https://www.ipernity.com/tag/293827/keyword/93591 https://cdn.ipernity.com/p/101/C3/7B/293827.buddy.jpg https://www.ipernity.com/tag/293827/keyword/93591 Thu, 28 May 2026 03:39:18 +0000 Thu, 28 May 2026 03:39:18 +0000 https://www.ipernity.com https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49870714 tag:ipernity.com,2019-08-01,doc-49870714 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 02:09:38 +0000 2019-07-30T19:41:20-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49870714"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/07/14/49870714.f491f18f.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">"Vicia cracca (tufted vetch, cow vetch, bird vetch, blue vetch, boreal vetch), is a species of vetch native to Europe and Asia. It occurs on other continents as an introduced species, including North America, where it is a common weed. It often occurs in disturbed habitats, including old fields and roadside ditches." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> This evening, I have posted a dozen photos taken yesterday evening, 30 July 2019, on a birding walk in Fish Creek Park. The Black-crowned Night-Heron was the highlight for us. A few other species were seen, but many were distant and either I didn't bother to try and get photos, or else I have posted them just for the record.<br /> <br /> I rarely go on an evening walk, but yesterday evening was beautiful weather for walking, and, as always, it was nice to spend time with friends. Thanks, Anne B., for giving up your evening for us!<br /> <br /> Today, we are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch. We have a hot day tomorrow, 29C (to feel like 31C). With my place feeling like an oven, I might just have to make use of my car's air-conditioning. A drive also might help take my mind off a very painful toothache, caused by two teeth I had filled about a month ago. I hadn't had toothache for many, many years - now I remember what it's like.</div> Bird vetch / Vicia cracca <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/293827/49870714"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/07/14/49870714.f491f18f.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">"Vicia cracca (tufted vetch, cow vetch, bird vetch, blue vetch, boreal vetch), is a species of vetch native to Europe and Asia. It occurs on other continents as an introduced species, including North America, where it is a common weed. It often occurs in disturbed habitats, including old fields and roadside ditches." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> This evening, I have posted a dozen photos taken yesterday evening, 30 July 2019, on a birding walk in Fish Creek Park. The Black-crowned Night-Heron was the highlight for us. A few other species were seen, but many were distant and either I didn't bother to try and get photos, or else I have posted them just for the record.<br /> <br /> I rarely go on an evening walk, but yesterday evening was beautiful weather for walking, and, as always, it was nice to spend time with friends. Thanks, Anne B., for giving up your evening for us!<br /> <br /> Today, we are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch. We have a hot day tomorrow, 29C (to feel like 31C). With my place feeling like an oven, I might just have to make use of my car's air-conditioning. A drive also might help take my mind off a very painful toothache, caused by two teeth I had filled about a month ago. I hadn't had toothache for many, many years - now I remember what it's like.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/48122316 tag:ipernity.com,2019-02-13,doc-48122316 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 07:30:29 +0000 2017-07-25T14:46:04-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/48122316"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/23/16/48122316.71f9915b.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A very quick grab from the archives, as I was beginning to feel the need for some colour in my photostream! I had hoped to make a start on Day 11 of our trip to Ontario and Quebec in May 2018, but I had things to get done today. Tomorrow, I have to go and get a cortisone shot in my left hip, so will need to rest for a couple of days. I was thinking they would do both hips in the same appointment, but I was told they only do one at a tme - which does make sense. Second one will be in about 12 days' time. The shots I had in both knees a few weeks ago had no effect on the pain level, so I am really hoping that tomorrow's shot will have a better result.<br /> <br /> This is the seedhead of a Nodding Thistle, taken on 25 July 2017. These are my favourite thistles, but unfortunately, it is an invasive species. The Alberta Provincial Designation for Nodding/Musk Thistle is Prohibited Noxious.<br /> <br /> "A native of Europe, nodding thistle has a long history as a rangeland pest. The invasive nature of this aggressive plant can lead to severe degradation of native grasslands and meadows because grazing animals focus on native vegetation giving the thistles a competitive advantage." From invasiveplants.ab.ca.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/factsheets/FS-NoddingThistle.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/factsheets/FS-NoddingThistle.pdf</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carduus_nutans" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carduus_nutans</a></div> Nodding (Musk) Thistle / Carduus nutans <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/293827/48122316"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/23/16/48122316.71f9915b.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A very quick grab from the archives, as I was beginning to feel the need for some colour in my photostream! I had hoped to make a start on Day 11 of our trip to Ontario and Quebec in May 2018, but I had things to get done today. Tomorrow, I have to go and get a cortisone shot in my left hip, so will need to rest for a couple of days. I was thinking they would do both hips in the same appointment, but I was told they only do one at a tme - which does make sense. Second one will be in about 12 days' time. The shots I had in both knees a few weeks ago had no effect on the pain level, so I am really hoping that tomorrow's shot will have a better result.<br /> <br /> This is the seedhead of a Nodding Thistle, taken on 25 July 2017. These are my favourite thistles, but unfortunately, it is an invasive species. The Alberta Provincial Designation for Nodding/Musk Thistle is Prohibited Noxious.<br /> <br /> "A native of Europe, nodding thistle has a long history as a rangeland pest. The invasive nature of this aggressive plant can lead to severe degradation of native grasslands and meadows because grazing animals focus on native vegetation giving the thistles a competitive advantage." From invasiveplants.ab.ca.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/factsheets/FS-NoddingThistle.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/factsheets/FS-NoddingThistle.pdf</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carduus_nutans" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carduus_nutans</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47257424 tag:ipernity.com,2018-09-04,doc-47257424 Tue, 04 Sep 2018 16:00:41 +0000 2018-09-03T17:44:32-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47257424"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/74/24/47257424.9c060d4e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Creeping (formerly Canada) Thistle, with a touch of filter added in post-processing.<br /> <br /> This was the very first time I had ever visited a particular Osprey nest, though "everyone" else seems to have been : ) The sun came out yesterday, 3 September 2018, but while I was down in the park, some dark clouds came rolling in. Far from good light, but I managed to get a few shots. Ospreys are such beautiful birds and I was lucky that I spotted the first one standing on a street light A second Osprey (juvenile) was standing on the nest, feeding on something that looked like the remains of a fish. I should have checked if they only eat fish before posting the other photo. <br /> <br /> One thing I do know is that I would never have been able to take such a close photo with my trusty old Panasonic FZ200. I have used that make and model for several years and have loved using it. However, it has bothered me, especially the last year and a half, that the optical zoom is only 24x (though I used it on 48x) - just not enough reach for tiny or far away birds. A few months ago, I finally gave in and got a Nikon P900. I have only used it a handful of times, but yesterday afternoon I made up my mind to give it a better try. I don't know where all the birds were, other than the two beautiful Osprey! One thing I need to find out as soon as possible is why I couldn't focus on anything that was not far away. No problem with distant things, but when I tried to focus say on a wildflower, I could not get the camera to focus at all. Stood maybe 12-15 feet away and zoomed in and the camera just refused to focus. Tried standing at different distances and nothing worked. A lot to learn, I can tell : )<br /> <br /> Hard to believe our very cool temperatures recently! This morning, 4 September 2018, just after 10:30 am, it is only 6C (windchill 4C). A far cry from the record-breaking 36.4C that we had a few weeks ago. It definitely feels and looks like fall has arrived already.</div> Beauty of a weed <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/293827/47257424"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/74/24/47257424.9c060d4e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Creeping (formerly Canada) Thistle, with a touch of filter added in post-processing.<br /> <br /> This was the very first time I had ever visited a particular Osprey nest, though "everyone" else seems to have been : ) The sun came out yesterday, 3 September 2018, but while I was down in the park, some dark clouds came rolling in. Far from good light, but I managed to get a few shots. Ospreys are such beautiful birds and I was lucky that I spotted the first one standing on a street light A second Osprey (juvenile) was standing on the nest, feeding on something that looked like the remains of a fish. I should have checked if they only eat fish before posting the other photo. <br /> <br /> One thing I do know is that I would never have been able to take such a close photo with my trusty old Panasonic FZ200. I have used that make and model for several years and have loved using it. However, it has bothered me, especially the last year and a half, that the optical zoom is only 24x (though I used it on 48x) - just not enough reach for tiny or far away birds. A few months ago, I finally gave in and got a Nikon P900. I have only used it a handful of times, but yesterday afternoon I made up my mind to give it a better try. I don't know where all the birds were, other than the two beautiful Osprey! One thing I need to find out as soon as possible is why I couldn't focus on anything that was not far away. No problem with distant things, but when I tried to focus say on a wildflower, I could not get the camera to focus at all. Stood maybe 12-15 feet away and zoomed in and the camera just refused to focus. Tried standing at different distances and nothing worked. A lot to learn, I can tell : )<br /> <br /> Hard to believe our very cool temperatures recently! This morning, 4 September 2018, just after 10:30 am, it is only 6C (windchill 4C). A far cry from the record-breaking 36.4C that we had a few weeks ago. It definitely feels and looks like fall has arrived already.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47057948 tag:ipernity.com,2018-07-25,doc-47057948 Wed, 25 Jul 2018 14:29:17 +0000 2018-07-24T15:02:45-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47057948"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/79/48/47057948.e9518231.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Definitely past its prime, but I love these Nodding Thistles at any stage, but especially when the pinky purple flower has died and the beautiful pattern of the spiny bracts can be seen more clearly. Flower head is 4-6 cm in diameter. The large Nodding or Musk Thistle is my favourite species of Thistle. Unfortunately, this quite spectacular and beautiful species is on the list of Restricted, Noxious, and Nuisance Weeds In Alberta. Its name, Nodding Thistle, comes from the fact that the flower heads commonly droop to a 90° to 120° angle from the stem when mature. It is a biennial that spreads rapidly by seed forming extremely dense stands, though when I have seen this species growing in several places within the city, there are usually only a few of them. It looks like i may have captured two insects as well - a teeny red mite on the left of the stem, and something else in the centre of the stem. I don't know if the latter is a moth or a beetle.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/2011/08/carduus-nutans.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/2011/08/carduus-nutans.php</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carduus_nutans" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carduus_nutans</a><br /> <br /> This photo was taken at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown Calgary, yesterday afternoon, 24 July 2018. It is the richest botanical area, for its size, within the city. Over 385 species have been recorded in an area of about three hectares. (All of Fish Creek Provincial Park has only about 460 species). Eighty species, however, are aliens, now occupying 90+% of the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. It is such a shame to see how the area is being devastated by plants that include Baby's Breath, Creeping Thistle, Yellow Clematis and other invasive species. <br /> <br /> The weather forecast for yesterday afternoon called for a risk of a thunderstorm. The sky was dark and gloomy, but we were very lucky that the rain stayed away. Our temperature at 9:00 this morning, 25 July 2018, is only 12C, which feels really good. This afternoon, it is supposed to get up to 23C.