - 7<br /> 10. Tree Swallow - 3<br /> 11. Red-breasted Nuthatch - 2 including one flying into nest<br /> 12. White-breasted Nuthatch - 1<br /> 13. House Wren - 3 heard<br /> 14. American Robin - 1<br /> 15. Veery - 2 heard<br /> 16. Cedar Waxwing - 3<br /> 17. Yellow Warbler - 6 (5 heard, 1 seen)<br /> 18. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 heard<br /> 19. Clay-coloured Sparrow - 4<br /> 20. White-throated Sparrow - 2 heard<br /> 21. Red-winged Blackbird - 13<br /> 22. Brown-headed Cowbird - 5<br /> 23. American Goldfinch - 4<br /> 24. House Sparrow - 1<br /> <br /> White-tailed Deer - 1<br /> Least Chipmunk - 1<br /> Red Squirrel - 1<br /> Swallow-tailed Butterfly - 8<br /> <br /> As usual on our birding walks, I take very few photos, so after this walk, I decided I would drive to a wetland in SW Calgary to check on the Red-necked Grebes. The light was harsh and I had to look into the sun and couldn't even tell if there were any babies. Obviously the wrong time of day to go there.<br /> <br /> From there, I decided to go SW of the city and check on Bluebirds, Snipe and maybe even a Great Gray Owl if I was very lucky. Only stopped at one Bluebird box and the parents were busy bringing insects to feed their babies. Every now and then, a baby would peer out of the small hole, so I know it won't be long till they fledge. An American Robin flew to the fence post next to the male Bluebird at one point, as if to ask for its photo to be taken, too. What a sight to see the two birds together - brilliant blue and bright red.<br /> <br /> Driving along one road to search for an owl, I noticed a truck pulled over in the distance. I always slow right down when I see a vehicle stopped, just in case it is a photographer taking photos of something interesting. I never want to spook a bird or animal and spoil a photographer's fun. I was so focused on the truck, looking to see if there was a driver pointing a camera, that at first I didn't notice the person standing the other side of the road OR the owl sitting on the fence! When I realized it was a friend, I pulled over, got out and took a few photos. I don't know if this was one of the two Great Grays that I had seen within the last couple of weeks. It is possible either way. <br /> <br /> Also spotted two distant Bobolinks chasing each other and then disappearing - no chance for a photo. That is, until two evenings ago! I was SO thrilled to find them (maybe 5?)! These birds are rare in Alberta and are much sought after by birders. I was unable to go and check on the Bluebirds the previous evening, as I had dropped off my car ready to be serviced the following day. I collected it in time - $1,300 later! - to go for a drive. So glad I went, as luck and timing were both on my side. The Bobolinks were on the far side of the road and I managed to get just a few distant, very poor shots before a truck came along and off they flew. I drove down the road and turned around, hoping to see them again, but they didn't reappear. I was just happy to get any kind of photo as a record of this special sighting.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/42205050 tag:ipernity.com,2016-06-13,doc-42205050 Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:09:09 +0000 2016-06-12T18:55:59-06:00 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/293827/42205050"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/50/50/42205050.f9d71912.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I have missed so many of the birding walks (and botany walks) and there is just one more walk left and then they come to an end till the end of August/beginning of September. Yesterday afternoon's walk (12 June 2016) was very enjoyable, as was a stop at the Good Earth cafe afterwards : ) Will add our leaders' final list of species seen - thanks for a great walk Janet, Bernie and Stephen!:<br /> <br /> FFCPPSoc. Birding West end of South Glenmore Park, Calgary. 1:15-4:15 PM. Sun. June 12/16. Gusting West winds 30 - 40 Km/hr, 21 to 23C, Sunny skies. <br /> <br /> 1. Great Blue Heron - 1<br /> 2. Swainson's Hawk - 1 seen by BD pre-walk<br /> 3. Franklin's Gull - 60<br /> 4. Great Horned Owl - 2 juveniles<br /> 5. Downy Woodpecker - 4 (including pair seen at nest sight feeding young)<br /> 6. Eastern Phoebe - 2<br /> 7. Least Flycatcher - 4 heard<br /> 8. Red-eyed Vireo - 4 heard<br /> 9. American Crow - 7<br /> 10. Tree Swallow - 3<br /> 11. Red-breasted Nuthatch - 2 including one flying into nest<br /> 12. White-breasted Nuthatch - 1<br /> 13. House Wren - 3 heard<br /> 14. American Robin - 1<br /> 15. Veery - 2 heard<br /> 16. Cedar Waxwing - 3<br /> 17. Yellow Warbler - 6 (5 heard, 1 seen)<br /> 18. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 heard<br /> 19. Clay-coloured Sparrow - 4<br /> 20. White-throated Sparrow - 2 heard<br /> 21. Red-winged Blackbird - 13<br /> 22. Brown-headed Cowbird - 5<br /> 23. American Goldfinch - 4<br /> 24. House Sparrow - 1<br /> <br /> White-tailed Deer - 1<br /> Least Chipmunk - 1<br /> Red Squirrel - 1<br /> Swallow-tailed Butterfly - 8<br /> <br /> As usual on our birding walks, I take very few photos, so yesterday after the walk, I decided I would drive to a wetland in SW Calgary to check on the Red-necked Grebes. The light was harsh and I had to look into the sun and couldn't even tell if there were any babies. Obviously the wrong time of day to go there.<br /> <br /> From there, I decided to go SW of the city and check on Bluebirds, Snipe and maybe even a Great Gray Owl if I was very lucky. Only stopped at one Bluebird box and the parents were busy bringing insects to feed their babies. Every now and then, a baby would peer out of the small hole, so I know it won't be long till they fledge. This male American Robin flew to the fence post next to the male Bluebird at one point, as if to ask for its photo to be taken, too. What a sight to see the two birds together - brilliant blue and bright red.<br /> <br /> Driving along one road to search for an owl, I noticed a truck pulled over in the distance. I always slow right down when I see a vehicle stopped, just in case it is a photographer taking photos of something interesting. I never want to spook a bird or animal and spoil a photographer's fun. I was so focused on the truck, looking to see if there was a driver pointing a camera, that at first I didn't notice the person standing the other side of the road OR the owl sitting on the fence! When I realized it was a friend, I pulled over, got out and took a few photos. I don't know if this was one of the two Great Grays that I had seen within the last 10 days or so. It is possible either way. Also spotted two distant Bobolinks chasing each other and then disappearing - no chance for a photo.</div> American Robin in the countryside <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/293827/42205050"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/50/50/42205050.f9d71912.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I have missed so many of the birding walks (and botany walks) and there is just one more walk left and then they come to an end till the end of August/beginning of September. Yesterday afternoon's walk (12 June 2016) was very enjoyable, as was a stop at the Good Earth cafe afterwards : ) Will add our leaders' final list of species seen - thanks for a great walk Janet, Bernie and Stephen!:<br /> <br /> FFCPPSoc. Birding West end of South Glenmore Park, Calgary. 1:15-4:15 PM. Sun. June 12/16. Gusting West winds 30 - 40 Km/hr, 21 to 23C, Sunny skies. <br /> <br /> 1. Great Blue Heron - 1<br /> 2. Swainson's Hawk - 1 seen by BD pre-walk<br /> 3. Franklin's Gull - 60<br /> 4. Great Horned Owl - 2 juveniles<br /> 5. Downy Woodpecker - 4 (including pair seen at nest sight feeding young)<br /> 6. Eastern Phoebe - 2<br /> 7. Least Flycatcher - 4 heard<br /> 8. Red-eyed Vireo - 4 heard<br /> 9. American Crow - 7<br /> 10. Tree Swallow - 3<br /> 11. Red-breasted Nuthatch - 2 including one flying into nest<br /> 12. White-breasted Nuthatch - 1<br /> 13. House Wren - 3 heard<br /> 14. American Robin - 1<br /> 15. Veery - 2 heard<br /> 16. Cedar Waxwing - 3<br /> 17. Yellow Warbler - 6 (5 heard, 1 seen)<br /> 18. