https://www.ipernity.com/tag/293827/keyword/3410989 https://cdn.ipernity.com/p/101/C3/7B/293827.buddy.jpg https://www.ipernity.com/tag/293827/keyword/3410989 Wed, 13 May 2026 11:38:42 +0000 Wed, 13 May 2026 11:38:42 +0000 https://www.ipernity.com https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40248674 tag:ipernity.com,2015-11-03,doc-40248674 Tue, 03 Nov 2015 13:50:02 +0000 2015-09-29T10:50:42-07:00 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/293827/40248674"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/86/74/40248674.1e2766cf.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday, 2 November 2015, it snowed here, but it had all gone by the end of the day. It must have snowed again overnight as I see a light dusting of white. Temperature this morning is -3C (feeling like -7C), so I guess I had better dig out my thick winter jacket.<br /> <br /> I'm fairly sure I have the correct ID for this butterfly. If anyone sees that I'm wrong, please do let me know. This photo was taken on 29 September 2015, in the ENMAX Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo. That day, my alarm clock was set for 6:30 am so that I could go on a birding walk with friends. Unfortunately, I didn't read the e-mail carefully enough, so hadn't seen that the meeting place was not where I thought. Of course, no one else showed up where I was, so I took myself off to the Calgary Zoo instead. I had planned on going there after the walk, anyway.</div> Julia Heliconian / Dryas iulia <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/293827/40248674"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/86/74/40248674.1e2766cf.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday, 2 November 2015, it snowed here, but it had all gone by the end of the day. It must have snowed again overnight as I see a light dusting of white. Temperature this morning is -3C (feeling like -7C), so I guess I had better dig out my thick winter jacket.<br /> <br /> I'm fairly sure I have the correct ID for this butterfly. If anyone sees that I'm wrong, please do let me know. This photo was taken on 29 September 2015, in the ENMAX Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo. That day, my alarm clock was set for 6:30 am so that I could go on a birding walk with friends. Unfortunately, I didn't read the e-mail carefully enough, so hadn't seen that the meeting place was not where I thought. Of course, no one else showed up where I was, so I took myself off to the Calgary Zoo instead. I had planned on going there after the walk, anyway.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/39999836 tag:ipernity.com,2015-10-07,doc-39999836 Wed, 07 Oct 2015 14:34:48 +0000 2015-10-06T14:41:23-06:00 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/293827/39999836"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/36/39999836.52ff65b1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Problems with Flickr this morning - Bad, bad Panda. It seems Flickr was down for a short while. More Bad Pandas when I got home this evening. <br /> <br /> All three photos posted this morning were taken at the Calgary Zoo yesterday afternoon, 6 October 2015. The west entrance to the Zoo will be closed from 13 October till April 2016, so I did want to get in another visit before then. I don't like the drive home on Deerfoot Trail from the north entrance, so tend not to go to the Zoo all winter. "Calgary's infamous freeway has taken the dubious top spot when it comes to this city's most dangerous place to drive." From the Calgary Sun.<br /> <br /> The forecast was for sun with some cloud, but it turned out to be overcast the whole afternoon and most of my photos, especially those taken indoors, came out blurry : ( I was amazed that this and several others taken of this amazing Mandrill came out OK, including because of the dirty glass and everyone's reflection making it a challenge. This guy was walking around his enclosure the whole time, except when he paused on a log for a few seconds a couple of times, to give a nice pose. A black squirrel adds a a bit of interest for him, too, and he likes to give chase. Last time I was at the Zoo, I saw this black squirrel in there. The glass of the enclosure is extremely high and I wonder if it has a way of getting out.<br /> <br /> "The world’s largest monkey, mandrills in the wild are found in the rainforests of equatorial Africa in countries such as Guinea, Nigeria and Cameroon. Known for the vivid red, blue and yellow markings on the muzzle and rump, mandrills also have long canine teeth that make a memorable impression. The monkeys are largely ground-dwelling omnivores that forage on grubs, eggs, fruit, leaves and reptiles, but they will climb trees for fun or for a safe place to sleep. Mature males can weigh up to 50 kg. and live up to about 25 years of age. Their colours also get brighter as they mature.<br /> <br /> Males can appear aggressive when they flash their canines at one another, but that is really a sign of friendly communication common in their complex social hierarchies, said Celli. In fact, despite their striking looks, mandrills tend to be quite shy. Because the group at the zoo is all male, you won’t see any displays of bravado that signal mating behaviour, but you will see the younger males following the lead of their dominant oldest brother, Yusufu. Zoo curator, Dr. Malu Celli, said the adolescent younger brothers will copy his mannerisms and even his walk.<br /> <br /> The trio were born in captivity in the Granby Zoo in Granby, Q.C. (Quebec) and were part of a family group there that had too many males. Celli said it is not unusual to find bachelor groups of mandrills in the wild, or males that hang out on the peripheries of a “super group.” From an article in the Calgary Herald on 16 May 2014.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/things+know+about+colourful+trio+mandrill+monkeys+video/9847976/story.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.calgaryherald.com/technology/things+know+about+colour...</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandrill" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandrill</a></div> Thank you for the pose <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/293827/39999836"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/36/39999836.52ff65b1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Problems with Flickr this morning - Bad, bad Panda. It seems Flickr was down for a short while. More Bad Pandas when I got home this evening. <br /> <br /> All three photos posted this morning were taken at the Calgary Zoo yesterday afternoon, 6 October 2015. The west entrance to the Zoo will be closed from 13 October till April 2016, so I did want to get in another visit before then. I don't like the drive home on Deerfoot Trail from the north entrance, so tend not to go to the Zoo all winter. "Calgary's infamous freeway has taken the dubious top spot when it comes to this city's most dangerous place to drive." From the Calgary Sun.<br /> <br /> The forecast was for sun with some cloud, but it turned out to be overcast the whole afternoon and most of my photos, especially those taken indoors, came out blurry : ( I was amazed that this and several others taken of this amazing Mandrill came out OK, including because of the dirty glass and everyone's reflection making it a challenge. This guy was walking around his enclosure the whole time, except when he paused on a log for a few seconds a couple of times, to give a nice pose. A black squirrel adds a a bit of interest for him, too, and he likes to give chase. Last time I was at the Zoo, I saw this black squirrel in there. The glass of the enclosure is extremely high and I wonder if it has a way of getting out.<br /> <br /> "The world’s largest monkey, mandrills in the wild are found in the rainforests of equatorial Africa in countries such as Guinea, Nigeria and Cameroon. Known for the vivid red, blue and yellow markings on the muzzle and rump, mandrills also have long canine teeth that make a memorable impression. The monkeys are largely ground-dwelling omnivores that forage on grubs, eggs, fruit, leaves and reptiles, but they will climb trees for fun or for a safe place to sleep. Mature males can weigh up to 50 kg. and live up to about 25 years of age. Their colours also get brighter as they mature.<br /> <br /> Males can appear aggressive when they flash their canines at one another, but that is really a sign of friendly communication common in their complex social hierarchies, said Celli. In fact, despite their striking looks, mandrills tend to be quite shy. Because the group at the zoo is all male, you won’t see any displays of bravado that signal mating behaviour, but you will see the younger males following the lead of their dominant oldest brother, Yusufu. Zoo curator, Dr. Malu Celli, said the adolescent younger brothers will copy his mannerisms and even his walk.<br /> <br /> The trio were born in captivity in the Granby Zoo in Granby, Q.C. (Quebec) and were part of a family group there that had too many males. Celli said it is not unusual to find bachelor groups of mandrills in the wild, or males that hang out on the peripheries of a “super group.” From an article in the Calgary Herald on 16 May 2014.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/things+know+about+colourful+trio+mandrill+monkeys+video/9847976/story.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.calgaryherald.com/technology/things+know+about+colour...</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandrill" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandrill</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/38351534 tag:ipernity.com,2015-05-25,doc-38351534 Mon, 25 May 2015 12:23:34 +0000 2015-05-23T08:27:56-06:00 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/293827/38351534"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/15/34/38351534.70d7612e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="182" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This vibrantly coloured image was taken two mornings ago, on 23 May 2015. See what happens to you if you eat too many oranges, lol? The main focus of the trip we went on was someone's property SW of Calgary, a place that we always call in at when we take part in the May Species Count. The Count isn't held till next weekend, so this visit was an extra one - and extra long, too, which was pure delight! I think we spent something like two hours, watching especially Barb's feeder area for some of the birds that have been showing up. We are always thrilled to bits to see the Evening Grosbeaks and the Baltimore Orioles - the first male Oriole to arrive at Barb's was on 15 May, and this male showed up during our visit. The orange was on top of a fence rail, so this is not a feeder shot : ) I just keep shaking my head over the colour of this bird!