</div> Nodding Thistle / Musk Thistle / Carduus nutans <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/293827/47057948"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/79/48/47057948.e9518231.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Definitely past its prime, but I love these Nodding Thistles at any stage, but especially when the pinky purple flower has died and the beautiful pattern of the spiny bracts can be seen more clearly. Flower head is 4-6 cm in diameter. The large Nodding or Musk Thistle is my favourite species of Thistle. Unfortunately, this quite spectacular and beautiful species is on the list of Restricted, Noxious, and Nuisance Weeds In Alberta. Its name, Nodding Thistle, comes from the fact that the flower heads commonly droop to a 90° to 120° angle from the stem when mature. It is a biennial that spreads rapidly by seed forming extremely dense stands, though when I have seen this species growing in several places within the city, there are usually only a few of them. It looks like i may have captured two insects as well - a teeny red mite on the left of the stem, and something else in the centre of the stem. I don't know if the latter is a moth or a beetle.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/2011/08/carduus-nutans.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/2011/08/carduus-nutans.php</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carduus_nutans" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carduus_nutans</a><br /> <br /> This photo was taken at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown Calgary, yesterday afternoon, 24 July 2018. It is the richest botanical area, for its size, within the city. Over 385 species have been recorded in an area of about three hectares. (All of Fish Creek Provincial Park has only about 460 species). Eighty species, however, are aliens, now occupying 90+% of the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. It is such a shame to see how the area is being devastated by plants that include Baby's Breath, Creeping Thistle, Yellow Clematis and other invasive species. <br /> <br /> The weather forecast for yesterday afternoon called for a risk of a thunderstorm. The sky was dark and gloomy, but we were very lucky that the rain stayed away. Our temperature at 9:00 this morning, 25 July 2018, is only 12C, which feels really good. This afternoon, it is supposed to get up to 23C.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47057940 tag:ipernity.com,2018-07-25,doc-47057940 Wed, 25 Jul 2018 14:27:33 +0000 2018-07-24T14:21:33-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47057940"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/79/40/47057940.9ade9b08.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful flower and its silvery seedheads. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is an invasive species and widespread. This is one of three species of Clematis that occur in the wild in Alberta, the other two being the native Western Clematis and the Purple Clematis/Blue Clematis. This yellow species was introduced from Japan as an ornamental garden plant, but has now spread to natural areas where it chokes out and kills native plants, shrubs and trees. <br /> <br /> This photo was taken at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown Calgary, yesterday afternoon, 24 July 2018. It is the richest botanical area, for its size, within the city. Over 385 species have been recorded in an area of about three hectares. (All of Fish Creek Provincial Park has only about 460 species). Eighty species, however, are aliens, now occupying 90+% of the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. It is such a shame to see how the area is being devastated by plants that include Baby's Breath, Creeping Thistle, Yellow Clematis and other invasive species. <br /> <br /> The weather forecast for yesterday afternoon called for a risk of a thunderstorm. The sky was dark and gloomy, but we were very lucky that the rain stayed away. Our temperature at 9:00 this morning, 25 July 2018, is only 12C, which feels really good. This afternoon, it is supposed to get up to 23C.</div> Invasive Yellow Clematis <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47057940"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/79/40/47057940.9ade9b08.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful flower and its silvery seedheads. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is an invasive species and widespread. This is one of three species of Clematis that occur in the wild in Alberta, the other two being the native Western Clematis and the Purple Clematis/Blue Clematis. This yellow species was introduced from Japan as an ornamental garden plant, but has now spread to natural areas where it chokes out and kills native plants, shrubs and trees. <br /> <br /> This photo was taken at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown Calgary, yesterday afternoon, 24 July 2018. It is the richest botanical area, for its size, within the city. Over 385 species have been recorded in an area of about three hectares. (All of Fish Creek Provincial Park has only about 460 species). Eighty species, however, are aliens, now occupying 90+% of the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area. It is such a shame to see how the area is being devastated by plants that include Baby's Breath, Creeping Thistle, Yellow Clematis and other invasive species. <br /> <br /> The weather forecast for yesterday afternoon called for a risk of a thunderstorm. The sky was dark and gloomy, but we were very lucky that the rain stayed away. Our temperature at 9:00 this morning, 25 July 2018, is only 12C, which feels really good. This afternoon, it is supposed to get up to 23C.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/45511468 tag:ipernity.com,2017-09-15,doc-45511468 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 18:14:38 +0000 2017-09-05T10:16:58-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/45511468"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/14/68/45511468.4b9605a5.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">My daughter and I had a such a great day on 5 September 2017. She had a free day, so we decided to drive east of the city and visit the Pioneer Acres Museum. The day started off with seeing three perched Swainson's Hawks, which were a bonus. We had passed the colourful old truck and tractor displayed on tall posts, to indicate Pioneer Acres, on various occasions and this time, we actually went to the museum. What an amazing collection of old farming equipment, some standing outdoors and many others in large sheds. Have to say that I am always attracted to older, rusty things, and there was no shortage of these, either. <br /> <br /> "Pioneer Acres is operated by a team of volunteer members who, in many cases, have extended their golden years of retirement, performing the duties necessary to meet the club's objectives. These include work to collect, restore, maintain and demonstrate the artifacts which were used by the pioneers of early Alberta.<br /> <br /> The end result is that present and future generations have the opportunity to glimpse into our pioneering past through the artifacts on display and demonstrated. Younger members of the club also learn the care, maintenance and operation of these living artifacts." From link below.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.pioneeracres.ab.ca/member.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.pioneeracres.ab.ca/member.aspx</a><br /> <br /> While we were walking round the grounds, visiting each massive shed in turn, my daughter spotted a Plains Garter Snake, and waved me over to see it. She also saw several birds running round behind one of the sheds, and when I went to check, I found there were four Gray Partridge running off in the distance. A distant Jackrabbit completed our wildlife sightings, first noticed when it was standing tall and upright on its back legs. My mind wandered to Alice in Wonderland : ) Came across this Goat's-beard wildflower on the grounds, too. Though it is an invasive weed, it really does have an attractive flower and seed head.<br /> <br /> Though we did not do a tour of the inside of the "Long" House, we found it an impressive building, complete with a few Sunflowers, Hollyhock and other flowers in the garden, and a metal windmill.<br /> <br /> "The "Long" House was built in 1914 by John Thomas on a farm just northwest of Irricana, Alberta. It has been lived in by three generations of the Long Family since 1914. The house was donated to Pioneer Acres, moved to our location, and restored to 1929 status." From the Pioneer Acres website. <br /> <br /> There is also an old schoolhouse on the Museum site. "The Crown School, built in 1905, was located west of Three Hills on Highway 583. It closed in 1953 and was bought by the district of Allingham for use as a community league. In 1996, the building was relocated to Pioneer Aces of Alberta Museum." From the Alberta Teachers' Association website.<br /> <br /> After spending a long time walking round the grounds, we decided to drive through Irricana itself in order to get back to the highway. I had seen photos on the Internet of three murals there - sunflowers, crayons, and a view of the old grain elevators that had once stood nearby - and I wanted to go and see them. All near each other, as this town only has a few streets. I had never been to Irricana before and I was impressed with what a delightful place it is, full of brightly coloured murals, and well kept. One of the outer roads had many flower beds along the edge, watered with well water, looking most attractive.<br /> <br /> I had asked my daughter if she was interested in calling in at the Silver Springs Botanical Gardens in NW Calgary, if there was time after our drive east. I had planned the drive ahead of time, partly because I had also seen a photo somewhere on the Internet of a rather nice old barn that I really wanted to see. We were not disappointed, though it was a shame to see that the cupola had fallen from the roof since that photo was taken. I had never driven through the town of Airdrie before, but did the "drive" on Google Earth the night before and it looked straightforward enough. <br /> <br /> Returning to the city via Cochrane, my daughter told me how to get to Silver Springs. I had never driven there before, but I had been there with a friend last year, I think on 1 October, and thoroughly enjoyed these meticulously kept gardens. We were just too hot and tired to see every inch of the garden, but finished off with photographing sunflowers and enjoying the American Goldfinches that were feeding on them, before we continued on our way.<br /> <br /> A great day, despite the heat and smoke from the B.C. and Alberta wildfires (distant low visibility, too). Thanks so much, Rachel - hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. We drove 256 km (used about half a tank of gas, or less). I was absolutely tired out from the heat and driving unfamiliar roads.</div> Back-lit Goat&#039;s-beard <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/293827/45511468"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/14/68/45511468.4b9605a5.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">My daughter and I had a such a great day on 5 September 2017. She had a free day, so we decided to drive east of the city and visit the Pioneer Acres Museum. The day started off with seeing three perched Swainson's Hawks, which were a bonus. We had passed the colourful old truck and tractor displayed on tall posts, to indicate Pioneer Acres, on various occasions and this time, we actually went to the museum. What an amazing collection of old farming equipment, some standing outdoors and many others in large sheds. Have to say that I am always attracted to older, rusty things, and there was no shortage of these, either. <br /> <br /> "Pioneer Acres is operated by a team of volunteer members who, in many cases, have extended their golden years of retirement, performing the duties necessary to meet the club's objectives. These include work to collect, restore, maintain and demonstrate the artifacts which were used by the pioneers of early Alberta.<br /> <br /> The end result is that present and future generations have the opportunity to glimpse into our pioneering past through the artifacts on display and demonstrated. Younger members of the club also learn the care, maintenance and operation of these living artifacts." From link below.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.pioneeracres.ab.ca/member.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.pioneeracres.ab.ca/member.aspx</a><br /> <br /> While we were walking round the grounds, visiting each massive shed in turn, my daughter spotted a Plains Garter Snake, and waved me over to see it. She also saw several birds running round behind one of the sheds, and when I went to check, I found there were four Gray Partridge running off in the distance. A distant Jackrabbit completed our wildlife sightings, first noticed when it was standing tall and upright on its back legs. My mind wandered to Alice in Wonderland : ) Came across this Goat's-beard wildflower on the grounds, too. Though it is an invasive weed, it really does have an attractive flower and seed head.<br /> <br /> Though we did not do a tour of the inside of the "Long" House, we found it an impressive building, complete with a few Sunflowers, Hollyhock and other flowers in the garden, and a metal windmill.