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 heard<br /> 19. Clay-coloured Sparrow - 4<br /> 20. White-throated Sparrow - 2 heard<br /> 21. Red-winged Blackbird - 13<br /> 22. Brown-headed Cowbird - 5<br /> 23. American Goldfinch - 4<br /> 24. House Sparrow - 1<br /> <br /> White-tailed Deer - 1<br /> Least Chipmunk - 1<br /> Red Squirrel - 1<br /> Swallow-tailed Butterfly - 8<br /> <br /> As usual on our birding walks, I take very few photos, so yesterday after the walk, I decided I would drive to a wetland in SW Calgary to check on the Red-necked Grebes. The light was harsh and I had to look into the sun and couldn't even tell if there were any babies. Obviously the wrong time of day to go there.<br /> <br /> From there, I decided to go SW of the city and check on Bluebirds, Snipe and maybe even a Great Gray Owl if I was very lucky. Only stopped at one Bluebird box and the parents were busy bringing insects to feed their babies. Every now and then, a baby would peer out of the small hole, so I know it won't be long till they fledge. This male American Robin flew to the fence post next to the male Bluebird at one point, as if to ask for its photo to be taken, too. What a sight to see the two birds together - brilliant blue and bright red.<br /> <br /> Driving along one road to search for an owl, I noticed a truck pulled over in the distance. I always slow right down when I see a vehicle stopped, just in case it is a photographer taking photos of something interesting. I never want to spook a bird or animal and spoil a photographer's fun. I was so focused on the truck, looking to see if there was a driver pointing a camera, that at first I didn't notice the person standing the other side of the road OR the owl sitting on the fence! When I realized it was a friend, I pulled over, got out and took a few photos. I don't know if this was one of the two Great Grays that I had seen within the last 10 days or so. It is possible either way. Also spotted two distant Bobolinks chasing each other and then disappearing - no chance for a photo.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/42163344 tag:ipernity.com,2016-06-08,doc-42163344 Wed, 08 Jun 2016 15:02:02 +0000 2016-06-04T11:37:55-06:00 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/293827/42163344"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/33/44/42163344.82f1b9b9.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Four days ago, on 4 June 2016, I had the chance to visit somewhere that I had longed to go to for years - the Ellis Bird Farm. This was thanks to the annual Nature Calgary Bus Trip, which goes to a different location each year. When I read where this year's outing was going to be, I was so excited and registered immediately and, apparently, was the first person on the list : ) I believe there were 66 people on the trip, enjoying a great day. The sun was shining and the temperature got up to around 25C - too warm for me and for many others, especially when the whole day is spent outdoors. <br /> <br /> It was a very early start, with my alarm clocks set for 4:30 am. Unfortunately, they had also been set for 4:30 am the previous day, when I went on a Bio-blitz to the Square Butte Ranch. Being a dreadful 'night owl', this meant that I ended up doing these two trips on about 5 hours sleep total over the two nights. Not good! It is such a treat to go somewhere by bus - everyone can relax and chat. Some of the $50 charge per person went towards a donation to the Ellis Bird Farm (and to the JJ Collett natural area), which was good to know.<br /> <br /> The drive from Calgary to the Ellis Bird Farm takes about an hour and a half. When we arrived, we were greeted by a long line of bird nest boxes along the fence line. Within the farm area, there were even more nest boxes - everywhere! People send them from all over the province, even from overseas. I believe the Farm has the largest collection of outdoor boxes in the world - 300+! <br /> <br /> One of the highlights was seeing the Purple Martin condominium-style nest boxes. These birds are very social birds, who apparently like people too, and nest in condominium-style nest boxes. They spend "most of the year in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and come up to Alberta just long enough to raise a family." <br /> <br /> We started off by watching a very touching old video about Charlie Ellis - what a delightful, very shy, modest man he was.<br /> <br /> ""Ellis Bird Farm is both a non-profit company and a working farm. It was established in 1982 to carry on the legacy of Lacombe-area conservationists, Charlie and Winnie Ellis, when their farm was purchased by Union Carbide Canada Ltd. At the time, Charlie and Winnie operated one of the largest bluebird trails in Canada and had established their farmstead as a haven for wildlife.<br /> <br /> The Ellis family of Parkenham, Ontario, came west in 1886 to settle on a ranch near Calgary. Their son John, then a teenager, was married in 1894 to Agnes Clark who had come west from Ontario in 1888 to teach school. They lived near Calgary until 1906 when they moved with their family of four children to a quarter section homestead in the Joffre district. In 1907 they built a two-storey frame house and subsequently enlarged the farm by the purchase of an additional five quarters.<br /> <br /> After John and Agnes passed away in the early 1950s, two of their children, Charlie and Winnie, took over the farm operations. And about this same time, Charlie began a project that was to dominate the rest of his life; he set out his first nesting box for the Mountain Bluebirds." From Ellis Bird Farm website. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/</a><br /> <br /> After the video, we were divided into two large groups and then further divided again. Not easy to organize such a large number of people and it was rather confusing, Have to admit that I ended up, like varous friends, wandering around, taking photos. I always prefer to be free to do this, as there is a lot of information on the Internet, which can be read before and after such a visit.<br /> <br /> "​Ellis Bird Farm made science history on Tuesday May 31 when University of Manitoba Grad Student, Alisha Ritchie, and her EBF team (Cheyenne Knight, Claudia Lipski and Myrna Pearman) retrapped a very special yearling Purple Martin. This bird had been retrofitted with a light level geolocator last season, as a nestling, and is the first songbird EVER(!) to be tracked on its first migration. The bird had evaded several attempts to trap it, so it has been named Houdini." <br /> <br /> Information about their Purple Martin Geolocator Program:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/purple-martin-geolocators.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/purple-martin-geolocators.html</a><br /> <br /> Following our visit to the Farm, we boarded the two buses and were driven about half an hour's drive away, to the JJ Collett natural area, where the amazing Dr. Charles (Charlie) Bird took us on a walk (longer and faster paced than we were expecting, ha) along one of the trails. This is an interesting place to visit - will have to add information about it when I eventually post an image or two taken there.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.jjcollett.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.jjcollett.com/</a><br /> <br /> Not sure what time we got back to the meeting place in Calgary - around 5:15 pm? I sat in my car and gulped down a mug of black coffee before driving for maybe 45 minutes to the far side of the city. My vehicle had been sitting in the sun all day and my coffee was as hot as if freshly made!<br /> <br /> Thank you, Nature Calgary and Leslie, for organizing this special day trip for us! Very successful and greatly enjoyed! Kate, thank you for your company on the drive there and back - made the time go faster and was so enjoyable.