https://www.ipernity.com/tag/293827/keyword/2686361 https://cdn.ipernity.com/p/101/C3/7B/293827.buddy.jpg https://www.ipernity.com/tag/293827/keyword/2686361 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 23:00:54 +0000 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 23:00:54 +0000 https://www.ipernity.com https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/48298394 tag:ipernity.com,2019-03-15,doc-48298394 Fri, 15 Mar 2019 16:14:49 +0000 2015-01-14T15:02:51-06:00 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/293827/48298394"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/83/94/48298394.8307bdc5.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">No time to get out with my camera so, like I have been doing the last few days, I will add the description that I wrote under a previously posted photo, taken on the same day. <br /> <br /> "On 14 January 2015, I called in at Fish Creek Park for some fresh air and, hopefully, find a friend or two. I was lucky with both. People had already found one of the little owls. Somehow, everyone seemed able to manoeuvre their tripods and enormous lenses each time the owl moved to a different branch or a new tree. I love my easy little point-and-shoot : ) Some of my photos were taken at Focal Length (35mm format) - 1200 mm, so the owl looks closer than it really was. We were all treated to some good views, and it was fascinating to watch the owl get ready to fly down to the snow-covered ground when it saw some movement. It goes through some interesting body behaviour in the seconds before that rapid dive. I can't remember if it did actually dive down this time. <br /> <br /> I was impressed that all the photographers were very respectful of this tiny owl, as this certainly doesn't always happen. Some of its time was spent perched extremely high in tall trees. Usually, it was just about within my camera reach and we were all lucky enough to see it perched in a variety of places, including some closer views. Any very close photos that are on my photostream, taken on various days, were taken when the owl unexpectedly flew right to where people were standing, seemingly without any stress. You would think that the owls would move away to a different area if they were bothered by the presence of people. Instead, they seem very tolerant, and continue to hunt, stash food (Meadow Voles) and even mate when people are present." <br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a></div> Northern Pygmy-owl - from the archives <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/293827/48298394"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/83/94/48298394.8307bdc5.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">No time to get out with my camera so, like I have been doing the last few days, I will add the description that I wrote under a previously posted photo, taken on the same day. <br /> <br /> "On 14 January 2015, I called in at Fish Creek Park for some fresh air and, hopefully, find a friend or two. I was lucky with both. People had already found one of the little owls. Somehow, everyone seemed able to manoeuvre their tripods and enormous lenses each time the owl moved to a different branch or a new tree. I love my easy little point-and-shoot : ) Some of my photos were taken at Focal Length (35mm format) - 1200 mm, so the owl looks closer than it really was. We were all treated to some good views, and it was fascinating to watch the owl get ready to fly down to the snow-covered ground when it saw some movement. It goes through some interesting body behaviour in the seconds before that rapid dive. I can't remember if it did actually dive down this time. <br /> <br /> I was impressed that all the photographers were very respectful of this tiny owl, as this certainly doesn't always happen. Some of its time was spent perched extremely high in tall trees. Usually, it was just about within my camera reach and we were all lucky enough to see it perched in a variety of places, including some closer views. Any very close photos that are on my photostream, taken on various days, were taken when the owl unexpectedly flew right to where people were standing, seemingly without any stress. You would think that the owls would move away to a different area if they were bothered by the presence of people. Instead, they seem very tolerant, and continue to hunt, stash food (Meadow Voles) and even mate when people are present." <br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/48293210 tag:ipernity.com,2019-03-14,doc-48293210 Thu, 14 Mar 2019 14:33:29 +0000 2015-01-14T15:13:59-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/48293210"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/32/10/48293210.97aae9df.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">No time to get out with my camera so, like I have been doing the last few days, I will add the description that I wrote under a previousy posted photo, taken during the same sighting of this gorgeous Great Gray Owl. Having posted photos of five different owl species in the last couple of days, I thought I would add two more species today.<br /> <br /> "Just over four years ago, on 14 January 2015, I called in at one of our city parks for some fresh air and, hopefully, find a friend or two. Maybe even an owl. I was lucky with both and people had already found one of the little owls. It was an amazingly therapeutic outing - my daughter had died just 11 days before and it was so comforting to be with friends.<br /> <br /> Usually, the owl was just about within my camera range and we were all lucky enough to see it perched in a variety of places, including some closer views. Any very close photos that are on my photostream, taken on various days, were taken when the owl unexpectedly flew right to where people were standing, seemingly without any stress. You would think that the owls would move away to a different area if they were bothered by the presence of people. Instead, these tiny owls seem to be very tolerant, and continue to hunt, stash food (Meadow Voles) and even mate, when people are present. <br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl</a>"</div> Northern Pygmy-owl - from the archives <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/293827/48293210"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/32/10/48293210.97aae9df.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">No time to get out with my camera so, like I have been doing the last few days, I will add the description that I wrote under a previousy posted photo, taken during the same sighting of this gorgeous Great Gray Owl. Having posted photos of five different owl species in the last couple of days, I thought I would add two more species today.<br /> <br /> "Just over four years ago, on 14 January 2015, I called in at one of our city parks for some fresh air and, hopefully, find a friend or two. Maybe even an owl. I was lucky with both and people had already found one of the little owls. It was an amazingly therapeutic outing - my daughter had died just 11 days before and it was so comforting to be with friends.<br /> <br /> Usually, the owl was just about within my camera range and we were all lucky enough to see it perched in a variety of places, including some closer views. Any very close photos that are on my photostream, taken on various days, were taken when the owl unexpectedly flew right to where people were standing, seemingly without any stress. You would think that the owls would move away to a different area if they were bothered by the presence of people. Instead, these tiny owls seem to be very tolerant, and continue to hunt, stash food (Meadow Voles) and even mate, when people are present. <br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl</a>"</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46100350 tag:ipernity.com,2018-01-05,doc-46100350 Fri, 05 Jan 2018 17:44:17 +0000 2017-11-21T10:36:21-07:00 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/293827/46100350"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/03/50/46100350.dfc227c1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Hold up your hand in front of you and clench your fist. That is how big a Northern Pygmy-owl is : ) They are beautiful, cute - and ferocious hunters. Sometimes, you see a small cluster of dead leaves or a wasp's nest hanging from a distant branch and your heart starts to beat faster with excitement. Then, usually, comes the disappointment when you realize that it's not a tiny Northern Pygmy-owl after all. Zoomed in and greatly cropped, this is just a poor quality shot, but I wanted to add it to my albums, just for the record.<br /> <br /> The morning of 21 November 2017 was cold and very overcast and I really did not feel like going out at all. However, I'm so glad I pushed myself out the front door, and joined friends for a birding walk in Fish Creek Park. I/we can't take any credit for finding this tiny owl, as we came across a lone photographer standing with his camera lens pointed upwards. I don't know if this owl was the same as the one I photographed on 9 November 2017, in a different part of the park.