https://www.ipernity.com/tag/293827/keyword/19637 https://cdn.ipernity.com/p/101/C3/7B/293827.buddy.jpg https://www.ipernity.com/tag/293827/keyword/19637 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:18:30 +0000 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:18:30 +0000 https://www.ipernity.com https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/50870606 tag:ipernity.com,2019-10-01,doc-50870606 Tue, 01 Oct 2019 16:04:56 +0000 2019-09-12T12:14:27-06:00 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/293827/50870606"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/06/06/50870606.bb2e5402.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A touch of filter was added to this image in post-processing, as it wasn't quite sharp enough.<br /> <br /> I finally got as far as the Calgary Zoo, on 12 September 2019. The last time I was there was on 26 June 2018 and the time before that had been 6 October 2015. I used to go several times a year, but the long gap from 2015 to 2018 was because of major road construction and a bridge replacement right by the Zoo. Anyway, it felt good to be back there a few weeks ago. .<br /> <br /> My visit only covered a small area of the Zoo, as I usually spend a lot of time in the Conservatory, enjoying the plants and tropical butterflies. I did call in to see the Giant Pandas one last time before they leave the Zoo after their five-year visit. How lucky we have been to have these four amazing animals visit our Zoo. They were in an inside enclosure, full of plants - and Bamboo, of course. The Zoo had another Panda visit way back in 1988, but they only stayed for seven months. The Conservation Status of the Giant Panda is Vulnerable, with fewer than 1,800 giant pandas left in the wild.<br /> <br /> A few hours well spent, happily clicking. Hopefully, it won't be so long before my next visit, though the west entrance does close each winter, and the north entrance is out of my driving comfort zone. It felt so good to once again be back in a place full of colour and interest. It also feels good to have some colourful photos to post this morning, following our three-day snow storm. I reckoned there must have been about 10 inches of snow on top of my fence and, sure enough, 10.6 inches (27 cm) of snow was recorded. Further south, in Waterton, they received 37.4 inches (95 cm) of the white stuff. No more snow in the forecast for the next little while, and the sun is shining today. Our temperature is only -1C (windchill -4C), though. Unfortunately, my computer is just about out of room, so a massive back-up of photo files and a lot of deleting from my hard drive is what is urgently needed.</div> Colours of fall <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/293827/50870606"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/06/06/50870606.bb2e5402.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A touch of filter was added to this image in post-processing, as it wasn't quite sharp enough.<br /> <br /> I finally got as far as the Calgary Zoo, on 12 September 2019. The last time I was there was on 26 June 2018 and the time before that had been 6 October 2015. I used to go several times a year, but the long gap from 2015 to 2018 was because of major road construction and a bridge replacement right by the Zoo. Anyway, it felt good to be back there a few weeks ago. .<br /> <br /> My visit only covered a small area of the Zoo, as I usually spend a lot of time in the Conservatory, enjoying the plants and tropical butterflies. I did call in to see the Giant Pandas one last time before they leave the Zoo after their five-year visit. How lucky we have been to have these four amazing animals visit our Zoo. They were in an inside enclosure, full of plants - and Bamboo, of course. The Zoo had another Panda visit way back in 1988, but they only stayed for seven months. The Conservation Status of the Giant Panda is Vulnerable, with fewer than 1,800 giant pandas left in the wild.<br /> <br /> A few hours well spent, happily clicking. Hopefully, it won't be so long before my next visit, though the west entrance does close each winter, and the north entrance is out of my driving comfort zone. It felt so good to once again be back in a place full of colour and interest. It also feels good to have some colourful photos to post this morning, following our three-day snow storm. I reckoned there must have been about 10 inches of snow on top of my fence and, sure enough, 10.6 inches (27 cm) of snow was recorded. Further south, in Waterton, they received 37.4 inches (95 cm) of the white stuff. No more snow in the forecast for the next little while, and the sun is shining today. Our temperature is only -1C (windchill -4C), though. Unfortunately, my computer is just about out of room, so a massive back-up of photo files and a lot of deleting from my hard drive is what is urgently needed.