</div> Collecting food for his babies <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/293827/42163344"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/33/44/42163344.82f1b9b9.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Four days ago, on 4 June 2016, I had the chance to visit somewhere that I had longed to go to for years - the Ellis Bird Farm. This was thanks to the annual Nature Calgary Bus Trip, which goes to a different location each year. When I read where this year's outing was going to be, I was so excited and registered immediately and, apparently, was the first person on the list : ) I believe there were 66 people on the trip, enjoying a great day. The sun was shining and the temperature got up to around 25C - too warm for me and for many others, especially when the whole day is spent outdoors. <br /> <br /> It was a very early start, with my alarm clocks set for 4:30 am. Unfortunately, they had also been set for 4:30 am the previous day, when I went on a Bio-blitz to the Square Butte Ranch. Being a dreadful 'night owl', this meant that I ended up doing these two trips on about 5 hours sleep total over the two nights. Not good! It is such a treat to go somewhere by bus - everyone can relax and chat. Some of the $50 charge per person went towards a donation to the Ellis Bird Farm (and to the JJ Collett natural area), which was good to know.<br /> <br /> The drive from Calgary to the Ellis Bird Farm takes about an hour and a half. When we arrived, we were greeted by a long line of bird nest boxes along the fence line. Within the farm area, there were even more nest boxes - everywhere! People send them from all over the province, even from overseas. I believe the Farm has the largest collection of outdoor boxes in the world - 300+! <br /> <br /> One of the highlights was seeing the Purple Martin condominium-style nest boxes. These birds are very social birds, who apparently like people too, and nest in condominium-style nest boxes. They spend "most of the year in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and come up to Alberta just long enough to raise a family." <br /> <br /> We started off by watching a very touching old video about Charlie Ellis - what a delightful, very shy, modest man he was.<br /> <br /> ""Ellis Bird Farm is both a non-profit company and a working farm. It was established in 1982 to carry on the legacy of Lacombe-area conservationists, Charlie and Winnie Ellis, when their farm was purchased by Union Carbide Canada Ltd. At the time, Charlie and Winnie operated one of the largest bluebird trails in Canada and had established their farmstead as a haven for wildlife.<br /> <br /> The Ellis family of Parkenham, Ontario, came west in 1886 to settle on a ranch near Calgary. Their son John, then a teenager, was married in 1894 to Agnes Clark who had come west from Ontario in 1888 to teach school. They lived near Calgary until 1906 when they moved with their family of four children to a quarter section homestead in the Joffre district. In 1907 they built a two-storey frame house and subsequently enlarged the farm by the purchase of an additional five quarters.<br /> <br /> After John and Agnes passed away in the early 1950s, two of their children, Charlie and Winnie, took over the farm operations. And about this same time, Charlie began a project that was to dominate the rest of his life; he set out his first nesting box for the Mountain Bluebirds." From Ellis Bird Farm website. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/</a><br /> <br /> After the video, we were divided into two large groups and then further divided again. Not easy to organize such a large number of people and it was rather confusing, Have to admit that I ended up, like varous friends, wandering around, taking photos. I always prefer to be free to do this, as there is a lot of information on the Internet, which can be read before and after such a visit.<br /> <br /> "​Ellis Bird Farm made science history on Tuesday May 31 when University of Manitoba Grad Student, Alisha Ritchie, and her EBF team (Cheyenne Knight, Claudia Lipski and Myrna Pearman) retrapped a very special yearling Purple Martin. This bird had been retrofitted with a light level geolocator last season, as a nestling, and is the first songbird EVER(!) to be tracked on its first migration. The bird had evaded several attempts to trap it, so it has been named Houdini." <br /> <br /> Information about their Purple Martin Geolocator Program:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/purple-martin-geolocators.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/purple-martin-geolocators.html</a><br /> <br /> Following our visit to the Farm, we boarded the two buses and were driven about half an hour's drive away, to the JJ Collett natural area, where the amazing Dr. Charles (Charlie) Bird took us on a walk (longer and faster paced than we were expecting, ha) along one of the trails. This is an interesting place to visit - will have to add information about it when I eventually post an image or two taken there.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.jjcollett.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.jjcollett.com/</a><br /> <br /> Not sure what time we got back to the meeting place in Calgary - around 5:15 pm? I sat in my car and gulped down a mug of black coffee before driving for maybe 45 minutes to the far side of the city. My vehicle had been sitting in the sun all day and my coffee was as hot as if freshly made!<br /> <br /> Thank you, Nature Calgary and Leslie, for organizing this special day trip for us! Very successful and greatly enjoyed! Kate, thank you for your company on the drive there and back - made the time go faster and was so enjoyable.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/42115070 tag:ipernity.com,2016-06-02,doc-42115070 Thu, 02 Jun 2016 14:31:51 +0000 2016-05-29T15:35:25-06:00 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/293827/42115070"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/50/70/42115070.7a89ee3b.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">It was the annual May Species Count on 28 and 29 May 2016, so I had no time for anything else over the weekend. My group's Saturday Count was down in Fish Creek Provincial Park, at Votier's Flats and Shaw's Meadow. <br /> <br /> On Sunday, our usual small group (six of us in two cars) covered an area SW of the city - which happens to be one of my favourite and most visited areas. We had a great day, stopping at a few wetlands and calling in at Barb Castell's acreage where she usually has amazing birds to show us. Several special species were missing, but we were delighted to watch a teeny Ruby-throated Hummingbird. We were also happy to see seven Rose-breasted Grosbeaks during the day, and a male American Kestrel that caught a frog for supper! No owls to be found anywhere, but I did go back the following evening and saw two separate Great Gray Owls in our Count area. I went back again yesterday and found the first owl again. This time, it wasn't pouring with rain, but I was looking into the sun (so a lot of blown-out feathers) and it was very windy. The owl photo I've posted this morning was one of the first photos taken, before the owl flew a few fence posts away, and then I was looking into the sun. It was nice to see the owl hunting, catch a small rodent and then fly to a fence post - wish the lighting had been so much better.<br /> <br /> On Sunday's Count, we stopped at Brown-Lowery Provincial Park and ate our picnic lunches and then did a short walk to look for Calypso Orchids. I took too long trying in vain to get a sharp photo of a little group of fungi, that I missed the orchids, but that's OK, as I have seen them several times before.<br /> <br /> After the Count came to an end, I drove a few of the back roads again, taking a few more shots of the Wilson's Snipe - a favourite of mine. I also pulled over to get a couple of shots of this handsome male American Robin.