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Baltimore_Oriole/lifehistory" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Baltimore_Oriole/lifehistory</a><br /> <br /> Though I'm not keen on feeder photos, I still take them, as well as when the birds are in the nearby trees. The Evening Grosbeaks came often to the feeders, giving us the chance to at least get closer shots. All the bird species were very fast-moving, so gave us a challenge for two hours. The Goldfinch and the Pine Siskins also were quick, but not totally impossible to photograph. <br /> <br /> After our time at Barb's, we went to Brown-Lowery Provincial Park, mainly to look for Calypso Orchids, which we did find. Some people continued walking the trails, others returned home. I did part of the walk, but then went back to where the cars were parked and wandered through the forest around the parking lot. Tennessee Warblers sang continuously but were almost impossible to see. I was happy to find one single Coltsfoot plant - love the tight cluster of white flowers at the top of a tall stem. <br /> <br /> From Brown-Lowery, we started our journey home, stopping at a couple of wetlands on the way. Even though this was mainly a morning trip, it had started at the meeting place at 7:00 am. Can't remember if it has been three or four nights this week that I have ended up getting only a couple of hours sleep, which really doesn't help! <br /> <br /> I will add the list compiled by Andrew Hart, who kindly drove three of us around for the morning and early afternoon and then sent us his list that he submitted to ebird. Many thanks for both the ride and the final list, Andrew!<br /> <br /> "Here is the elist of Birds seen at B. Castell's S of Priddis; Plummers & Priddis Valley Rd.; and Brown-Lowery PP, 23May2015. 24 participants<br /> <br /> Number of Checklists: 3<br /> Number of Species: 46<br /> <br /> Checklists included in this summary:<br /> (1): CA-AB-Priddis. Barb Castell<br /> Date: May 23, 2015, 7:34 AM<br /> (2): CA-Priddis Valley road<br /> Date: May 23, 2015, 9:53 AM<br /> (3): Brown-Lowery Provincial Park<br /> Date: May 23, 2015, 10:28 AM<br /> <br /> 2 Canada Goose -- (1)<br /> 2 American Wigeon -- (1)<br /> 1 Mallard -- (1)<br /> 3 Blue-winged Teal -- (1)<br /> 3 Northern Shoveler -- (1),(2)<br /> 3 Green-winged Teal -- (1)<br /> 4 Lesser Scaup -- (1)<br /> 2 Common Goldeneye -- (1)<br /> 1 Swainson's Hawk -- (1)<br /> 1 Red-tailed Hawk -- (2)<br /> 4 Sora -- (2)<br /> 1 Spotted Sandpiper -- (1)<br /> 2 Wilson's Snipe -- (1)<br /> 7 Wilson's Phalarope -- (2)<br /> 1 Mourning Dove -- (1)<br /> 1 Rufous Hummingbird -- (1)<br /> 1 Red-naped Sapsucker -- (1)<br /> 2 Downy Woodpecker -- (1)<br /> 1 Hairy Woodpecker -- (1)<br /> 2 Least Flycatcher -- (2)<br /> 1 Eastern Kingbird -- (2)<br /> 1 Blue Jay -- (1)<br /> 3 Black-billed Magpie -- (1)<br /> 2 American Crow -- (1)<br /> 2 Common Raven -- (2)<br /> 11 Tree Swallow -- (1),(2)<br /> 1 Barn Swallow -- (2)<br /> 6 Black-capped Chickadee -- (1),(3)<br /> 3 House Wren -- (1),(2)<br /> 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet -- (3)<br /> 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet -- (2),(3)<br /> 9 Mountain Bluebird -- (1),(2)<br /> 6 American Robin -- (1),(2),(3)<br /> 4 Tennessee Warbler -- (3)<br /> 2 Yellow Warbler -- (1),(2)<br /> 8 Clay-colored Sparrow -- (1),(2)<br /> 6 Savannah Sparrow -- (1),(2)<br /> 1 Lincoln's Sparrow -- (1)<br /> 1 White-throated Sparrow -- (1)<br /> 1 Dark-eyed Junco -- (3)<br /> 23 Red-winged Blackbird -- (1),(2)<br /> 3 Brown-headed Cowbird -- (1)<br /> 1 Baltimore Oriole -- (1)<br /> 17 Pine Siskin -- (1),(3)<br /> 5 American Goldfinch -- (1)<br /> 5 Evening Grosbeak -- (1),(3)"</div> Glorious splash of colour <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/293827/38351534"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/15/34/38351534.70d7612e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="182" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This vibrantly coloured image was taken two mornings ago, on 23 May 2015. See what happens to you if you eat too many oranges, lol? The main focus of the trip we went on was someone's property SW of Calgary, a place that we always call in at when we take part in the May Species Count. The Count isn't held till next weekend, so this visit was an extra one - and extra long, too, which was pure delight! I think we spent something like two hours, watching especially Barb's feeder area for some of the birds that have been showing up. We are always thrilled to bits to see the Evening Grosbeaks and the Baltimore Orioles - the first male Oriole to arrive at Barb's was on 15 May, and this male showed up during our visit. The orange was on top of a fence rail, so this is not a feeder shot : ) I just keep shaking my head over the colour of this bird!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Baltimore_Oriole/lifehistory" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Baltimore_Oriole/lifehistory</a><br /> <br /> Though I'm not keen on feeder photos, I still take them, as well as when the birds are in the nearby trees. The Evening Grosbeaks came often to the feeders, giving us the chance to at least get closer shots. All the bird species were very fast-moving, so gave us a challenge for two hours. The Goldfinch and the Pine Siskins also were quick, but not totally impossible to photograph. <br /> <br /> After our time at Barb's, we went to Brown-Lowery Provincial Park, mainly to look for Calypso Orchids, which we did find. Some people continued walking the trails, others returned home. I did part of the walk, but then went back to where the cars were parked and wandered through the forest around the parking lot. Tennessee Warblers sang continuously but were almost impossible to see. I was happy to find one single Coltsfoot plant - love the tight cluster of white flowers at the top of a tall stem. <br /> <br /> From Brown-Lowery, we started our journey home, stopping at a couple of wetlands on the way. Even though this was mainly a morning trip, it had started at the meeting place at 7:00 am. Can't remember if it has been three or four nights this week that I have ended up getting only a couple of hours sleep, which really doesn't help! <br /> <br /> I will add the list compiled by Andrew Hart, who kindly drove three of us around for the morning and early afternoon and then sent us his list that he submitted to ebird. Many thanks for both the ride and the final list, Andrew!<br /> <br /> "Here is the elist of Birds seen at B. Castell's S of Priddis; Plummers & Priddis Valley Rd.; and Brown-Lowery PP, 23May2015. 24 participants<br /> <br /> Number of Checklists: 3<br /> Number of Species: 46<br /> <br /> Checklists included in this summary:<br /> (1): CA-AB-Priddis. Barb Castell<br /> Date: May 23, 2015, 7:34 AM<br /> (2): CA-Priddis Valley road<br /> Date: May 23, 2015, 9:53 AM<br /> (3): Brown-Lowery Provincial Park<br /> Date: May 23, 2015, 10:28 AM<br /> <br /> 2 Canada Goose -- (1)<br /> 2 American Wigeon -- (1)<br /> 1 Mallard -- (1)<br /> 3 Blue-winged Teal -- (1)<br /> 3 Northern Shoveler -- (1),(2)<br /> 3 Green-winged Teal -- (1)<br /> 4 Lesser Scaup -- (1)<br /> 2 Common Goldeneye -- (1)<br /> 1 Swainson's Hawk -- (1)<br /> 1 Red-tailed Hawk -- (2)<br /> 4 Sora -- (2)<br /> 1 Spotted Sandpiper -- (1)<br /> 2 Wilson's Snipe -- (1)<br /> 7 Wilson's Phalarope -- (2)<br /> 1 Mourning Dove -- (1)<br /> 1 Rufous Hummingbird -- (1)<br /> 1 Red-naped Sapsucker -- (1)<br /> 2 Downy Woodpecker -- (1)<br /> 1 Hairy Woodpecker -- (1)<br /> 2 Least Flycatcher -- (2)<br /> 1 Eastern Kingbird -- (2)<br /> 1 Blue Jay -- (1)<br /> 3 Black-billed Magpie -- (1)<br /> 2 American Crow -- (1)<br /> 2 Common Raven -- (2)<br /> 11 Tree Swallow -- (1),(2)<br /> 1 Barn Swallow -- (2)<br /> 6 Black-capped Chickadee -- (1),(3)<br /> 3 House Wren -- (1),(2)<br /> 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet -- (3)<br /> 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet -- (2),(3)<br /> 9 Mountain Bluebird -- (1),(2)<br /> 6 American Robin -- (1),(2),(3)<br /> 4 Tennessee Warbler -- (3)<br /> 2 Yellow Warbler -- (1),(2)<br /> 8 Clay-colored Sparrow -- (1),(2)<br /> 6 Savannah Sparrow -- (1),(2)<br /> 1 Lincoln's Sparrow -- (1)<br /> 1 White-throated Sparrow -- (1)<br /> 1 Dark-eyed Junco -- (3)<br /> 23 Red-winged Blackbird -- (1),(2)<br /> 3 Brown-headed Cowbird -- (1)<br /> 1 Baltimore Oriole -- (1)<br /> 17 Pine Siskin -- (1),(3)<br /> 5 American Goldfinch -- (1)<br /> 5 Evening Grosbeak -- (1),(3)"</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/38068716 tag:ipernity.com,2015-05-07,doc-38068716 Thu, 07 May 2015 13:08:47 +0000 2015-05-02T10:57:55-06:00 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/293827/38068716"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/87/16/38068716.780d5af3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Five days ago, on 2 May 2015, I was out on a great, full-day birding trip that took us south of the city. This photo was taken when we stopped for a minute or two to look at a group of Common Grackles not far form the road. I took this quick shot from the far side of the car and realized that there was a Brewer's Blackbird amongst them.<br /> <br /> Will add the report written by the leader of this birding outing, Terry Korolyk. It helps me remember what we saw and where. Thanks so much for another great day out, Terry, and for your detailed account of the day!<br /> <br /> "The morning started out cool, overcast, and, windy with the temperature 3 degrees centigrade when I awoke in the morning. Nine participants showed up for the trip at the Glennfield Parking Area in east Fish Creek PP. Our first stop at Sheriff King slough in the southwest corner of the Highways 2A and 22X junction was probably helped by the weather as probably close to 200 BONAPARTE'S GULLS were an amazing sight as they foraged on the water, being forced to stay there overnight. Amongst the other waterfowl here, highlights were 1 male Barrow's Goldeneye and 1 male Greater Scaup.<br /> <br /> From there, we travelled through the Pine Creek valley to Highway 2A, moving southward then turning off on Highway 552 and going to the Dewinton area. We stopped at a very convenient Great Horned Owl's nest as we drove east on the road going past the Calgary Gun Club. The nest was in an Aspen almost hanging right above the road! One of the adults, a gray phase bird, was clearly visible, but, we could only barely make out that there were downy young in the nest.<br /> <br /> On the southern edge of Dewinton, I observed 3 COMMON GRACKLES, but a more thorough look revealed probably about 15 GRACKLES and almost as many Brewer's Blackbirds. These birds were almost a complete surprise.<br /> <br /> From here, there was a bit of a mixup and part of the group got separated. After meeting later, we talked about how we attempted to find each other, but kept missing each other. Amazingly, at the end of the day, we all ended back in Glennfield at the same time!<br /> <br /> We all checked sloughs in the Dewinton area. The Field Trip found 2 Least Sandpipers, 15 Lesser Yellowlegs, and 2 Greater Yellowlegs at a slough south of Dewinton, then proceeded westward through the hills enjoying looks at all the returning Spring birds. Cinnamon Teal were very common in the area. We enjoyed a combined flock of 200 of Yellow-headed and Red-winged Blackbirds foraging in a field by a marsh.<br /> <br /> Pushing on further westward, a Great Blue Heron flushed from a creek as we drove past on 1119 Drive, then as we stopped at a large slough further westward, we stopped to photograph a pair of Red-necked Grebes building a nest. A small, brown, stubby-tailed bird flushed from the shoreline. I attempted to find it; got a quick look at it, and am almost sure it was a PACIFIC or WINTER WREN!<br /> <br /> We turned south on 160 St where at a quiet marsh at the bottom of the road, we saw Horned Grebes and Canvasbacks. A Red-tailed Hawk that burst suddenly from out of the trees appeared somewhat buffy, possibly being a CALURUS subspecies light phase Red-tailed Hawk.