https://www.ipernity.com/tag/293827/keyword/2684403 https://cdn.ipernity.com/p/101/C3/7B/293827.buddy.jpg https://www.ipernity.com/tag/293827/keyword/2684403 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 05:58:51 +0000 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 05:58:51 +0000 https://www.ipernity.com https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49658360 tag:ipernity.com,2019-07-18,doc-49658360 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 16:18:50 +0000 2019-07-11T11:42:56-07:00 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/293827/49658360"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/83/60/49658360.fe5d8ff5.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">"July 20, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the first humans landing on the Moon on July 20, 1969 as part of NASA's Apollo 11 lunar mission." People are remembering this exciting, successful event this week. I was trying to remember where I was when this all took place, so I checked. In the week before, we flew from Seria, Brunei, Borneo, back to England for a short while. On the journey from Borneo, we spent 6th - 13th July in Hong Kong, then in Rome, Italy, from 14th - 18th July, arriving in Birmingham, England, at my parents' house on 18th July. We ended up in Holland in October 1969 and returned to Borneo about a week before Christmas 1969. So, I am guessing that we were with my parents when the Moon Landing took place. My parents never had a TV, and I can't remember if we watched it at any friend's house. So much packing, travelling and chaos : )<br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> On 11 July 2019, it turned out to be such a great day, with some much-appreciated sightings. I must have spent about 9 hours driving and almost every inch of my body ached like crazy at the end of it. Total distance driven was 461 km, leaving home at 8:45 am and arriving back home 12 hours later, at 8:45 pm. Now, each summer, I try and do two or three longer (for me) drives, to make sure I don't lose the courage to do this.<br /> <br /> Weather-wise, it was a beautiful, sunny day, with plenty of white clouds Unlike when I did this drive in August 2018, there was no smoke from any wildfires, thank goodness. <br /> <br /> It was a good day for Hawks, seeing some on the way south and a few on the way home. I did spot one Ferruginous Hawk, but it was perched on a very distant fence post. I'm also wondering if one of the 'hawks' was actually an immature Golden Eagle - seen in photo #4 posted this morning. I saw it from a fair distance and I remember thinking what a large hawk it was. Stopping at an angle in the middle of the road, I managed to get one shot before it took off and a couple just as it was doing so. <br /> <br /> A couple of Common Nighthawks also helped make my day. For several years, I had longed to see one of these unusual birds and, finally in 2017, I managed to find four of them. In 2018, I was able to find just one. These birds are 9½ inches from the tip of bill to the tip of tail. Very strange looking birds, and always a thrill to see one.<br /> <br /> "On warm summer evenings, Common Nighthawks roam the skies over treetops, grasslands, and cities. Their sharp, electric peent call is often the first clue they’re overhead. In the dim half-light, these long-winged birds fly in graceful loops, flashing white patches out past the bend of each wing as they chase insects. These fairly common but declining birds make no nest. Their young are so well camouflaged that they’re hard to find, and even the adults seem to vanish as soon as they land." From AllABoutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Nighthawk/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Nighthawk/id</a><br /> <br /> "North America has 13 nighthawk populations. All but one are in decline and the species is considered threatened in Canada and several U.S. states."<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/little-backpacks-gps-used-to-track-nighthawks-from-northern-alberta-to-brazil-1.4026199" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/little-backpacks-gps-used-to-trac...</a><br /> <br /> My actual destination on 11 July 2019 was the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre, near Lethbridge. I know some people feel that photographing birds that are not out in the wild is cheating. I kind of agree, though I think it's fine as long as someone says where a photo was taken. <br /> <br /> This Centre is a wonderful place that rehabilitates and releases (whenever possible) various birds of prey - hawks, owls, Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures,and Golden Eagles. Some of these birds act as Wildlife Ambassadors, too, including educating the public away from the Centre. Sometimes, a bird is used as a foster parent, too. <br /> <br /> I love the changing scenery as one drives south, and my drive was timed perfectly to catch the golden Canola fields. Maybe half way, I pulled over to take a few photos of an old barn and there was a truck just pulling away. I thought the guy might have been taking photos, too. We got talking and one of the things we both said was that we had never seen a blue field of Flax Later in my drive, guess what I found : ) Looked beautiful, with blue on one side of the road and a field of yellow Canola on the opposite side. <br /> <br /> This was definitely a rewarding day, full of sightings of all kinds. My favourite kind of day!</div> Swainson&#039;s Hawk, immature <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/293827/49658360"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/83/60/49658360.fe5d8ff5.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">"July 20, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the first humans landing on the Moon on July 20, 1969 as part of NASA's Apollo 11 lunar mission." People are remembering this exciting, successful event this week. I was trying to remember where I was when this all took place, so I checked. In the week before, we flew from Seria, Brunei, Borneo, back to England for a short while. On the journey from Borneo, we spent 6th - 13th July in Hong Kong, then in Rome, Italy, from 14th - 18th July, arriving in Birmingham, England, at my parents' house on 18th July. We ended up in Holland in October 1969 and returned to Borneo about a week before Christmas 1969. So, I am guessing that we were with my parents when the Moon Landing took place. My parents never had a TV, and I can't remember if we watched it at any friend's house. So much packing, travelling and chaos : )<br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> On 11 July 2019, it turned out to be such a great day, with some much-appreciated sightings. I must have spent about 9 hours driving and almost every inch of my body ached like crazy at the end of it. Total distance driven was 461 km, leaving home at 8:45 am and arriving back home 12 hours later, at 8:45 pm. Now, each summer, I try and do two or three longer (for me) drives, to make sure I don't lose the courage to do this.<br /> <br /> Weather-wise, it was a beautiful, sunny day, with plenty of white clouds Unlike when I did this drive in August 2018, there was no smoke from any wildfires, thank goodness. <br /> <br /> It was a good day for Hawks, seeing some on the way south and a few on the way home. I did spot one Ferruginous Hawk, but it was perched on a very distant fence post. I'm also wondering if one of the 'hawks' was actually an immature Golden Eagle - seen in photo #4 posted this morning. I saw it from a fair distance and I remember thinking what a large hawk it was. Stopping at an angle in the middle of the road, I managed to get one shot before it took off and a couple just as it was doing so. <br /> <br /> A couple of Common Nighthawks also helped make my day. For several years, I had longed to see one of these unusual birds and, finally in 2017, I managed to find four of them. In 2018, I was able to find just one. These birds are 9½ inches from the tip of bill to the tip of tail. Very strange looking birds, and always a thrill to see one.<br /> <br /> "On warm summer evenings, Common Nighthawks roam the skies over treetops, grasslands, and cities. Their sharp, electric peent call is often the first clue they’re overhead. In the dim half-light, these long-winged birds fly in graceful loops, flashing white patches out past the bend of each wing as they chase insects. These fairly common but declining birds make no nest. Their young are so well camouflaged that they’re hard to find, and even the adults seem to vanish as soon as they land." From AllABoutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Nighthawk/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Nighthawk/id</a><br /> <br /> "North America has 13 nighthawk populations. All but one are in decline and the species is considered threatened in Canada and several U.S. states."<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/little-backpacks-gps-used-to-track-nighthawks-from-northern-alberta-to-brazil-1.4026199" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/little-backpacks-gps-used-to-trac...</a><br /> <br /> My actual destination on 11 July 2019 was the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre, near Lethbridge. I know some people feel that photographing birds that are not out in the wild is cheating. I kind of agree, though I think it's fine as long as someone says where a photo was taken. <br /> <br /> This Centre is a wonderful place that rehabilitates and releases (whenever possible) various birds of prey - hawks, owls, Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures,and Golden Eagles. Some of these birds act as Wildlife Ambassadors, too, including educating the public away from the Centre. Sometimes, a bird is used as a foster parent, too. <br /> <br /> I love the changing scenery as one drives south, and my drive was timed perfectly to catch the golden Canola fields. Maybe half way, I pulled over to take a few photos of an old barn and there was a truck just pulling away. I thought the guy might have been taking photos, too. We got talking and one of the things we both said was that we had never seen a blue field of Flax Later in my drive, guess what I found : ) Looked beautiful, with blue on one side of the road and a field of yellow Canola on the opposite side. <br /> <br /> This was definitely a rewarding day, full of sightings of all kinds. My favourite kind of day!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49658358 tag:ipernity.com,2019-07-18,doc-49658358 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 16:16:59 +0000 2019-07-11T12:36:06-07:00 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/293827/49658358"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/83/58/49658358.7d9da914.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">On 11 July 2019, it turned out to be such a great day, with some much-appreciated sightings. I must have spent about 9 hours driving and almost every inch of my body ached like crazy at the end of it. Total distance driven was 461 km, leaving home at 8:45 am and arriving back home 12 hours later, at 8:45 pm. Now, each summer, I try and do two or three longer (for me) drives, to make sure I don't lose the courage to do this.<br /> <br /> Weather-wise, it was a beautiful, sunny day, with plenty of white clouds Unlike when I did this drive in August 2018, there was no smoke from any wildfires, thank goodness. <br /> <br /> It was a good day for Hawks, seeing some on the way south and a few on the way home. I did spot one Ferruginous Hawk, but it was perched on a very distant fence post. I'm also wondering if one of the 'hawks' was actually an immature Golden Eagle - seen in photo #4 posted this morning. (Yes, it IS a Golden Eagle!) I saw it from a fair distance and I remember thinking what a large hawk it was. Stopping at an angle in the middle of the road, I managed to get one shot before it took off and a couple just as it was doing so. <br /> <br /> A couple of Common Nighthawks also helped make my day. For several years, I had longed to see one of these unusual birds and, finally in 2017, I managed to find four of them. In 2018, I was able to find just one. These birds are 9½ inches from the tip of bill to the tip of tail. Very strange looking birds, and always a thrill to see one.