<br /> <br /> "The count goes May 28-29: Calgary birders have been out in force every May since 1979, contributing to a broad census of the constantly changing patterns of bird distributions in North America. Last year (2015) we found 212 species. The count circle is the same as previous years, extending from Olds to Nanton, and from Exshaw to Standard, and includes a variety of environments." From NatureCalgary.<br /> <br /> I will add the final list from our leader, Gus Y - 70 bird species seen, wow!<br /> <br /> "May species count, Terr. #22, Priddis Area: Plummers Rd, from Hwy 22 to #762, SW of Calgary, 0730-1530, Sun. 29May2016. 58 km. Mostly sunny, becoming overcast at noon, S wind, becoming gusty, 10 -20 kph. 13-18°C. <br /> <br /> Canada Goose-45 <br /> Gadwall-2 <br /> American Wigeon-6 <br /> Mallard-29. <br /> Blue-winged Teal-16 <br /> Cinnamon Teal-8 <br /> Northern Shoveler-3 <br /> Green-winged Teal-4 <br /> Redhead-6 <br /> Ring-necked Duck-12 <br /> Lesser Scaup-29 <br /> Bufflehead-5 <br /> Hooded Merganser-1 f. <br /> Ruddy Duck-11 <br /> Ring-necked Pheasant-3 <br /> Great Blue Heron-1 <br /> Swainson’s Hawk-2 <br /> Red-tailed Hawk-6 <br /> American Kestrel-2 <br /> Sora-6 <br /> American Coot-10 <br /> Killdeer-5 <br /> Spotted Sandpiper-8 <br /> Wilson’s Snipe-10 <br /> Wilson’s Phalarope-4 <br /> Black Tern-22 <br /> Mourning Dove-1 <br /> Ruby-throated Hummingbird-1 <br /> Red-naped Sapsucker-1 <br /> Black-backed Woodpecker-2 <br /> Northern Flicker-3 <br /> Western Wood-Pewee-5 <br /> Least Flycatcher-6 <br /> Easterm Phoebe-1 <br /> Easterm Kingbird-1 <br /> Gray Jay-2 <br /> Clark’s Nutcracker-1 <br /> Black-billed Magpie-6 <br /> American Crow-4 <br /> Common Raven-5 <br /> Tree Swallow-86 <br /> Cliff Swallow-6 <br /> Barn Swallow-2 <br /> Black-capped Chickadee-3 <br /> Mountain Chickadee-1 <br /> Boreal Chickadee-2 <br /> Red-breasted Nuthatch-2 <br /> House Wren-9 <br /> Mountain Bluebird-29 <br /> American Robin-13 <br /> Gray Catbird-2 <br /> European Starling-8 <br /> Tennessee Warbler-11 <br /> Yellow Warbler-6 <br /> Cape May Warbler-1 <br /> Chipping Sparrow-8 <br /> Clay-coloured Sparrow-13 <br /> Savannah Sparrow-4 <br /> Song Sparrow-1 <br /> Lincoln’s Sparrow-4 <br /> White-throated Sparrow-1 <br /> Rose-breasted Grosbeak-7 <br /> Black-headed Grosbeak-1, or hybrid. <br /> Red-winged Blackbird-178 <br /> Western Meadowlark-2 <br /> Yellow-headed Blackbird-2 <br /> Brewer’s Blackbird-7 <br /> Brown-headed Cowbird-6 <br /> Baltimore Oriole-4 <br /> American Goldfinch-5<br /> Richardson’s Ground Squirrel-11<br /> <br /> Muskrat-1<br /> Mule Deer-1<br /> White-tailed Deer-4<br /> Boreal Chorus Frog-10+<br /> Green Comma Butterfly-2<br /> Western White-1<br /> Tiger Swallowtail-2<br /> <br /> Gus Yaki"</div> American Robin male <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/293827/42115070"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/50/70/42115070.7a89ee3b.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">It was the annual May Species Count on 28 and 29 May 2016, so I had no time for anything else over the weekend. My group's Saturday Count was down in Fish Creek Provincial Park, at Votier's Flats and Shaw's Meadow. <br /> <br /> On Sunday, our usual small group (six of us in two cars) covered an area SW of the city - which happens to be one of my favourite and most visited areas. We had a great day, stopping at a few wetlands and calling in at Barb Castell's acreage where she usually has amazing birds to show us. Several special species were missing, but we were delighted to watch a teeny Ruby-throated Hummingbird. We were also happy to see seven Rose-breasted Grosbeaks during the day, and a male American Kestrel that caught a frog for supper! No owls to be found anywhere, but I did go back the following evening and saw two separate Great Gray Owls in our Count area. I went back again yesterday and found the first owl again. This time, it wasn't pouring with rain, but I was looking into the sun (so a lot of blown-out feathers) and it was very windy. The owl photo I've posted this morning was one of the first photos taken, before the owl flew a few fence posts away, and then I was looking into the sun. It was nice to see the owl hunting, catch a small rodent and then fly to a fence post - wish the lighting had been so much better.<br /> <br /> On Sunday's Count, we stopped at Brown-Lowery Provincial Park and ate our picnic lunches and then did a short walk to look for Calypso Orchids. I took too long trying in vain to get a sharp photo of a little group of fungi, that I missed the orchids, but that's OK, as I have seen them several times before.<br /> <br /> After the Count came to an end, I drove a few of the back roads again, taking a few more shots of the Wilson's Snipe - a favourite of mine. I also pulled over to get a couple of shots of this handsome male American Robin.<br /> <br /> "The count goes May 28-29: Calgary birders have been out in force every May since 1979, contributing to a broad census of the constantly changing patterns of bird distributions in North America. Last year (2015) we found 212 species. The count circle is the same as previous years, extending from Olds to Nanton, and from Exshaw to Standard, and includes a variety of environments." From NatureCalgary.<br /> <br /> I will add the final list from our leader, Gus Y - 70 bird species seen, wow!<br /> <br /> "May species count, Terr. #22, Priddis Area: Plummers Rd, from Hwy 22 to #762, SW of Calgary, 0730-1530, Sun. 29May2016. 58 km. Mostly sunny, becoming overcast at noon, S wind, becoming gusty, 10 -20 kph. 13-18°C. <br /> <br /> Canada Goose-45 <br /> Gadwall-2 <br /> American Wigeon-6 <br /> Mallard-29. <br /> Blue-winged Teal-16 <br /> Cinnamon Teal-8 <br /> Northern Shoveler-3 <br /> Green-winged Teal-4 <br /> Redhead-6 <br /> Ring-necked Duck-12 <br /> Lesser Scaup-29 <br /> Bufflehead-5 <br /> Hooded Merganser-1 f. <br /> Ruddy Duck-11 <br /> Ring-necked Pheasant-3 <br /> Great Blue Heron-1 <br /> Swainson’s Hawk-2 <br /> Red-tailed Hawk-6 <br /> American Kestrel-2 <br /> Sora-6 <br /> American Coot-10 <br /> Killdeer-5 <br /> Spotted Sandpiper-8 <br /> Wilson’s Snipe-10 <br /> Wilson’s Phalarope-4 <br /> Black Tern-22 <br /> Mourning Dove-1 <br /> Ruby-throated Hummingbird-1 <br /> Red-naped Sapsucker-1 <br /> Black-backed Woodpecker-2 <br /> Northern Flicker-3 <br /> Western Wood-Pewee-5 <br /> Least Flycatcher-6 <br /> Easterm Phoebe-1 <br /> Easterm Kingbird-1 <br /> Gray Jay-2 <br /> Clark’s Nutcracker-1 <br /> Black-billed Magpie-6 <br /> American Crow-4 <br /> Common Raven-5 <br /> Tree Swallow-86 <br /> Cliff Swallow-6 <br /> Barn Swallow-2 <br /> Black-capped Chickadee-3 <br /> Mountain Chickadee-1 <br /> Boreal Chickadee-2 <br /> Red-breasted Nuthatch-2 <br /> House Wren-9 <br /> Mountain Bluebird-29 <br /> American Robin-13 <br /> Gray Catbird-2 <br /> European Starling-8 <br /> Tennessee Warbler-11 <br /> Yellow Warbler-6 <br /> Cape May Warbler-1 <br /> Chipping Sparrow-8 <br /> Clay-coloured Sparrow-13 <br /> Savannah Sparrow-4 <br /> Song Sparrow-1 <br /> Lincoln’s Sparrow-4 <br /> White-throated Sparrow-1 <br /> Rose-breasted Grosbeak-7 <br /> Black-headed Grosbeak-1, or hybrid. <br /> Red-winged Blackbird-178 <br /> Western Meadowlark-2 <br /> Yellow-headed Blackbird-2 <br /> Brewer’s Blackbird-7 <br /> Brown-headed Cowbird-6 <br /> Baltimore Oriole-4 <br /> American Goldfinch-5<br /> Richardson’s Ground Squirrel-11<br /> <br /> Muskrat-1<br /> Mule Deer-1<br /> White-tailed Deer-4<br /> Boreal Chorus Frog-10+<br /> Green Comma Butterfly-2<br /> Western White-1<br /> Tiger Swallowtail-2<br /> <br /> Gus Yaki"</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41938570 tag:ipernity.com,2016-05-19,doc-41938570 Thu, 19 May 2016 14:47:57 +0000 2016-05-18T18:13:28-06:00 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/293827/41938570"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/85/70/41938570.5b2d0585.