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "This Northern Pygmy-Owl appears to have eyes in the back of its head. But why? One theory is that large false eyes may create the illusion that the owl is much bigger than its 6 and 3/4-inch size. A more current theory is that the false eyes help protect the pygmy-owl's true eyes. Small birds will mob this diurnal owl, even striking it, directing some attacks at its eyes. If the large false eyes can take the brunt of these attacks, little harm will come to the Pygmy-Owl's vulnerable true eyes." From birdnote.org.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes</a></div> Northern Pygmy-owl <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/293827/46100350"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/03/50/46100350.dfc227c1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Hold up your hand in front of you and clench your fist. That is how big a Northern Pygmy-owl is : ) They are beautiful, cute - and ferocious hunters. Sometimes, you see a small cluster of dead leaves or a wasp's nest hanging from a distant branch and your heart starts to beat faster with excitement. Then, usually, comes the disappointment when you realize that it's not a tiny Northern Pygmy-owl after all. Zoomed in and greatly cropped, this is just a poor quality shot, but I wanted to add it to my albums, just for the record.<br /> <br /> The morning of 21 November 2017 was cold and very overcast and I really did not feel like going out at all. However, I'm so glad I pushed myself out the front door, and joined friends for a birding walk in Fish Creek Park. I/we can't take any credit for finding this tiny owl, as we came across a lone photographer standing with his camera lens pointed upwards. I don't know if this owl was the same as the one I photographed on 9 November 2017, in a different part of the park.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "This Northern Pygmy-Owl appears to have eyes in the back of its head. But why? One theory is that large false eyes may create the illusion that the owl is much bigger than its 6 and 3/4-inch size. A more current theory is that the false eyes help protect the pygmy-owl's true eyes. Small birds will mob this diurnal owl, even striking it, directing some attacks at its eyes. If the large false eyes can take the brunt of these attacks, little harm will come to the Pygmy-Owl's vulnerable true eyes." From birdnote.org.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46022578 tag:ipernity.com,2017-12-16,doc-46022578 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 17:22:27 +0000 2017-11-26T10:43:42-07:00 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/293827/46022578"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/25/78/46022578.f6b987b2.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I'm posting this photo just for the record, to remind me of this sighting. The only photos I took that morning, 26 November 2017, are all fit to be deleted. On a walk in Fish Creek Park, there were many good pairs of bird watching eyes, but it made me happy that I was the one that spotted this tiny, fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl - doesn't happen very often, ha. This photo is fully zoomed and then cropped, as the owl was so far away. A bit further on our walk, we spotted a second owl, again very distant and on the far side of the creek. <br /> <br /> Hold up your hand in front of you and clench your fist. That is how big a Northern Pygmy-owl is : ) They are beautiful, cute - and ferocious hunters. Sometimes, you see a small cluster of dead leaves or a wasp's nest hanging from a distant branch and your heart starts to beat faster with excitement. Then, usually, comes the disappointment when you realize that it's not a tiny Northern Pygmy-owl after all.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "This Northern Pygmy-Owl appears to have eyes in the back of its head. But why? One theory is that large false eyes may create the illusion that the owl is much bigger than its 6 and 3/4-inch size. A more current theory is that the false eyes help protect the pygmy-owl's true eyes. Small birds will mob this diurnal owl, even striking it, directing some attacks at its eyes. If the large false eyes can take the brunt of these attacks, little harm will come to the Pygmy-Owl's vulnerable true eyes." From birdnote.org.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes</a><br /> <br /> The only other bird I tried to photograph was a Pileated Woodpecker, working hard at the base of a tree, and hidden in the long grasses. All those photos are waiting to be deleted.</div> I spy with my little eye <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/293827/46022578"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/25/78/46022578.f6b987b2.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I'm posting this photo just for the record, to remind me of this sighting. The only photos I took that morning, 26 November 2017, are all fit to be deleted. On a walk in Fish Creek Park, there were many good pairs of bird watching eyes, but it made me happy that I was the one that spotted this tiny, fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl - doesn't happen very often, ha. This photo is fully zoomed and then cropped, as the owl was so far away. A bit further on our walk, we spotted a second owl, again very distant and on the far side of the creek. <br /> <br /> Hold up your hand in front of you and clench your fist. That is how big a Northern Pygmy-owl is : ) They are beautiful, cute - and ferocious hunters. Sometimes, you see a small cluster of dead leaves or a wasp's nest hanging from a distant branch and your heart starts to beat faster with excitement. Then, usually, comes the disappointment when you realize that it's not a tiny Northern Pygmy-owl after all.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "This Northern Pygmy-Owl appears to have eyes in the back of its head. But why? One theory is that large false eyes may create the illusion that the owl is much bigger than its 6 and 3/4-inch size. A more current theory is that the false eyes help protect the pygmy-owl's true eyes. Small birds will mob this diurnal owl, even striking it, directing some attacks at its eyes. If the large false eyes can take the brunt of these attacks, little harm will come to the Pygmy-Owl's vulnerable true eyes." From birdnote.org.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes</a><br /> <br /> The only other bird I tried to photograph was a Pileated Woodpecker, working hard at the base of a tree, and hidden in the long grasses. All those photos are waiting to be deleted.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/45891714 tag:ipernity.com,2017-11-23,doc-45891714 Thu, 23 Nov 2017 16:39:15 +0000 2017-11-21T10:30:50-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/45891714"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/17/14/45891714.c8ebd06a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all Americans, everywhere!<br /> <br /> It's raining this morning - I had almost forgotten what rain looks like! The temperature is 8C (windchill 5C), and it is supposed to get up to 12C (windchill 10C) this afternoon.<br /> <br /> Hold up your hand in front of you and clench your fist. That is how big a Northern Pygmy-owl is : ) They are beautiful, cute - and ferocious hunters. Sometimes, you see a small cluster of dead leaves or a wasp's nest hanging from a distant branch and your heart starts to beat faster with excitement. Then, usually, comes the disappointment when you realize that it's not a tiny Northern Pygmy-owl after all. Zoomed in and greatly cropped, this is just a poor quality shot, but kind of cute.<br /> <br /> The morning of 21 November 2017 was cold and very overcast and I really did not feel like going out at all. However, I'm so glad I pushed myself out the front door, and joined friends for a birding walk in Fish Creek Park. I/we can't take any credit for finding this tiny owl, as we came across a lone photographer standing with his camera lens pointed upwards. I don't know if this owl was the same as the one I photographed on 9 November 2017, in a different part of the park.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "This Northern Pygmy-Owl appears to have eyes in the back of its head. But why? One theory is that large false eyes may create the illusion that the owl is much bigger than its 6 and 3/4-inch size. A more current theory is that the false eyes help protect the pygmy-owl's true eyes. Small birds will mob this diurnal owl, even striking it, directing some attacks at its eyes. If the large false eyes can take the brunt of these attacks, little harm will come to the Pygmy-Owl's vulnerable true eyes." From birdnote.org.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes</a></div> It&#039;s the little guy/gal again <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/293827/45891714"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/17/14/45891714.c8ebd06a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all Americans, everywhere!<br /> <br /> It's raining this morning - I had almost forgotten what rain looks like! The temperature is 8C (windchill 5C), and it is supposed to get up to 12C (windchill 10C) this afternoon.