<br /> <br /> "On warm summer evenings, Common Nighthawks roam the skies over treetops, grasslands, and cities. Their sharp, electric peent call is often the first clue they’re overhead. In the dim half-light, these long-winged birds fly in graceful loops, flashing white patches out past the bend of each wing as they chase insects. These fairly common but declining birds make no nest. Their young are so well camouflaged that they’re hard to find, and even the adults seem to vanish as soon as they land." From AllABoutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Nighthawk/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Nighthawk/id</a><br /> <br /> "North America has 13 nighthawk populations. All but one are in decline and the species is considered threatened in Canada and several U.S. states."<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/little-backpacks-gps-used-to-track-nighthawks-from-northern-alberta-to-brazil-1.4026199" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/little-backpacks-gps-used-to-trac...</a><br /> <br /> My actual destination on 11 July 2019 was the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre, near Lethbridge. I know some people feel that photographing birds that are not out in the wild is cheating. I kind of agree, though I think it's fine as long as someone says where a photo was taken. <br /> <br /> This Centre is a wonderful place that rehabilitates and releases (whenever possible) various birds of prey - hawks, owls, Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures,and Golden Eagles. Some of these birds act as Wildlife Ambassadors, too, including educating the public away from the Centre. Sometimes, a bird is used as a foster parent, too. <br /> <br /> I love the changing scenery as one drives south, and my drive was timed perfectly to catch the golden Canola fields. Maybe half way, I pulled over to take a few photos of an old barn and there was a truck just pulling away. I thought the guy might have been taking photos, too. We got talking and one of the things we both said was that we had never seen a blue field of Flax Later in my drive, guess what I found : ) Looked beautiful, with blue on one side of the road and a field of yellow Canola on the opposite side. <br /> <br /> This was definitely a rewarding day, full of sightings of all kinds. My favourite kind of day!</div> Golden Eagle! <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/293827/49658358"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/83/58/49658358.7d9da914.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">On 11 July 2019, it turned out to be such a great day, with some much-appreciated sightings. I must have spent about 9 hours driving and almost every inch of my body ached like crazy at the end of it. Total distance driven was 461 km, leaving home at 8:45 am and arriving back home 12 hours later, at 8:45 pm. Now, each summer, I try and do two or three longer (for me) drives, to make sure I don't lose the courage to do this.<br /> <br /> Weather-wise, it was a beautiful, sunny day, with plenty of white clouds Unlike when I did this drive in August 2018, there was no smoke from any wildfires, thank goodness. <br /> <br /> It was a good day for Hawks, seeing some on the way south and a few on the way home. I did spot one Ferruginous Hawk, but it was perched on a very distant fence post. I'm also wondering if one of the 'hawks' was actually an immature Golden Eagle - seen in photo #4 posted this morning. (Yes, it IS a Golden Eagle!) I saw it from a fair distance and I remember thinking what a large hawk it was. Stopping at an angle in the middle of the road, I managed to get one shot before it took off and a couple just as it was doing so. <br /> <br /> A couple of Common Nighthawks also helped make my day. For several years, I had longed to see one of these unusual birds and, finally in 2017, I managed to find four of them. In 2018, I was able to find just one. These birds are 9½ inches from the tip of bill to the tip of tail. Very strange looking birds, and always a thrill to see one.<br /> <br /> "On warm summer evenings, Common Nighthawks roam the skies over treetops, grasslands, and cities. Their sharp, electric peent call is often the first clue they’re overhead. In the dim half-light, these long-winged birds fly in graceful loops, flashing white patches out past the bend of each wing as they chase insects. These fairly common but declining birds make no nest. Their young are so well camouflaged that they’re hard to find, and even the adults seem to vanish as soon as they land." From AllABoutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Nighthawk/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Nighthawk/id</a><br /> <br /> "North America has 13 nighthawk populations. All but one are in decline and the species is considered threatened in Canada and several U.S. states."<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/little-backpacks-gps-used-to-track-nighthawks-from-northern-alberta-to-brazil-1.4026199" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/little-backpacks-gps-used-to-trac...</a><br /> <br /> My actual destination on 11 July 2019 was the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre, near Lethbridge. I know some people feel that photographing birds that are not out in the wild is cheating. I kind of agree, though I think it's fine as long as someone says where a photo was taken. <br /> <br /> This Centre is a wonderful place that rehabilitates and releases (whenever possible) various birds of prey - hawks, owls, Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures,and Golden Eagles. Some of these birds act as Wildlife Ambassadors, too, including educating the public away from the Centre. Sometimes, a bird is used as a foster parent, too. <br /> <br /> I love the changing scenery as one drives south, and my drive was timed perfectly to catch the golden Canola fields. Maybe half way, I pulled over to take a few photos of an old barn and there was a truck just pulling away. I thought the guy might have been taking photos, too. We got talking and one of the things we both said was that we had never seen a blue field of Flax Later in my drive, guess what I found : ) Looked beautiful, with blue on one side of the road and a field of yellow Canola on the opposite side. <br /> <br /> This was definitely a rewarding day, full of sightings of all kinds. My favourite kind of day!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49648950 tag:ipernity.com,2019-07-16,doc-49648950 Tue, 16 Jul 2019 15:41:54 +0000 2019-07-15T15:41:15-07:00 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/293827/49648950"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/89/50/49648950.1816e7af.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">WILL BE THINKING OF YOU IN JUST A FEW HOURS' TIME, WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR SURGERY, PAM! HUGS XXX<br /> <br /> This morning, 16 July 2019, I woke up to find that it's raining - again! It definitely feels like it has rained almost every day for weeks. "Risk of a thunderstorm" seems to be the norm these days. Our temperature is only 11C (windchill 9C) at 10:00 am..<br /> <br /> Yesterday afternoon, I just needed to get out for a quick drive, so, despite the forecast for rain, I drove SW of the city along several usual roads. I soon discovered that one of the roads I was going to drive had roadworks going on - oiling the road. With a car that was already covered in dead insect "splats", from my 12-hour drive south of the city, the last thing I wanted was to add oil to the mix. So, yesterday's drive ended up being very short; just a couple of hours in total. Amazing what one can come across in a short time, though.<br /> <br /> A Wilson's Snipe was perched on a fence post, giving me yet another chance for a few photos. A Red-winged Blackbird was perched on another fence post, happily and noisily displaying its scarlet and yellow shoulder patches. Down a different road, a fluffy Tree Swallow fledgling sat on the barbed-wire by its nesting box, all alone.<br /> <br /> "Though the long tradition of “snipe hunt” pranks at summer camp has convinced many people otherwise, Wilson’s Snipes aren’t made-up creatures. These plump, long-billed birds are among the most widespread shorebirds in North America. They can be tough to see thanks to their cryptic brown and buff coloration and secretive nature. But in summer they often stand on fence posts or take to the sky with a fast, zigzagging flight and an unusual “winnowing” sound made with the tail." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wilsons_Snipe/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wilsons_Snipe/id</a><br /> <br /> According to Fisher and Acorn's book, "Birds of Alberta", "the common Snipe is both secretive and well camouflaged, so few people notice it until it flushes suddenly from a nearby grassy tussock. As soon as the Snipe takes to the air, it performs a series of quick zigzags - an evasive maneuver designed to confuse predators. Because of this habit, Snipes were among the most difficult birds to shoot (in the days when shorebirds were hunted for sport), and skilled sportsmen were known as "snipers" - a term later adopted by the military."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://youtu.be/Z16CUdX2g5Q" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/Z16CUdX2g5Q</a><br /> <br /> Leaving the area, ready to go home, I came across two immature Red-tailed Hawks, both perched on the same wooden beam at the top of a utility pole. Such beautiful birds.<br /> <br /> Further on, I suddenly decided to drive up a road that I don't think I have ever driven before. What a treat I discovered - a gorgeous old barn! Absolutely made my day.</div> Wilson&#039;s Snipe <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/293827/49648950"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/89/50/49648950.1816e7af.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">WILL BE THINKING OF YOU IN JUST A FEW HOURS' TIME, WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR SURGERY, PAM! HUGS XXX<br /> <br /> This morning, 16 July 2019, I woke up to find that it's raining - again! It definitely feels like it has rained almost every day for weeks. "Risk of a thunderstorm" seems to be the norm these days. Our temperature is only 11C (windchill 9C) at 10:00 am..<br /> <br /> Yesterday afternoon, I just needed to get out for a quick drive, so, despite the forecast for rain, I drove SW of the city along several usual roads. I soon discovered that one of the roads I was going to drive had roadworks going on - oiling the road. With a car that was already covered in dead insect "splats", from my 12-hour drive south of the city, the last thing I wanted was to add oil to the mix. So, yesterday's drive ended up being very short; just a couple of hours in total. Amazing what one can come across in a short time, though.<br /> <br /> A Wilson's Snipe was perched on a fence post, giving me yet another chance for a few photos. A Red-winged Blackbird was perched on another fence post, happily and noisily displaying its scarlet and yellow shoulder patches. Down a different road, a fluffy Tree Swallow fledgling sat on the barbed-wire by its nesting box, all alone.<br /> <br /> "Though the long tradition of “snipe hunt” pranks at summer camp has convinced many people otherwise, Wilson’s Snipes aren’t made-up creatures. These plump, long-billed birds are among the most widespread shorebirds in North America. They can be tough to see thanks to their cryptic brown and buff coloration and secretive nature. But in summer they often stand on fence posts or take to the sky with a fast, zigzagging flight and an unusual “winnowing” sound made with the tail." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wilsons_Snipe/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wilsons_Snipe/id</a><br /> <br /> According to Fisher and Acorn's book, "Birds of Alberta", "the common Snipe is both secretive and well camouflaged, so few people notice it until it flushes suddenly from a nearby grassy tussock. As soon as the Snipe takes to the air, it performs a series of quick zigzags - an evasive maneuver designed to confuse predators. Because of this habit, Snipes were among the most difficult birds to shoot (in the days when shorebirds were hunted for sport), and skilled sportsmen were known as "snipers" - a term later adopted by the military."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://youtu.be/Z16CUdX2g5Q" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/Z16CUdX2g5Q</a><br /> <br /> Leaving the area, ready to go home, I came across two immature Red-tailed Hawks, both perched on the same wooden beam at the top of a utility pole. Such beautiful birds.<br /> <br /> Further on, I suddenly decided to drive up a road that I don't think I have ever driven before. What a treat I discovered - a gorgeous old barn! Absolutely made my day.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49627926 tag:ipernity.com,2019-07-14,doc-49627926 Sun, 14 Jul 2019 16:20:24 +0000 2019-07-13T10:13:30-07:00 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/293827/49627926"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/79/26/49627926.05d1e1a7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Wow, I believe I missed posting any photos the last three days! I was out on 7th, 8th and 11th July, and the trip on 11th was a long, 12-hour day that was totally exhausting! That day, I made myself drive south, almost to the US/Canada border, to visit the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre. This is one of the long drives I make myself do each year now, to make sure I don't lose the courage to do the drive. It took me almost 6 hours to get there, as I kept stopping to take photos : ) In fact, I wasn't sure I was going to make it as far as my destination, or if I did, I might end up driving the last part of my drive home in the dark, which I definitely had to avoid. It was such a great day, though my poor old body was in so much pain the next day or two. A very hot day, too, but beautiful weather. I haven't even started going through my photos from that trip.<br /> <br /> Thank you so much, Shirley, for inviting us all out to visit you yesterday, 13 July 2019, while you were out again at your summer trailer at Eagle Lake for the weekend! The five photos posted this morning were taken while sitting on your deck or walking around the edge of the campground. Last year, on our visit, we saw fewer birds than in June 2017. This year, there seemed to be fewer birds than in August last year, but still plenty to keep us happy. With all the rain that we have been having the last few weeks, we were so lucky with the weather yesterday - it was perfect.<br /> <br /> It was such a pleasure to see some of "your" birds that you enjoy so much. We had an extra treat of seeing baby Northern Flickers in their cavity and watching a pair of House Sparrows busily feeding their babies right near the deck. Talk about cute! A few kinds of shorebirds were down along the edge of the lake, as usual, including an elegant Black-necked Stilt. I didn't notice any soapsud "icebergs" on the lake this year, but there were a few patches of soapsud foam at the water's edge. <br /> <br /> The small Hutterite food stand was in the trailer campground again this year. A delightfully friendly lady showed us what she was selling and some of us bought a jar of her strawberry/rhubarb jam. After chatting for quite a while, it was a huge surprise when she insisted on giving us one of her fruit pies to share back at the trailer - delicious, too, I should add.<br /> <br /> Great to see everyone who went, and we all enjoyed an array of salads and desserts, along with Shirley's Chili, that left me feeling full till the early evening. <br /> <br /> Many thanks, Anne B, for driving the four of us east across the prairies. Hugely appreciated, as always!</div> American Goldfinch male / Spinus tristis <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/293827/49627926"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/79/26/49627926.05d1e1a7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Wow, I believe I missed posting any photos the last three days! I was out on 7th, 8th and 11th July, and the trip on 11th was a long, 12-hour day that was totally exhausting! That day, I made myself drive south, almost to the US/Canada border, to visit the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre. This is one of the long drives I make myself do each year now, to make sure I don't lose the courage to do the drive. It took me almost 6 hours to get there, as I kept stopping to take photos : ) In fact, I wasn't sure I was going to make it as far as my destination, or if I did, I might end up driving the last part of my drive home in the dark, which I definitely had to avoid. It was such a great day, though my poor old body was in so much pain the next day or two. A very hot day, too, but beautiful weather. I haven't even started going through my photos from that trip.<br /> <br /> Thank you so much, Shirley, for inviting us all out to visit you yesterday, 13 July 2019, while you were out again at your summer trailer at Eagle Lake for the weekend! The five photos posted this morning were taken while sitting on your deck or walking around the edge of the campground. Last year, on our visit, we saw fewer birds than in June 2017. This year, there seemed to be fewer birds than in August last year, but still plenty to keep us happy. With all the rain that we have been having the last few weeks, we were so lucky with the weather yesterday - it was perfect.<br /> <br /> It was such a pleasure to see some of "your" birds that you enjoy so much. We had an extra treat of seeing baby Northern Flickers in their cavity and watching a pair of House Sparrows busily feeding their babies right near the deck. Talk about cute! A few kinds of shorebirds were down along the edge of the lake, as usual, including an elegant Black-necked Stilt. I didn't notice any soapsud "icebergs" on the lake this year, but there were a few patches of soapsud foam at the water's edge. <br /> <br /> The small Hutterite food stand was in the trailer campground again this year. A delightfully friendly lady showed us what she was selling and some of us bought a jar of her strawberry/rhubarb jam. After chatting for quite a while, it was a huge surprise when she insisted on giving us one of her fruit pies to share back at the trailer - delicious, too, I should add.<br /> <br /> Great to see everyone who went, and we all enjoyed an array of salads and desserts, along with Shirley's Chili, that left me feeling full till the early evening. <br /> <br /> Many thanks, Anne B, for driving the four of us east across the prairies. Hugely appreciated, as always!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49509814 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-29,doc-49509814 Sat, 29 Jun 2019 18:36:03 +0000 2019-06-25T20:00:03-07:00 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/293827/49509814"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/14/49509814.6891311b.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Yellow Warbler with food for his babies <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49509814"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/14/49509814.6891311b.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49509810 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-29,doc-49509810 Sat, 29 Jun 2019 18:34:29 +0000 2019-06-25T20:06:11-07:00 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/293827/49509810"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/10/49509810.3a29bd35.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Northern Rough-winged Swallow / Stelgidopteryx serripennis <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/293827/49509810"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/10/49509810.3a29bd35.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49509804 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-29,doc-49509804 Sat, 29 Jun 2019 18:32:03 +0000 2019-06-25T19:59:18-07:00 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/293827/49509804"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/04/49509804.f7b1ca74.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Yellow Warbler male collecting insects <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/293827/49509804"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/04/49509804.f7b1ca74.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49509802 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-29,doc-49509802 Sat, 29 Jun 2019 18:30:35 +0000 2019-06-25T20:05:49-07:00 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/293827/49509802"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/02/49509802.917de8d4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Northern Rough-winged Swallow / Stelgidopteryx serripennis <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/293827/49509802"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/02/49509802.917de8d4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49509786 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-29,doc-49509786 Sat, 29 Jun 2019 18:22:29 +0000 2019-06-25T19:00:17-07:00 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/293827/49509786"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/97/86/49509786.8c3bc692.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Northern Rough-winged Swallow / Stelgidopteryx serripennis <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/293827/49509786"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/97/86/49509786.8c3bc692.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49506928 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-28,doc-49506928 Fri, 28 Jun 2019 23:15:19 +0000 2019-06-23T16:32:48-07:00 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/293827/49506928"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/69/28/49506928.7d6c5cb7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday evening, 27 June 2019, I was out at a birding meeting. As well as being a chance to get together with friends, it was also a surprise celebration for the 90th birthday of the wife of our main Naturalist. Everyone loves Aileen - a very smart lady who knows so much about birding and botany and all sorts of other things. She is always the same, every time you see her, so welcoming and sweet, yet a very strong person. We are all in awe that she is still able to occasionally join us for a walk or even a trip - if she is not too busy with something else! Her husband, our Naturalist, at the age of 87, can still out-walk many of us (me definitely included!). No one knows how he manages to organize so many birding walks, botany walks, out-of-town day or half-day trips, and endless other activities such as caring for their double-lot garden in which they grow a lot of vegetables (and, of course, flowers, including so many native plants). <br /> <br /> As well as celebrating Aileen's birthday, we also watched an excellent, beautifully-filmed and produced video titled "Birding and Botany on the Southern Alberta Walk with Gus Yaki” by Marshall Netherwood, who accompanied Gus and others on a cross-Alberta "walk" a while ago. This video held one's attention every second. It was also announced last night that Gus has just been awarded some special award for all the volunteering he does, and has done for so many years. <br /> <br /> Oh, boy, what weather we had yesterday! I got caught in a heavy rainstorm on the drive home from the meeting. Little did I know that other roads around me were badly flooded! Only today did I see photos and videos of the roads that had turned into rivers. There is flooding in the city and in lots of places in Alberta. Much as we need moisture, especially the farmers, we definitely do not need serious flooding.