<br /> <br /> From off Highway 22 south of Turner Valley, we took a road through the foothills past a large marsh which had large numbers of Canada Geese and Ring-necked Ducks. In Aspens beside the marsh, it was lovely to see and hear our first returning male YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS of the season. Careful searching uncovered a White-crowned Sparrow and at least 1 CHIPPING SPARROW. Just past the marsh, we found our final highlights of the day, separate lone male EVENING GROSBEAKS at treetops on each side of the road.<br /> <br /> Birds found by the lost? group( or, were we the lost group?) included a lone SANDHILL CRANE near the marsh at Highway 799 and 338 Avenue, and more Greater Scaup in this general area. They also found a couple of White-crowned Sparrows near Third Lake 2 kms. south of Highway 552 on 224 Street. <br /> <br /> Terry Korolyk"</div> Brewer&#039;s Blackbird <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/293827/38068716"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/87/16/38068716.780d5af3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Five days ago, on 2 May 2015, I was out on a great, full-day birding trip that took us south of the city. This photo was taken when we stopped for a minute or two to look at a group of Common Grackles not far form the road. I took this quick shot from the far side of the car and realized that there was a Brewer's Blackbird amongst them.<br /> <br /> Will add the report written by the leader of this birding outing, Terry Korolyk. It helps me remember what we saw and where. Thanks so much for another great day out, Terry, and for your detailed account of the day!<br /> <br /> "The morning started out cool, overcast, and, windy with the temperature 3 degrees centigrade when I awoke in the morning. Nine participants showed up for the trip at the Glennfield Parking Area in east Fish Creek PP. Our first stop at Sheriff King slough in the southwest corner of the Highways 2A and 22X junction was probably helped by the weather as probably close to 200 BONAPARTE'S GULLS were an amazing sight as they foraged on the water, being forced to stay there overnight. Amongst the other waterfowl here, highlights were 1 male Barrow's Goldeneye and 1 male Greater Scaup.<br /> <br /> From there, we travelled through the Pine Creek valley to Highway 2A, moving southward then turning off on Highway 552 and going to the Dewinton area. We stopped at a very convenient Great Horned Owl's nest as we drove east on the road going past the Calgary Gun Club. The nest was in an Aspen almost hanging right above the road! One of the adults, a gray phase bird, was clearly visible, but, we could only barely make out that there were downy young in the nest.<br /> <br /> On the southern edge of Dewinton, I observed 3 COMMON GRACKLES, but a more thorough look revealed probably about 15 GRACKLES and almost as many Brewer's Blackbirds. These birds were almost a complete surprise.<br /> <br /> From here, there was a bit of a mixup and part of the group got separated. After meeting later, we talked about how we attempted to find each other, but kept missing each other. Amazingly, at the end of the day, we all ended back in Glennfield at the same time!<br /> <br /> We all checked sloughs in the Dewinton area. The Field Trip found 2 Least Sandpipers, 15 Lesser Yellowlegs, and 2 Greater Yellowlegs at a slough south of Dewinton, then proceeded westward through the hills enjoying looks at all the returning Spring birds. Cinnamon Teal were very common in the area. We enjoyed a combined flock of 200 of Yellow-headed and Red-winged Blackbirds foraging in a field by a marsh.<br /> <br /> Pushing on further westward, a Great Blue Heron flushed from a creek as we drove past on 1119 Drive, then as we stopped at a large slough further westward, we stopped to photograph a pair of Red-necked Grebes building a nest. A small, brown, stubby-tailed bird flushed from the shoreline. I attempted to find it; got a quick look at it, and am almost sure it was a PACIFIC or WINTER WREN!<br /> <br /> We turned south on 160 St where at a quiet marsh at the bottom of the road, we saw Horned Grebes and Canvasbacks. A Red-tailed Hawk that burst suddenly from out of the trees appeared somewhat buffy, possibly being a CALURUS subspecies light phase Red-tailed Hawk.<br /> <br /> From off Highway 22 south of Turner Valley, we took a road through the foothills past a large marsh which had large numbers of Canada Geese and Ring-necked Ducks. In Aspens beside the marsh, it was lovely to see and hear our first returning male YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS of the season. Careful searching uncovered a White-crowned Sparrow and at least 1 CHIPPING SPARROW. Just past the marsh, we found our final highlights of the day, separate lone male EVENING GROSBEAKS at treetops on each side of the road.<br /> <br /> Birds found by the lost? group( or, were we the lost group?) included a lone SANDHILL CRANE near the marsh at Highway 799 and 338 Avenue, and more Greater Scaup in this general area. They also found a couple of White-crowned Sparrows near Third Lake 2 kms. south of Highway 552 on 224 Street. <br /> <br /> Terry Korolyk"</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/37949842 tag:ipernity.com,2015-04-28,doc-37949842 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 15:21:40 +0000 2015-04-26T14:07:55-06:00 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/293827/37949842"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/42/37949842.cd8ad2ac.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">These beautiful White-faced Ibis flew over Frank Lake the day before yesterday. They were just distant, black silhouettes, but I took a very quick shot so that at least I would catch the shape of the curved bills. Fully zoomed and brightened till a bit of their iridescent colour showed. Such a poor quality shot, and normally I wouldn't post a photo that had headless or legless birds included : ) This is the closest in-flight shot I've ever taken of these Ibis - so I'm keeping it.<br /> <br /> Two days ago, 26 April 2015, I spent the day with a fair-sized group of friends, at Frank Lake. The weather was beautiful and, for once, not windy. Frank Lake and the surrounding area is one of my favourite places to spend a day or half a day. <br /> <br /> On a trip like this one, there are a lot of the birds that I don't see, as I don't use binoculars. Also, my interest is not to see as many species as possible, but to hopefully come across a few birds close enough to photograph. Fortunately, at the bird blind/hide, a pair of Eared Grebes and a Coot were within camera range. <br /> <br /> I will add the final list of the 51 species seen, complied by our Leader, Tony Timmons. Probably not of much interest to most people, but it does help my memory. Many thanks, as always, Tony, for a very successful and most enjoyable day! Really appreciate your giving up a precious weekend day to take us out there.<br /> <br /> "The birds put on a spectacular show for the 19 participants on the Frank Lake trip today. We tallied 51 species.<br /> <br /> Expected species were present in pretty good numbers; most noteworthy being American Avocet (200+) and White-faced Ibis (120). Thousands of ducks were on the Lake.<br /> <br /> Thanks to Dan Parliament and Al Borgardt for scoping birds and sharing sightings with the group.<br /> <br /> Before the start of the trip, Rose Painter spotted two Long-billed Curlew near Blackie. Later in the day, we searched for the birds without success.<br /> <br /> Eared Grebe 250<br /> Western Grebe 20<br /> Double-crested Cormorant 25<br /> Black-crowned Night Heron 1<br /> White-faced Ibis 120<br /> Canada Goose<br /> Swan sp. 12<br /> Gadwall<br /> American Wigeon<br /> Mallard<br /> Blue-winged Teal<br /> Cinnamon Teal<br /> Green-winged Teal<br /> Northern Shoveler<br /> Northern Pintail<br /> Canvasback<br /> Redhead<br /> Ring-necked Duck<br /> Lesser Scaup<br /> Bufflehead<br /> Common Goldeneye<br /> Hooded Merganser 2 f.<br /> Ruddy Duck<br /> Northern Harrier 3<br /> Swainson's Hawk 3<br /> Gray Partridge 4<br /> American Coot<br /> Killdeer 5<br /> Black-necked Stilt 10<br /> American Avocet 200+<br /> Greater Yellowlegs 5<br /> Lesser Yellowlegs 17<br /> Franklin's Gull 1000<br /> Bonaparte's Gull 10<br /> Ring-billed Gull 5<br /> California Gull 20<br /> Rock Pigeon<br /> Great Horned Owl ( 3 ad. + 3 owlets )<br /> Black-billed Magpie<br /> American Crow<br /> Common Raven<br /> Tree Swallow 60<br /> Bank Swallow 1<br /> Marsh Wren 4<br /> American Robin<br /> European Starling<br /> Red-winged Blackbird<br /> Western Meadowlark 5<br /> Yellow-headed Blackbird<br /> Brewer's Blackbird 1<br /> House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Tony Timmons"</div> Little more than black silhouettes <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/293827/37949842"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/42/37949842.cd8ad2ac.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">These beautiful White-faced Ibis flew over Frank Lake the day before yesterday. They were just distant, black silhouettes, but I took a very quick shot so that at least I would catch the shape of the curved bills. Fully zoomed and brightened till a bit of their iridescent colour showed. Such a poor quality shot, and normally I wouldn't post a photo that had headless or legless birds included : ) This is the closest in-flight shot I've ever taken of these Ibis - so I'm keeping it.<br /> <br /> Two days ago, 26 April 2015, I spent the day with a fair-sized group of friends, at Frank Lake. The weather was beautiful and, for once, not windy. Frank Lake and the surrounding area is one of my favourite places to spend a day or half a day. <br /> <br /> On a trip like this one, there are a lot of the birds that I don't see, as I don't use binoculars. Also, my interest is not to see as many species as possible, but to hopefully come across a few birds close enough to photograph. Fortunately, at the bird blind/hide, a pair of Eared Grebes and a Coot were within camera range. <br /> <br /> I will add the final list of the 51 species seen, complied by our Leader, Tony Timmons. Probably not of much interest to most people, but it does help my memory. Many thanks, as always, Tony, for a very successful and most enjoyable day! Really appreciate your giving up a precious weekend day to take us out there.<br /> <br /> "The birds put on a spectacular show for the 19 participants on the Frank Lake trip today. We tallied 51 species.<br /> <br /> Expected species were present in pretty good numbers; most noteworthy being American Avocet (200+) and White-faced Ibis (120). Thousands of ducks were on the Lake.<br /> <br /> Thanks to Dan Parliament and Al Borgardt for scoping birds and sharing sightings with the group.<br /> <br /> Before the start of the trip, Rose Painter spotted two Long-billed Curlew near Blackie. Later in the day, we searched for the birds without success.<br /> <br /> Eared Grebe 250<br /> Western Grebe 20<br /> Double-crested Cormorant 25<br /> Black-crowned Night Heron 1<br /> White-faced Ibis 120<br /> Canada Goose<br /> Swan sp. 12<br /> Gadwall<br /> American Wigeon<br /> Mallard<br /> Blue-winged Teal<br /> Cinnamon Teal<br /> Green-winged Teal<br /> Northern Shoveler<br /> Northern Pintail<br /> Canvasback<br /> Redhead<br /> Ring-necked Duck<br /> Lesser Scaup<br /> Bufflehead<br /> Common Goldeneye<br /> Hooded Merganser 2 f.