<br /> <br /> Hold up your hand in front of you and clench your fist. That is how big a Northern Pygmy-owl is : ) They are beautiful, cute - and ferocious hunters. Sometimes, you see a small cluster of dead leaves or a wasp's nest hanging from a distant branch and your heart starts to beat faster with excitement. Then, usually, comes the disappointment when you realize that it's not a tiny Northern Pygmy-owl after all. Zoomed in and greatly cropped, this is just a poor quality shot, but kind of cute.<br /> <br /> The morning of 21 November 2017 was cold and very overcast and I really did not feel like going out at all. However, I'm so glad I pushed myself out the front door, and joined friends for a birding walk in Fish Creek Park. I/we can't take any credit for finding this tiny owl, as we came across a lone photographer standing with his camera lens pointed upwards. I don't know if this owl was the same as the one I photographed on 9 November 2017, in a different part of the park.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "This Northern Pygmy-Owl appears to have eyes in the back of its head. But why? One theory is that large false eyes may create the illusion that the owl is much bigger than its 6 and 3/4-inch size. A more current theory is that the false eyes help protect the pygmy-owl's true eyes. Small birds will mob this diurnal owl, even striking it, directing some attacks at its eyes. If the large false eyes can take the brunt of these attacks, little harm will come to the Pygmy-Owl's vulnerable true eyes." From birdnote.org.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/45878742 tag:ipernity.com,2017-11-22,doc-45878742 Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:57:37 +0000 2017-11-21T10:36:33-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/45878742"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/87/42/45878742.61cac7f1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Hold up your hand in front of you and clench your fist. That is how big a Northern Pygmy-owl is : ) They are beautiful, cute - and ferocious hunters.<br /> <br /> Yesterday morning, 21 November 2017, was cold and very overcast and I really did not feel like going out at all. However, I'm so glad I pushed myself out the front door, and joined friends for a birding walk in Fish Creek Park. I/we can't take any credit for finding this tiny owl, as we came across a lone photographer standing with his camera lens pointed upwards. I don't know if yesterday's owl was the same as the one I photographed 12 days ago, on 9 November 2017, in a different part of the park.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "This Northern Pygmy-Owl appears to have eyes in the back of its head. But why? One theory is that large false eyes may create the illusion that the owl is much bigger than its 6 and 3/4-inch size. A more current theory is that the false eyes help protect the pygmy-owl's true eyes. Small birds will mob this diurnal owl, even striking it, directing some attacks at its eyes. If the large false eyes can take the brunt of these attacks, little harm will come to the Pygmy-Owl's vulnerable true eyes." From birdnote.org.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes</a></div> Another surprise on another gloomy day <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/293827/45878742"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/87/42/45878742.61cac7f1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Hold up your hand in front of you and clench your fist. That is how big a Northern Pygmy-owl is : ) They are beautiful, cute - and ferocious hunters.<br /> <br /> Yesterday morning, 21 November 2017, was cold and very overcast and I really did not feel like going out at all. However, I'm so glad I pushed myself out the front door, and joined friends for a birding walk in Fish Creek Park. I/we can't take any credit for finding this tiny owl, as we came across a lone photographer standing with his camera lens pointed upwards. I don't know if yesterday's owl was the same as the one I photographed 12 days ago, on 9 November 2017, in a different part of the park.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "This Northern Pygmy-Owl appears to have eyes in the back of its head. But why? One theory is that large false eyes may create the illusion that the owl is much bigger than its 6 and 3/4-inch size. A more current theory is that the false eyes help protect the pygmy-owl's true eyes. Small birds will mob this diurnal owl, even striking it, directing some attacks at its eyes. If the large false eyes can take the brunt of these attacks, little harm will come to the Pygmy-Owl's vulnerable true eyes." From birdnote.org.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/45863178 tag:ipernity.com,2017-11-19,doc-45863178 Sun, 19 Nov 2017 14:06:47 +0000 2015-01-14T15:35:39-07:00 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/293827/45863178"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/31/78/45863178.fb07b98b.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This photo caught my eye last night, when I was looking in one of my photo folders of images to maybe post to Flickr. One of these owls is being occasionally seen in Fish Creek Park at the moment, too.<br /> <br /> Almost three years ago, on 14 January 2015, I called in at Fish Creek Park for some fresh air and, hopefully, find a friend or two. I was lucky with both and people had already found one of the little owls. It was an amazingly therapeutic outing - my daughter had died just 11 days before.<br /> <br /> Usually, the owl was just about within my camera range and we were all lucky enough to see it perched in a variety of places, including some closer views. Any very close photos that are on my photostream, taken on various days, were taken when the owl unexpectedly flew right to where people were standing, seemingly without any stress. You would think that the owls would move away to a different area if they were bothered by the presence of people. Instead, these tiny owls seem to be very tolerant, and continue to hunt, stash food (Meadow Voles) and even mate, when people are present. <br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl</a></div> Popcan-sized Northern Pygmy-owl, from January 2015 <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/293827/45863178"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/31/78/45863178.fb07b98b.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This photo caught my eye last night, when I was looking in one of my photo folders of images to maybe post to Flickr. One of these owls is being occasionally seen in Fish Creek Park at the moment, too.<br /> <br /> Almost three years ago, on 14 January 2015, I called in at Fish Creek Park for some fresh air and, hopefully, find a friend or two. I was lucky with both and people had already found one of the little owls. It was an amazingly therapeutic outing - my daughter had died just 11 days before.<br /> <br /> Usually, the owl was just about within my camera range and we were all lucky enough to see it perched in a variety of places, including some closer views. Any very close photos that are on my photostream, taken on various days, were taken when the owl unexpectedly flew right to where people were standing, seemingly without any stress. You would think that the owls would move away to a different area if they were bothered by the presence of people. Instead, these tiny owls seem to be very tolerant, and continue to hunt, stash food (Meadow Voles) and even mate, when people are present. <br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/45815982 tag:ipernity.com,2017-11-10,doc-45815982 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 15:55:03 +0000 2017-11-09T11:57:02-07:00 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/293827/45815982"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/59/82/45815982.92168492.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Such an awful quality image, taken in really bad light and in the woods, and close to being a black silhouette - but still so cute and precious. I rescued it the best I could, but thank goodness I have an album full of much better photos of Northern Pygmy-owls. It was, of course, amazing just to see this one yesterday, during a long walk in Fish Creek Park - longer than it should have been, due to our destination area being closed with yellow warning tape because there was a Black Bear in the area. Makes me smile, as I know Bears can't read and can walk, so who knows what part of the park it was in yesterday. I don't know how someone spotted this tiny owl when it was first seen, far away and through the trees. We took a few photos, feeling grateful to be looking at this tiny, fist or popcan-sized predator, and then, suddenly, it flew towards us and landed closer. If only the sun had been shining.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "This Northern Pygmy-Owl appears to have eyes in the back of its head. But why? One theory is that large false eyes may create the illusion that the owl is much bigger than its 6 and 3/4-inch size. A more current theory is that the false eyes help protect the pygmy-owl's true eyes. Small birds will mob this diurnal owl, even striking it, directing some attacks at its eyes. If the large false eyes can take the brunt of these attacks, little harm will come to the Pygmy-Owl's vulnerable true eyes." From birdnote.org.