<br /> <br /> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Sorry for flooding my photostream with photos of Wilson's Snipe and Mountain Bluebirds. Decided to keep them more or less together, rather than posting them here and there. I still have a few images from a couple of very recent short walks, but I also have several walks and trips that are coming up soon. I suspect my Texas photos are not going to get done for some time yet! Also, I have just bought a slide/negative scanner for a big project that I have been asked to do. Hope it doesn't take me forever to learn how to use it : )<br /> <br /> The extra 12 photos posted this afternoon are photos taken on 23 June 2019 in my "usual" area, on my way home from the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance botany walk and BBQ. After a birdless day, I knew I would be able to find a few birds closer to home. I hadn't really expected to find a Bobolink, so this was an extra treat. <br /> <br /> "Perched on a grass stem or displaying in flight over a field, breeding male Bobolinks are striking. No other North American bird has a white back and black underparts (some have described this look as wearing a tuxedo backwards). <br /> <br /> Added to this are the male’s rich, straw-colored patch on the head and his bubbling, virtuosic song. As summer ends he molts into a buff and brown female-like plumage. Though they’re still fairly common in grasslands, Bobolink numbers are declining." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bobolink/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bobolink/id</a><br /> <br /> "The Bobolink inhabits Canada's grassland and agricultural areas from the interior of British Columbia to the east coast. Relative to 1970 levels, this species has shown a large decrease across most of its range, with the exception of the Prairie Potholes Bird Conservation Region where populations have changed little. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada assessed the Bobolink as Threatened in 2010 (COSEWIC 2010d). This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ec.gc.ca/soc-sbc/oiseau-bird-eng.aspx?sY=2014&sL=e&sM=c&sB=BOBO" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ec.gc.ca/soc-sbc/oiseau-bird-eng.aspx?sY=2014&sL=...</a><br /> <br /> That day, 23 June, was a fun day, despite the fact that it was raining a good part of the time. It was the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance walk, which ends with a delicious fundraiser BBQ at noon. This botany walk, through the forest and along the top of the cliff by the Ghost River, is led by our main Naturalist, Gus Yaki, and hosted by Erik Butters. I can't remember how many of these events I have been to over the years, but certainly a few. <br /> <br /> I like to drive myself out there, as I then have the choice to drive somewhere else when all is finished, if I have any energy left. Exactly what I did, enjoying myself photographing Mountain Bluebirds, a Wilson's Snipe, and the Bobolink which was unfortunately perched on a high wire. Better than nothing, though.<br /> <br /> It was a very early start to that day, as I wanted to allow about two hours' travel time. There has been some flooding in certain areas and I wasn't sure if there might be a road or two blocked off. As it turned out, I reached the meeting place in plenty of time, so drove a bit further to see what I could find. Just an attractive, old wagon that I have seen before, and some adorable, new calves in one of the fields.</div> Bobolink / Dolichonyx oryzivorus, singing <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/293827/49506928"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/69/28/49506928.7d6c5cb7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday evening, 27 June 2019, I was out at a birding meeting. As well as being a chance to get together with friends, it was also a surprise celebration for the 90th birthday of the wife of our main Naturalist. Everyone loves Aileen - a very smart lady who knows so much about birding and botany and all sorts of other things. She is always the same, every time you see her, so welcoming and sweet, yet a very strong person. We are all in awe that she is still able to occasionally join us for a walk or even a trip - if she is not too busy with something else! Her husband, our Naturalist, at the age of 87, can still out-walk many of us (me definitely included!). No one knows how he manages to organize so many birding walks, botany walks, out-of-town day or half-day trips, and endless other activities such as caring for their double-lot garden in which they grow a lot of vegetables (and, of course, flowers, including so many native plants). <br /> <br /> As well as celebrating Aileen's birthday, we also watched an excellent, beautifully-filmed and produced video titled "Birding and Botany on the Southern Alberta Walk with Gus Yaki” by Marshall Netherwood, who accompanied Gus and others on a cross-Alberta "walk" a while ago. This video held one's attention every second. It was also announced last night that Gus has just been awarded some special award for all the volunteering he does, and has done for so many years. <br /> <br /> Oh, boy, what weather we had yesterday! I got caught in a heavy rainstorm on the drive home from the meeting. Little did I know that other roads around me were badly flooded! Only today did I see photos and videos of the roads that had turned into rivers. There is flooding in the city and in lots of places in Alberta. Much as we need moisture, especially the farmers, we definitely do not need serious flooding.<br /> <br /> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Sorry for flooding my photostream with photos of Wilson's Snipe and Mountain Bluebirds. Decided to keep them more or less together, rather than posting them here and there. I still have a few images from a couple of very recent short walks, but I also have several walks and trips that are coming up soon. I suspect my Texas photos are not going to get done for some time yet! Also, I have just bought a slide/negative scanner for a big project that I have been asked to do. Hope it doesn't take me forever to learn how to use it : )<br /> <br /> The extra 12 photos posted this afternoon are photos taken on 23 June 2019 in my "usual" area, on my way home from the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance botany walk and BBQ. After a birdless day, I knew I would be able to find a few birds closer to home. I hadn't really expected to find a Bobolink, so this was an extra treat. <br /> <br /> "Perched on a grass stem or displaying in flight over a field, breeding male Bobolinks are striking. No other North American bird has a white back and black underparts (some have described this look as wearing a tuxedo backwards). <br /> <br /> Added to this are the male’s rich, straw-colored patch on the head and his bubbling, virtuosic song. As summer ends he molts into a buff and brown female-like plumage. Though they’re still fairly common in grasslands, Bobolink numbers are declining." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bobolink/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bobolink/id</a><br /> <br /> "The Bobolink inhabits Canada's grassland and agricultural areas from the interior of British Columbia to the east coast. Relative to 1970 levels, this species has shown a large decrease across most of its range, with the exception of the Prairie Potholes Bird Conservation Region where populations have changed little. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada assessed the Bobolink as Threatened in 2010 (COSEWIC 2010d). This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ec.gc.ca/soc-sbc/oiseau-bird-eng.aspx?sY=2014&sL=e&sM=c&sB=BOBO" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ec.gc.ca/soc-sbc/oiseau-bird-eng.aspx?sY=2014&sL=...</a><br /> <br /> That day, 23 June, was a fun day, despite the fact that it was raining a good part of the time. It was the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance walk, which ends with a delicious fundraiser BBQ at noon. This botany walk, through the forest and along the top of the cliff by the Ghost River, is led by our main Naturalist, Gus Yaki, and hosted by Erik Butters. I can't remember how many of these events I have been to over the years, but certainly a few. <br /> <br /> I like to drive myself out there, as I then have the choice to drive somewhere else when all is finished, if I have any energy left. Exactly what I did, enjoying myself photographing Mountain Bluebirds, a Wilson's Snipe, and the Bobolink which was unfortunately perched on a high wire. Better than nothing, though.<br /> <br /> It was a very early start to that day, as I wanted to allow about two hours' travel time. There has been some flooding in certain areas and I wasn't sure if there might be a road or two blocked off. As it turned out, I reached the meeting place in plenty of time, so drove a bit further to see what I could find. Just an attractive, old wagon that I have seen before, and some adorable, new calves in one of the fields.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49506874 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-28,doc-49506874 Fri, 28 Jun 2019 23:11:56 +0000 2019-06-23T15:38:52-07:00 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/293827/49506874"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/68/74/49506874.d8a779c3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday evening, 27 June 2019, I was out at a birding meeting. As well as being a chance to get together with friends, it was also a surprise celebration for the 90th birthday of the wife of our main Naturalist. Everyone loves Aileen - a very smart lady who knows so much about birding and botany and all sorts of other things. She is always the same, every time you see her, so welcoming and sweet, yet a very strong person. We are all in awe that she is still able to occasionally join us for a walk or even a trip - if she is not too busy with something else! Her husband, our Naturalist, at the age of 87, can still out-walk many of us (me definitely included!). No one knows how he manages to organize so many birding walks, botany walks, out-of-town day or half-day trips, and endless other activities such as caring for their double-lot garden in which they grow a lot of vegetables (and, of course, flowers, including so many native plants). <br /> <br /> As well as celebrating Aileen's birthday, we also watched an excellent, beautifully-filmed and produced video titled "Birding and Botany on the Southern Alberta Walk with Gus Yaki” by Marshall Netherwood, who accompanied Gus and others on a cross-Alberta "walk" a while ago. This video held one's attention every second. It was also announced last night that Gus has just been awarded some special award for all the volunteering he does, and has done for so many years. <br /> <br /> Oh, boy, what weather we had yesterday! I got caught in a heavy rainstorm on the drive home from the meeting. Little did I know that other roads around me were badly flooded! Only today did I see photos and videos of the roads that had turned into rivers. There is flooding in the city and in lots of places in Alberta. Much as we need moisture, especially the farmers, we definitely do not need serious flooding.<br /> <br /> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Sorry for flooding my photostream with photos of Wilson's Snipe and Mountain Bluebirds. Decided to keep them more or less together, rather than posting them here and there. I still have a few images from a couple of very recent short walks, but I also have several walks and trips that are coming up soon. I suspect my Texas photos are not going to get done for some time yet!