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Update on the massive wildfire in the Fort McMurray area:<br /> <br /> "On May 1, 2016, a wildfire began southwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. On May 3, it swept through the community, destroying approximately 2,400 homes and buildings and forcing the largest wildfire evacuation in Albertan history. As of May 17, it continues to spread across northern Alberta, consuming forested areas and impacting Athabasca oil sands operations. It may become the costliest disaster in Canadian history.<br /> <br /> .... While the fire had moved away from Fort McMurray, explosions and poor air quality continued to prevent residents and rebuilding crews from returning to the town. The wildfire is still burning and is expected to take months to contain and extinguish." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Fort_McMurray_wildfire" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Fort_McMurray_wildfire</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/alberta/the-fort-mcmurray-disaster-read-the-latest-tuesday2/article29930041/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.theglobeandmail.com/news/alberta/the-fort-mcmurray-di...</a><br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Yesterday, 18 May 2016, I went to what was most likely my last volunteer shift. I have been volunteering there for about 18 years and it has been a wonderful experience. However, as the number of clients constantly rises, even more so with the poor state of the economy, the problem of parking has become a real issue. Though we have to park on the nearby street, usually at the very far end of it, I now find that each time I go, I have to park further and further away. There is no sidewalk on which to walk and there are many huge trucks coming and going all the time. Makes for a dangerous walk. In winter, it will be even worse. I always walk in pain and yesterday was, I think, the final straw, when I had to park even further away. I have been volunteering at several places for the last 36 or so years, so I know I will miss it, but I was just not enjoying the long walk and always wondering if I was even going to be able to find a parking spot. I know I will miss good friends there, terribly.<br /> <br /> Anyway, after my shift, I thought I had better call in at the Reader Rock Garden, in case I don't get over there for a long time. I wasn't sure about the weather and I did feel the odd raindrop, plus it was rather windy. However, the scent around the garden was wonderful - I could have stayed there for hours, just breathing it in. Plenty of flowers to enjoy. The few workers do such a great job of keeping this place looking beautiful. If you visit and you happen to see one of the staff or volunteers, do let them know how much you appreciate all their hard work and care. I know they would appreciate it.<br /> <br /> I always drive slowly through the adjoining Union Cemetery, keeping my eyes open for one of the Jackrabbits, in particular. I was in luck yesterday with one brief sighting, and also enjoyed watching American Robins flying from gravestone to gravestone. Most of the stones are covered in lichen, especially the bright orange kind, and I liked the way this Robin matched the lichen. A distant shot and rather fuzzy, but thought I would still post it.</div> Matching colours <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/293827/41938570"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/85/70/41938570.5b2d0585.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Update on the massive wildfire in the Fort McMurray area:<br /> <br /> "On May 1, 2016, a wildfire began southwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. On May 3, it swept through the community, destroying approximately 2,400 homes and buildings and forcing the largest wildfire evacuation in Albertan history. As of May 17, it continues to spread across northern Alberta, consuming forested areas and impacting Athabasca oil sands operations. It may become the costliest disaster in Canadian history.<br /> <br /> .... While the fire had moved away from Fort McMurray, explosions and poor air quality continued to prevent residents and rebuilding crews from returning to the town. The wildfire is still burning and is expected to take months to contain and extinguish." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Fort_McMurray_wildfire" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Fort_McMurray_wildfire</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/alberta/the-fort-mcmurray-disaster-read-the-latest-tuesday2/article29930041/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.theglobeandmail.com/news/alberta/the-fort-mcmurray-di...</a><br /> <br /> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Yesterday, 18 May 2016, I went to what was most likely my last volunteer shift. I have been volunteering there for about 18 years and it has been a wonderful experience. However, as the number of clients constantly rises, even more so with the poor state of the economy, the problem of parking has become a real issue. Though we have to park on the nearby street, usually at the very far end of it, I now find that each time I go, I have to park further and further away. There is no sidewalk on which to walk and there are many huge trucks coming and going all the time. Makes for a dangerous walk. In winter, it will be even worse. I always walk in pain and yesterday was, I think, the final straw, when I had to park even further away. I have been volunteering at several places for the last 36 or so years, so I know I will miss it, but I was just not enjoying the long walk and always wondering if I was even going to be able to find a parking spot. I know I will miss good friends there, terribly.<br /> <br /> Anyway, after my shift, I thought I had better call in at the Reader Rock Garden, in case I don't get over there for a long time. I wasn't sure about the weather and I did feel the odd raindrop, plus it was rather windy. However, the scent around the garden was wonderful - I could have stayed there for hours, just breathing it in. Plenty of flowers to enjoy. The few workers do such a great job of keeping this place looking beautiful. If you visit and you happen to see one of the staff or volunteers, do let them know how much you appreciate all their hard work and care. I know they would appreciate it.<br /> <br /> I always drive slowly through the adjoining Union Cemetery, keeping my eyes open for one of the Jackrabbits, in particular. I was in luck yesterday with one brief sighting, and also enjoyed watching American Robins flying from gravestone to gravestone. Most of the stones are covered in lichen, especially the bright orange kind, and I liked the way this Robin matched the lichen. A distant shot and rather fuzzy, but thought I would still post it.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/39553852 tag:ipernity.com,2015-09-05,doc-39553852 Sat, 05 Sep 2015 16:16:42 +0000 2015-07-23T11:15:12-06:00 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/293827/39553852"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/38/52/39553852.ea5157bb.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">On 23 July 2015, five of us spent the day botanizing the land belonging to Darryl Teskey, SW of Calgary and W of Millarville (maybe a 40-minute drive from Calgary). This was the first time I had been there and I'm so glad I was invited to go - I would have missed all sorts of things, including a family of Ruffed Grouse and several fungi. These Grouse were the rare rufous-morph, and we startled them when we were walking through the forest in their direction. Usually, you don't see Grouse because they are so well-hidden. When you get fairly close (sometimes very close) to them, they suddenly "explode" from the tangle of shrubs and plants of the forest floor, making ones heart beat fast! We were taken by surprise when we came across a nearby statue of Saint Francis of Assisi, who is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment. A nice idea, I thought.