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes</a><br /> <br /> The last Northern Pygmy-owl that I saw (actually, two of them) was on 27 December 2016, after a group of us had finished a day of birding for the annual Audubon Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. Was able to get much better photos on that occasion.<br /> <br /> I'm glad I went on yesterday's walk, as it snowed again last night and it is another dreary day today, 10 November 2017. The temperature is a balmy -1C.</div> Yesterday&#039;s absolute treat - the size of your fist! <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/293827/45815982"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/59/82/45815982.92168492.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Such an awful quality image, taken in really bad light and in the woods, and close to being a black silhouette - but still so cute and precious. I rescued it the best I could, but thank goodness I have an album full of much better photos of Northern Pygmy-owls. It was, of course, amazing just to see this one yesterday, during a long walk in Fish Creek Park - longer than it should have been, due to our destination area being closed with yellow warning tape because there was a Black Bear in the area. Makes me smile, as I know Bears can't read and can walk, so who knows what part of the park it was in yesterday. I don't know how someone spotted this tiny owl when it was first seen, far away and through the trees. We took a few photos, feeling grateful to be looking at this tiny, fist or popcan-sized predator, and then, suddenly, it flew towards us and landed closer. If only the sun had been shining.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "This Northern Pygmy-Owl appears to have eyes in the back of its head. But why? One theory is that large false eyes may create the illusion that the owl is much bigger than its 6 and 3/4-inch size. A more current theory is that the false eyes help protect the pygmy-owl's true eyes. Small birds will mob this diurnal owl, even striking it, directing some attacks at its eyes. If the large false eyes can take the brunt of these attacks, little harm will come to the Pygmy-Owl's vulnerable true eyes." From birdnote.org.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes</a><br /> <br /> The last Northern Pygmy-owl that I saw (actually, two of them) was on 27 December 2016, after a group of us had finished a day of birding for the annual Audubon Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. Was able to get much better photos on that occasion.<br /> <br /> I'm glad I went on yesterday's walk, as it snowed again last night and it is another dreary day today, 10 November 2017. The temperature is a balmy -1C.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44425184 tag:ipernity.com,2017-03-07,doc-44425184 Tue, 07 Mar 2017 18:04:52 +0000 2016-12-27T16:08:28-07:00 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/293827/44425184"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/51/84/44425184.3fa195bb.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">We are back into serious winter weather again! This morning, 7 March 2017, the temperature is -14C (windchill -23C), with snow forecast for tonight and the next four days. Apparently, March is our snowiest month.<br /> <br /> On 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Audubon Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little popcan-sized or fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other friend happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take a few photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared. This side pose shows one of the false eyes on the back of the owl's head. The two large, dark spots that look like eyes serve a purpose.<br /> <br /> "This Northern Pygmy-Owl appears to have eyes in the back of its head. But why? One theory is that large false eyes may create the illusion that the owl is much bigger than its 6 and 3/4-inch size. A more current theory is that the false eyes help protect the pygmy-owl's true eyes. Small birds will mob this diurnal owl, even striking it, directing some attacks at its eyes. If the large false eyes can take the brunt of these attacks, little harm will come to the Pygmy-Owl's vulnerable true eyes." From birdnote.org.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes</a><br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time all day was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several acreages/farms. I took part in this Count last year but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it twice before that, a few years ago (December 2007 and December 30, 2008). This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there very occasionally on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day!</div> False eyes and real eyes <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/293827/44425184"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/51/84/44425184.3fa195bb.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">We are back into serious winter weather again! This morning, 7 March 2017, the temperature is -14C (windchill -23C), with snow forecast for tonight and the next four days. Apparently, March is our snowiest month.<br /> <br /> On 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Audubon Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little popcan-sized or fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other friend happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take a few photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared. This side pose shows one of the false eyes on the back of the owl's head. The two large, dark spots that look like eyes serve a purpose.<br /> <br /> "This Northern Pygmy-Owl appears to have eyes in the back of its head. But why? One theory is that large false eyes may create the illusion that the owl is much bigger than its 6 and 3/4-inch size. A more current theory is that the false eyes help protect the pygmy-owl's true eyes. Small birds will mob this diurnal owl, even striking it, directing some attacks at its eyes. If the large false eyes can take the brunt of these attacks, little harm will come to the Pygmy-Owl's vulnerable true eyes." From birdnote.org.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">birdnote.org/show/pygmy-owls-false-eyes</a><br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time all day was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several acreages/farms. I took part in this Count last year but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it twice before that, a few years ago (December 2007 and December 30, 2008). This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there very occasionally on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44399350 tag:ipernity.com,2017-03-03,doc-44399350 Fri, 03 Mar 2017 17:42:50 +0000 2016-12-27T16:01:36-07:00 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/293827/44399350"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/93/50/44399350.5edca813.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Today, 3 March (2017), is WORLD WILDLIFE DAY.<br /> <br /> "On 20 December 2013, at its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3 March, the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants. The UNGA resolution also designated the CITES Secretariat as the facilitator for the global observance of this special day for wildlife on the UN calendar.<br /> <br /> World Wildlife Day will be celebrated in 2017 under the theme “Listen to the Young Voices.” Given that almost one quarter of the world’s population is aged between 10 and 24, vigorous efforts need to be made to encourage young people, as the future leaders and decision makers of the world, to act at both local and global levels to protect endangered wildlife."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.wildlifeday.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.wildlifeday.org/</a><br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> On 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Audubon Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little popcan-sized or fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other friend happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take a few photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time all day was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several acreages/farms. I took part in this Count last year but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it twice before that, a few years ago (December 2007 and December 30, 2008). This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there very occasionally on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day!</div> Northern Pygmy-owl <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/293827/44399350"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/93/50/44399350.5edca813.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Today, 3 March (2017), is WORLD WILDLIFE DAY.