</div> Wilson&#039;s Snipe, having a stretch <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/293827/49506874"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/68/74/49506874.d8a779c3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday evening, 27 June 2019, I was out at a birding meeting. As well as being a chance to get together with friends, it was also a surprise celebration for the 90th birthday of the wife of our main Naturalist. Everyone loves Aileen - a very smart lady who knows so much about birding and botany and all sorts of other things. She is always the same, every time you see her, so welcoming and sweet, yet a very strong person. We are all in awe that she is still able to occasionally join us for a walk or even a trip - if she is not too busy with something else! Her husband, our Naturalist, at the age of 87, can still out-walk many of us (me definitely included!). No one knows how he manages to organize so many birding walks, botany walks, out-of-town day or half-day trips, and endless other activities such as caring for their double-lot garden in which they grow a lot of vegetables (and, of course, flowers, including so many native plants). <br /> <br /> As well as celebrating Aileen's birthday, we also watched an excellent, beautifully-filmed and produced video titled "Birding and Botany on the Southern Alberta Walk with Gus Yaki” by Marshall Netherwood, who accompanied Gus and others on a cross-Alberta "walk" a while ago. This video held one's attention every second. It was also announced last night that Gus has just been awarded some special award for all the volunteering he does, and has done for so many years. <br /> <br /> Oh, boy, what weather we had yesterday! I got caught in a heavy rainstorm on the drive home from the meeting. Little did I know that other roads around me were badly flooded! Only today did I see photos and videos of the roads that had turned into rivers. There is flooding in the city and in lots of places in Alberta. Much as we need moisture, especially the farmers, we definitely do not need serious flooding.<br /> <br /> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Sorry for flooding my photostream with photos of Wilson's Snipe and Mountain Bluebirds. Decided to keep them more or less together, rather than posting them here and there. I still have a few images from a couple of very recent short walks, but I also have several walks and trips that are coming up soon. I suspect my Texas photos are not going to get done for some time yet!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49506852 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-28,doc-49506852 Fri, 28 Jun 2019 23:08:22 +0000 2019-06-23T16:32:46-07:00 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/293827/49506852"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/68/52/49506852.e3e3665c.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday evening, 27 June 2019, I was out at a birding meeting. As well as being a chance to get together with friends, it was also a surprise celebration for the 90th birthday of the wife of our main Naturalist. Everyone loves Aileen - a very smart lady who knows so much about birding and botany and all sorts of other things. She is always the same, every time you see her, so welcoming and sweet, yet a very strong person. We are all in awe that she is still able to occasionally join us for a walk or even a trip - if she is not too busy with something else! Her husband, our Naturalist, at the age of 87, can still out-walk many of us (me definitely included!). No one knows how he manages to organize so many birding walks, botany walks, out-of-town day or half-day trips, and endless other activities such as caring for their double-lot garden in which they grow a lot of vegetables (and, of course, flowers, including so many native plants). <br /> <br /> As well as celebrating Aileen's birthday, we also watched an excellent, beautifully-filmed and produced video titled "Birding and Botany on the Southern Alberta Walk with Gus Yaki” by Marshall Netherwood, who accompanied Gus and others on a cross-Alberta "walk" a while ago. This video held one's attention every second. It was also announced last night that Gus has just been awarded some special award for all the volunteering he does, and has done for so many years. <br /> <br /> Oh, boy, what weather we had yesterday! I got caught in a heavy rainstorm on the drive home from the meeting. Little did I know that other roads around me were badly flooded! Only today did I see photos and videos of the roads that had turned into rivers. There is flooding in the city and in lots of places in Alberta. Much as we need moisture, especially the farmers, we definitely do not need serious flooding.<br /> <br /> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Sorry for flooding my photostream with photos of Wilson's Snipe and Mountain Bluebirds. Decided to keep them more or less together, rather than posting them here and there. I still have a few images from a couple of very recent short walks, but I also have several walks and trips that are coming up soon. I suspect my Texas photos are not going to get done for some time yet! Also, I have just bought a slide/negative scanner for a big project that I have been asked to do. Hope it doesn't take me forever to learn how to use it : )<br /> <br /> The extra 12 photos posted this afternoon are photos taken on 23 June 2019 in my "usual" area, on my way home from the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance botany walk and BBQ. After a birdless day, I knew I would be able to find a few birds closer to home. I hadn't really expected to find a Bobolink, so this was an extra treat. <br /> <br /> "Perched on a grass stem or displaying in flight over a field, breeding male Bobolinks are striking. No other North American bird has a white back and black underparts (some have described this look as wearing a tuxedo backwards). <br /> <br /> Added to this are the male’s rich, straw-colored patch on the head and his bubbling, virtuosic song. As summer ends he molts into a buff and brown female-like plumage. Though they’re still fairly common in grasslands, Bobolink numbers are declining." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bobolink/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bobolink/id</a><br /> <br /> "The Bobolink inhabits Canada's grassland and agricultural areas from the interior of British Columbia to the east coast. Relative to 1970 levels, this species has shown a large decrease across most of its range, with the exception of the Prairie Potholes Bird Conservation Region where populations have changed little. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada assessed the Bobolink as Threatened in 2010 (COSEWIC 2010d). This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ec.gc.ca/soc-sbc/oiseau-bird-eng.aspx?sY=2014&sL=e&sM=c&sB=BOBO" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ec.gc.ca/soc-sbc/oiseau-bird-eng.aspx?sY=2014&sL=...</a><br /> <br /> That day, 23 June, was a fun day, despite the fact that it was raining a good part of the time. It was the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance walk, which ends with a delicious fundraiser BBQ at noon. This botany walk, through the forest and along the top of the cliff by the Ghost River, is led by our main Naturalist, Gus Yaki, and hosted by Erik Butters. I can't remember how many of these events I have been to over the years, but certainly a few. <br /> <br /> I like to drive myself out there, as I then have the choice to drive somewhere else when all is finished, if I have any energy left. Exactly what I did, enjoying myself photographing Mountain Bluebirds, a Wilson's Snipe, and the Bobolink which was unfortunately perched on a high wire. Better than nothing, though.<br /> <br /> It was a very early start to that day, as I wanted to allow about two hours' travel time. There has been some flooding in certain areas and I wasn't sure if there might be a road or two blocked off. As it turned out, I reached the meeting place in plenty of time, so drove a bit further to see what I could find. Just an attractive, old wagon that I have seen before, and some adorable, new calves in one of the fields.</div> Bobolink male / Dolichonyx oryzivorus <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/293827/49506852"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/68/52/49506852.e3e3665c.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday evening, 27 June 2019, I was out at a birding meeting. As well as being a chance to get together with friends, it was also a surprise celebration for the 90th birthday of the wife of our main Naturalist. Everyone loves Aileen - a very smart lady who knows so much about birding and botany and all sorts of other things. She is always the same, every time you see her, so welcoming and sweet, yet a very strong person. We are all in awe that she is still able to occasionally join us for a walk or even a trip - if she is not too busy with something else! Her husband, our Naturalist, at the age of 87, can still out-walk many of us (me definitely included!). No one knows how he manages to organize so many birding walks, botany walks, out-of-town day or half-day trips, and endless other activities such as caring for their double-lot garden in which they grow a lot of vegetables (and, of course, flowers, including so many native plants). <br /> <br /> As well as celebrating Aileen's birthday, we also watched an excellent, beautifully-filmed and produced video titled "Birding and Botany on the Southern Alberta Walk with Gus Yaki” by Marshall Netherwood, who accompanied Gus and others on a cross-Alberta "walk" a while ago. This video held one's attention every second. It was also announced last night that Gus has just been awarded some special award for all the volunteering he does, and has done for so many years. <br /> <br /> Oh, boy, what weather we had yesterday! I got caught in a heavy rainstorm on the drive home from the meeting. Little did I know that other roads around me were badly flooded! Only today did I see photos and videos of the roads that had turned into rivers. There is flooding in the city and in lots of places in Alberta. Much as we need moisture, especially the farmers, we definitely do not need serious flooding.<br /> <br /> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Sorry for flooding my photostream with photos of Wilson's Snipe and Mountain Bluebirds. Decided to keep them more or less together, rather than posting them here and there. I still have a few images from a couple of very recent short walks, but I also have several walks and trips that are coming up soon. I suspect my Texas photos are not going to get done for some time yet! Also, I have just bought a slide/negative scanner for a big project that I have been asked to do. Hope it doesn't take me forever to learn how to use it : )<br /> <br /> The extra 12 photos posted this afternoon are photos taken on 23 June 2019 in my "usual" area, on my way home from the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance botany walk and BBQ. After a birdless day, I knew I would be able to find a few birds closer to home. I hadn't really expected to find a Bobolink, so this was an extra treat. <br /> <br /> "Perched on a grass stem or displaying in flight over a field, breeding male Bobolinks are striking. No other North American bird has a white back and black underparts (some have described this look as wearing a tuxedo backwards). <br /> <br /> Added to this are the male’s rich, straw-colored patch on the head and his bubbling, virtuosic song. As summer ends he molts into a buff and brown female-like plumage. Though they’re still fairly common in grasslands, Bobolink numbers are declining." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bobolink/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bobolink/id</a><br /> <br /> "The Bobolink inhabits Canada's grassland and agricultural areas from the interior of British Columbia to the east coast. Relative to 1970 levels, this species has shown a large decrease across most of its range, with the exception of the Prairie Potholes Bird Conservation Region where populations have changed little. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada assessed the Bobolink as Threatened in 2010 (COSEWIC 2010d). This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ec.gc.ca/soc-sbc/oiseau-bird-eng.aspx?sY=2014&sL=e&sM=c&sB=BOBO" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ec.gc.ca/soc-sbc/oiseau-bird-eng.aspx?sY=2014&sL=...</a><br /> <br /> That day, 23 June, was a fun day, despite the fact that it was raining a good part of the time. It was the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance walk, which ends with a delicious fundraiser BBQ at noon. This botany walk, through the forest and along the top of the cliff by the Ghost River, is led by our main Naturalist, Gus Yaki, and hosted by Erik Butters. I can't remember how many of these events I have been to over the years, but certainly a few. <br /> <br /> I like to drive myself out there, as I then have the choice to drive somewhere else when all is finished, if I have any energy left. Exactly what I did, enjoying myself photographing Mountain Bluebirds, a Wilson's Snipe, and the Bobolink which was unfortunately perched on a high wire. Better than nothing, though.<br /> <br /> It was a very early start to that day, as I wanted to allow about two hours' travel time. There has been some flooding in certain areas and I wasn't sure if there might be a road or two blocked off. As it turned out, I reached the meeting place in plenty of time, so drove a bit further to see what I could find. Just an attractive, old wagon that I have seen before, and some adorable, new calves in one of the fields.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49506614 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-27,doc-49506614 Thu, 27 Jun 2019 16:47:08 +0000 2019-06-23T16:32:52-07:00 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/293827/49506614"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/66/14/49506614.6cb1baa3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="174" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The 5 photos posted this morning are photos taken on 23 June 2019 in my "usual" area, on my way home from the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance botany walk and BBQ. After a birdless day, I knew I would be able to find a few birds closer to home. I hadn't really expected to find a Bobolink, so this was an extra treat. <br /> <br /> "Perched on a grass stem or displaying in flight over a field, breeding male Bobolinks are striking. No other North American bird has a white back and black underparts (some have described this look as wearing a tuxedo backwards). <br /> <br /> Added to this are the male’s rich, straw-colored patch on the head and his bubbling, virtuosic song. As summer ends he molts into a buff and brown female-like plumage. Though they’re still fairly common in grasslands, Bobolink numbers are declining." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bobolink/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bobolink/id</a><br /> <br /> "The Bobolink inhabits Canada's grassland and agricultural areas from the interior of British Columbia to the east coast. Relative to 1970 levels, this species has shown a large decrease across most of its range, with the exception of the Prairie Potholes Bird Conservation Region where populations have changed little. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada assessed the Bobolink as Threatened in 2010 (COSEWIC 2010d). This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ec.gc.ca/soc-sbc/oiseau-bird-eng.aspx?sY=2014&sL=e&sM=c&sB=BOBO" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ec.gc.ca/soc-sbc/oiseau-bird-eng.aspx?sY=2014&sL=...</a><br /> <br /> That day, 23 June, was a fun day, despite the fact that it was raining a good part of the time. It was the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance walk, which ends with a delicious fundraiser BBQ at noon. This botany walk, through the forest and along the top of the cliff by the Ghost River, is led by our main Naturalist, Gus Yaki, and hosted by Erik Butters. I can't remember how many of these events I have been to over the years, but certainly a few. <br /> <br /> I like to drive myself out there, as I then have the choice to drive somewhere else when all is finished, if I have any energy left. Exactly what I did, enjoying myself photographing Mountain Bluebirds, a Wilson's Snipe, and the Bobolink which was unfortunately perched on a high wire. Better than nothing, though.<br /> <br /> It was a very early start to that day, as I wanted to allow about two hours' travel time. There has been some flooding in certain areas and I wasn't sure if there might be a road or two blocked off. As it turned out, I reached the meeting place in plenty of time, so drove a bit further to see what I could find. Just an attractive, old wagon that I have seen before, and some adorable, new calves in one of the fields.</div> Bobolink male / Dolichonyx oryzivorus <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/293827/49506614"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/66/14/49506614.6cb1baa3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="174" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The 5 photos posted this morning are photos taken on 23 June 2019 in my "usual" area, on my way home from the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance botany walk and BBQ. After a birdless day, I knew I would be able to find a few birds closer to home. I hadn't really expected to find a Bobolink, so this was an extra treat. <br /> <br /> "Perched on a grass stem or displaying in flight over a field, breeding male Bobolinks are striking. No other North American bird has a white back and black underparts (some have described this look as wearing a tuxedo backwards). <br /> <br /> Added to this are the male’s rich, straw-colored patch on the head and his bubbling, virtuosic song. As summer ends he molts into a buff and brown female-like plumage. Though they’re still fairly common in grasslands, Bobolink numbers are declining." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bobolink/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bobolink/id</a><br /> <br /> "The Bobolink inhabits Canada's grassland and agricultural areas from the interior of British Columbia to the east coast. Relative to 1970 levels, this species has shown a large decrease across most of its range, with the exception of the Prairie Potholes Bird Conservation Region where populations have changed little. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada assessed the Bobolink as Threatened in 2010 (COSEWIC 2010d). This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ec.gc.ca/soc-sbc/oiseau-bird-eng.aspx?sY=2014&sL=e&sM=c&sB=BOBO" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ec.gc.ca/soc-sbc/oiseau-bird-eng.aspx?sY=2014&sL=...</a><br /> <br /> That day, 23 June, was a fun day, despite the fact that it was raining a good part of the time. It was the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance walk, which ends with a delicious fundraiser BBQ at noon. This botany walk, through the forest and along the top of the cliff by the Ghost River, is led by our main Naturalist, Gus Yaki, and hosted by Erik Butters. I can't remember how many of these events I have been to over the years, but certainly a few. <br /> <br /> I like to drive myself out there, as I then have the choice to drive somewhere else when all is finished, if I have any energy left. Exactly what I did, enjoying myself photographing Mountain Bluebirds, a Wilson's Snipe, and the Bobolink which was unfortunately perched on a high wire. Better than nothing, though.<br /> <br /> It was a very early start to that day, as I wanted to allow about two hours' travel time. There has been some flooding in certain areas and I wasn't sure if there might be a road or two blocked off. As it turned out, I reached the meeting place in plenty of time, so drove a bit further to see what I could find. Just an attractive, old wagon that I have seen before, and some adorable, new calves in one of the fields.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49440086 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-21,doc-49440086 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 17:55:31 +0000 2019-03-27T08:21:55-07:00 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/293827/49440086"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/86/49440086.f914051e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Well, Happy Summer, everyone! Here in southern Alberta, we are under a Rainfall Warning and, sure enough, it is pouring with rain today. Now there is concern about flooding. Our temperature at noon is 9C (windchill 5C). From the Weather Network:<br /> <br /> "A long episode of rain, at times heavy, continues. A low pressure system will continue to bring rain. Total rainfall amounts of 50 to 80 mm are expected with local accumulations possibly exceeding 100 in the Bow Valley region. <br /> <br /> Rain in Calgary will vary significantly with this event. Reported rainfall amounts of 50 mm have occurred over the northwestern sections of the city while the southeast is closer to 10 mm. Rain continues over most of Calgary while the southeast is currently unlikely to see warning criteria rainfall with this event.<br /> <br /> The heaviest rain will diminish early this afternoon while later this afternoon showers and thunderstorms will help add to the rainfall amounts that have already fallen.<br /> <br /> Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Be prepared for possible winter conditions at higher elevations."<br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> As you can see, I have finally made a start on photos taken on DAY 9 of our 13-day birding trip to South Texas. I don't have a whole lot of images from this day and nothing too inspiring. If I can, I will edit and post as quickly as possible, as I need to finish this holiday's photos as soon as I can.<br /> <br /> On Day 9, we had an early start from Mission, so caught the beautiful sunrise. Unfortunately, my photos had to be taken from back in the vehicle, and through the windshield. Poor quality, but posting for the memory.<br /> <br /> The approximate distance between Mission and Brownsville, where we were heading, is 65.8 miles and travel time 1 hr 04 mins, travelling along US 83 and US 77. We stopped just before reaching Brownsville to visit the Resaca de la Palma State Park. This is where today's photos were taken.<br /> <br /> "Resaca de la Palma State Park is one of three state parks belonging to the World Birding Center and managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. At 1,200 acres, Resaca de la Palma State Park is the largest of the World Birding Center sites and is located in Brownsville. The property was acquired by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1977 and was opened to the public in December 2008. A resaca is a type of oxbow lake that can be found in Texas, and is a former channel of the Rio Grande. It is naturally cut off from the river, having no inlet or outlet.<br /> <br /> The World Birding Center is the official title given to a combined nine parks and nature preserves in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas managed by a partnership of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the local communities in which the parks reside." From Wikipedia.