<br /> <br /> "The "Long" House was built in 1914 by John Thomas on a farm just northwest of Irricana, Alberta. It has been lived in by three generations of the Long Family since 1914. The house was donated to Pioneer Acres, moved to our location, and restored to 1929 status." From the Pioneer Acres website. <br /> <br /> There is also an old schoolhouse on the Museum site. "The Crown School, built in 1905, was located west of Three Hills on Highway 583. It closed in 1953 and was bought by the district of Allingham for use as a community league. In 1996, the building was relocated to Pioneer Aces of Alberta Museum." From the Alberta Teachers' Association website.<br /> <br /> After spending a long time walking round the grounds, we decided to drive through Irricana itself in order to get back to the highway. I had seen photos on the Internet of three murals there - sunflowers, crayons, and a view of the old grain elevators that had once stood nearby - and I wanted to go and see them. All near each other, as this town only has a few streets. I had never been to Irricana before and I was impressed with what a delightful place it is, full of brightly coloured murals, and well kept. One of the outer roads had many flower beds along the edge, watered with well water, looking most attractive.<br /> <br /> I had asked my daughter if she was interested in calling in at the Silver Springs Botanical Gardens in NW Calgary, if there was time after our drive east. I had planned the drive ahead of time, partly because I had also seen a photo somewhere on the Internet of a rather nice old barn that I really wanted to see. We were not disappointed, though it was a shame to see that the cupola had fallen from the roof since that photo was taken. I had never driven through the town of Airdrie before, but did the "drive" on Google Earth the night before and it looked straightforward enough. <br /> <br /> Returning to the city via Cochrane, my daughter told me how to get to Silver Springs. I had never driven there before, but I had been there with a friend last year, I think on 1 October, and thoroughly enjoyed these meticulously kept gardens. We were just too hot and tired to see every inch of the garden, but finished off with photographing sunflowers and enjoying the American Goldfinches that were feeding on them, before we continued on our way.<br /> <br /> A great day, despite the heat and smoke from the B.C. and Alberta wildfires (distant low visibility, too). Thanks so much, Rachel - hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. We drove 256 km (used about half a tank of gas, or less). I was absolutely tired out from the heat and driving unfamiliar roads.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44980514 tag:ipernity.com,2017-06-16,doc-44980514 Fri, 16 Jun 2017 16:49:57 +0000 2017-06-15T09:40:33-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44980514"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/05/14/44980514.5c912ace.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">We have two kinds of Goat's-beard - Goat's-beard and Meadow Goat's-beard. The latter has a smaller, brighter shade of yellow flower, and curly leaves. Both are invasive weeds.<br /> <br /> Similar to the much more common Goat's-beard, Meadow Goat's-beard has bracts that are no longer than the petals. The common Goat's-beard has bracts that extend well beyond the petals. Also, the very narrow leaves of the Meadow Goat's-beard curl. Photographed (macro) in north Weaselhead on 15 June 2017.<br /> <br /> I will add a previously posted photo of two flowers, one flower from each species, for comparison, in a comment box below. Also a photo showing the curly leaves of Meadow Goat's-beard.<br /> <br /> Yesterday morning, I decided to join friends for a botany walk in North Weaselhead. We saw a good variety of species, including a few quite special ones, such as Striped Coralroot (orchid) and Indian Breadroot. Thanks for a great walk, Barry! We also saw a tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird.<br /> <br /> After going for coffee with a couple of the botany people (thanks so much, Peter!), I went home for lunch and then decided to drive SW of the city, in the hope of maybe seeing a Great Gray Owl and/or a Bobolink. No luck with an owl, but, with a lot of patience, I did finally see a Bobolink. I only had very distant views, so managed to get only photos to post for my records. I did better a year ago, but it is early still.<br /> <br /> It was so nice to bump into Bonnie and her neighbour, Russel(l), on my drive. They mentioned a road that I had never been on before and I decided to give it a try. Such a beautiful road, though I had no idea where I was the whole time. When I got home and checked on Google, I was surprised to see just where I had driven.</div> Meadow Goat&#039;s-beard / Tragopogon pratensis <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/293827/44980514"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/05/14/44980514.5c912ace.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">We have two kinds of Goat's-beard - Goat's-beard and Meadow Goat's-beard. The latter has a smaller, brighter shade of yellow flower, and curly leaves. Both are invasive weeds.<br /> <br /> Similar to the much more common Goat's-beard, Meadow Goat's-beard has bracts that are no longer than the petals. The common Goat's-beard has bracts that extend well beyond the petals. Also, the very narrow leaves of the Meadow Goat's-beard curl. Photographed (macro) in north Weaselhead on 15 June 2017.<br /> <br /> I will add a previously posted photo of two flowers, one flower from each species, for comparison, in a comment box below. Also a photo showing the curly leaves of Meadow Goat's-beard.<br /> <br /> Yesterday morning, I decided to join friends for a botany walk in North Weaselhead. We saw a good variety of species, including a few quite special ones, such as Striped Coralroot (orchid) and Indian Breadroot. Thanks for a great walk, Barry! We also saw a tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird.<br /> <br /> After going for coffee with a couple of the botany people (thanks so much, Peter!), I went home for lunch and then decided to drive SW of the city, in the hope of maybe seeing a Great Gray Owl and/or a Bobolink. No luck with an owl, but, with a lot of patience, I did finally see a Bobolink. I only had very distant views, so managed to get only photos to post for my records. I did better a year ago, but it is early still.<br /> <br /> It was so nice to bump into Bonnie and her neighbour, Russel(l), on my drive. They mentioned a road that I had never been on before and I decided to give it a try. Such a beautiful road, though I had no idea where I was the whole time. When I got home and checked on Google, I was surprised to see just where I had driven.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44421168 tag:ipernity.com,2017-03-05,doc-44421168 Sun, 05 Mar 2017 18:30:04 +0000 2011-07-27T16:42:00-07:00 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/293827/44421168"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/11/68/44421168.5fbd9a41.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful, larger than a Dandelion, seedhead. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is a highly invasive species and widespread. This one, along with many others, was growing at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area in Calgary, on 27 July 2011. The background is of another invasive weed, Baby's Breath. It is quite likely that someone threw an old pot of these tiny, white flowers over the fence from the cemetery next door, and they have spread and keep spreading.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius</a><br /> <br /> The Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area is located on the east side of the Elbow River above the southwest community of Roxborough. It was completed in 1996. This is one of the richest areas in Calgary for wildlowers, but unfortunately, many non-native plants and shrubs have taken over much of the area - such as Caragana, Goat's-beard, Baby's Breath and Yellow Clematis.</div> Invasive Goat&#039;s-beard and Baby&#039;s breath <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/293827/44421168"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/11/68/44421168.5fbd9a41.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful, larger than a Dandelion, seedhead. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is a highly invasive species and widespread. This one, along with many others, was growing at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area in Calgary, on 27 July 2011. The background is of another invasive weed, Baby's Breath. It is quite likely that someone threw an old pot of these tiny, white flowers over the fence from the cemetery next door, and they have spread and keep spreading.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius</a><br /> <br /> The Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area is located on the east side of the Elbow River above the southwest community of Roxborough. It was completed in 1996. This is one of the richest areas in Calgary for wildlowers, but unfortunately, many non-native plants and shrubs have taken over much of the area - such as Caragana, Goat's-beard, Baby's Breath and Yellow Clematis.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44273686 tag:ipernity.com,2017-02-04,doc-44273686 Sat, 04 Feb 2017 17:07:10 +0000 2016-06-26T11:14:57-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/44273686"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/36/86/44273686.c5eedf65.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This is the dreaded Goat's-beard, a highly invasive, non-native plant that has spread (and keeps spreading, despite attempts to control it) in our natural areas in the city and beyond. Too bad, because both the beautiful flower and huge Dandelion-like seedhead are most attractive.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius</a><br /> <br /> On 26 June 2016, a fair-sized group of people spent the morning on a walk led by Erik Butters, out past Cochrane, NW of Calgary. This land consists of rolling, open hills and areas of woodland, with the Rocky Mountains in the distance. This event was the 8th Annual Flora & Fauna Fundraising for Ghost River Watershed Outing. <br /> <br /> Fortunately, I knew how to drive to this distant location, so I was able to pick up friend Dorothy and off we went together. We allowed plenty of time to get there, just in case of heavy traffic or else we saw something interesting en route. This meant that there was time for me to stop and take a few photos of a Llama in someone's field, a couple of beautiful Longhorn cattle lying down and a small herd of maybe half a dozen Elk that we saw way off in the distance. <br /> <br /> I think everyone was more than ready for lunch by the time our hike was over! Going to our destination was all uphill, which I normally avoid at all cost. Coming down used less energy, but painful knees felt every step on the way down : )<br /> <br /> Around 1:00 pm, Erik and his partner provided a great BBQ for those of us from Calgary and for the people who had joined us from elsewhere. As always, the food was delicious! Thank you so much, both of you! Amazingly, the sun shone and there was no rain, despite the weather forecast.</div> Goat&#039;s-beard with visitor <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/293827/44273686"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/36/86/44273686.c5eedf65.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This is the dreaded Goat's-beard, a highly invasive, non-native plant that has spread (and keeps spreading, despite attempts to control it) in our natural areas in the city and beyond. Too bad, because both the beautiful flower and huge Dandelion-like seedhead are most attractive.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius</a><br /> <br /> On 26 June 2016, a fair-sized group of people spent the morning on a walk led by Erik Butters, out past Cochrane, NW of Calgary. This land consists of rolling, open hills and areas of woodland, with the Rocky Mountains in the distance. This event was the 8th Annual Flora & Fauna Fundraising for Ghost River Watershed Outing. <br /> <br /> Fortunately, I knew how to drive to this distant location, so I was able to pick up friend Dorothy and off we went together. We allowed plenty of time to get there, just in case of heavy traffic or else we saw something interesting en route. This meant that there was time for me to stop and take a few photos of a Llama in someone's field, a couple of beautiful Longhorn cattle lying down and a small herd of maybe half a dozen Elk that we saw way off in the distance. <br /> <br /> I think everyone was more than ready for lunch by the time our hike was over! Going to our destination was all uphill, which I normally avoid at all cost. Coming down used less energy, but painful knees felt every step on the way down : )<br /> <br /> Around 1:00 pm, Erik and his partner provided a great BBQ for those of us from Calgary and for the people who had joined us from elsewhere. As always, the food was delicious! Thank you so much, both of you! Amazingly, the sun shone and there was no rain, despite the weather forecast.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/42780296 tag:ipernity.com,2016-08-10,doc-42780296 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 16:39:34 +0000 2016-06-26T11:27:25-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/42780296"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/02/96/42780296.54b015bf.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This is the dreaded Goat's-beard, a highly invasive, non-native plant that has spread (and keeps spreading, despite attempts to control it) in our natural areas in the city and beyond. Too bad, because both the beautiful flower and huge Dandelion-like seedhead are most attractive.