<br /> <br /> "On 20 December 2013, at its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3 March, the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants. The UNGA resolution also designated the CITES Secretariat as the facilitator for the global observance of this special day for wildlife on the UN calendar.<br /> <br /> World Wildlife Day will be celebrated in 2017 under the theme “Listen to the Young Voices.” Given that almost one quarter of the world’s population is aged between 10 and 24, vigorous efforts need to be made to encourage young people, as the future leaders and decision makers of the world, to act at both local and global levels to protect endangered wildlife."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.wildlifeday.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.wildlifeday.org/</a><br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> On 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Audubon Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little popcan-sized or fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other friend happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take a few photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time all day was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several acreages/farms. I took part in this Count last year but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it twice before that, a few years ago (December 2007 and December 30, 2008). This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there very occasionally on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44258558 tag:ipernity.com,2017-01-23,doc-44258558 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 18:05:03 +0000 2016-12-27T16:07:48-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44258558"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/85/58/44258558.90251667.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">On 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Audubon Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little popcan-sized or fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other friend happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take a few photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time all day was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several acreages/farms. I took part in this Count last year but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it twice before that, a few years ago (December 2007 and December 30, 2008). This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there very occasionally on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day!</div> The size of a popcan <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/293827/44258558"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/85/58/44258558.90251667.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">On 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Audubon Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little popcan-sized or fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other friend happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take a few photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time all day was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several acreages/farms. I took part in this Count last year but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it twice before that, a few years ago (December 2007 and December 30, 2008). This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there very occasionally on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44160158 tag:ipernity.com,2017-01-16,doc-44160158 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:58:52 +0000 2016-12-27T16:14:42-07:00 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/293827/44160158"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/01/58/44160158.4b896379.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I'm only posting one photo, not my usual "daily three" - ran out of time and energy late last night to look for others. Also hoping to get an earlier start to my day..<br /> <br /> On 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Audubon Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little popcan-sized or fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other friend happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take a few photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time all day was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several acreages/farms. I took part in this Count last year but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it twice before that, a few years ago (December 2007 and December 30, 2008). This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there occasionally on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day! <br /> <br /> I will add the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Ferocious hunter, but looking cute <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/293827/44160158"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/01/58/44160158.4b896379.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I'm only posting one photo, not my usual "daily three" - ran out of time and energy late last night to look for others. Also hoping to get an earlier start to my day..<br /> <br /> On 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Audubon Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little popcan-sized or fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other friend happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take a few photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time all day was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several acreages/farms. I took part in this Count last year but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it twice before that, a few years ago (December 2007 and December 30, 2008). This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there occasionally on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day! <br /> <br /> I will add the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44147548 tag:ipernity.com,2017-01-12,doc-44147548 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 18:11:41 +0000 2016-12-27T16:10:11-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44147548"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/75/48/44147548.f17dad67.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I'm only posting two photos, not my usual "daily three" - ran out of time and energy late last night to look for a third image.<br /> <br /> On 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Audubon Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little popcan-sized or fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other friend happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take a few photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time all day was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several acreages/farms. I took part in this Count last year but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it twice before that, a few years ago (December 2007 and December 30, 2008). This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there occasionally on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day! <br /> <br /> I will add the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Northern Pygmy-owl <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/293827/44147548"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/75/48/44147548.f17dad67.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I'm only posting two photos, not my usual "daily three" - ran out of time and energy late last night to look for a third image.<br /> <br /> On 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Audubon Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little popcan-sized or fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other friend happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take a few photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time all day was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several acreages/farms. I took part in this Count last year but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it twice before that, a few years ago (December 2007 and December 30, 2008). This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there occasionally on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day! <br /> <br /> I will add the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44121514 tag:ipernity.com,2017-01-08,doc-44121514 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 17:58:07 +0000 2016-12-27T16:03:31-07:00 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/293827/44121514"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/15/14/44121514.ca2e474e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Not the best of my photos of this tiny Northern Pygmy-owl, but I thought I would slip it in as my third photo for today. Hopefully, Flickr won't mess with the order of my images, as it seems to be doing so often. This was the view we had of this owl, before it flew to a tree much closer to us. Our very first sighting of it was much further away than in this photo. Focal Length (35mm format) - 1200 mm, and cropped.