</div> Day 9, Couch&#039;s Kingbird / Tyrannus couchii, Resaca de la Palma SP, Texas <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/293827/49440086"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/86/49440086.f914051e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Well, Happy Summer, everyone! Here in southern Alberta, we are under a Rainfall Warning and, sure enough, it is pouring with rain today. Now there is concern about flooding. Our temperature at noon is 9C (windchill 5C). From the Weather Network:<br /> <br /> "A long episode of rain, at times heavy, continues. A low pressure system will continue to bring rain. Total rainfall amounts of 50 to 80 mm are expected with local accumulations possibly exceeding 100 in the Bow Valley region. <br /> <br /> Rain in Calgary will vary significantly with this event. Reported rainfall amounts of 50 mm have occurred over the northwestern sections of the city while the southeast is closer to 10 mm. Rain continues over most of Calgary while the southeast is currently unlikely to see warning criteria rainfall with this event.<br /> <br /> The heaviest rain will diminish early this afternoon while later this afternoon showers and thunderstorms will help add to the rainfall amounts that have already fallen.<br /> <br /> Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Be prepared for possible winter conditions at higher elevations."<br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> As you can see, I have finally made a start on photos taken on DAY 9 of our 13-day birding trip to South Texas. I don't have a whole lot of images from this day and nothing too inspiring. If I can, I will edit and post as quickly as possible, as I need to finish this holiday's photos as soon as I can.<br /> <br /> On Day 9, we had an early start from Mission, so caught the beautiful sunrise. Unfortunately, my photos had to be taken from back in the vehicle, and through the windshield. Poor quality, but posting for the memory.<br /> <br /> The approximate distance between Mission and Brownsville, where we were heading, is 65.8 miles and travel time 1 hr 04 mins, travelling along US 83 and US 77. We stopped just before reaching Brownsville to visit the Resaca de la Palma State Park. This is where today's photos were taken.<br /> <br /> "Resaca de la Palma State Park is one of three state parks belonging to the World Birding Center and managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. At 1,200 acres, Resaca de la Palma State Park is the largest of the World Birding Center sites and is located in Brownsville. The property was acquired by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1977 and was opened to the public in December 2008. A resaca is a type of oxbow lake that can be found in Texas, and is a former channel of the Rio Grande. It is naturally cut off from the river, having no inlet or outlet.<br /> <br /> The World Birding Center is the official title given to a combined nine parks and nature preserves in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas managed by a partnership of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the local communities in which the parks reside." From Wikipedia.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49440084 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-21,doc-49440084 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 17:54:44 +0000 2019-03-27T08:23:51-07:00 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/293827/49440084"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/84/49440084.036fc2db.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Well, Happy Summer, everyone! Here in southern Alberta, we are under a Rainfall Warning and, sure enough, it is pouring with rain today. Now there is concern about flooding. Our temperature at noon is 9C (windchill 5C). From the Weather Network:<br /> <br /> "A long episode of rain, at times heavy, continues. A low pressure system will continue to bring rain. Total rainfall amounts of 50 to 80 mm are expected with local accumulations possibly exceeding 100 in the Bow Valley region. <br /> <br /> Rain in Calgary will vary significantly with this event. Reported rainfall amounts of 50 mm have occurred over the northwestern sections of the city while the southeast is closer to 10 mm. Rain continues over most of Calgary while the southeast is currently unlikely to see warning criteria rainfall with this event.<br /> <br /> The heaviest rain will diminish early this afternoon while later this afternoon showers and thunderstorms will help add to the rainfall amounts that have already fallen.<br /> <br /> Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Be prepared for possible winter conditions at higher elevations."<br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> As you can see, I have finally made a start on photos taken on DAY 9 of our 13-day birding trip to South Texas. I don't have a whole lot of images from this day and nothing too inspiring. If I can, I will edit and post as quickly as possible, as I need to finish this holiday's photos as soon as I can.<br /> <br /> On Day 9, we had an early start from Mission, so caught the beautiful sunrise. Unfortunately, my photos had to be taken from back in the vehicle, and through the windshield. Poor quality, but posting for the memory.<br /> <br /> The approximate distance between Mission and Brownsville, where we were heading, is 65.8 miles and travel time 1 hr 04 mins, travelling along US 83 and US 77. We stopped just before reaching Brownsville to visit the Resaca de la Palma State Park. This is where today's photos were taken.<br /> <br /> "Resaca de la Palma State Park is one of three state parks belonging to the World Birding Center and managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. At 1,200 acres, Resaca de la Palma State Park is the largest of the World Birding Center sites and is located in Brownsville. The property was acquired by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1977 and was opened to the public in December 2008. A resaca is a type of oxbow lake that can be found in Texas, and is a former channel of the Rio Grande. It is naturally cut off from the river, having no inlet or outlet.<br /> <br /> The World Birding Center is the official title given to a combined nine parks and nature preserves in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas managed by a partnership of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the local communities in which the parks reside." From Wikipedia.</div> Day 9, Great Crested Flycatcher / Myiarchus crinitus, Resaca de la Palma SP, Texas <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/293827/49440084"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/84/49440084.036fc2db.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Well, Happy Summer, everyone! Here in southern Alberta, we are under a Rainfall Warning and, sure enough, it is pouring with rain today. Now there is concern about flooding. Our temperature at noon is 9C (windchill 5C). From the Weather Network:<br /> <br /> "A long episode of rain, at times heavy, continues. A low pressure system will continue to bring rain. Total rainfall amounts of 50 to 80 mm are expected with local accumulations possibly exceeding 100 in the Bow Valley region. <br /> <br /> Rain in Calgary will vary significantly with this event. Reported rainfall amounts of 50 mm have occurred over the northwestern sections of the city while the southeast is closer to 10 mm. Rain continues over most of Calgary while the southeast is currently unlikely to see warning criteria rainfall with this event.<br /> <br /> The heaviest rain will diminish early this afternoon while later this afternoon showers and thunderstorms will help add to the rainfall amounts that have already fallen.<br /> <br /> Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Be prepared for possible winter conditions at higher elevations."<br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> As you can see, I have finally made a start on photos taken on DAY 9 of our 13-day birding trip to South Texas. I don't have a whole lot of images from this day and nothing too inspiring. If I can, I will edit and post as quickly as possible, as I need to finish this holiday's photos as soon as I can.<br /> <br /> On Day 9, we had an early start from Mission, so caught the beautiful sunrise. Unfortunately, my photos had to be taken from back in the vehicle, and through the windshield. Poor quality, but posting for the memory.<br /> <br /> The approximate distance between Mission and Brownsville, where we were heading, is 65.8 miles and travel time 1 hr 04 mins, travelling along US 83 and US 77. We stopped just before reaching Brownsville to visit the Resaca de la Palma State Park. This is where today's photos were taken.<br /> <br /> "Resaca de la Palma State Park is one of three state parks belonging to the World Birding Center and managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. At 1,200 acres, Resaca de la Palma State Park is the largest of the World Birding Center sites and is located in Brownsville. The property was acquired by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1977 and was opened to the public in December 2008. A resaca is a type of oxbow lake that can be found in Texas, and is a former channel of the Rio Grande. It is naturally cut off from the river, having no inlet or outlet.<br /> <br /> The World Birding Center is the official title given to a combined nine parks and nature preserves in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas managed by a partnership of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the local communities in which the parks reside." From Wikipedia.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49440080 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-21,doc-49440080 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 17:52:10 +0000 2019-03-27T08:22:00-07:00 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/293827/49440080"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/80/49440080.4b81e100.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Well, Happy Summer, everyone! Here in southern Alberta, we are under a Rainfall Warning and, sure enough, it is pouring with rain today. Now there is concern about flooding. Our temperature at noon is 9C (windchill 5C). From the Weather Network:<br /> <br /> "A long episode of rain, at times heavy, continues. A low pressure system will continue to bring rain. Total rainfall amounts of 50 to 80 mm are expected with local accumulations possibly exceeding 100 in the Bow Valley region. <br /> <br /> Rain in Calgary will vary significantly with this event. Reported rainfall amounts of 50 mm have occurred over the northwestern sections of the city while the southeast is closer to 10 mm. Rain continues over most of Calgary while the southeast is currently unlikely to see warning criteria rainfall with this event.<br /> <br /> The heaviest rain will diminish early this afternoon while later this afternoon showers and thunderstorms will help add to the rainfall amounts that have already fallen.<br /> <br /> Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Be prepared for possible winter conditions at higher elevations."<br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> As you can see, I have finally made a start on photos taken on DAY 9 of our 13-day birding trip to South Texas. I don't have a whole lot of images from this day and nothing too inspiring. If I can, I will edit and post as quickly as possible, as I need to finish this holiday's photos as soon as I can.<br /> <br /> On Day 9, we had an early start from Mission, so caught the beautiful sunrise. Unfortunately, my photos had to be taken from back in the vehicle, and through the windshield. Poor quality, but posting for the memory.<br /> <br /> The approximate distance between Mission and Brownsville, where we were heading, is 65.8 miles and travel time 1 hr 04 mins, travelling along US 83 and US 77. We stopped just before reaching Brownsville to visit the Resaca de la Palma State Park. This is where today's photos were taken.