<br /> Ruddy Duck<br /> Northern Harrier 3<br /> Swainson's Hawk 3<br /> Gray Partridge 4<br /> American Coot<br /> Killdeer 5<br /> Black-necked Stilt 10<br /> American Avocet 200+<br /> Greater Yellowlegs 5<br /> Lesser Yellowlegs 17<br /> Franklin's Gull 1000<br /> Bonaparte's Gull 10<br /> Ring-billed Gull 5<br /> California Gull 20<br /> Rock Pigeon<br /> Great Horned Owl ( 3 ad. + 3 owlets )<br /> Black-billed Magpie<br /> American Crow<br /> Common Raven<br /> Tree Swallow 60<br /> Bank Swallow 1<br /> Marsh Wren 4<br /> American Robin<br /> European Starling<br /> Red-winged Blackbird<br /> Western Meadowlark 5<br /> Yellow-headed Blackbird<br /> Brewer's Blackbird 1<br /> House Sparrow<br /> <br /> Tony Timmons"</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34484691 tag:ipernity.com,2014-08-16,doc-34484691 Sat, 16 Aug 2014 12:32:25 +0000 2014-07-27T20:18:45-06:00 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/293827/34484691"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/145/46/91/34484691.2db6cec8.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">House Finches are fairly common birds here in the city, but I rarely get to see them myself. This little female gave me a chance to get one photo that was sharp enough, when she was visiting the garden of my friends, Dorothy and Stephen, on 27 July 2014. We had all been to someone's garden for a "tour" and Dorothy asked if I would like some fresh lettuce from her garden. Well, I was treated to not only a bag of lettuce to take home, but a most welcome cup of tea and yummy goodies. When I got home, I discovered under the bag of lettuce not only some extra treats to eat, but Dorothy had also picked all sorts of tiny flowers from her garden and carefully arranged them in two plastic containers. They looked so beautiful and were so much appreciated! You guys are two special people - thank you, as always, for your kindness!</div> Female House Finch <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/293827/34484691"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/145/46/91/34484691.2db6cec8.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">House Finches are fairly common birds here in the city, but I rarely get to see them myself. This little female gave me a chance to get one photo that was sharp enough, when she was visiting the garden of my friends, Dorothy and Stephen, on 27 July 2014. We had all been to someone's garden for a "tour" and Dorothy asked if I would like some fresh lettuce from her garden. Well, I was treated to not only a bag of lettuce to take home, but a most welcome cup of tea and yummy goodies. When I got home, I discovered under the bag of lettuce not only some extra treats to eat, but Dorothy had also picked all sorts of tiny flowers from her garden and carefully arranged them in two plastic containers. They looked so beautiful and were so much appreciated! You guys are two special people - thank you, as always, for your kindness!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34220135 tag:ipernity.com,2014-08-03,doc-34220135 Sun, 03 Aug 2014 17:58:39 +0000 2014-06-16T17:11:32-06:00 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/293827/34220135"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/01/35/34220135.e15624ef.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Taken on 16 June 2014, on a dull, rainy afternoon. I had a late afternoon physiotherapy session (shoulder and back), and had already decided that I would go for a short drive SW of the city straight afterwards, no matter what the weather. Well, dark clouds filled the sky and part way there, the rain started. This beautiful Swainson's Hawk was sitting on a high fence that ran along an embankment on that side of the road. On a sunny day, it would have been perfect conditions, but, grainy photos are better than nothing, especially as this bird of prey was all that I saw to photograph during the whole drive. The bird was little more than a dark silhouette, so needed a lot of brightening.</div> Avian 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/293827/34220135"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/01/35/34220135.e15624ef.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Taken on 16 June 2014, on a dull, rainy afternoon. I had a late afternoon physiotherapy session (shoulder and back), and had already decided that I would go for a short drive SW of the city straight afterwards, no matter what the weather. Well, dark clouds filled the sky and part way there, the rain started. This beautiful Swainson's Hawk was sitting on a high fence that ran along an embankment on that side of the road. On a sunny day, it would have been perfect conditions, but, grainy photos are better than nothing, especially as this bird of prey was all that I saw to photograph during the whole drive. The bird was little more than a dark silhouette, so needed a lot of brightening.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34220097 tag:ipernity.com,2014-08-02,doc-34220097 Sat, 02 Aug 2014 10:36:23 +0000 2014-08-01T20:07:54-06:00 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/293827/34220097"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/00/97/34220097.11346d88.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday, I was finding the heat in my house just too unbearable, so a quick decision was made to go for a drive and enjoy the air-conditioning in my car. I don't think I saw anything different on this drive, compared to my previous two drives SE of the city, but may have got a closer shot of a baby Coot than I've taken before. After driving around Frank Lake, I decided to drive northwards - which was a bad mistake! I got lost and it must have taken me a good couple of hours to finally get on the right road. The roads have two different numbers, and almost all of them were displaying signs with numbers that were not familiar to me at all. The system of road numbering is so crazy here. Also, many of the backroads have no exit, and it took me so long to finally get back to a road that would let me go south. Road signs are also very confusing. I was SO relieved to find the right road, especially as the sun had set and I definitely didn't want to find myself lost in the middle of nowhere in the dark. I had visions of having to find somewhere I could pull off and sleep in my car overnight.<br /> <br /> Of course, I got home much later than I had hoped. I needed to get all my things ready for today and I eventually fell asleep around 3:00 a.m., with my alarm set to go off at 4:30 a.m.! Being so late did mean that I caught the pale pink of the sunset over the distant Rocky Mountains. Another hour and I have a 45-minute drive to meet friends. Wish I could just fall into bed!!</div> Lost as the sun sets <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/293827/34220097"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/00/97/34220097.11346d88.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday, I was finding the heat in my house just too unbearable, so a quick decision was made to go for a drive and enjoy the air-conditioning in my car. I don't think I saw anything different on this drive, compared to my previous two drives SE of the city, but may have got a closer shot of a baby Coot than I've taken before. After driving around Frank Lake, I decided to drive northwards - which was a bad mistake! I got lost and it must have taken me a good couple of hours to finally get on the right road. The roads have two different numbers, and almost all of them were displaying signs with numbers that were not familiar to me at all. The system of road numbering is so crazy here. Also, many of the backroads have no exit, and it took me so long to finally get back to a road that would let me go south. Road signs are also very confusing. I was SO relieved to find the right road, especially as the sun had set and I definitely didn't want to find myself lost in the middle of nowhere in the dark. I had visions of having to find somewhere I could pull off and sleep in my car overnight.<br /> <br /> Of course, I got home much later than I had hoped. I needed to get all my things ready for today and I eventually fell asleep around 3:00 a.m., with my alarm set to go off at 4:30 a.m.! Being so late did mean that I caught the pale pink of the sunset over the distant Rocky Mountains. Another hour and I have a 45-minute drive to meet friends. Wish I could just fall into bed!!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34219505 tag:ipernity.com,2014-08-01,doc-34219505 Fri, 01 Aug 2014 14:37:47 +0000 2014-07-28T16:26:55-06:00 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/293827/34219505"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/95/05/34219505.9bfa1cec.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I don't think I've posted any photos from 28 July 2014, when I drove along some of the dusty, gravel backroads SE of the city. It was another really hot day, so I just had to get out of the house and into the air-conditioning of my vehicle. Once again, I was lucky to come across a lone White-faced Ibis on one of the small sloughs in the area. Quite a distance away, but not too bad using 48x zoom plus a tiny bit of cropping. There were a few other Ibis flying over the area, but too far away to try and photograph. This one was hanging out with a family of American Avocets. I always think that these beautiful birds look like they have escaped from the Zoo.<br /> <br /> Other birds seen that afternoon/evening included a Barn Swallow, a young Marsh Wren that was enjoying a dust bath, a single young Sora, several Coots including one young one, two or three different species of shore bird (will eventually post photos, but I may not have the IDs), American Avocets, a couple of Swainson's Hawks, and a Meadowlark (looking rather scruffy, so may have been a young one).<br /> <br /> "A dark wading bird with a long, down-curved bill, the White-faced Ibis is a western replacement for the Glossy Ibis. Similar in appearance and habits, the two species can be distinguished only by slight differences in coloring of the face and legs. From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> In the book, "Birds of Alberta" by Fisher & Acorn, it says that, in Alberta, White-faced Ibis are very rare from May to September. Length is 22-25" (56-64 cm), wingspan 3'1" (94 cm). <br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-faced_ibis" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-faced_ibis</a><br /> <br /> I'm not sure, but there seemed to be no sign of the beautiful Maximilian's Sunflowers that I love to see each year. This species found its way here, I believe from eastern Canada, and this was the only location where I have seen it. I did notice a couple of large holes in this area, which looked like someone may have dug up the plants. If so, who knows if it was because they wanted the plants in their garden or because this species in a non-native plant here.<br /> <br /> This is a long weekend here in Canada - Monday, 4 August 2014 is Heritage Day. Have a good, safe holiday, everyone!</div> Gorgeous iridescent feathers <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/293827/34219505"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/95/05/34219505.9bfa1cec.