<br /> <br /> On 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little popcan-sized or fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other friend happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take a few photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time all day was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several acreages/farms. I took part in this Count for 2015, but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it twice before that, a few years ago (December 2007 and December 30, 2008). This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there occasionally on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day! <br /> <br /> I will add the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Way, way up <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/293827/44121514"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/15/14/44121514.ca2e474e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Not the best of my photos of this tiny Northern Pygmy-owl, but I thought I would slip it in as my third photo for today. Hopefully, Flickr won't mess with the order of my images, as it seems to be doing so often. This was the view we had of this owl, before it flew to a tree much closer to us. Our very first sighting of it was much further away than in this photo. Focal Length (35mm format) - 1200 mm, and cropped.<br /> <br /> On 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little popcan-sized or fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other friend happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take a few photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time all day was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several acreages/farms. I took part in this Count for 2015, but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it twice before that, a few years ago (December 2007 and December 30, 2008). This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there occasionally on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day! <br /> <br /> I will add the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44112692 tag:ipernity.com,2017-01-05,doc-44112692 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 17:05:45 +0000 2016-12-27T16:07:05-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44112692"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/26/92/44112692.ec4bb46c.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">On 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little popcan-sized or fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other friend happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take a few photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time all day was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several acreages/farms. I took part in this Count last year but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it once before, a few years ago, and that time I was with friends covering a different section of the count circle. I remember it as being very slow and extremely unrewarding, This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there occasionally on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day! <br /> <br /> I will add the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Same tiny Northern Pygmy-owl <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/293827/44112692"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/26/92/44112692.ec4bb46c.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">On 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little popcan-sized or fist-sized Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other friend happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take a few photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared.<br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds. They also love Meadow Voles.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time all day was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several acreages/farms. I took part in this Count last year but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it once before, a few years ago, and that time I was with friends covering a different section of the count circle. I remember it as being very slow and extremely unrewarding, This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there occasionally on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day! <br /> <br /> I will add the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44076532 tag:ipernity.com,2016-12-28,doc-44076532 Wed, 28 Dec 2016 17:51:55 +0000 2016-12-27T16:02:41-07:00 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/293827/44076532"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/65/32/44076532.cd32c259.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">It's that time of year when life becomes crazy, with very early mornings, long days and the exciting search for birds. Yes, it's the time of Audubon Christmas Bird Counts.<br /> <br /> Yesterday, 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other person happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, also happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared.<br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several farms. I took part in this Count last year but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it once before, a few years ago, and that time I was with friends covering a different section of the count circle. I remember it as being very slow and extremely unrewarding, This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day! Today, I have a nice, leisurely day, before having to set my alarm for some unearthly hour (maybe around 4:15 am) for the next two mornings. Never a good thing for a dreadful night owl who gets to bed around 2:00 am! <br /> <br /> I will add the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Yesterday&#039;s treat <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/293827/44076532"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/65/32/44076532.cd32c259.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">It's that time of year when life becomes crazy, with very early mornings, long days and the exciting search for birds. Yes, it's the time of Audubon Christmas Bird Counts.<br /> <br /> Yesterday, 27 December 2016, nine of us took part in the annual Sheep River/Priddis/Turner Valley Christmas Bird Count. This gorgeous little Northern Pygmy-owl was actually not seen on the Count, unfortunately, but afterwards, when three of us decided to keep driving a few extra roads on the way home. One other person happened to drive along this particular road on her way home and so was lucky enough to share the enjoyment with us. Also, Joe Harley and his wife, Carolyn, also happened to be driving along the same road. Joe, with his powerful camera, joined us to capture this beautiful bird that gave us a wonderful chance to take photos. We had also seen a second owl in the same area (presumably a pair), but one of them flew off into the trees and disappeared.<br /> <br /> "Carolyn Harley loves to perform as a solo artist; as the husband/wife duo HARLEY & HARLEY with her husband Joe (who took up playing bass in self defense in his 50’s!!); as THE CAROLYN HARLEY TRIO with long time friend Robb Mann on guitar and mando; as COPPER JUNCTION, a four piece band that features country/bluegrass music with the addition of Craig West on fiddle; and as CAROLYN HARLEY & THE DAVIDSONS (a play on the motorcycle!!) which is the same four musicians playing a wide range of styles."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.carolynharley.com/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.carolynharley.com/home</a><br /> <br /> Our time was spent travelling by car, driving the backroads SW of the city and calling in at several farms. I took part in this Count last year but had missed it for a few years before that. I believe I had only ever done it once before, a few years ago, and that time I was with friends covering a different section of the count circle. I remember it as being very slow and extremely unrewarding, This time, like last year, our area was in the centre of the count circle and I'm so glad I decided to go again. <br /> <br /> A great stop was at Rod Handfield's place. Some of us go there on botany trips and he always has the best mushrooms and other fungi growing in his forest. Rod and his wife have such a beautiful cabin there. A Gray Jay gave us a few photo opportunities, which was appreciated. Rod is always so delightfully hospitable!!<br /> <br /> Thanks so much, Donna, for driving half of us - so much appreciated! This also meant that we were lucky enough to see this owl after the Count, too. A beautiful sunny day really helped - not all that cold (for Alberta!). A lot of snow everywhere (almost 8"), but that was OK, as we did so little walking. A great day! Today, I have a nice, leisurely day, before having to set my alarm for some unearthly hour (maybe around 4:15 am) for the next two mornings. Never a good thing for a dreadful night owl who gets to bed around 2:00 am! <br /> <br /> I will add the list of species seen, in a comment box below.