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius</a><br /> <br /> On 26 June 2016, a fair-sized group of people spent the morning on a walk led by Erik Butters, out past Cochrane, NW of Calgary. This land consists of rolling, open hills and areas of woodland, with the Rocky Mountains in the distance. This event was the 8th Annual Flora & Fauna Fundraising for Ghost River Watershed Outing. <br /> <br /> Fortunately, I knew how to drive to this distant location, so I was able to pick up friend Dorothy and off we went together. We allowed plenty of time to get there, just in case of heavy traffic or else we saw something interesting en route. This meant that there was time for me to stop and take a few photos of a Llama in someone's field, a couple of beautiful Longhorn cattle lying down and a small herd of maybe half a dozen Elk that we saw way off in the distance. <br /> <br /> I think everyone was more than ready for lunch by the time our hike was over! Going to our destination was all uphill, which I normally avoid at all cost. Coming down used less energy, but painful knees felt every step on the way down : )<br /> <br /> Around 1:00 pm, Erik and his partner provided a great BBQ for those of us from Calgary and for the people who had joined us from elsewhere. As always, the food was delicious! Thank you so much, both of you! Amazingly, the sun shone and there was no rain, despite the weather forecast.</div> Goat&#039;s-beard <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/293827/42780296"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/02/96/42780296.54b015bf.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This is the dreaded Goat's-beard, a highly invasive, non-native plant that has spread (and keeps spreading, despite attempts to control it) in our natural areas in the city and beyond. Too bad, because both the beautiful flower and huge Dandelion-like seedhead are most attractive.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius</a><br /> <br /> On 26 June 2016, a fair-sized group of people spent the morning on a walk led by Erik Butters, out past Cochrane, NW of Calgary. This land consists of rolling, open hills and areas of woodland, with the Rocky Mountains in the distance. This event was the 8th Annual Flora & Fauna Fundraising for Ghost River Watershed Outing. <br /> <br /> Fortunately, I knew how to drive to this distant location, so I was able to pick up friend Dorothy and off we went together. We allowed plenty of time to get there, just in case of heavy traffic or else we saw something interesting en route. This meant that there was time for me to stop and take a few photos of a Llama in someone's field, a couple of beautiful Longhorn cattle lying down and a small herd of maybe half a dozen Elk that we saw way off in the distance. <br /> <br /> I think everyone was more than ready for lunch by the time our hike was over! Going to our destination was all uphill, which I normally avoid at all cost. Coming down used less energy, but painful knees felt every step on the way down : )<br /> <br /> Around 1:00 pm, Erik and his partner provided a great BBQ for those of us from Calgary and for the people who had joined us from elsewhere. As always, the food was delicious! Thank you so much, both of you! Amazingly, the sun shone and there was no rain, despite the weather forecast.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/42163350 tag:ipernity.com,2016-06-09,doc-42163350 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 16:30:48 +0000 2016-06-04T11:26:52-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/42163350"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/33/50/42163350.a6c55db5.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I noticed this Dame's rocket plant growing in the garden at the Ellis Bird Farm. I had always known it as a plant that needs to be pulled because it is invasive, so I was a little surprised to see it when we were there. Such a pretty colour.<br /> <br /> "Dame's rocket is an invasive plant in Calgary that can rapidly spread. It chokes out natural vegetation and harbours dangerous plant diseases.<br /> <br /> Dame's rocket rapidly self-seeds and forms dense infestations quickly – in fact, each plant can produce up to 20,000 seeds. It's a highly competitive plant that thrives in ditches and waste areas. It is often part of wildflower seed mixes, whether on the label or not.<br /> <br /> Dame's rocket is also known as Hesperis matrionali, Damask violet, Dame's violet, Dames-wort, Dame's gilliflower, night scented gilliflower, Queen's gilliflower, Rogue's gilliflower, summer lilac, sweet rocket, mother-of-the-evening and winter gilliflower." From the City of Calgary.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Planning-and-Operations/Pest-Management/Dames-rocket.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Planning-and-Operations/P...</a><br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.abinvasives.ca/factsheets/140506-fs-damesrocket.pdf?iframe=true&width=800&height=600" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.abinvasives.ca/factsheets/140506-fs-damesrocket.pdf?i...</a><br /> <br /> That day, 4 June 2016, I had the chance to visit somewhere that I had longed to go to for years - the Ellis Bird Farm. This was thanks to the annual Nature Calgary Bus Trip, which goes to a different location each year. When I read where this year's outing was going to be, I was so excited and registered immediately and, apparently, was the first person on the list : ) I believe there were 66 people on the trip, enjoying a great day. The sun was shining and the temperature got up to around 25C - too warm for me and for many others, especially when the whole day is spent outdoors. <br /> <br /> It was a very early start, with my alarm clocks set for 4:30 am. Unfortunately, they had also been set for 4:30 am the previous day, when I went on a Bio-blitz to the Square Butte Ranch. Being a dreadful 'night owl', this meant that I ended up doing these two trips on about 5 hours sleep total over the two nights. Not good! It is such a treat to go somewhere by bus - everyone can relax and chat. Some of the $50 charge per person went towards a donation to the Ellis Bird Farm (and to the JJ Collett natural area), which was good to know.<br /> <br /> The drive from Calgary to the Ellis Bird Farm takes about an hour and a half. When we arrived, we were greeted by a long line of bird nest boxes along the fence line. Within the farm area, there were even more nest boxes - everywhere! People send them from all over the province. I believe the Farm has the largest collection of outdoor boxes in the world - 300+! <br /> <br /> One of the highlights was seeing the Purple Martins and their condominium-style nest boxes. These birds are very social birds, who apparently like people too, and nest in condominium-style nest boxes. They spend "most of the year in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and come up to Alberta just long enough to raise a family." <br /> <br /> We started off by watching a very touching old video about Charlie Ellis - what a delightful, very shy, modest man he was.<br /> <br /> ""Ellis Bird Farm is both a non-profit company and a working farm. It was established in 1982 to carry on the legacy of Lacombe-area conservationists, Charlie and Winnie Ellis, when their farm was purchased by Union Carbide Canada Ltd. At the time, Charlie and Winnie operated one of the largest bluebird trails in Canada and had established their farmstead as a haven for wildlife.<br /> <br /> The Ellis family of Parkenham, Ontario, came west in 1886 to settle on a ranch near Calgary. Their son John, then a teenager, was married in 1894 to Agnes Clark who had come west from Ontario in 1888 to teach school. They lived near Calgary until 1906 when they moved with their family of four children to a quarter section homestead in the Joffre district. In 1907 they built a two-storey frame house and subsequently enlarged the farm by the purchase of an additional five quarters.<br /> <br /> After John and Agnes passed away in the early 1950s, two of their children, Charlie and Winnie, took over the farm operations. And about this same time, Charlie began a project that was to dominate the rest of his life; he set out his first nesting box for the Mountain Bluebirds." From Ellis Bird Farm website. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/</a><br /> <br /> After the video, we were divided into two large groups and then further divided again. Not easy to organize such a large number of people and it was rather confusing, Have to admit that I ended up, like varous friends, wandering around, taking photos. I always prefer to be free to do this, as there is a lot of information on the Internet, which can be read before and after such a visit.<br /> <br /> "​Ellis Bird Farm made science history on Tuesday May 31 when University of Manitoba Grad Student, Alisha Ritchie, and her EBF team (Cheyenne Knight, Claudia Lipski and Myrna Pearman) retrapped a very special yearling Purple Martin. This bird had been retrofitted with a light level geolocator last season, as a nestling, and is the first songbird EVER(!) to be tracked on its first migration. The bird had evaded several attempts to trap it, so it has been named Houdini." <br /> <br /> Information about their Purple Martin Geolocator Program:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/purple-martin-geolocators.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/purple-martin-geolocators.html</a><br /> <br /> Following our visit to the Farm, we boarded the two buses and were driven about half an hour's drive away, to the JJ Collett natural area, where the amazing Dr. Charles (Charlie) Bird took us on a walk (longer and faster paced than we were expecting, ha) along one of the trails. This is an interesting place to visit - will have to add information about it when I eventually post an image or two taken there. I had been on a day trip to JJ Collett once before, with friend Sandy and others, on 6 October 2013, but we explored a different trail.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.jjcollett.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.jjcollett.com/</a><br /> <br /> Not sure what time we got back to the meeting place in Calgary - around 5:15 pm? I sat in my car and gulped down a mug of black coffee before driving for maybe 45 minutes to the far side of the city. My vehicle had been sitting in the sun all day and my coffee was as hot as if freshly made!<br /> <br /> Thank you, Nature Calgary and Leslie, for organizing this special day trip for us! Very successful and greatly enjoyed! Kate, thank you for your company on the drive there and back - made the time go faster and was so enjoyable.</div> Dame&#039;s rocket <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/293827/42163350"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/33/50/42163350.a6c55db5.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I noticed this Dame's rocket plant growing in the garden at the Ellis Bird Farm. I had always known it as a plant that needs to be pulled because it is invasive, so I was a little surprised to see it when we were there. Such a pretty colour.<br /> <br /> "Dame's rocket is an invasive plant in Calgary that can rapidly spread. It chokes out natural vegetation and harbours dangerous plant diseases.<br /> <br /> Dame's rocket rapidly self-seeds and forms dense infestations quickly – in fact, each plant can produce up to 20,000 seeds. It's a highly competitive plant that thrives in ditches and waste areas. It is often part of wildflower seed mixes, whether on the label or not.<br /> <br /> Dame's rocket is also known as Hesperis matrionali, Damask violet, Dame's violet, Dames-wort, Dame's gilliflower, night scented gilliflower, Queen's gilliflower, Rogue's gilliflower, summer lilac, sweet rocket, mother-of-the-evening and winter gilliflower." From the City of Calgary.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Planning-and-Operations/Pest-Management/Dames-rocket.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Planning-and-Operations/P...</a><br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.abinvasives.ca/factsheets/140506-fs-damesrocket.pdf?iframe=true&width=800&height=600" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.abinvasives.ca/factsheets/140506-fs-damesrocket.pdf?i...</a><br /> <br /> That day, 4 June 2016, I had the chance to visit somewhere that I had longed to go to for years - the Ellis Bird Farm. This was thanks to the annual Nature Calgary Bus Trip, which goes to a different location each year. When I read where this year's outing was going to be, I was so excited and registered immediately and, apparently, was the first person on the list : ) I believe there were 66 people on the trip, enjoying a great day. The sun was shining and the temperature got up to around 25C - too warm for me and for many others, especially when the whole day is spent outdoors. <br /> <br /> It was a very early start, with my alarm clocks set for 4:30 am. Unfortunately, they had also been set for 4:30 am the previous day, when I went on a Bio-blitz to the Square Butte Ranch. Being a dreadful 'night owl', this meant that I ended up doing these two trips on about 5 hours sleep total over the two nights. Not good! It is such a treat to go somewhere by bus - everyone can relax and chat. Some of the $50 charge per person went towards a donation to the Ellis Bird Farm (and to the JJ Collett natural area), which was good to know.<br /> <br /> The drive from Calgary to the Ellis Bird Farm takes about an hour and a half. When we arrived, we were greeted by a long line of bird nest boxes along the fence line. Within the farm area, there were even more nest boxes - everywhere! People send them from all over the province. I believe the Farm has the largest collection of outdoor boxes in the world - 300+! <br /> <br /> One of the highlights was seeing the Purple Martins and their condominium-style nest boxes. These birds are very social birds, who apparently like people too, and nest in condominium-style nest boxes. They spend "most of the year in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and come up to Alberta just long enough to raise a family." <br /> <br /> We started off by watching a very touching old video about Charlie Ellis - what a delightful, very shy, modest man he was.