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I don't think I've posted any photos from 28 July 2014, when I drove along some of the dusty, gravel backroads SE of the city. It was another really hot day, so I just had to get out of the house and into the air-conditioning of my vehicle. Once again, I was lucky to come across a lone White-faced Ibis on one of the small sloughs in the area. Quite a distance away, but not too bad using 48x zoom plus a tiny bit of cropping. There were a few other Ibis flying over the area, but too far away to try and photograph. This one was hanging out with a family of American Avocets. I always think that these beautiful birds look like they have escaped from the Zoo.<br /> <br /> Other birds seen that afternoon/evening included a Barn Swallow, a young Marsh Wren that was enjoying a dust bath, a single young Sora, several Coots including one young one, two or three different species of shore bird (will eventually post photos, but I may not have the IDs), American Avocets, a couple of Swainson's Hawks, and a Meadowlark (looking rather scruffy, so may have been a young one).<br /> <br /> "A dark wading bird with a long, down-curved bill, the White-faced Ibis is a western replacement for the Glossy Ibis. Similar in appearance and habits, the two species can be distinguished only by slight differences in coloring of the face and legs. From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> In the book, "Birds of Alberta" by Fisher & Acorn, it says that, in Alberta, White-faced Ibis are very rare from May to September. Length is 22-25" (56-64 cm), wingspan 3'1" (94 cm). <br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-faced_ibis" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-faced_ibis</a><br /> <br /> I'm not sure, but there seemed to be no sign of the beautiful Maximilian's Sunflowers that I love to see each year. This species found its way here, I believe from eastern Canada, and this was the only location where I have seen it. I did notice a couple of large holes in this area, which looked like someone may have dug up the plants. If so, who knows if it was because they wanted the plants in their garden or because this species in a non-native plant here.<br /> <br /> This is a long weekend here in Canada - Monday, 4 August 2014 is Heritage Day. Have a good, safe holiday, everyone!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34219473 tag:ipernity.com,2014-07-31,doc-34219473 Thu, 31 Jul 2014 16:00:30 +0000 2014-06-25T17:32:49-06:00 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/293827/34219473"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/94/73/34219473.13f535eb.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Photographed this beautiful Iris at the Reader Rock Garden late afternoon on 25 June 2014. Drove there on my way home from a volunteer shift, as I wasn't all that far away. The sky had darkened and I was expecting it to rain by the time I got there, but the sun came out (along with the wind). <br /> <br /> "Iris is a genus of 260–300 species of flowering plants with showy flowers. It takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colors found among the many species. As well as being the scientific name, iris is also very widely used as a common name for all Iris species, as well as some belonging to other closely related genera. A common name for some species is 'flags', while the plants of the subgenus Scorpiris are widely known as 'junos', particularly in horticulture. It is a popular garden flower." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_</a>(plant)</div> Gorgeous Iris <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/293827/34219473"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/94/73/34219473.13f535eb.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Photographed this beautiful Iris at the Reader Rock Garden late afternoon on 25 June 2014. Drove there on my way home from a volunteer shift, as I wasn't all that far away. The sky had darkened and I was expecting it to rain by the time I got there, but the sun came out (along with the wind). <br /> <br /> "Iris is a genus of 260–300 species of flowering plants with showy flowers. It takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colors found among the many species. As well as being the scientific name, iris is also very widely used as a common name for all Iris species, as well as some belonging to other closely related genera. A common name for some species is 'flags', while the plants of the subgenus Scorpiris are widely known as 'junos', particularly in horticulture. It is a popular garden flower." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_</a>(plant)</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34219381 tag:ipernity.com,2014-07-30,doc-34219381 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 15:40:47 +0000 2014-07-28T15:06:46-06:00 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/293827/34219381"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/93/81/34219381.7c389d4c.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This young Sora was, I would guess, somewhere between a week and 10 days old? Such a funny little thing - I'd never seen a young one before. Just like its parents, it wasn't easy to photograph in amongst the Cattails and other water plants. Managed to shoot this photo just in time to get the whole bird without any stem across its little body. They move constantly - and fast! Photo taken on 28 July 2014, when I drove SE of the city, mainly to escape from the heat of my house for a few hours. Frank Lake was my first stop and then I drove around the lake and further eastwards. Saw quite a few birds on this trip, including quite a nice look at a single White-faced Ibis in a small slough. It was interesting to watch it feeding in amongst a family of American Avocets. Other birds seen that afternoon/evening included a Western Kingbird (yet again, couldn't get a decent shot), a Western Meadowlark, a couple of Swainson's Hawks perched on tall power lines, Black-necked Stilts too far away, Phalaropes, a couple of Eared Grebes, Barn Swallow, and a Gray Partridge that quickly disappeared into the tall grasses. <br /> <br /> "A small, secretive bird of freshwater marshes, the Sora is the most common and widely distributed rail in North America. Its distinctive descending whinny call can be easily heard from the depths of the cattails, but actually seeing the little marsh-walker is much more difficult." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/sora/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/sora/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sora_" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sora_</a>(bird)</div> Into the great unknown <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/293827/34219381"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/93/81/34219381.7c389d4c.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This young Sora was, I would guess, somewhere between a week and 10 days old? Such a funny little thing - I'd never seen a young one before. Just like its parents, it wasn't easy to photograph in amongst the Cattails and other water plants. Managed to shoot this photo just in time to get the whole bird without any stem across its little body. They move constantly - and fast! Photo taken on 28 July 2014, when I drove SE of the city, mainly to escape from the heat of my house for a few hours. Frank Lake was my first stop and then I drove around the lake and further eastwards. Saw quite a few birds on this trip, including quite a nice look at a single White-faced Ibis in a small slough. It was interesting to watch it feeding in amongst a family of American Avocets. Other birds seen that afternoon/evening included a Western Kingbird (yet again, couldn't get a decent shot), a Western Meadowlark, a couple of Swainson's Hawks perched on tall power lines, Black-necked Stilts too far away, Phalaropes, a couple of Eared Grebes, Barn Swallow, and a Gray Partridge that quickly disappeared into the tall grasses. <br /> <br /> "A small, secretive bird of freshwater marshes, the Sora is the most common and widely distributed rail in North America. Its distinctive descending whinny call can be easily heard from the depths of the cattails, but actually seeing the little marsh-walker is much more difficult." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/sora/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/sora/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sora_" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sora_</a>(bird)</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34218993 tag:ipernity.com,2014-07-28,doc-34218993 Mon, 28 Jul 2014 15:42:02 +0000 2014-07-18T19:47:14-06:00 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/293827/34218993"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/89/93/34218993.87883090.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I'm still kicking myself that I didn't try and get a better photo than this, of a very small, delicate flower belonging to the carnivorous Venus Flytrap. This was a plant that I bought recently, one of 3 or 4 that I had bought over the last few years. This was the first time that a flower had grown and it was fascinating to see, growing on a very long, thin stem. I didn't get round to taking more photos and two days ago, I noticed that the flower had died. Previously posted photo of an amazing leaf tip in comment box below.<br /> <br /> David Attenborough looks at how this well known carnivorous plant captures its prey. This short video is from the BBC.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktIGVtKdgwo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktIGVtKdgwo</a><br /> <br /> "The flower has to be high above the leaves so insects pollinating the flowers do not get trapped in the leaves. Each flower produces very tiny seeds. They are about the size of the period at the end of this sentence. If you pinch the flowers off, the leaves will grow more vigorously since growing flowers takes a lot of energy from the plant." From botany.org.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://botany.org/bsa/misc/carn.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">botany.org/bsa/misc/carn.html</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_flytrap" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_flytrap</a></div> Venus Flytrap flower <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/293827/34218993"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/89/93/34218993.87883090.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I'm still kicking myself that I didn't try and get a better photo than this, of a very small, delicate flower belonging to the carnivorous Venus Flytrap. This was a plant that I bought recently, one of 3 or 4 that I had bought over the last few years. This was the first time that a flower had grown and it was fascinating to see, growing on a very long, thin stem. I didn't get round to taking more photos and two days ago, I noticed that the flower had died. Previously posted photo of an amazing leaf tip in comment box below.<br /> <br /> David Attenborough looks at how this well known carnivorous plant captures its prey. This short video is from the BBC.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktIGVtKdgwo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktIGVtKdgwo</a><br /> <br /> "The flower has to be high above the leaves so insects pollinating the flowers do not get trapped in the leaves. Each flower produces very tiny seeds. They are about the size of the period at the end of this sentence. If you pinch the flowers off, the leaves will grow more vigorously since growing flowers takes a lot of energy from the plant." From botany.org.