<br /> <br /> "Resaca de la Palma State Park is one of three state parks belonging to the World Birding Center and managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. At 1,200 acres, Resaca de la Palma State Park is the largest of the World Birding Center sites and is located in Brownsville. The property was acquired by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1977 and was opened to the public in December 2008. A resaca is a type of oxbow lake that can be found in Texas, and is a former channel of the Rio Grande. It is naturally cut off from the river, having no inlet or outlet.<br /> <br /> The World Birding Center is the official title given to a combined nine parks and nature preserves in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas managed by a partnership of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the local communities in which the parks reside." From Wikipedia.</div> Day 9, Couch&#039;s Kingbird, Resaca de la Palma SP, Texas <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/293827/49440080"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/80/49440080.4b81e100.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Well, Happy Summer, everyone! Here in southern Alberta, we are under a Rainfall Warning and, sure enough, it is pouring with rain today. Now there is concern about flooding. Our temperature at noon is 9C (windchill 5C). From the Weather Network:<br /> <br /> "A long episode of rain, at times heavy, continues. A low pressure system will continue to bring rain. Total rainfall amounts of 50 to 80 mm are expected with local accumulations possibly exceeding 100 in the Bow Valley region. <br /> <br /> Rain in Calgary will vary significantly with this event. Reported rainfall amounts of 50 mm have occurred over the northwestern sections of the city while the southeast is closer to 10 mm. Rain continues over most of Calgary while the southeast is currently unlikely to see warning criteria rainfall with this event.<br /> <br /> The heaviest rain will diminish early this afternoon while later this afternoon showers and thunderstorms will help add to the rainfall amounts that have already fallen.<br /> <br /> Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Be prepared for possible winter conditions at higher elevations."<br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> As you can see, I have finally made a start on photos taken on DAY 9 of our 13-day birding trip to South Texas. I don't have a whole lot of images from this day and nothing too inspiring. If I can, I will edit and post as quickly as possible, as I need to finish this holiday's photos as soon as I can.<br /> <br /> On Day 9, we had an early start from Mission, so caught the beautiful sunrise. Unfortunately, my photos had to be taken from back in the vehicle, and through the windshield. Poor quality, but posting for the memory.<br /> <br /> The approximate distance between Mission and Brownsville, where we were heading, is 65.8 miles and travel time 1 hr 04 mins, travelling along US 83 and US 77. We stopped just before reaching Brownsville to visit the Resaca de la Palma State Park. This is where today's photos were taken.<br /> <br /> "Resaca de la Palma State Park is one of three state parks belonging to the World Birding Center and managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. At 1,200 acres, Resaca de la Palma State Park is the largest of the World Birding Center sites and is located in Brownsville. The property was acquired by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1977 and was opened to the public in December 2008. A resaca is a type of oxbow lake that can be found in Texas, and is a former channel of the Rio Grande. It is naturally cut off from the river, having no inlet or outlet.<br /> <br /> The World Birding Center is the official title given to a combined nine parks and nature preserves in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas managed by a partnership of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the local communities in which the parks reside." From Wikipedia.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49440042 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-19,doc-49440042 Wed, 19 Jun 2019 15:24:08 +0000 2019-06-18T19:39:08-07:00 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/293827/49440042"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/42/49440042.22a042b7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Once again, I am up-to-date with my local photos, after going on a two-hour birding walk in Fish Creek Park yesterday evening, 18 June 2019. Maybe I can make a start on Day 9 of our South Texas birding trip back in March 2019. A total of 36 bird species were seen, though I missed many of these birds. <br /> <br /> The forecast was for rain, so I wasn't sure if we were going to get caught in a downpour. Instead, we enjoyed sunshine and a pleasant temperature. This morning, 19 June, it is only 10C (windchill 7C) and overcast, with an expected high of 12C. Wish we could send our rain further north, where there are various wildfires burning. As of right now, there are 6 fires out of control, 7 being held, and 9 under control.</div> Osprey / Pandion haliaetus <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/293827/49440042"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/42/49440042.22a042b7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Once again, I am up-to-date with my local photos, after going on a two-hour birding walk in Fish Creek Park yesterday evening, 18 June 2019. Maybe I can make a start on Day 9 of our South Texas birding trip back in March 2019. A total of 36 bird species were seen, though I missed many of these birds. <br /> <br /> The forecast was for rain, so I wasn't sure if we were going to get caught in a downpour. Instead, we enjoyed sunshine and a pleasant temperature. This morning, 19 June, it is only 10C (windchill 7C) and overcast, with an expected high of 12C. Wish we could send our rain further north, where there are various wildfires burning. As of right now, there are 6 fires out of control, 7 being held, and 9 under control.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49440040 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-19,doc-49440040 Wed, 19 Jun 2019 15:21:57 +0000 2019-06-18T19:02:28-07:00 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/293827/49440040"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/40/49440040.4ccb4a2a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Once again, I am up-to-date with my local photos, after going on a two-hour birding walk in Fish Creek Park yesterday evening, 18 June 2019. Maybe I can make a start on Day 9 of our South Texas birding trip back in March 2019. A total of 36 bird species were seen, though I missed many of these birds. <br /> <br /> The forecast was for rain, so I wasn't sure if we were going to get caught in a downpour. Instead, we enjoyed sunshine and a pleasant temperature. This morning, 19 June, it is only 10C (windchill 7C) and overcast, with an expected high of 12C. Wish we could send our rain further north, where there are various wildfires burning. As of right now, there are 6 fires out of control, 7 being held, and 9 under control.</div> Yellow Warbler / Setophaga petechia <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/293827/49440040"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/40/49440040.4ccb4a2a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Once again, I am up-to-date with my local photos, after going on a two-hour birding walk in Fish Creek Park yesterday evening, 18 June 2019. Maybe I can make a start on Day 9 of our South Texas birding trip back in March 2019. A total of 36 bird species were seen, though I missed many of these birds. <br /> <br /> The forecast was for rain, so I wasn't sure if we were going to get caught in a downpour. Instead, we enjoyed sunshine and a pleasant temperature. This morning, 19 June, it is only 10C (windchill 7C) and overcast, with an expected high of 12C. Wish we could send our rain further north, where there are various wildfires burning. As of right now, there are 6 fires out of control, 7 being held, and 9 under control.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49440036 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-19,doc-49440036 Wed, 19 Jun 2019 15:19:58 +0000 2019-06-18T19:38:56-07:00 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/293827/49440036"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/36/49440036.52718f3f.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Once again, I am up-to-date with my local photos, after going on a two-hour birding walk in Fish Creek Park yesterday evening, 18 June 2019. Maybe I can make a start on Day 9 of our South Texas birding trip back in March 2019. A total of 36 bird species were seen, though I missed many of these birds. <br /> <br /> The forecast was for rain, so I wasn't sure if we were going to get caught in a downpour. Instead, we enjoyed sunshine and a pleasant temperature. This morning, 19 June, it is only 10C (windchill 7C) and overcast, with an expected high of 12C. Wish we could send our rain further north, where there are various wildfires burning. As of right now, there are 6 fires out of control, 7 being held, and 9 under control.</div> Osprey <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/293827/49440036"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/36/49440036.52718f3f.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Once again, I am up-to-date with my local photos, after going on a two-hour birding walk in Fish Creek Park yesterday evening, 18 June 2019. Maybe I can make a start on Day 9 of our South Texas birding trip back in March 2019. A total of 36 bird species were seen, though I missed many of these birds. <br /> <br /> The forecast was for rain, so I wasn't sure if we were going to get caught in a downpour. Instead, we enjoyed sunshine and a pleasant temperature. This morning, 19 June, it is only 10C (windchill 7C) and overcast, with an expected high of 12C. Wish we could send our rain further north, where there are various wildfires burning. As of right now, there are 6 fires out of control, 7 being held, and 9 under control.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49440022 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-19,doc-49440022 Wed, 19 Jun 2019 15:16:45 +0000 2019-06-18T19:38:25-07:00 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/293827/49440022"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/22/49440022.9b05c645.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Once again, I am up-to-date with my local photos, after going on a two-hour birding walk in Fish Creek Park yesterday evening, 18 June 2019. Maybe I can make a start on Day 9 of our South Texas birding trip back in March 2019. A total of 36 bird species were seen, though I missed many of these birds. <br /> <br /> The forecast was for rain, so I wasn't sure if we were going to get caught in a downpour. Instead, we enjoyed sunshine and a pleasant temperature. This morning, 19 June, it is only 10C (windchill 7C) and overcast, with an expected high of 12C. Wish we could send our rain further north, where there are various wildfires burning. As of right now, there are 6 fires out of control, 7 being held, and 9 under control.</div> Osprey <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/293827/49440022"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/22/49440022.9b05c645.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Once again, I am up-to-date with my local photos, after going on a two-hour birding walk in Fish Creek Park yesterday evening, 18 June 2019. Maybe I can make a start on Day 9 of our South Texas birding trip back in March 2019. A total of 36 bird species were seen, though I missed many of these birds. <br /> <br /> The forecast was for rain, so I wasn't sure if we were going to get caught in a downpour. Instead, we enjoyed sunshine and a pleasant temperature. This morning, 19 June, it is only 10C (windchill 7C) and overcast, with an expected high of 12C. Wish we could send our rain further north, where there are various wildfires burning. As of right now, there are 6 fires out of control, 7 being held, and 9 under control.</div> Anne Elliott