<br /> <br /> ""Ellis Bird Farm is both a non-profit company and a working farm. It was established in 1982 to carry on the legacy of Lacombe-area conservationists, Charlie and Winnie Ellis, when their farm was purchased by Union Carbide Canada Ltd. At the time, Charlie and Winnie operated one of the largest bluebird trails in Canada and had established their farmstead as a haven for wildlife.<br /> <br /> The Ellis family of Parkenham, Ontario, came west in 1886 to settle on a ranch near Calgary. Their son John, then a teenager, was married in 1894 to Agnes Clark who had come west from Ontario in 1888 to teach school. They lived near Calgary until 1906 when they moved with their family of four children to a quarter section homestead in the Joffre district. In 1907 they built a two-storey frame house and subsequently enlarged the farm by the purchase of an additional five quarters.<br /> <br /> After John and Agnes passed away in the early 1950s, two of their children, Charlie and Winnie, took over the farm operations. And about this same time, Charlie began a project that was to dominate the rest of his life; he set out his first nesting box for the Mountain Bluebirds." From Ellis Bird Farm website. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/</a><br /> <br /> After the video, we were divided into two large groups and then further divided again. Not easy to organize such a large number of people and it was rather confusing, Have to admit that I ended up, like varous friends, wandering around, taking photos. I always prefer to be free to do this, as there is a lot of information on the Internet, which can be read before and after such a visit.<br /> <br /> "​Ellis Bird Farm made science history on Tuesday May 31 when University of Manitoba Grad Student, Alisha Ritchie, and her EBF team (Cheyenne Knight, Claudia Lipski and Myrna Pearman) retrapped a very special yearling Purple Martin. This bird had been retrofitted with a light level geolocator last season, as a nestling, and is the first songbird EVER(!) to be tracked on its first migration. The bird had evaded several attempts to trap it, so it has been named Houdini." <br /> <br /> Information about their Purple Martin Geolocator Program:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/purple-martin-geolocators.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/purple-martin-geolocators.html</a><br /> <br /> Following our visit to the Farm, we boarded the two buses and were driven about half an hour's drive away, to the JJ Collett natural area, where the amazing Dr. Charles (Charlie) Bird took us on a walk (longer and faster paced than we were expecting, ha) along one of the trails. This is an interesting place to visit - will have to add information about it when I eventually post an image or two taken there. I had been on a day trip to JJ Collett once before, with friend Sandy and others, on 6 October 2013, but we explored a different trail.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.jjcollett.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.jjcollett.com/</a><br /> <br /> Not sure what time we got back to the meeting place in Calgary - around 5:15 pm? I sat in my car and gulped down a mug of black coffee before driving for maybe 45 minutes to the far side of the city. My vehicle had been sitting in the sun all day and my coffee was as hot as if freshly made!<br /> <br /> Thank you, Nature Calgary and Leslie, for organizing this special day trip for us! Very successful and greatly enjoyed! Kate, thank you for your company on the drive there and back - made the time go faster and was so enjoyable.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/42014162 tag:ipernity.com,2016-05-21,doc-42014162 Sat, 21 May 2016 11:35:31 +0000 2012-09-16T16:54:17-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/42014162"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/41/62/42014162.3fad8bc4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A photo from my archives, taken on 16 September 2012, during a wonderful week's trip down to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park with special friends from England, Linda and Tony (explanation is in my "US holiday, September 2012" set).<br /> <br /> I had an absolutely amazing week away with my friends from England, Linda and Tony. We left Calgary early on 11 September 2012 and returned late on 17 September 2012. Believe it or not, this was only my second holiday in about 30 years! Some of you may remember that when my Brother in England died almost two years ago, several of my long-time friends who lived in the same city stepped forward and helped me deal with everything long distance, from my Brother's funeral to finding everything possible in the house a good home (donated or sold). All my parents' belongings were there, too, so it was a mammoth task to go through everything and put aside every single personal item or document, which were then shipped to me here. Just one of the priceless things was when Linda went through all my Father's old movies, picked out every inch of them that she thought I would want to have, and then took them to be copied to DVD. Of course, everything was done thoughtfully and lovingly - and it still has me shaking my head that anyone could spend so much time doing SO much for someone else. <br /> <br /> Anyway, to cut a very long story short, Linda had told me many months before that she and Tony were coming to Canada again and Linda really hoped I would join them for a week getting down to Yellowstone National Park and back. Because I hadn't been away in so long, I was extremely hesitant : ) However, I did go, and had the most wonderfully enjoyable (and spectacular!) time going to not only Yellowstone, but also Grand Teton National Park, and Glacier-Waterton Peace Park! Can never thank Linda and Tony enough for this! I've known Linda since she was a baby (she's about four? years younger than I am, around my Brother's age), so we had a week's precious time to "catch up". I'd only ever met Tony once, when they came to Canada for a holiday six years ago. He deserves a medal for putting up with me for a whole week!! <br /> <br /> I visited Mammoth Hot Springs and the rest of Yellowstone National Park 30+ years ago, when my kids were very young. I was thrilled to get the chance to see this fascinating area again.<br /> <br /> Even after six days of the most amazing scenery and wildlife, I still had plenty of joy to feel when we stopped at a Mission Mountain pull-off on our way north to Kalispell, Montana, US, and saw a row of Teasels. I so rarely see these, but I love to photograph them. <br /> <br /> "Teasel is considered an invasive species in the United States. It is known to form a monoculture, capable of crowding out all native plant species, and therefore is discouraged and/or eliminated within restored open lands and other conservation areas."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipsacus" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipsacus</a></div> Teasels growing wild <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/293827/42014162"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/41/62/42014162.3fad8bc4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A photo from my archives, taken on 16 September 2012, during a wonderful week's trip down to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park with special friends from England, Linda and Tony (explanation is in my "US holiday, September 2012" set).<br /> <br /> I had an absolutely amazing week away with my friends from England, Linda and Tony. We left Calgary early on 11 September 2012 and returned late on 17 September 2012. Believe it or not, this was only my second holiday in about 30 years! Some of you may remember that when my Brother in England died almost two years ago, several of my long-time friends who lived in the same city stepped forward and helped me deal with everything long distance, from my Brother's funeral to finding everything possible in the house a good home (donated or sold). All my parents' belongings were there, too, so it was a mammoth task to go through everything and put aside every single personal item or document, which were then shipped to me here. Just one of the priceless things was when Linda went through all my Father's old movies, picked out every inch of them that she thought I would want to have, and then took them to be copied to DVD. Of course, everything was done thoughtfully and lovingly - and it still has me shaking my head that anyone could spend so much time doing SO much for someone else. <br /> <br /> Anyway, to cut a very long story short, Linda had told me many months before that she and Tony were coming to Canada again and Linda really hoped I would join them for a week getting down to Yellowstone National Park and back. Because I hadn't been away in so long, I was extremely hesitant : ) However, I did go, and had the most wonderfully enjoyable (and spectacular!) time going to not only Yellowstone, but also Grand Teton National Park, and Glacier-Waterton Peace Park! Can never thank Linda and Tony enough for this! I've known Linda since she was a baby (she's about four? years younger than I am, around my Brother's age), so we had a week's precious time to "catch up". I'd only ever met Tony once, when they came to Canada for a holiday six years ago. He deserves a medal for putting up with me for a whole week!! <br /> <br /> I visited Mammoth Hot Springs and the rest of Yellowstone National Park 30+ years ago, when my kids were very young. I was thrilled to get the chance to see this fascinating area again.<br /> <br /> Even after six days of the most amazing scenery and wildlife, I still had plenty of joy to feel when we stopped at a Mission Mountain pull-off on our way north to Kalispell, Montana, US, and saw a row of Teasels. I so rarely see these, but I love to photograph them. <br /> <br /> "Teasel is considered an invasive species in the United States. It is known to form a monoculture, capable of crowding out all native plant species, and therefore is discouraged and/or eliminated within restored open lands and other conservation areas."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipsacus" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipsacus</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40090874 tag:ipernity.com,2015-10-22,doc-40090874 Thu, 22 Oct 2015 15:06:28 +0000 2015-10-20T10:02:51-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/40090874"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/08/74/40090874.b8c1ef89.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">An overcast morning today, 22 October 2015. The sun is supposed to shine this afternoon - I'm just hoping it won't rain, as I washed my car yesterday and vacuumed it out, ready for the arrival of winter. I then dropped it off at my Tire place to get my winter tires put on today - thought that if I left it any longer, too many people would be making appointments to get the same done. <br /> <br /> Another thing completed this week was having two people come and remove everything from my tiny back yard. It had become one tangled jungle mess and, as I can't bend or kneel to do anything, it had been become totally out of control. It now looks completely bare and wonderfully tidy! That big, black cloud that has been hanging over my head for years has finally gone, and it feels so good.<br /> <br /> This photo was taken on 20 October 2015 in South Glenmore Park, down by the Glenmore Reservoir. I went on a birding walk with a group of friends, but couldn't resist a quick shot of these bright Mountain Ash berries. By now, the leaves have died and shrivelled, leaving just the clusters of red.<br /> <br /> "European Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia) is frequently planted for its showy clusters of white flowers in spring followed by an excellent display of fruit that develop in tight clusters 4-5" wide. Individual fruits are about 3/8" in diameter. Fruits start maturing in August and hang on through October."<br /> <br /> In winter, Bohemian Waxwings seek out the ornamental Rowanberry/European Mountain-ash for its berries. However, widely planted in gardens, this ornamental tree has escaped and replaced native plants in our natural areas. Not good news! <br /> <br /> Link to an article from CTV News page, on Bohemian Waxwings getting drunk on fermented Mountain Ash berries:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/birds-drunk-on-fermented-berries-get-help-sobering-up-1.2106300" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/birds-drunk-on-fermented-berries-...</a><br /> <br /> I've just read the following suggestion of an alternative tree species on the City of Calgary's Yard Smart webpage:<br /> <br /> "Snowy Mountain Ash (Sorbus decora) – A small, dense tree with flower clusters and then red berries. Needs well-drained soil. Twenty feet tall and fifteeen foot spread. Full sun. Attracts birds such as waxwings. Avoid its relative the European Mountain Ash (Sorbus auduparic) which can be invasive."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.calgary.ca/UEP/Water/Pages/Water-conservation/Lawn-and-garden/Water-wise-gardening-and-plants/Water-Wise-Trees-and-Shrubs.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.calgary.ca/UEP/Water/Pages/Water-conservation/Lawn-an...</a></div> Mountain Ash berries <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/293827/40090874"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/08/74/40090874.b8c1ef89.