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://botany.org/bsa/misc/carn.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">botany.org/bsa/misc/carn.html</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_flytrap" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_flytrap</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34218733 tag:ipernity.com,2014-07-26,doc-34218733 Sat, 26 Jul 2014 15:32:06 +0000 2014-05-15T10:05:19-06:00 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/293827/34218733"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/87/33/34218733.99747206.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The first thing I'll add here is to say that I use 48x zoom on so many of my photos (probably most), no matter what the subject, from butterfly to bird - and especially Bears! Like the typical Black Bear that we might be lucky enough to come across, this one was just busy eating and checking out what was growing around it that looked good to eat (i.e. grasses, roots, not people., ha). My photos are taken from the safety of the car and the bears look much closer than they really were. Friends, Cathy and Terry, and I, don't stay for more than a short while, watching very carefully, to make sure that the animal shows absolutely no sign of discomfort or stress. The Bears we do see show no interest in us and don't attempt to approach the vehicle. They just slowly walk on by, feeding as they go. One bear was so totally relaxed that it decided to have a quick roll in a large puddle not far from the edge of the road! It lay right down on its side and seemed to be enjoying the coolness of the water. The sun shone and we couldn't have had better weather. <br /> <br /> Can't remember if it was the very first bear we spotted, we were of course thrilled at the distant sighting. And then, to our horror, we saw a photographer walking towards the bear, that was walking towards him!! The guy had parked in a small pull-off and was some distance from his vehicle. I'm still shaking my head that someone would do such a foolish thing. So unfair towards the bear, too, as it's always the animal that pays the price (i.e. having to be destroyed), if an attack takes place.<br /> <br /> Over the two days, we had 7 bear sightings, with three definitely different Black Bears (no Grizzlies), and possibly four. The rest of the sightings were of Bears we had already seen.<br /> <br /> We had left Calgary early morning on Wednesday (14 May 2014) and I think it was around 12:15 a.m. midnight (Thursday, 15 May 2014), that my friends dropped me off at home after two long, wonderful days in the Rocky Mountains, west of the city. Wednesday night was spent in a spotless motel, in a place that had so many Mountain Sheep roaming the streets, lol! Though we were hoping to see at least one Bear on this trip, I was happy as can be to see absolutely anything beautiful : )<br /> <br /> One thing that was proven to me while we were away was that taking photos, even with a fairly light-weight point-and-shoot camera, is what is either causing, or making much worse, the awful pain in my arms and shoulders. Not a good thing, and it made it very unpleasant, every second of the day, unfortunately. Just holding the camera and trying to keep it as steady as I could, was really awkward as well as intensely painful. Too much mouse clicking when using the computer at home is perhaps the main cause of this pain (due to inflammation of the rotator cuffs in my shoulders).. <br /> <br /> Thanks SO much, Cathy and Terry, for so kindly inviting me along on this trip. It's always so much fun to spend time with you guys, and you are both so knowledgable. Thanks for so many chances to take photos of such a variety of subjects!</div> A Black Bear sighting from May <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/293827/34218733"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/87/33/34218733.99747206.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The first thing I'll add here is to say that I use 48x zoom on so many of my photos (probably most), no matter what the subject, from butterfly to bird - and especially Bears! Like the typical Black Bear that we might be lucky enough to come across, this one was just busy eating and checking out what was growing around it that looked good to eat (i.e. grasses, roots, not people., ha). My photos are taken from the safety of the car and the bears look much closer than they really were. Friends, Cathy and Terry, and I, don't stay for more than a short while, watching very carefully, to make sure that the animal shows absolutely no sign of discomfort or stress. The Bears we do see show no interest in us and don't attempt to approach the vehicle. They just slowly walk on by, feeding as they go. One bear was so totally relaxed that it decided to have a quick roll in a large puddle not far from the edge of the road! It lay right down on its side and seemed to be enjoying the coolness of the water. The sun shone and we couldn't have had better weather. <br /> <br /> Can't remember if it was the very first bear we spotted, we were of course thrilled at the distant sighting. And then, to our horror, we saw a photographer walking towards the bear, that was walking towards him!! The guy had parked in a small pull-off and was some distance from his vehicle. I'm still shaking my head that someone would do such a foolish thing. So unfair towards the bear, too, as it's always the animal that pays the price (i.e. having to be destroyed), if an attack takes place.<br /> <br /> Over the two days, we had 7 bear sightings, with three definitely different Black Bears (no Grizzlies), and possibly four. The rest of the sightings were of Bears we had already seen.<br /> <br /> We had left Calgary early morning on Wednesday (14 May 2014) and I think it was around 12:15 a.m. midnight (Thursday, 15 May 2014), that my friends dropped me off at home after two long, wonderful days in the Rocky Mountains, west of the city. Wednesday night was spent in a spotless motel, in a place that had so many Mountain Sheep roaming the streets, lol! Though we were hoping to see at least one Bear on this trip, I was happy as can be to see absolutely anything beautiful : )<br /> <br /> One thing that was proven to me while we were away was that taking photos, even with a fairly light-weight point-and-shoot camera, is what is either causing, or making much worse, the awful pain in my arms and shoulders. Not a good thing, and it made it very unpleasant, every second of the day, unfortunately. Just holding the camera and trying to keep it as steady as I could, was really awkward as well as intensely painful. Too much mouse clicking when using the computer at home is perhaps the main cause of this pain (due to inflammation of the rotator cuffs in my shoulders).. <br /> <br /> Thanks SO much, Cathy and Terry, for so kindly inviting me along on this trip. It's always so much fun to spend time with you guys, and you are both so knowledgable. Thanks for so many chances to take photos of such a variety of subjects!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34218665 tag:ipernity.com,2014-07-26,doc-34218665 Sat, 26 Jul 2014 15:32:05 +0000 2014-07-23T19:06:43-06:00 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/293827/34218665"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/86/65/34218665.deb73a51.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I love seeing Rust Fungus on various plants. It's quite amazing what things look like when you take a careful, close look. If you happen to notice a small patch of vivid orange on a plant, take a closer look at it, and this is what you may see. This macro shot shows the orange spore pustules of Rust Fungus on Western White Clematis, growing wild at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area.<br /> <br /> After a volunteer shift on 23 July 2014, I wasn't too far away from the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, where I was finally going to go on a botany walk. Having been to this location several times before, I knew it was a short, easy, flat trail, and that I could go as far as I wanted and then turn back early, which is what I did. I've missed pretty well all the botany and birding walks the last few months, which is quite depressing. The main thing I wanted to see were the Nodding / Musk Thistles, as these are my favourite species of Thistle. They are called a "weed", but I love to see them. The sun was unfortunately in the wrong direction, so I was only able to get a handful of shots, but better than nothing. <br /> <br /> With a couple of hours to "kill", I spent them at the Reader Rock Garden, which was just a few minutes' drive away from the evening botany walk location.</div> Rust fungus on Western White Clematis <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/293827/34218665"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/86/65/34218665.deb73a51.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I love seeing Rust Fungus on various plants. It's quite amazing what things look like when you take a careful, close look. If you happen to notice a small patch of vivid orange on a plant, take a closer look at it, and this is what you may see. This macro shot shows the orange spore pustules of Rust Fungus on Western White Clematis, growing wild at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area.<br /> <br /> After a volunteer shift on 23 July 2014, I wasn't too far away from the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, where I was finally going to go on a botany walk. Having been to this location several times before, I knew it was a short, easy, flat trail, and that I could go as far as I wanted and then turn back early, which is what I did. I've missed pretty well all the botany and birding walks the last few months, which is quite depressing. The main thing I wanted to see were the Nodding / Musk Thistles, as these are my favourite species of Thistle. They are called a "weed", but I love to see them. The sun was unfortunately in the wrong direction, so I was only able to get a handful of shots, but better than nothing. <br /> <br /> With a couple of hours to "kill", I spent them at the Reader Rock Garden, which was just a few minutes' drive away from the evening botany walk location.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34104941 tag:ipernity.com,2014-07-25,doc-34104941 Fri, 25 Jul 2014 15:25:21 +0000 2014-07-23T18:31:08-06:00 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/293827/34104941"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/49/41/34104941.e67f4daa.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">There are a number of Wild European Rabbits in Calgary, and this is just one of them. Seen on 23 July 2014, when I went on a botany walk at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. Right next to this area is a Cemetery - funny, I do tend to see Rabbits in cemeteries, either these Wild European Rabbits, which come in all sorts of colours, or the White-tailed Jackrabbits. <br /> <br /> The town of Canmore, near Banff, in Banff National Park, has had a problem with these Wild European Rabbits. They attract Coyotes and other wildlife into the town. They were going to do something about this problem, but I don't know if they ever did.