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49568758 tag:ipernity.com,2019-07-09,doc-49568758 Tue, 09 Jul 2019 16:20:04 +0000 2019-07-07T10:35:11-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49568758"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/87/58/49568758.3f203a70.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A large group of us spent the morning of 7 July 2019 at the home and property of Keith and Sandy Logan. They live NW of Cochrane on a 35-acre parcel of land. The group split in half and took turns to look at Keith's stunning photography and incredible woodwork and also to bio/blitz their land, to record all flora and fauna seen. We were treated to coffee and delicious cake in Keith's enormous woodworking barn. We all agree - if you sit in one of Keith's wooden chairs, you'll see that no chair could ever be more comfortable - they are simply amazing! <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.keithlogan.com/Keith_Logan/Photography/Photography.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.keithlogan.com/Keith_Logan/Photography/Photography.html</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.keithlogan.com/Keith_Logan/Woodworking/Woodworking.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.keithlogan.com/Keith_Logan/Woodworking/Woodworking.html</a><br /> <br /> Some people saw a number of birds, though they were almost all very distant sightings. I think the closest were a pair of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, feeding young that were in a tree cavity. I did manage to get a shot of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, too. <br /> <br /> On a visit like this, I am always torn between looking for birds, wildflowers, or fungi - not to mention any cats and dogs. This day was a mix of all three - the kind of day I love. Actually, we were surprised that there were not many wildflowers to be seen. Not sure if this means we are a bit late for them. Our weather has been totally insane since New Year, so who knows what is early and what is late. I was happy to see the odd fungus here and there in the Aspen forest.<br /> <br /> All morning, we were followed around the garden by the Logan's two enormous dogs - two beautiful, friendly Newfoundland dogs, named Sally and Blueberry (?). What gorgeous dogs these are! I think food must be on their mind all the time. Whenever someone would sit and eat their lunch, either one or both dogs would come over and stand or sit and look longingly at what was being eaten. Such sweet dogs.<br /> <br /> I love to see their cats, too. On previous visits, there were three cats, but I don't know if they only have two now. What a beautiful place they are fortunate enough to call 'home'.<br /> <br /> After lunch, we drove a short distance to another place, URSA, which stands for Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency. Before non-profit URSA obtained the area, it used to belong to W.O.Mitchell, who used it as a retreat. We were introduced to Ben, who lives in W.O. Mitchell's beautiful old cabin. Ben's passion is creating amazing metal sculptures and many of his works are scattered on the land around the cabin. <br /> <br /> "William Ormond Mitchell, PC OC better known as W. O. Mitchell (March 13, 1914 – February 25, 1998) was a Canadian writer and broadcaster. His "best-loved" novel is Who Has Seen the Wind (1947), which portrays life on the Canadian Prairies and sold almost a million copies in Canada. As a broadcaster, he is known for his radio series Jake and the Kid, which aired on CBC Radio between 1950 and 1956 and was also about life on the Prairies.<br /> <br /> In 1973, Mitchell was made an officer of the Order of Canada. The list of other honours Mitchell has received includes honorary doctorates from five Canadian universities and being sworn in as a Member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada on November 5, 1992. In 2000, Mitchell was honoured by the government of Canada with his image on a postage stamp." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> "Nestled in 18 acres of truly Albertan streams, trees and wildlife, URSA is a place that welcomes us all. The buildings and land were obtained in 2009 by Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency (URSA) with a single purpose: to create a retreat space where all individuals, regardless of ability, can experience the beauty of a relaxing and calming retreat space. We rent the URSA Retreat Centre to external groups to subsidize running it for our clients."<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/iuMFd3D6Y3k" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/iuMFd3D6Y3k</a><br /> <br /> As far as the weather was concerned, we were so lucky. Just a few minutes of light rain and that was it. Just enough to get rain spots on the camera lens.<br /> <br /> Thanks to Keith and Sandy for such an enjoyable time! Always a real treat to spend time with them at their home and acreage. Thank you to Stephen and Dorothy for driving the four of us there and back. Greatly appreciated, as always.