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">An overcast morning today, 22 October 2015. The sun is supposed to shine this afternoon - I'm just hoping it won't rain, as I washed my car yesterday and vacuumed it out, ready for the arrival of winter. I then dropped it off at my Tire place to get my winter tires put on today - thought that if I left it any longer, too many people would be making appointments to get the same done. <br /> <br /> Another thing completed this week was having two people come and remove everything from my tiny back yard. It had become one tangled jungle mess and, as I can't bend or kneel to do anything, it had been become totally out of control. It now looks completely bare and wonderfully tidy! That big, black cloud that has been hanging over my head for years has finally gone, and it feels so good.<br /> <br /> This photo was taken on 20 October 2015 in South Glenmore Park, down by the Glenmore Reservoir. I went on a birding walk with a group of friends, but couldn't resist a quick shot of these bright Mountain Ash berries. By now, the leaves have died and shrivelled, leaving just the clusters of red.<br /> <br /> "European Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia) is frequently planted for its showy clusters of white flowers in spring followed by an excellent display of fruit that develop in tight clusters 4-5" wide. Individual fruits are about 3/8" in diameter. Fruits start maturing in August and hang on through October."<br /> <br /> In winter, Bohemian Waxwings seek out the ornamental Rowanberry/European Mountain-ash for its berries. However, widely planted in gardens, this ornamental tree has escaped and replaced native plants in our natural areas. Not good news! <br /> <br /> Link to an article from CTV News page, on Bohemian Waxwings getting drunk on fermented Mountain Ash berries:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/birds-drunk-on-fermented-berries-get-help-sobering-up-1.2106300" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/birds-drunk-on-fermented-berries-...</a><br /> <br /> I've just read the following suggestion of an alternative tree species on the City of Calgary's Yard Smart webpage:<br /> <br /> "Snowy Mountain Ash (Sorbus decora) – A small, dense tree with flower clusters and then red berries. Needs well-drained soil. Twenty feet tall and fifteeen foot spread. Full sun. Attracts birds such as waxwings. Avoid its relative the European Mountain Ash (Sorbus auduparic) which can be invasive."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.calgary.ca/UEP/Water/Pages/Water-conservation/Lawn-and-garden/Water-wise-gardening-and-plants/Water-Wise-Trees-and-Shrubs.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.calgary.ca/UEP/Water/Pages/Water-conservation/Lawn-an...</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/39636334 tag:ipernity.com,2015-09-11,doc-39636334 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 15:37:26 +0000 2015-09-10T18:40:52-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/39636334"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/63/34/39636334.2eb019f1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I would imagine (and hope) that many, many people will be stopping today to remember the horrific events of 11th September 2001. So many mental images that will never, ever leave our minds and hearts. People from so many different countries, not just the US. So many stories of loss and heartbreak - and so many stories of bravery and heroic actions. Remembering .... all those who lost their lives on that fateful day: all those who lost loved ones and close friends or fellow workers; all those who rushed in to "do their job" or "to help others" in any way they could. Remembering .... all those who were severely injured on that fateful day and who have bravely suffered every day since then; all those Firemen, Emergency Medical people, Police - men and women, who have suffered and continue to suffer emotionally and physically, including illnesses caused by being exposed to harmful chemicals. The list goes on and on. Remembering ... and praying that we never see another day like September 11th, 2001.<br /> <br /> This photo was taken yesterday evening in South Glenmore Park, down by the Glenmore Reservoir. I went with three friends for our last but one botany walk of the year.<br /> <br /> "European Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia) is frequently planted for its showy clusters of white flowers in spring followed by an excellent display of fruit that develop in tight clusters 4-5" wide. Individual fruits are about 3/8" in diameter. Fruits start maturing in August and hang on through October."<br /> <br /> In winter, Bohemian Waxwings seek out the ornamental Rowanberry/European Mountain-ash for its berries. However, widely planted in gardens, this ornamental tree has escaped and replaced native plants in our natural areas. Not good news!</div> European Mountain Ash / Sorbus aucuparia <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/293827/39636334"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/63/34/39636334.2eb019f1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I would imagine (and hope) that many, many people will be stopping today to remember the horrific events of 11th September 2001. So many mental images that will never, ever leave our minds and hearts. People from so many different countries, not just the US. So many stories of loss and heartbreak - and so many stories of bravery and heroic actions. Remembering .... all those who lost their lives on that fateful day: all those who lost loved ones and close friends or fellow workers; all those who rushed in to "do their job" or "to help others" in any way they could. Remembering .... all those who were severely injured on that fateful day and who have bravely suffered every day since then; all those Firemen, Emergency Medical people, Police - men and women, who have suffered and continue to suffer emotionally and physically, including illnesses caused by being exposed to harmful chemicals. The list goes on and on. Remembering ... and praying that we never see another day like September 11th, 2001.<br /> <br /> This photo was taken yesterday evening in South Glenmore Park, down by the Glenmore Reservoir. I went with three friends for our last but one botany walk of the year.<br /> <br /> "European Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia) is frequently planted for its showy clusters of white flowers in spring followed by an excellent display of fruit that develop in tight clusters 4-5" wide. Individual fruits are about 3/8" in diameter. Fruits start maturing in August and hang on through October."<br /> <br /> In winter, Bohemian Waxwings seek out the ornamental Rowanberry/European Mountain-ash for its berries. However, widely planted in gardens, this ornamental tree has escaped and replaced native plants in our natural areas. Not good news!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/39308634 tag:ipernity.com,2015-08-16,doc-39308634 Sun, 16 Aug 2015 12:43:11 +0000 2015-08-07T12:55:09-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/39308634"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/86/34/39308634.729f9fb4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful flower and its silvery seedheads. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is an invasive species and widespread. This is one of three species of Clematis that occur in the wild in Alberta, the other two being the native Western Clematis and the Purple Clematis/Blue Clematis. This yellow species was introduced from Japan as an ornamental garden plant, but has now spread to natural areas where it chokes out and kills native plants, shrubs and trees. Taken on 7 August 2015.<br /> <br /> On 7 August 2015, four of us were extremely fortunate to have the chance to visit the home and highly varied topographic 62-acre property belonging to Frances and David Dover. We felt honoured and privileged to meet and spend time with Frances and David, and also their daughter Carolyn and her husband Clair. A delightful family who welcomed us so warmly into their home and land. <br /> <br /> This acreage of grassland, forest, rolling hills - and special gardens - is not far from Millarville, SW of Calgary. In fact, it's in an area that I often drive through when I only have time for, or only feel like doing, a short drive. Amazing what little gems exist out there. <br /> <br /> This is not just a beautiful property, but is very special for various reasons. For one thing, read any history of Alberta and you will find the Dover family, including David's mother, Mary Dover. Second, among the trees and open "lawns", there are Peony flower beds, containing 100-150 heritage Peonies, each one different, that have now multiplied to more than 300 plants. Unfortunately, they bloomed a couple of weeks early this year, and all the flowers had gone to seed. Another open area had a different kind of ground cover - Thyme, which smelled wonderful. If I remember correctly, this was the open space where the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra performed on one occasion! <br /> <br /> There are two large ponds on the property and another smaller area of water that they hope to turn into a Japanese Garden. There is a total of seven wetland basins, including these. It was while walking around the Japanese Garden that a large brown 'shape' could just be seen through the dense trees - a handsome Moose buck. I will look properly at the four or so photos I just managed to get and will slip one of them into my photostream sometime soon, just for the record, definitely not for the photo quality : ) This was also where a Great Horned Owl was seen flying through the trees by some of us (not me, ha!).<br /> <br /> There are grassy paths winding through the acreage, up and down hill, that take David seven hours to mow. They are not pristine, velvety paths, but instead, they seem to take nothing away from the wildness of the whole area. One of the animals that have passed through is the Cougar. In fact, several years ago, I saw a video taken on a nearby (or adjacent?) property, where a 'kill' and night-time camera had been set up and a total of six different Cougar individuals were seen!<br /> <br /> Even the Dover's home is unique and beautiful. It is completely built of concrete (and glass) - floors, walls, ceilings, roof, deck, and so on. A Hummingbird feeder and regular bird feeders, set up on the patio, attract a variety of birds. We sat on the patio after our walk to eat our packed lunches - and to enjoy a delicious Orange Pound Cake that Frances had made for us, along with refreshing Iced Tea - thank you so much for this, Frances! While I was waiting for one of three tiny Calliope (?) Hummingbirds to come back, I was lucky enough to see a little Mountain Chickadee, along with many Pine Siskins. We could also hear a Red-tailed Hawk in the area. Saw a total of 22 bird species. <br /> <br /> There is just so much I could write about this visit and family. Instead, or for now, I will add several links to more information on the Internet. This was a memorable day for us. Thank you so much, Frances and David, Carolyn and Clair, for being so kind and welcoming us into your home and gardens. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://books.google.ca/books?id=Tr36Tq_gadcC&pg=PA290&lpg=PA290&dq=frances+and+david+dover&source=bl&ots=XH6acCljWp&sig=8JFnloB4KbyyB_hNgKmC7lRfJsU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CDwQ6AEwB2oVChMI4YOD5fiZxwIVF0uICh0dfgtU#v=onepage&q=frances and david dover&f=false" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">books.google.ca/books?id=Tr36Tq_gadcC&pg=PA290&lp...</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.westernwheel.com/article/20110727/WHE06/307279983/-1/whe/garden-offers-rejuvenating-retreat-for-seniors" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.westernwheel.com/article/20110727/WHE06/307279983/-1/...</a><br /> <br /> David's mother, Mary Dover (her father was A. E. Cross), was "a dynamic and distinguished Calgarian, particularly known for her work with the military during World War II." As well as being an army officer, and an alderman, she was also a preservationist. See the following link.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.albertachampions.org/champions-mary_dover.htm#.VcY1KPlVhBc" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.albertachampions.org/champions-mary_dover.htm#.VcY1KP...</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://ww2.glenbow.org/search/archivesMainResults.aspx?XC=/search/archivesMainResults.aspx&TN=MAINCAT&AC=QBE_QUERY&RF=WebResults&DL=0&RL=0&NP=255&MF=WPEngMsg.ini&MR=5&QB0=AND&QF0=Main entry+|+Title&QI0=A. E. Cross Family fonds" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ww2.glenbow.org/search/archivesMainResults.aspx?XC=/searc...</a><br /> <br /> <a href="https://glencoe.org/documents/10184/637479/The-History-of-Elbow-Park.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">glencoe.org/documents/10184/637479/The-History-of-Elbow-P...</a> page 44-45</div> Yellow Clematis / Clematis tangutica <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/293827/39308634"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/86/34/39308634.729f9fb4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful flower and its silvery seedheads. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is an invasive species and widespread. This is one of three species of Clematis that occur in the wild in Alberta, the other two being the native Western Clematis and the Purple Clematis/Blue Clematis. This yellow species was introduced from Japan as an ornamental garden plant, but has now spread to natural areas where it chokes out and kills native plants, shrubs and trees. Taken on 7 August 2015.