</div> Wild European Rabbit <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/293827/34104941"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/49/41/34104941.e67f4daa.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">There are a number of Wild European Rabbits in Calgary, and this is just one of them. Seen on 23 July 2014, when I went on a botany walk at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. Right next to this area is a Cemetery - funny, I do tend to see Rabbits in cemeteries, either these Wild European Rabbits, which come in all sorts of colours, or the White-tailed Jackrabbits. <br /> <br /> The town of Canmore, near Banff, in Banff National Park, has had a problem with these Wild European Rabbits. They attract Coyotes and other wildlife into the town. They were going to do something about this problem, but I don't know if they ever did.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34104781 tag:ipernity.com,2014-07-25,doc-34104781 Fri, 25 Jul 2014 15:25:21 +0000 2014-07-23T19:21:44-06:00 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/293827/34104781"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/47/81/34104781.46e978ff.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">At long last, I got out for a botany walk two days ago, 23 July 2014. Having been to this location several times before, I knew it was a short, easy, flat trail, and that I could go as far as I wanted and then turn back early, which is what I did. The main thing I wanted to see were the Nodding /Musk Thistles, as these are my favourite species of Thistle. They are called a "weed", but I love to see them. The sun was unfortunately in the wrong direction, so I was only able to get a handful of shots, but better than nothing.<br /> <br /> After a volunteer shift that day, I wasn't too far away from the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, where the walk was going to be held. With a couple of hours to "kill", I spent them at the Reader Rock Garden, which was just a few minutes' drive away from the botany walk location. <br /> <br /> At the Erlton / Roxboro Natural Area, I found this pair of tiny Spotted Asparagus Beetles (Crioceris duodecimpunctata), on an Asparagus plant. The colourful beetles are 1/4 of an inch long, and they are pests of Asparagus plants.<br /> <br /> The Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area is located on the east side of the Elbow River above the southwest community of Roxboro. It was completed in 1996. This is one of the richest areas in Calgary for wildlowers, but unfortunately, many non-native plants and shrubs have taken over much of the area - such as Caragana, Goat's-beard, Baby's Breath, and Yellow Clematis. I think I heard that 90% of the area is now weed-covered, which is such a great pity. Some of the plants, such as Baby's Breath, were introduced into the area by someone throwing a discarded cemetery bouquet of flowers from a grave site, over the fence and into the Natural Area. Incredible how just one small action like this can devastate a whole natural area.</div> Mating Spotted Asparagus Beetles <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/293827/34104781"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/47/81/34104781.46e978ff.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">At long last, I got out for a botany walk two days ago, 23 July 2014. Having been to this location several times before, I knew it was a short, easy, flat trail, and that I could go as far as I wanted and then turn back early, which is what I did. The main thing I wanted to see were the Nodding /Musk Thistles, as these are my favourite species of Thistle. They are called a "weed", but I love to see them. The sun was unfortunately in the wrong direction, so I was only able to get a handful of shots, but better than nothing.<br /> <br /> After a volunteer shift that day, I wasn't too far away from the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, where the walk was going to be held. With a couple of hours to "kill", I spent them at the Reader Rock Garden, which was just a few minutes' drive away from the botany walk location. <br /> <br /> At the Erlton / Roxboro Natural Area, I found this pair of tiny Spotted Asparagus Beetles (Crioceris duodecimpunctata), on an Asparagus plant. The colourful beetles are 1/4 of an inch long, and they are pests of Asparagus plants.<br /> <br /> The Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area is located on the east side of the Elbow River above the southwest community of Roxboro. It was completed in 1996. This is one of the richest areas in Calgary for wildlowers, but unfortunately, many non-native plants and shrubs have taken over much of the area - such as Caragana, Goat's-beard, Baby's Breath, and Yellow Clematis. I think I heard that 90% of the area is now weed-covered, which is such a great pity. Some of the plants, such as Baby's Breath, were introduced into the area by someone throwing a discarded cemetery bouquet of flowers from a grave site, over the fence and into the Natural Area. Incredible how just one small action like this can devastate a whole natural area.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34016125 tag:ipernity.com,2014-07-24,doc-34016125 Thu, 24 Jul 2014 16:11:20 +0000 2014-07-20T10:24:03-06:00 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/293827/34016125"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/61/25/34016125.4184d5a0.240.jpg?r2" width="180" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I love the little McDougall Church, seen in the next photo posted today, especially the long, photogenic fence line leading up to it from the parking lot. These cheery Fireweed flowers were growing against the side of the small cabin that is on the site. Taken on 20 July, when my daughter and I called in, on our way to Bow Valley Provincial Park. The small, white flowers are some kind of Campion (Silene). Lots of beautiful Harebells in the area, too.<br /> <br /> Fireweed is a native plant, growing in open forests, riverbanks and areas that have been subjected to forest fires. Especially when there is a patch of these tall plants, it makes a beautiful splash of colour. Belongs to the Evening-primrose family. Fireweed is the floral emblem of the Yukon.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamerion_angustifolium" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamerion_angustifolium</a></div> Against the cabin wall <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/293827/34016125"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/61/25/34016125.4184d5a0.240.jpg?r2" width="180" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I love the little McDougall Church, seen in the next photo posted today, especially the long, photogenic fence line leading up to it from the parking lot. These cheery Fireweed flowers were growing against the side of the small cabin that is on the site. Taken on 20 July, when my daughter and I called in, on our way to Bow Valley Provincial Park. The small, white flowers are some kind of Campion (Silene). Lots of beautiful Harebells in the area, too.<br /> <br /> Fireweed is a native plant, growing in open forests, riverbanks and areas that have been subjected to forest fires. Especially when there is a patch of these tall plants, it makes a beautiful splash of colour. Belongs to the Evening-primrose family. Fireweed is the floral emblem of the Yukon.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamerion_angustifolium" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamerion_angustifolium</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34016047 tag:ipernity.com,2014-07-23,doc-34016047 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 16:19:02 +0000 2014-07-20T12:41:36-06:00 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/293827/34016047"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/60/47/34016047.6d7c3bb1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I never tire of seeing this view looking over Middle Lake, in Bow Valley Provincial Park. When I drove out there three days ago, I knew this was one of the places I wanted to stop at.<br /> <br /> On 20 July 2014, I plucked up courage to do this drive that I’d never done before. I had been that route once before that I can think of, when I carpooled with others and I have visited the park quite a few times over the last few years, always carpooling with others, but going along the main HIghway 1, not 1A. A good part of the drive was in familiar territory, but I’d never driven the last part of the journey myself. I had met my youngest daughter at 9:00 a.m. and we were both eager to see a display of birds of prey that had been brought up from the Coaldale Birds of Prey Centre. We came across Dee (rockymtnchick) and her partner, there to see the owls. Great to see you both!<br /> <br /> This year, there were fewer birds, but it was great to see any at all. There was a Burrowing Owl, a Barn Owl, a Great Horned Owl (photo posted two days ago), and a Golden Eagle. Another real treat that was an amusing one, was seeing a baby Barn Owl that was just 45 days old! This little ball of fluff was acting as a great ambassador, letting young kids get a close view and ask questions, and fall in love with it – and to hopefully, in the future, do everything they can as adults to protect our precious wildlife. The enjoyment of seeing these birds up close reminds one that the reason these birds are not free to live in the wild, is because of some kind of interaction with humans – such as permanent injuries from being hit by a vehicle, pesticide use, or even worse, being shot by a human! This is what happened to “Spirit”, the magnificent Golden Eagle, shot and blinded by someone. <br /> <br /> This exhibit was our first destination in the park, though on the drive from Calgary, we had stopped at the small McDougall Church at Morley (one of the photos posted two days ago). After seeing and photographing the birds of prey, we then drove to Middle Lake that’s in a different part of the park. We walked the very short distance to the edge of the lake, but didn't walk around it. From there, we drove to Many Springs Trail and did a very slow walk around the lake, stopping to look at and photograph different wildflowers and a few butterflies. Though slow, it was still further than I should have walked. Certain wildflowers were already finished, including various Orchid species, but there were still plenty of other species to see and enjoy. Even the weather cooperated, though the forecast had been for isolated showers. Not too hot, nice clouds in the sky and lovely to have my daughter’s company for the day.<br /> <br /> Thanks so much to the people down at the Coaldale Bird of Prey Centre (near Lethbridge, down towards the Canada/US border) for bringing your gorgeous birds of prey for us to see! I have been south to the Centre three times I think, and always long to go back again, but it's not somewhere I can drive to, so this was a much-appreciated treat!</div> Middle Lake, Bow Valley Provincial 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/293827/34016047"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/60/47/34016047.6d7c3bb1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I never tire of seeing this view looking over Middle Lake, in Bow Valley Provincial Park. When I drove out there three days ago, I knew this was one of the places I wanted to stop at.