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43909350 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-27,doc-43909350 Sun, 27 Nov 2016 18:13:58 +0000 2016-11-26T11:34:12-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43909350"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/93/50/43909350.37aa15a1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I overslept this morning, so I will have to finish my descriptions and tags later this afternoon. I'm going to have to post and run.<br /> <br /> Yesterday, 26 November 2016, friends and I were so very lucky. On a walk in Fish Creek Park, we found not only an owl, but two owls, and different species - a Great Horned Owl and this teeny, popcan-sized Northern Pygmy-owl. It had been almost two years since I last saw a Northern Pygmy-owl. That one, also, had been seen in Fish Creek Park. Yesterday, it was near the top of a very tall tree, so this photo was fully zoomed and cropped and posted just for the record. I have added two previously posted, much closer images from January 2015, in a comment box below.<br /> <br /> The Great Horned Owl, however, was seen nice and low and out in the open. The bird was large and fairly pale, so we think it was probably a female. After taking a few photos through the trees, we continued our walk and I was able to get a few shots from a different angle, just before she closed her eyes and went to sleep. <br /> <br /> Will add our leader's list of bird species seen, in a comment box below. We split into two groups, so not everyone saw everything on the list. My group only saw one Northern Pygmy-owl, not two.<br /> <br /> "Northern Pygmy Owls are 'sit and wait' predators, that hunt mainly by vision, diving down onto prey on the ground and driving the talons into the prey's throat. They will also attack birds in shrubs, crashing into the hapless victims. Most prey is carried off in the feet to feeding sites. Birds are usually plucked before being consumed. They often eat only the brains of birds and the soft abdomen of insects. One of these little owls can carry prey weighing up to 3 times its own weight.<br /> <br /> The Northern Pygmy Owl feeds on a wide range of small prey including small mammals, birds, and reptiles and amphibians. Voles make up the bulk of their diet, with birds comprising most of the rest (mainly songbirds, but as large as a California Quail). Other small mammals include shrews, mice, chipmunks, bats, moles, young rabbits, and weasels. Insects may be very important when they are most abundant. Other prey taken are toads, frogs and small lizards and snakes.<br /> <br /> During winter, surplus prey is cached in a cavity, often in large quantities. Summer caches are usually much smaller.<br /> <br /> Pellets are very small, averaging about 3cm long. They are formed only occasionally as these owls don't consume large amounts of fur, feathers, or bone. The pellets tend to fall apart shortly after ejection." From OwlPages.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=Glaucidium&species=californicum" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=Glaucidium&species=ca...</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl</a></div> A distant Northern Pygmy-owl <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/293827/43909350"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/93/50/43909350.37aa15a1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I overslept this morning, so I will have to finish my descriptions and tags later this afternoon. I'm going to have to post and run.<br /> <br /> Yesterday, 26 November 2016, friends and I were so very lucky. On a walk in Fish Creek Park, we found not only an owl, but two owls, and different species - a Great Horned Owl and this teeny, popcan-sized Northern Pygmy-owl. It had been almost two years since I last saw a Northern Pygmy-owl. That one, also, had been seen in Fish Creek Park. Yesterday, it was near the top of a very tall tree, so this photo was fully zoomed and cropped and posted just for the record. I have added two previously posted, much closer images from January 2015, in a comment box below.<br /> <br /> The Great Horned Owl, however, was seen nice and low and out in the open. The bird was large and fairly pale, so we think it was probably a female. After taking a few photos through the trees, we continued our walk and I was able to get a few shots from a different angle, just before she closed her eyes and went to sleep. <br /> <br /> Will add our leader's list of bird species seen, in a comment box below. We split into two groups, so not everyone saw everything on the list. My group only saw one Northern Pygmy-owl, not two.<br /> <br /> "Northern Pygmy Owls are 'sit and wait' predators, that hunt mainly by vision, diving down onto prey on the ground and driving the talons into the prey's throat. They will also attack birds in shrubs, crashing into the hapless victims. Most prey is carried off in the feet to feeding sites. Birds are usually plucked before being consumed. They often eat only the brains of birds and the soft abdomen of insects. One of these little owls can carry prey weighing up to 3 times its own weight.<br /> <br /> The Northern Pygmy Owl feeds on a wide range of small prey including small mammals, birds, and reptiles and amphibians. Voles make up the bulk of their diet, with birds comprising most of the rest (mainly songbirds, but as large as a California Quail). Other small mammals include shrews, mice, chipmunks, bats, moles, young rabbits, and weasels. Insects may be very important when they are most abundant. Other prey taken are toads, frogs and small lizards and snakes.<br /> <br /> During winter, surplus prey is cached in a cavity, often in large quantities. Summer caches are usually much smaller.<br /> <br /> Pellets are very small, averaging about 3cm long. They are formed only occasionally as these owls don't consume large amounts of fur, feathers, or bone. The pellets tend to fall apart shortly after ejection." From OwlPages.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=Glaucidium&species=californicum" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=Glaucidium&species=ca...</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/43738166 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-10,doc-43738166 Thu, 10 Nov 2016 17:59:06 +0000 2015-02-22T15:14:25-07:00 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/293827/43738166"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/81/66/43738166.80cfd019.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A rather poor quality image, from 22 February 2015. It was taken in shadow, unfortunately, but I thought it was still interesting to show one of these tiny owls in action. Thank goodness, I have many far better images of this little owl in my Northern Pygmy-owl album.<br /> <br /> On 22 February 2015, people got another chance to see the tiny, popcan-sized Northern Pygmy-owl in Fish Creek Park. When I arrived, people who had been there for some time had already found the owl, perched in a smallish tree. Within a very short time, it suddenly flew down to where we were standing, maybe six feet away from my feet, and then returned to the tree. We were surprised that it sat for so long before eating the brains of its prey (a Meadow Vole) and then we began to wonder if perhaps it needed to bring up a pellet first. Sure enough, eventually, that is what it did. <br /> <br /> "Northern Pygmy Owls are 'sit and wait' predators, that hunt mainly by vision, diving down onto prey on the ground and driving the talons into the prey's throat. They will also attack birds in shrubs, crashing into the hapless victims. Most prey is carried off in the feet to feeding sites. Birds are usually plucked before being consumed. They often eat only the brains of birds and the soft abdomen of insects. One of these little owls can carry prey weighing up to 3 times its own weight.<br /> <br /> The Northern Pygmy Owl feeds on a wide range of small prey including small mammals, birds, and reptiles and amphibians. Voles make up the bulk of their diet, with birds comprising most of the rest (mainly songbirds, but as large as a California Quail). Other small mammals include shrews, mice, chipmunks, bats, moles, young rabbits, and weasels. Insects may be very important when they are most abundant. Other prey taken are toads, frogs and small lizards and snakes.<br /> <br /> During winter, surplus prey is cached in a cavity, often in large quantities. Summer caches are usually much smaller.<br /> <br /> Pellets are very small, averaging about 3cm long. They are formed only occasionally as these owls don't consume large amounts of fur, feathers, or bone. The pellets tend to fall apart shortly after ejection." From OwlPages.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=Glaucidium&species=californicum" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=Glaucidium&species=ca...</a><br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl</a><br /> <br /> On my way out of the park, an enormous flock of Bohemian Waxwings swarmed around the tall coniferous trees along the edge of the road. Hundreds of them landed at the tops of these trees and then they would swoop down to the snow-covered ground and eat the snow for a few seconds before flying to the other side of the road and back again.