<br /> <br /> On 7 August 2015, four of us were extremely fortunate to have the chance to visit the home and highly varied topographic 62-acre property belonging to Frances and David Dover. We felt honoured and privileged to meet and spend time with Frances and David, and also their daughter Carolyn and her husband Clair. A delightful family who welcomed us so warmly into their home and land. <br /> <br /> This acreage of grassland, forest, rolling hills - and special gardens - is not far from Millarville, SW of Calgary. In fact, it's in an area that I often drive through when I only have time for, or only feel like doing, a short drive. Amazing what little gems exist out there. <br /> <br /> This is not just a beautiful property, but is very special for various reasons. For one thing, read any history of Alberta and you will find the Dover family, including David's mother, Mary Dover. Second, among the trees and open "lawns", there are Peony flower beds, containing 100-150 heritage Peonies, each one different, that have now multiplied to more than 300 plants. Unfortunately, they bloomed a couple of weeks early this year, and all the flowers had gone to seed. Another open area had a different kind of ground cover - Thyme, which smelled wonderful. If I remember correctly, this was the open space where the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra performed on one occasion! <br /> <br /> There are two large ponds on the property and another smaller area of water that they hope to turn into a Japanese Garden. There is a total of seven wetland basins, including these. It was while walking around the Japanese Garden that a large brown 'shape' could just be seen through the dense trees - a handsome Moose buck. I will look properly at the four or so photos I just managed to get and will slip one of them into my photostream sometime soon, just for the record, definitely not for the photo quality : ) This was also where a Great Horned Owl was seen flying through the trees by some of us (not me, ha!).<br /> <br /> There are grassy paths winding through the acreage, up and down hill, that take David seven hours to mow. They are not pristine, velvety paths, but instead, they seem to take nothing away from the wildness of the whole area. One of the animals that have passed through is the Cougar. In fact, several years ago, I saw a video taken on a nearby (or adjacent?) property, where a 'kill' and night-time camera had been set up and a total of six different Cougar individuals were seen!<br /> <br /> Even the Dover's home is unique and beautiful. It is completely built of concrete (and glass) - floors, walls, ceilings, roof, deck, and so on. A Hummingbird feeder and regular bird feeders, set up on the patio, attract a variety of birds. We sat on the patio after our walk to eat our packed lunches - and to enjoy a delicious Orange Pound Cake that Frances had made for us, along with refreshing Iced Tea - thank you so much for this, Frances! While I was waiting for one of three tiny Calliope (?) Hummingbirds to come back, I was lucky enough to see a little Mountain Chickadee, along with many Pine Siskins. We could also hear a Red-tailed Hawk in the area. Saw a total of 22 bird species. <br /> <br /> There is just so much I could write about this visit and family. Instead, or for now, I will add several links to more information on the Internet. This was a memorable day for us. Thank you so much, Frances and David, Carolyn and Clair, for being so kind and welcoming us into your home and gardens. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://books.google.ca/books?id=Tr36Tq_gadcC&pg=PA290&lpg=PA290&dq=frances+and+david+dover&source=bl&ots=XH6acCljWp&sig=8JFnloB4KbyyB_hNgKmC7lRfJsU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CDwQ6AEwB2oVChMI4YOD5fiZxwIVF0uICh0dfgtU#v=onepage&q=frances and david dover&f=false" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">books.google.ca/books?id=Tr36Tq_gadcC&pg=PA290&lp...</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.westernwheel.com/article/20110727/WHE06/307279983/-1/whe/garden-offers-rejuvenating-retreat-for-seniors" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.westernwheel.com/article/20110727/WHE06/307279983/-1/...</a><br /> <br /> David's mother, Mary Dover (her father was A. E. Cross), was "a dynamic and distinguished Calgarian, particularly known for her work with the military during World War II." As well as being an army officer, and an alderman, she was also a preservationist. See the following link.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.albertachampions.org/champions-mary_dover.htm#.VcY1KPlVhBc" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.albertachampions.org/champions-mary_dover.htm#.VcY1KP...</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://ww2.glenbow.org/search/archivesMainResults.aspx?XC=/search/archivesMainResults.aspx&TN=MAINCAT&AC=QBE_QUERY&RF=WebResults&DL=0&RL=0&NP=255&MF=WPEngMsg.ini&MR=5&QB0=AND&QF0=Main entry+|+Title&QI0=A. E. Cross Family fonds" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ww2.glenbow.org/search/archivesMainResults.aspx?XC=/searc...</a><br /> <br /> <a href="https://glencoe.org/documents/10184/637479/The-History-of-Elbow-Park.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">glencoe.org/documents/10184/637479/The-History-of-Elbow-P...</a> page 44-45</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/39293210 tag:ipernity.com,2015-08-14,doc-39293210 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 16:26:48 +0000 2015-08-13T11:51:04-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/39293210"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/32/10/39293210.6b5c5c75.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The three photos that I've posted this morning were all taken yesterday, 13 August 2015, when I spent about three hours with friends at Heritage Park in Calgary. One of them is a volunteer at the Park and she had very kindly invited us to visit. <br /> <br /> The temperature got up to 33°C or 34°C yesterday!! We started our visit at 9:45 am, so it was still cooler than that, but as the heat increased in the afternoon, it became unbearable. Fortunately, I had a dentist appointment mid-afternoon, so I knew I would have maybe an hour and a half in air-conditioning before returning to my home that felt like an oven. Our forecast, so far, is giving much cooler temperatures for the coming week, thank goodness!<br /> <br /> Our walk at Heritage Park was a combination of looking at the various old buildings and also checking on plants. There is a small native plant garden within the Hudson Bay Fort and we talked to a volunteer there, who I think may have learned a few new things from talking with us : ) <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.heritagepark.ca/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.heritagepark.ca/</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.heritagepark.ca/plan-your-visit/interactive-park-map.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.heritagepark.ca/plan-your-visit/interactive-park-map....</a><br /> <br /> We had been told before our visit that the Prohibited Noxious weed, Spotted Knapweed / Centaurea maculosa, had been seen at the Park, and we did find it, growing along a gravel road that led down by the Glenmore Reservoir. This species is a prolific seed producer and is very difficult to control. I've seen two different scientific names given for this plant and I'm not sure which is the more correct one - Centaurea maculosa or Centaurea stoebe ssp. micranthos. The stiff bracts are black-tipped, giving the plant its ‘spotted’ appearance. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/prm13944" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/prm13944</a><br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centaurea_maculosa" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centaurea_maculosa</a><br /> <br /> Despite the heat, we had a very enjoyable visit. Heritage Park is a place I always intend to go to, but somehow I rarely make it. This was a treat, so thanks so much, Susan!</div> Spotted Knapweed - PROHIBITED NOXIOUS <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/293827/39293210"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/32/10/39293210.6b5c5c75.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The three photos that I've posted this morning were all taken yesterday, 13 August 2015, when I spent about three hours with friends at Heritage Park in Calgary. One of them is a volunteer at the Park and she had very kindly invited us to visit. <br /> <br /> The temperature got up to 33°C or 34°C yesterday!! We started our visit at 9:45 am, so it was still cooler than that, but as the heat increased in the afternoon, it became unbearable. Fortunately, I had a dentist appointment mid-afternoon, so I knew I would have maybe an hour and a half in air-conditioning before returning to my home that felt like an oven. Our forecast, so far, is giving much cooler temperatures for the coming week, thank goodness!<br /> <br /> Our walk at Heritage Park was a combination of looking at the various old buildings and also checking on plants. There is a small native plant garden within the Hudson Bay Fort and we talked to a volunteer there, who I think may have learned a few new things from talking with us : ) <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.heritagepark.ca/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.heritagepark.ca/</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.heritagepark.ca/plan-your-visit/interactive-park-map.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.heritagepark.ca/plan-your-visit/interactive-park-map....</a><br /> <br /> We had been told before our visit that the Prohibited Noxious weed, Spotted Knapweed / Centaurea maculosa, had been seen at the Park, and we did find it, growing along a gravel road that led down by the Glenmore Reservoir. This species is a prolific seed producer and is very difficult to control. I've seen two different scientific names given for this plant and I'm not sure which is the more correct one - Centaurea maculosa or Centaurea stoebe ssp. micranthos. The stiff bracts are black-tipped, giving the plant its ‘spotted’ appearance. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/prm13944" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/prm13944</a><br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centaurea_maculosa" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centaurea_maculosa</a><br /> <br /> Despite the heat, we had a very enjoyable visit. Heritage Park is a place I always intend to go to, but somehow I rarely make it. This was a treat, so thanks so much, Susan!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/38609528 tag:ipernity.com,2015-06-17,doc-38609528 Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:10:31 +0000 2015-06-15T10:07:12-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/38609528"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/95/28/38609528.7574db51.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">(Note to self: this is my main photo posted today, i.e. the very last photo uploaded. Let me know if you see my photos posted in a different order - thanks).<br /> <br /> The dreaded Goat's-beard, a highly invasive, non-native plant that has spread (and keeps spreading, despite attempts to control it) in our natural areas in the city. Too bad, because both the beautiful flower and huge Dandelion-like seedhead are most attractive. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius</a><br /> <br /> This photo was taken the day before yesterday, 15 June 2015, when I went on a morning birding walk with friends at Griffith Woods. All the birds we saw were so far away, so I mainly came home with a few photos of flowers. Just for my own memory, I'll add the leaders' list of the 39 bird species below.<br /> <br /> Gadwall-2 <br /> Am. Wigeon-1 f. <br /> Mallard-6 ad./10 juv. <br /> Common Goldeneye-2 <br /> Bald Eagle-1 ad. <br /> Red-tailed Hawk-1 <br /> Sora-1+ <br /> Killdeer-1+ <br /> Spotted Sandpiper-5 <br /> Ruby-throated Hummingbird-2 <br /> Belted Kingfisher-1 <br /> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker-2 <br /> Downy Woodpecker-1+ <br /> Northern Flicker-1 <br /> Least Flycatcher-2 <br /> Blue Jay-1 <br /> American Crow-4 <br /> Common Raven-3+ <br /> Tree Swallow-4 <br /> Violet-green Swallow-2+ <br /> Northern Rough-winged Swallow-4 <br /> Bank Swallow-20 <br /> Black-capped Chickadee-3 <br /> Red-breasted Nuthatch-1 <br /> House Wren-3 <br /> Ruby-crowned Kinglet-1 <br /> American Robin-15 <br /> Gray Catbird-2 <br /> Cedar Waxwing-10 <br /> Yellow Warbler-6 <br /> Chipping Sparrow-1+ <br /> Clay-colored Sparrow-6 <br /> Song Sparrow-1 <br /> White-throated Sparrow-4 <br /> White-throated Sparrow-1 <br /> Red-winged Blackbird-6 <br /> Brown-headed Cowbird-8 <br /> Pine Siskin-6 <br /> American Goldfinch-4</div> The dreaded Goat&#039;s-beard / Tragopogon dubius <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/293827/38609528"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/95/28/38609528.7574db51.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">(Note to self: this is my main photo posted today, i.e. the very last photo uploaded. Let me know if you see my photos posted in a different order - thanks).<br /> <br /> The dreaded Goat's-beard, a highly invasive, non-native plant that has spread (and keeps spreading, despite attempts to control it) in our natural areas in the city. Too bad, because both the beautiful flower and huge Dandelion-like seedhead are most attractive. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius</a><br /> <br /> This photo was taken the day before yesterday, 15 June 2015, when I went on a morning birding walk with friends at Griffith Woods. All the birds we saw were so far away, so I mainly came home with a few photos of flowers. Just for my own memory, I'll add the leaders' list of the 39 bird species below.