<br /> <br /> Our walk took us over grassland and through forest, many places treacherous with so many fallen logs which were often barely visible. I have never, ever seen so many tiny Skipper butterflies - there must have been hundreds or even thousands of these bright orange beauties that were flying or perched on flowers of every colour. <br /> <br /> Fortunately, the rain stayed away until we started driving back to Calgary. Quite a lot of black clouds, reminding me of the tornado that passed through Calgary just the day before (22 July 2015).<br /> <br /> Our purpose, as always, was to find and list everything that we saw - wildflowers, trees, grasses, birds, insects, fungi, etc.. Our leader then compiles an extensive list of our finds and this is later sent to the landowner, along with any photos that we might take. Always a win/win situation, as the landowner then has a much better idea of just what is on his property, and we have a most enjoyable day. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_robin" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_robin</a></div> Gathering lunch for the babies <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/293827/39553852"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/38/52/39553852.ea5157bb.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">On 23 July 2015, five of us spent the day botanizing the land belonging to Darryl Teskey, SW of Calgary and W of Millarville (maybe a 40-minute drive from Calgary). This was the first time I had been there and I'm so glad I was invited to go - I would have missed all sorts of things, including a family of Ruffed Grouse and several fungi. These Grouse were the rare rufous-morph, and we startled them when we were walking through the forest in their direction. Usually, you don't see Grouse because they are so well-hidden. When you get fairly close (sometimes very close) to them, they suddenly "explode" from the tangle of shrubs and plants of the forest floor, making ones heart beat fast! We were taken by surprise when we came across a nearby statue of Saint Francis of Assisi, who is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment. A nice idea, I thought.<br /> <br /> Our walk took us over grassland and through forest, many places treacherous with so many fallen logs which were often barely visible. I have never, ever seen so many tiny Skipper butterflies - there must have been hundreds or even thousands of these bright orange beauties that were flying or perched on flowers of every colour. <br /> <br /> Fortunately, the rain stayed away until we started driving back to Calgary. Quite a lot of black clouds, reminding me of the tornado that passed through Calgary just the day before (22 July 2015).<br /> <br /> Our purpose, as always, was to find and list everything that we saw - wildflowers, trees, grasses, birds, insects, fungi, etc.. Our leader then compiles an extensive list of our finds and this is later sent to the landowner, along with any photos that we might take. Always a win/win situation, as the landowner then has a much better idea of just what is on his property, and we have a most enjoyable day. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_robin" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_robin</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/38568806 tag:ipernity.com,2015-06-11,doc-38568806 Thu, 11 Jun 2015 12:32:07 +0000 2015-06-10T19:21:48-06:00 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/293827/38568806"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/88/06/38568806.e4e9b922.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday evening, 10 June 2015, was only what I would call a "magical" evening! Normally, I never go out in the evening - usually just too tired and there are all sorts of things needing to be done on my computer. However, having driven SW of the city the previous day and noticing a baby Mountain Bluebird poking its head out of its nesting box, I knew that any time now that it and its siblings would be suddenly gone. It wouldn't surprise me if they fledge today, which means that another drive will have to be done to check. I have been out far more than usual the past 10 days or so and actually look forward to a day when I don't end up doing the drive.<br /> <br /> It was early evening when I left home yesterday, after a volunteer shift and a haircut. Really, I was just going to check on the Bluebirds and was not expecting to see all that much else.That's how the evening started, but as the evening progressed, the world seemed to come alive with bird song and activity. It has been a long, long time since I've experienced that. <br /> <br /> Though my trip was mainly just to check on the Bluebirds, I was also lucky to see an American Robin sitting on a barbed-wire fence just a couple of feet away from a brilliant blue male Bluebird. Talk about colour! They were way down the road, so I was only able to get a very distant shot. Also saw a number of Snipe that I love photographing. <br /> <br /> When I reached the point where I was going to turn around and head for home, I saw yet another Snipe perched on a fence. Just a few feet from it, on the same fence, was a beautiful Swainson's Hawk! After posing for a while, both birds took off, with the Hawk in hot pursuit of the Snipe. I couldn't see how the chase ended, but hopefully the world is not missing a Snipe today.<br /> <br /> Closer to home, I suddenly spotted a beautiful female Moose at a small wetland, right before I turned on to the main highway. Not sure if it's because I took my first photos of her from inside the car, across the passenger seat, but most were blurry. Eventually, she left and started walking along the road away from the highway. I crawled along, watching her way in the distance. She kept walking from side to side of the road and then stopped to lick some salt off the road, bending her front knees in what looked a very awkward move : ) <br /> <br /> Driving back to the highway, I stopped to watch three or four young White-tailed Deer having fun at the wetland. One would occasionally stamp one of its front legs in the water and then bound away a few feet. Funny to watch and so good to see it playing so happily.<br /> <br /> So, it was quite the evening, to say the least! I drove all the way home with a big smile on my face. And now I have to dash and get ready to meet a few birding friends for a morning walk.</div> Neighbours of the feathered kind <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/293827/38568806"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/88/06/38568806.e4e9b922.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday evening, 10 June 2015, was only what I would call a "magical" evening! Normally, I never go out in the evening - usually just too tired and there are all sorts of things needing to be done on my computer. However, having driven SW of the city the previous day and noticing a baby Mountain Bluebird poking its head out of its nesting box, I knew that any time now that it and its siblings would be suddenly gone. It wouldn't surprise me if they fledge today, which means that another drive will have to be done to check. I have been out far more than usual the past 10 days or so and actually look forward to a day when I don't end up doing the drive.<br /> <br /> It was early evening when I left home yesterday, after a volunteer shift and a haircut. Really, I was just going to check on the Bluebirds and was not expecting to see all that much else.That's how the evening started, but as the evening progressed, the world seemed to come alive with bird song and activity. It has been a long, long time since I've experienced that. <br /> <br /> Though my trip was mainly just to check on the Bluebirds, I was also lucky to see an American Robin sitting on a barbed-wire fence just a couple of feet away from a brilliant blue male Bluebird. Talk about colour! They were way down the road, so I was only able to get a very distant shot. Also saw a number of Snipe that I love photographing. <br /> <br /> When I reached the point where I was going to turn around and head for home, I saw yet another Snipe perched on a fence. Just a few feet from it, on the same fence, was a beautiful Swainson's Hawk! After posing for a while, both birds took off, with the Hawk in hot pursuit of the Snipe. I couldn't see how the chase ended, but hopefully the world is not missing a Snipe today.