<br /> <br /> On 20 July 2014, I plucked up courage to do this drive that I’d never done before. I had been that route once before that I can think of, when I carpooled with others and I have visited the park quite a few times over the last few years, always carpooling with others, but going along the main HIghway 1, not 1A. A good part of the drive was in familiar territory, but I’d never driven the last part of the journey myself. I had met my youngest daughter at 9:00 a.m. and we were both eager to see a display of birds of prey that had been brought up from the Coaldale Birds of Prey Centre. We came across Dee (rockymtnchick) and her partner, there to see the owls. Great to see you both!<br /> <br /> This year, there were fewer birds, but it was great to see any at all. There was a Burrowing Owl, a Barn Owl, a Great Horned Owl (photo posted two days ago), and a Golden Eagle. Another real treat that was an amusing one, was seeing a baby Barn Owl that was just 45 days old! This little ball of fluff was acting as a great ambassador, letting young kids get a close view and ask questions, and fall in love with it – and to hopefully, in the future, do everything they can as adults to protect our precious wildlife. The enjoyment of seeing these birds up close reminds one that the reason these birds are not free to live in the wild, is because of some kind of interaction with humans – such as permanent injuries from being hit by a vehicle, pesticide use, or even worse, being shot by a human! This is what happened to “Spirit”, the magnificent Golden Eagle, shot and blinded by someone. <br /> <br /> This exhibit was our first destination in the park, though on the drive from Calgary, we had stopped at the small McDougall Church at Morley (one of the photos posted two days ago). After seeing and photographing the birds of prey, we then drove to Middle Lake that’s in a different part of the park. We walked the very short distance to the edge of the lake, but didn't walk around it. From there, we drove to Many Springs Trail and did a very slow walk around the lake, stopping to look at and photograph different wildflowers and a few butterflies. Though slow, it was still further than I should have walked. Certain wildflowers were already finished, including various Orchid species, but there were still plenty of other species to see and enjoy. Even the weather cooperated, though the forecast had been for isolated showers. Not too hot, nice clouds in the sky and lovely to have my daughter’s company for the day.<br /> <br /> Thanks so much to the people down at the Coaldale Bird of Prey Centre (near Lethbridge, down towards the Canada/US border) for bringing your gorgeous birds of prey for us to see! I have been south to the Centre three times I think, and always long to go back again, but it's not somewhere I can drive to, so this was a much-appreciated treat!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34016025 tag:ipernity.com,2014-07-22,doc-34016025 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 16:51:29 +0000 2014-07-20T13:59:17-06:00 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/293827/34016025"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/60/25/34016025.bad8120c.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The view from this particular spot is so beautiful - perhaps my favourite view in Bow Valley Provincial Park. We stood for a while and soaked it all in. The mountain ridge in the centre is Mt. Yamnuska, a popular place for rock climbers. Not sure whether I like this effect or not, but thought I'd use a different setting on my camera for a few of the shots. Depending on the subject, this setting can be quite effective, but I'm not sure about this one, ha. Maybe it looks a little like HDR, of which I am not really a fan.<br /> <br /> Two days ago, 20 July 2014, I plucked up courage to do this drive that I’d never done before. I had been that route once before that I can think of, when I carpooled with others. A good part of the drive was in familiar territory, but I’d never driven the last part of the journey myself. I had met my daughter at 9:00 a.m. and we were both eager to see a display of birds of prey that had been brought up from the Coaldale Birds of Prey Centre. We came across Dee (rockymtnchick) and her partner, there to see the owls. Great to see you both!<br /> <br /> This year, there were fewer birds, but it was great to see any at all. This year, there was a Burrowing Owl, a Barn Owl, the beautiful Great Horned Owl in the above photo, and a Golden Eagle. Another real treat that was an amusing one, was seeing a baby Barn Owl that was just 45 days old! This little ball of fluff was acting as a great ambassador, letting young kids get a close view and ask questions, and fall in love with it – and to hopefully, in the future, do everything they can as adults to protect our precious wildlife. The enjoyment of seeing these birds up close reminds one that the reason these birds are not free to live in the wild, is because of some kind of interaction with humans – such as permanent injuries from being hit by a vehicle, pesticide use, or even worse, being shot by a human! This is what happened to “Spirit”, the magnificent Golden Eagle, shot and blinded by someone. <br /> <br /> This exhibit was our first destination in the park, though on the drive from Calgary, we had stopped at the small McDougall Church at Morley (one of the photos posted yesterday). After seeing and photographing the birds of prey, we then drove to Middle Lake that’s in a different part of the park. We walked the very short distance to the edge of the lake, but didn’t walk around it. From there, we drove to Many Springs Trail where this photo was taken, and did a very slow walk around the lake, stopping to look at different flowers and photograph a few butterflies. Though slow, it was still further than I should have walked. Certain wildflowers were already finished, including various Orchid species, but there were still plenty of other species to see and enjoy. Even the weather cooperated, though the forecast had been for isolated showers. Not too hot, nice clouds in the sky and lovely to have my daughter’s company for the day.<br /> <br /> Thanks so much to the people down at the Coaldale Bird of Prey Centre (near Lethbridge, down towards the Canada/US border) for bringing your gorgeous birds of prey for us to see! I have been south to the Centre three times I think, and always long to go back again, but it's not somewhere I can drive to, so this was a much-appreciated treat!</div> Just playing .... <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/293827/34016025"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/60/25/34016025.bad8120c.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The view from this particular spot is so beautiful - perhaps my favourite view in Bow Valley Provincial Park. We stood for a while and soaked it all in. The mountain ridge in the centre is Mt. Yamnuska, a popular place for rock climbers. Not sure whether I like this effect or not, but thought I'd use a different setting on my camera for a few of the shots. Depending on the subject, this setting can be quite effective, but I'm not sure about this one, ha. Maybe it looks a little like HDR, of which I am not really a fan.<br /> <br /> Two days ago, 20 July 2014, I plucked up courage to do this drive that I’d never done before. I had been that route once before that I can think of, when I carpooled with others. A good part of the drive was in familiar territory, but I’d never driven the last part of the journey myself. I had met my daughter at 9:00 a.m. and we were both eager to see a display of birds of prey that had been brought up from the Coaldale Birds of Prey Centre. We came across Dee (rockymtnchick) and her partner, there to see the owls. Great to see you both!<br /> <br /> This year, there were fewer birds, but it was great to see any at all. This year, there was a Burrowing Owl, a Barn Owl, the beautiful Great Horned Owl in the above photo, and a Golden Eagle. Another real treat that was an amusing one, was seeing a baby Barn Owl that was just 45 days old! This little ball of fluff was acting as a great ambassador, letting young kids get a close view and ask questions, and fall in love with it – and to hopefully, in the future, do everything they can as adults to protect our precious wildlife. The enjoyment of seeing these birds up close reminds one that the reason these birds are not free to live in the wild, is because of some kind of interaction with humans – such as permanent injuries from being hit by a vehicle, pesticide use, or even worse, being shot by a human! This is what happened to “Spirit”, the magnificent Golden Eagle, shot and blinded by someone. <br /> <br /> This exhibit was our first destination in the park, though on the drive from Calgary, we had stopped at the small McDougall Church at Morley (one of the photos posted yesterday). After seeing and photographing the birds of prey, we then drove to Middle Lake that’s in a different part of the park. We walked the very short distance to the edge of the lake, but didn’t walk around it. From there, we drove to Many Springs Trail where this photo was taken, and did a very slow walk around the lake, stopping to look at different flowers and photograph a few butterflies. Though slow, it was still further than I should have walked. Certain wildflowers were already finished, including various Orchid species, but there were still plenty of other species to see and enjoy. Even the weather cooperated, though the forecast had been for isolated showers. Not too hot, nice clouds in the sky and lovely to have my daughter’s company for the day.<br /> <br /> Thanks so much to the people down at the Coaldale Bird of Prey Centre (near Lethbridge, down towards the Canada/US border) for bringing your gorgeous birds of prey for us to see! I have been south to the Centre three times I think, and always long to go back again, but it's not somewhere I can drive to, so this was a much-appreciated treat!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34015985 tag:ipernity.com,2014-07-21,doc-34015985 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 15:52:54 +0000 2014-07-20T10:33:10-06:00 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/293827/34015985"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/59/85/34015985.f15906f8.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I love the little McDougall Church, seen in the next photo posted today, especially the long, photogenic fence line leading up to it from the parking lot. These cheery Gaillardia flowers were growing against the side of the church. Kind of a "messy" photo, but there was just something I liked about it.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/14709085082" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/14709085082</a></div> Gaillardia against weathered wood <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/293827/34015985"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/144/59/85/34015985.f15906f8.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I love the little McDougall Church, seen in the next photo posted today, especially the long, photogenic fence line leading up to it from the parking lot. These cheery Gaillardia flowers were growing against the side of the church. Kind of a "messy" photo, but there was just something I liked about it.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/14709085082" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/14709085082</a></div> Anne Elliott