<br /> <br /> Gadwall-2 <br /> Am. Wigeon-1 f. <br /> Mallard-6 ad./10 juv. <br /> Common Goldeneye-2 <br /> Bald Eagle-1 ad. <br /> Red-tailed Hawk-1 <br /> Sora-1+ <br /> Killdeer-1+ <br /> Spotted Sandpiper-5 <br /> Ruby-throated Hummingbird-2 <br /> Belted Kingfisher-1 <br /> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker-2 <br /> Downy Woodpecker-1+ <br /> Northern Flicker-1 <br /> Least Flycatcher-2 <br /> Blue Jay-1 <br /> American Crow-4 <br /> Common Raven-3+ <br /> Tree Swallow-4 <br /> Violet-green Swallow-2+ <br /> Northern Rough-winged Swallow-4 <br /> Bank Swallow-20 <br /> Black-capped Chickadee-3 <br /> Red-breasted Nuthatch-1 <br /> House Wren-3 <br /> Ruby-crowned Kinglet-1 <br /> American Robin-15 <br /> Gray Catbird-2 <br /> Cedar Waxwing-10 <br /> Yellow Warbler-6 <br /> Chipping Sparrow-1+ <br /> Clay-colored Sparrow-6 <br /> Song Sparrow-1 <br /> White-throated Sparrow-4 <br /> White-throated Sparrow-1 <br /> Red-winged Blackbird-6 <br /> Brown-headed Cowbird-8 <br /> Pine Siskin-6 <br /> American Goldfinch-4</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/38156124 tag:ipernity.com,2015-05-14,doc-38156124 Thu, 14 May 2015 16:15:06 +0000 2015-05-10T10:51:48-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/38156124"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/61/24/38156124.2f748c50.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Caragana grows everywhere! Also known as Siberian Peashrub. This hardy shrub is a native of Siberia, as the name implies. Wherever it grows, nothing else can grow beneath it. It is one of the worst (if not THE worst) invasive plants/shrubs found here. It spreads and overtakes all our natural areas. It is an introduced species, so insects and birds don't use it, and it is seemingly impossible to get rid of. <br /> <br /> "Useful for shelterbelts, but should be kept out of natural areas, where it may spread. Dense groves of Caragana exclude almost all other vegetation."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.anpc.ab.ca/wiki/index.php/Caragana_arborescens" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.anpc.ab.ca/wiki/index.php/Caragana_arborescens</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caragana_arborescens" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caragana_arborescens</a><br /> <br /> One week ago, on 7 May 2015, I joined friends to go on a birding walk at the south end LaFarge Meadows, accessed off 194th Ave. The weather was beautiful, though the temperature was only 7C-11C, and the birds were so far away. I did manage to get a distant shot of two of the three Trumpeter Swans (both juveniles) that were near the river. A Bald Eagle flew overhead and a Great Blue Heron flew in the far distance. A little Savannah Sparrow posed in a small tree for us and a Muskrat was seen in the large pond by the river. <br /> <br /> After the walk, I decided to call in at a wetland in SW Calgary, hoping that at least a few of the birds would be close enough for photos. I met a delightful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable photographer/birder while I was there, and she showed me the area accessed from an entrance point that I had never tried before. I had hoped to maybe see a Common Grackle at this wetland, as I had seen photos taken there by other people, and sure enough, there was one down near the water's edge. Just managed to get one lucky shot before the bird flew off. Many people don't like Grackles, but I see them so rarely and I think they are beautiful birds.<br /> <br /> A few duck species and other birds were seen, including Ruddy Duck, Lesser Scaup, and Mallards (of course). Also Coots, a pair of Grebes, and a few Yellow-headed and Red-winged Blackbirds.<br /> <br /> WHY PHOTOGRAPHERS (and others) GET SUCH A BAD NAME! Shown on The Weather Network. I'm still shaking my head over this short video!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.theweathernetwork.com/videos/Gallery/all/video_gallery/scary-family-of-bears-chase-park-tourists/sharevideo/4227579675001" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.theweathernetwork.com/videos/Gallery/all/video_galler...</a></div> Caragana - invasive beauty <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/38156124"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/61/24/38156124.2f748c50.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Caragana grows everywhere! Also known as Siberian Peashrub. This hardy shrub is a native of Siberia, as the name implies. Wherever it grows, nothing else can grow beneath it. It is one of the worst (if not THE worst) invasive plants/shrubs found here. It spreads and overtakes all our natural areas. It is an introduced species, so insects and birds don't use it, and it is seemingly impossible to get rid of. <br /> <br /> "Useful for shelterbelts, but should be kept out of natural areas, where it may spread. Dense groves of Caragana exclude almost all other vegetation."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.anpc.ab.ca/wiki/index.php/Caragana_arborescens" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.anpc.ab.ca/wiki/index.php/Caragana_arborescens</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caragana_arborescens" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caragana_arborescens</a><br /> <br /> One week ago, on 7 May 2015, I joined friends to go on a birding walk at the south end LaFarge Meadows, accessed off 194th Ave. The weather was beautiful, though the temperature was only 7C-11C, and the birds were so far away. I did manage to get a distant shot of two of the three Trumpeter Swans (both juveniles) that were near the river. A Bald Eagle flew overhead and a Great Blue Heron flew in the far distance. A little Savannah Sparrow posed in a small tree for us and a Muskrat was seen in the large pond by the river. <br /> <br /> After the walk, I decided to call in at a wetland in SW Calgary, hoping that at least a few of the birds would be close enough for photos. I met a delightful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable photographer/birder while I was there, and she showed me the area accessed from an entrance point that I had never tried before. I had hoped to maybe see a Common Grackle at this wetland, as I had seen photos taken there by other people, and sure enough, there was one down near the water's edge. Just managed to get one lucky shot before the bird flew off. Many people don't like Grackles, but I see them so rarely and I think they are beautiful birds.<br /> <br /> A few duck species and other birds were seen, including Ruddy Duck, Lesser Scaup, and Mallards (of course). Also Coots, a pair of Grebes, and a few Yellow-headed and Red-winged Blackbirds.<br /> <br /> WHY PHOTOGRAPHERS (and others) GET SUCH A BAD NAME! Shown on The Weather Network. I'm still shaking my head over this short video!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.theweathernetwork.com/videos/Gallery/all/video_gallery/scary-family-of-bears-chase-park-tourists/sharevideo/4227579675001" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.theweathernetwork.com/videos/Gallery/all/video_galler...</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34485987 tag:ipernity.com,2014-08-18,doc-34485987 Mon, 18 Aug 2014 16:13:20 +0000 2014-08-17T11:32:34-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/34485987"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/145/59/87/34485987.a9af52d7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I always think that Black Henbane is a strange flower, but with such a beautiful pattern on the petals. Photographed the seedpods of this noxious weed in Carburn Park yesterday, 17 August 2014. I love the seedpods this plant produces!<br /> <br /> "An annual or biennial (forming a rosette the first year) plant that reproduces by seed only. Black Henbane was introduced from the Mediterranean and has been used as a medicinal plant since the Middle Ages, and was also used in ancient religious rites because of its hallucinogenic properties. It was even used as a flavoring in beer until the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516. All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and animals when ingested – tissues contain several toxic alkaloids. Symptoms of poisoning include impaired vision, convulsions, coma, and death from heart or respiratory failure.<br /> <br /> It is a member of the nightshade family and also called ‘stinking nightshade’. A single plant can produce as much as half a million seeds in one season, which are viable for about 4 years."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-BlackHenbane.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-BlackHenbane.pdf</a> -</div> Black Henbane seedpods <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/293827/34485987"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/145/59/87/34485987.a9af52d7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I always think that Black Henbane is a strange flower, but with such a beautiful pattern on the petals. Photographed the seedpods of this noxious weed in Carburn Park yesterday, 17 August 2014. I love the seedpods this plant produces!<br /> <br /> "An annual or biennial (forming a rosette the first year) plant that reproduces by seed only. Black Henbane was introduced from the Mediterranean and has been used as a medicinal plant since the Middle Ages, and was also used in ancient religious rites because of its hallucinogenic properties. It was even used as a flavoring in beer until the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516. All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and animals when ingested – tissues contain several toxic alkaloids. Symptoms of poisoning include impaired vision, convulsions, coma, and death from heart or respiratory failure.<br /> <br /> It is a member of the nightshade family and also called ‘stinking nightshade’. A single plant can produce as much as half a million seeds in one season, which are viable for about 4 years."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-BlackHenbane.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-BlackHenbane.pdf</a> -</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/33701509 tag:ipernity.com,2014-07-01,doc-33701509 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 17:17:10 +0000 2014-06-25T17:27:16-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/33701509"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/143/15/09/33701509.0dddd26c.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful flower and its silvery seedheads. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is an invasive species and widespread. This is one of three species of Clematis that occur in the wild in Alberta, the other two being the native Western Clematis and the Purple Clematis/Blue Clematis. This yellow species was introduced from Japan as an ornamental garden plant, but has now spread to natural areas where it chokes out and kills native plants, shrubs and trees. This particular flower was photographed at the Reader Rock Garden on 25 June 2014 - always surprises me that they haven't pulled this plant, though it doesn't appear to have spread at this location.<br /> <br /> Today, 1 July 2014, is Canada Day. We live in such a great and free country, which is something to be remembered and thankful for, each and every day! A special wish and thank-you for all those Canadians who are serving our country, especially overseas! This is Canada's 147th birthday - we are so young!<br /> <br /> "Canada Day (French: Fête du Canada) is the national day of Canada, a federal statutory holiday celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867, enactment of the British North America Act, 1867 (today called the Constitution Act, 1867), which united three colonies into a single country called Canada within the British Empire. Originally called Dominion Day (French: Le Jour de la Confédération), the holiday was renamed in 1982, the year the Canada Act was passed. Canada Day observances take place throughout Canada as well as among Canadians internationally." From Wikipedia.</div> The beauty of an invasive weed <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/293827/33701509"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/143/15/09/33701509.0dddd26c.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Some of you will be familiar with this rather beautiful flower and its silvery seedheads. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, it is an invasive species and widespread. This is one of three species of Clematis that occur in the wild in Alberta, the other two being the native Western Clematis and the Purple Clematis/Blue Clematis. This yellow species was introduced from Japan as an ornamental garden plant, but has now spread to natural areas where it chokes out and kills native plants, shrubs and trees. This particular flower was photographed at the Reader Rock Garden on 25 June 2014 - always surprises me that they haven't pulled this plant, though it doesn't appear to have spread at this location.<br /> <br /> Today, 1 July 2014, is Canada Day. We live in such a great and free country, which is something to be remembered and thankful for, each and every day! A special wish and thank-you for all those Canadians who are serving our country, especially overseas! This is Canada's 147th birthday - we are so young!<br /> <br /> "Canada Day (French: Fête du Canada) is the national day of Canada, a federal statutory holiday celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867, enactment of the British North America Act, 1867 (today called the Constitution Act, 1867), which united three colonies into a single country called Canada within the British Empire. Originally called Dominion Day (French: Le Jour de la Confédération), the holiday was renamed in 1982, the year the Canada Act was passed. Canada Day observances take place throughout Canada as well as among Canadians internationally." From Wikipedia.</div> Anne Elliott