<br /> <br /> Closer to home, I suddenly spotted a beautiful female Moose at a small wetland, right before I turned on to the main highway. Not sure if it's because I took my first photos of her from inside the car, across the passenger seat, but most were blurry. Eventually, she left and started walking along the road away from the highway. I crawled along, watching her way in the distance. She kept walking from side to side of the road and then stopped to lick some salt off the road, bending her front knees in what looked a very awkward move : ) <br /> <br /> Driving back to the highway, I stopped to watch three or four young White-tailed Deer having fun at the wetland. One would occasionally stamp one of its front legs in the water and then bound away a few feet. Funny to watch and so good to see it playing so happily.<br /> <br /> So, it was quite the evening, to say the least! I drove all the way home with a big smile on my face. And now I have to dash and get ready to meet a few birding friends for a morning walk.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/38451014 tag:ipernity.com,2015-05-28,doc-38451014 Thu, 28 May 2015 16:06:28 +0000 2015-05-27T17:45:00-06:00 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/293827/38451014"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/10/14/38451014.f93c116a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday, 27 May 2015, I had a volunteer shift and afterwards, as the sun was shining, I called in at the Reader Rock Garden. There is rain in the forecast for most of the next 12 days, which will drive me crazy, so I thought I'd better make the most of the blue sky while I could. Alberta is bone dry everywhere, with wildfires especially further north. Actually, one was burning near Water Valley the day after my daughter and I were there three days ago. So, much as I really dislike the rain, we desperately need it. <br /> <br /> Right next to Reader Rock Garden is the Union Cemetery, where I photographed this American Robin. The Jack Rabbits and birds spend time in both places, needless to say.<br /> <br /> From the Union Cemetery, I also called in at another nearby cemetery, hoping to find a Wild European Rabbit (none to be seen). There are several bird feeders there, especially by one of the gravestones. I always wonder if the person who was buried there had been a birder. Seemed such a beautiful idea. <br /> <br /> My last stop was at a wetland in SW Calgary, where I found a Common Grackle. Normally, I just don't see Grackles, but I had seen one there recently, and I'm always happy when I do see one.</div> Cemetery wildlife <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/293827/38451014"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/10/14/38451014.f93c116a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday, 27 May 2015, I had a volunteer shift and afterwards, as the sun was shining, I called in at the Reader Rock Garden. There is rain in the forecast for most of the next 12 days, which will drive me crazy, so I thought I'd better make the most of the blue sky while I could. Alberta is bone dry everywhere, with wildfires especially further north. Actually, one was burning near Water Valley the day after my daughter and I were there three days ago. So, much as I really dislike the rain, we desperately need it. <br /> <br /> Right next to Reader Rock Garden is the Union Cemetery, where I photographed this American Robin. The Jack Rabbits and birds spend time in both places, needless to say.<br /> <br /> From the Union Cemetery, I also called in at another nearby cemetery, hoping to find a Wild European Rabbit (none to be seen). There are several bird feeders there, especially by one of the gravestones. I always wonder if the person who was buried there had been a birder. Seemed such a beautiful idea. <br /> <br /> My last stop was at a wetland in SW Calgary, where I found a Common Grackle. Normally, I just don't see Grackles, but I had seen one there recently, and I'm always happy when I do see one.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/37881362 tag:ipernity.com,2015-04-16,doc-37881362 Thu, 16 Apr 2015 15:33:01 +0000 2015-04-15T08:56:02-06:00 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/293827/37881362"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/13/62/37881362.f08b9312.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday, 15 April 2015, my parking lot was going to be spring-cleaned, which meant that all cars had to be out of the lot by 7:30 am. I don't have a 2015 street parking permit, so I had to leave home at 7:30 and find something that would use up the few hours before my volunteer shift. I didn't want to risk being late for that, so decided to stay within the city rather than go driving some backroads. <br /> <br /> The owls in Fish Creek Park ended up being my destination. I had only been there twice in many weeks and saw Mom on my first visit and then Mom with two of her three owlets on the second. When I first arrived yesterday morning, there was no sign of the "paparazzi" - I had been expecting there to be at least a few photographers and people out for a walk. This time, I was able to see all three owlets as well as Mom and Dad. Late afternoon, after my volunteer shift, I called in again for a while on my way home.<br /> <br /> Saw this vibrantly coloured American Robin when I was at the park in the morning. These really are such beautiful birds, but because we get so many, I think they often tend to be overlooked. This male was hard to ignore, his feathers almost glowing.<br /> <br /> "The quintessential early bird, American Robins are common sights on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery song, and early appearance at the end of winter. Though they’re familiar town and city birds, American Robins are at home in wilder areas, too, including mountain forests and Alaskan wilderness." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_robin" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_robin</a></div> Vibrant colour of spring <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/293827/37881362"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/13/62/37881362.f08b9312.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday, 15 April 2015, my parking lot was going to be spring-cleaned, which meant that all cars had to be out of the lot by 7:30 am. I don't have a 2015 street parking permit, so I had to leave home at 7:30 and find something that would use up the few hours before my volunteer shift. I didn't want to risk being late for that, so decided to stay within the city rather than go driving some backroads. <br /> <br /> The owls in Fish Creek Park ended up being my destination. I had only been there twice in many weeks and saw Mom on my first visit and then Mom with two of her three owlets on the second. When I first arrived yesterday morning, there was no sign of the "paparazzi" - I had been expecting there to be at least a few photographers and people out for a walk. This time, I was able to see all three owlets as well as Mom and Dad. Late afternoon, after my volunteer shift, I called in again for a while on my way home.<br /> <br /> Saw this vibrantly coloured American Robin when I was at the park in the morning. These really are such beautiful birds, but because we get so many, I think they often tend to be overlooked. This male was hard to ignore, his feathers almost glowing.<br /> <br /> "The quintessential early bird, American Robins are common sights on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery song, and early appearance at the end of winter. Though they’re familiar town and city birds, American Robins are at home in wilder areas, too, including mountain forests and Alaskan wilderness." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_robin" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_robin</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/35089939 tag:ipernity.com,2014-09-20,doc-35089939 Sat, 20 Sep 2014 16:27:15 +0000 2014-09-14T18:06:10-06:00 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/293827/35089939"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/145/99/39/35089939.f931a8d2.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This was one of several American Robins that were flying from tree to tree around a small pond and sometimes taking a bath at the edge of the pond. They kept me entertained while I watched and waited, hoping to see at least one Beaver. Taken on 14 September 2014, in Fish Creek Park.<br /> <br /> "The American robin (Turdus migratorius) is a migratory songbird of the thrush family. It is named after the European robin because of its reddish-orange breast, though the two species are not closely related, with the European robin belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. The American robin is widely distributed throughout North America, wintering from southern Canada to central Mexico and along the Pacific Coast. It is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin. According to some sources, the American robin ranks behind only the red-winged blackbird (and just ahead of the introduced European starling and the not-always-naturally occurring house finch) as the most abundant, extant land bird in North America." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_robin" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_robin</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_robin/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_robin/id</a></div> Splish, splash, I was taking a bath <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/293827/35089939"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/145/99/39/35089939.f931a8d2.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This was one of several American Robins that were flying from tree to tree around a small pond and sometimes taking a bath at the edge of the pond. They kept me entertained while I watched and waited, hoping to see at least one Beaver. Taken on 14 September 2014, in Fish Creek Park.<br /> <br /> "The American robin (Turdus migratorius) is a migratory songbird of the thrush family. It is named after the European robin because of its reddish-orange breast, though the two species are not closely related, with the European robin belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. The American robin is widely distributed throughout North America, wintering from southern Canada to central Mexico and along the Pacific Coast. It is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin. According to some sources, the American robin ranks behind only the red-winged blackbird (and just ahead of the introduced European starling and the not-always-naturally occurring house finch) as the most abundant, extant land bird in North America." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_robin" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_robin</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_robin/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_robin/id</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/35025885 tag:ipernity.com,2014-09-15,doc-35025885 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 16:33:08 +0000 2014-09-14T18:12:23-06:00 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/293827/35025885"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/136/58/85/35025885.231b697d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Thanks to Frank Sinatra & Sammy Davis Jr, who sang the song that had this title (1927). Have to admit it was never (i.e. many years later) "my" kind of music : ) However, that title came to mind when I saw this shot.<br /> <br /> Almost on the spur of the moment, I decided to join friends yesterday afternoon for a birding walk. The weather was so perfect, especially compared to the two consecutive snowstorms we had on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week! After a quick look for birds along the avenue of trees near Fish Creek Provincial Park headquarters, we drove down to the Boat Launch area and from there we walked south along the Bow River. The Ospreys were flying near the river ad we saw one of them carrying a fish to take back to their nest. We saw 30 species, but nothing close enough for photos. After an enjoyable walk, a few of us called in at Tim Horton's for coffee and a snack.<br /> <br /> From there, I called in at a different part of the park and watched a family of Beavers swimming in their pond. While I was waiting, hoping that they might appear, so many American Robins flew from branch to branch in the nearby trees and bushes, sometimes landing, like this colourful male, on the rocks at the edge of the pond. I always feel that Robins are so much taken for granted. Eventually, after a long wait, the Beaver's appeared - one adult, who crossed the path where I was standing (photo posted today), who took me off guard as I had my camera well zoomed. This huge animal walked faster than I was expecting, so it's not the greatest photo. Better than almost all my photos taken of them, though, as the light was quickly fading and the pond area was too dark. Hope your photos came out much better than mine, Phil! Such a treat to watch this family, especially the young ones. We were amazed, at one moment, when an old wooden pallet started moving and blocked a small passageway between the banks. One Beaver was pulling this discarded structure all on its own. I wonder if they had originally found it washed up nearby after the Alberta Flood of the Century last year (2013).</div> Me and my shadow <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/293827/35025885"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/136/58/85/35025885.231b697d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Thanks to Frank Sinatra & Sammy Davis Jr, who sang the song that had this title (1927). Have to admit it was never (i.e. many years later) "my" kind of music : ) However, that title came to mind when I saw this shot.<br /> <br /> Almost on the spur of the moment, I decided to join friends yesterday afternoon for a birding walk. The weather was so perfect, especially compared to the two consecutive snowstorms we had on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week! After a quick look for birds along the avenue of trees near Fish Creek Provincial Park headquarters, we drove down to the Boat Launch area and from there we walked south along the Bow River. The Ospreys were flying near the river ad we saw one of them carrying a fish to take back to their nest. We saw 30 species, but nothing close enough for photos. After an enjoyable walk, a few of us called in at Tim Horton's for coffee and a snack.<br /> <br /> From there, I called in at a different part of the park and watched a family of Beavers swimming in their pond. While I was waiting, hoping that they might appear, so many American Robins flew from branch to branch in the nearby trees and bushes, sometimes landing, like this colourful male, on the rocks at the edge of the pond. I always feel that Robins are so much taken for granted. Eventually, after a long wait, the Beaver's appeared - one adult, who crossed the path where I was standing (photo posted today), who took me off guard as I had my camera well zoomed. This huge animal walked faster than I was expecting, so it's not the greatest photo. Better than almost all my photos taken of them, though, as the light was quickly fading and the pond area was too dark. Hope your photos came out much better than mine, Phil! Such a treat to watch this family, especially the young ones. We were amazed, at one moment, when an old wooden pallet started moving and blocked a small passageway between the banks. One Beaver was pulling this discarded structure all on its own. I wonder if they had originally found it washed up nearby after the Alberta Flood of the Century last year (2013).</div> Anne Elliott