</div> A blast from the past <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/293827/43738166"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/81/66/43738166.80cfd019.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A rather poor quality image, from 22 February 2015. It was taken in shadow, unfortunately, but I thought it was still interesting to show one of these tiny owls in action. Thank goodness, I have many far better images of this little owl in my Northern Pygmy-owl album.<br /> <br /> On 22 February 2015, people got another chance to see the tiny, popcan-sized Northern Pygmy-owl in Fish Creek Park. When I arrived, people who had been there for some time had already found the owl, perched in a smallish tree. Within a very short time, it suddenly flew down to where we were standing, maybe six feet away from my feet, and then returned to the tree. We were surprised that it sat for so long before eating the brains of its prey (a Meadow Vole) and then we began to wonder if perhaps it needed to bring up a pellet first. Sure enough, eventually, that is what it did. <br /> <br /> "Northern Pygmy Owls are 'sit and wait' predators, that hunt mainly by vision, diving down onto prey on the ground and driving the talons into the prey's throat. They will also attack birds in shrubs, crashing into the hapless victims. Most prey is carried off in the feet to feeding sites. Birds are usually plucked before being consumed. They often eat only the brains of birds and the soft abdomen of insects. One of these little owls can carry prey weighing up to 3 times its own weight.<br /> <br /> The Northern Pygmy Owl feeds on a wide range of small prey including small mammals, birds, and reptiles and amphibians. Voles make up the bulk of their diet, with birds comprising most of the rest (mainly songbirds, but as large as a California Quail). Other small mammals include shrews, mice, chipmunks, bats, moles, young rabbits, and weasels. Insects may be very important when they are most abundant. Other prey taken are toads, frogs and small lizards and snakes.<br /> <br /> During winter, surplus prey is cached in a cavity, often in large quantities. Summer caches are usually much smaller.<br /> <br /> Pellets are very small, averaging about 3cm long. They are formed only occasionally as these owls don't consume large amounts of fur, feathers, or bone. The pellets tend to fall apart shortly after ejection." From OwlPages.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=Glaucidium&species=californicum" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=Glaucidium&species=ca...</a><br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl</a><br /> <br /> On my way out of the park, an enormous flock of Bohemian Waxwings swarmed around the tall coniferous trees along the edge of the road. Hundreds of them landed at the tops of these trees and then they would swoop down to the snow-covered ground and eat the snow for a few seconds before flying to the other side of the road and back again.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41221236 tag:ipernity.com,2016-02-25,doc-41221236 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 15:56:23 +0000 2015-02-23T16:42:02-07:00 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/293827/41221236"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/12/36/41221236.e4075fc1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This quite heavily cropped photo was taken one year and two days ago, in Fish Creek Park. <br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> These owls also have a taste for Meadow Voles and during the few weeks that this pair was seen, photographers saw them catch numerous Voles, including this unlucky little one. I have never once seen a Northern Pygmy-owl catch a songbird. This particular day was very quiet while I was there, with not much owl activity at all. We just lucked out when it caught this Meadow Vole. These tiny, fist-sized/popcan-sized owls (adults are 15–17 cm in overall length, nearly 6 inches) also sometimes catch prey that is bigger than themselves. They are diurnal and also hunt at dusk and dawn.</div> Northern Pygmy-owl, one year ago <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/293827/41221236"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/12/36/41221236.e4075fc1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This quite heavily cropped photo was taken one year and two days ago, in Fish Creek Park. <br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> These owls also have a taste for Meadow Voles and during the few weeks that this pair was seen, photographers saw them catch numerous Voles, including this unlucky little one. I have never once seen a Northern Pygmy-owl catch a songbird. This particular day was very quiet while I was there, with not much owl activity at all. We just lucked out when it caught this Meadow Vole. These tiny, fist-sized/popcan-sized owls (adults are 15–17 cm in overall length, nearly 6 inches) also sometimes catch prey that is bigger than themselves. They are diurnal and also hunt at dusk and dawn.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41155072 tag:ipernity.com,2016-02-15,doc-41155072 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 14:15:42 +0000 2015-01-14T15:37:11-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/41155072"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/50/72/41155072.b61ef391.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Just over a year ago, on 14 January 2015, I called in at Fish Creek Park for some fresh air and, hopefully, find a friend or two. I was lucky with both. People had already found one of the little owls. <br /> <br /> I love my easy little point-and-shoot : ) Some of my photos were taken at Focal Length (35mm format) - 1200 mm, so the owl looks closer than it really was. We were all treated to some good views, and it was fascinating to watch the owl get ready to fly down to the snow-covered ground when it saw some movement. It goes through some interesting body behaviour in the seconds before that rapid dive. I can't remember if it did actually dive down this time. <br /> <br /> I was impressed that all the photographers were very respectful of this tiny owl. Some of its time was spent perched extremely high in tall trees. Usually, it was just about within my camera range and we were all lucky enough to see it perched in a variety of places, including some closer views. Any very close photos that are on my photostream, taken on various days, were taken when the owl unexpectedly flew right to where people were standing, seemingly without any stress. You would think that the owls would move away to a different area if they were bothered by the presence of people. Instead, they seem very tolerant, and continue to hunt, stash food (Meadow Voles) and even mate when people are present. <br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl</a></div> One year ago <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/293827/41155072"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/50/72/41155072.b61ef391.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Just over a year ago, on 14 January 2015, I called in at Fish Creek Park for some fresh air and, hopefully, find a friend or two. I was lucky with both. People had already found one of the little owls. <br /> <br /> I love my easy little point-and-shoot : ) Some of my photos were taken at Focal Length (35mm format) - 1200 mm, so the owl looks closer than it really was. We were all treated to some good views, and it was fascinating to watch the owl get ready to fly down to the snow-covered ground when it saw some movement. It goes through some interesting body behaviour in the seconds before that rapid dive. I can't remember if it did actually dive down this time. <br /> <br /> I was impressed that all the photographers were very respectful of this tiny owl. Some of its time was spent perched extremely high in tall trees. Usually, it was just about within my camera range and we were all lucky enough to see it perched in a variety of places, including some closer views. Any very close photos that are on my photostream, taken on various days, were taken when the owl unexpectedly flew right to where people were standing, seemingly without any stress. You would think that the owls would move away to a different area if they were bothered by the presence of people. Instead, they seem very tolerant, and continue to hunt, stash food (Meadow Voles) and even mate when people are present. <br /> <br /> "The Northern Pygmy-Owl may be tiny, but it’s a ferocious hunter with a taste for songbirds. These owls are mostly dark brown and white, with long tails, smoothly rounded heads, and piercing yellow eyes. They hunt during the day by sitting quietly and surprising their prey. As a defensive measure, songbirds often gather to mob sitting owls until they fly away. Mobbing songbirds can help you find these unobtrusive owls, as can listening for their call, a high-pitched series of toots." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pygmy_owl</a></div> Anne Elliott