</div> Larvae tunnel pattern <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/293827/49568758"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/87/58/49568758.3f203a70.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A large group of us spent the morning of 7 July 2019 at the home and property of Keith and Sandy Logan. They live NW of Cochrane on a 35-acre parcel of land. The group split in half and took turns to look at Keith's stunning photography and incredible woodwork and also to bio/blitz their land, to record all flora and fauna seen. We were treated to coffee and delicious cake in Keith's enormous woodworking barn. We all agree - if you sit in one of Keith's wooden chairs, you'll see that no chair could ever be more comfortable - they are simply amazing! <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.keithlogan.com/Keith_Logan/Photography/Photography.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.keithlogan.com/Keith_Logan/Photography/Photography.html</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.keithlogan.com/Keith_Logan/Woodworking/Woodworking.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.keithlogan.com/Keith_Logan/Woodworking/Woodworking.html</a><br /> <br /> Some people saw a number of birds, though they were almost all very distant sightings. I think the closest were a pair of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, feeding young that were in a tree cavity. I did manage to get a shot of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, too. <br /> <br /> On a visit like this, I am always torn between looking for birds, wildflowers, or fungi - not to mention any cats and dogs. This day was a mix of all three - the kind of day I love. Actually, we were surprised that there were not many wildflowers to be seen. Not sure if this means we are a bit late for them. Our weather has been totally insane since New Year, so who knows what is early and what is late. I was happy to see the odd fungus here and there in the Aspen forest.<br /> <br /> All morning, we were followed around the garden by the Logan's two enormous dogs - two beautiful, friendly Newfoundland dogs, named Sally and Blueberry (?). What gorgeous dogs these are! I think food must be on their mind all the time. Whenever someone would sit and eat their lunch, either one or both dogs would come over and stand or sit and look longingly at what was being eaten. Such sweet dogs.<br /> <br /> I love to see their cats, too. On previous visits, there were three cats, but I don't know if they only have two now. What a beautiful place they are fortunate enough to call 'home'.<br /> <br /> After lunch, we drove a short distance to another place, URSA, which stands for Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency. Before non-profit URSA obtained the area, it used to belong to W.O.Mitchell, who used it as a retreat. We were introduced to Ben, who lives in W.O. Mitchell's beautiful old cabin. Ben's passion is creating amazing metal sculptures and many of his works are scattered on the land around the cabin. <br /> <br /> "William Ormond Mitchell, PC OC better known as W. O. Mitchell (March 13, 1914 – February 25, 1998) was a Canadian writer and broadcaster. His "best-loved" novel is Who Has Seen the Wind (1947), which portrays life on the Canadian Prairies and sold almost a million copies in Canada. As a broadcaster, he is known for his radio series Jake and the Kid, which aired on CBC Radio between 1950 and 1956 and was also about life on the Prairies.<br /> <br /> In 1973, Mitchell was made an officer of the Order of Canada. The list of other honours Mitchell has received includes honorary doctorates from five Canadian universities and being sworn in as a Member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada on November 5, 1992. In 2000, Mitchell was honoured by the government of Canada with his image on a postage stamp." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> "Nestled in 18 acres of truly Albertan streams, trees and wildlife, URSA is a place that welcomes us all. The buildings and land were obtained in 2009 by Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency (URSA) with a single purpose: to create a retreat space where all individuals, regardless of ability, can experience the beauty of a relaxing and calming retreat space. We rent the URSA Retreat Centre to external groups to subsidize running it for our clients."<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/iuMFd3D6Y3k" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/iuMFd3D6Y3k</a><br /> <br /> As far as the weather was concerned, we were so lucky. Just a few minutes of light rain and that was it. Just enough to get rain spots on the camera lens.<br /> <br /> Thanks to Keith and Sandy for such an enjoyable time! Always a real treat to spend time with them at their home and acreage. Thank you to Stephen and Dorothy for driving the four of us there and back. Greatly appreciated, as always.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/48171268 tag:ipernity.com,2019-02-21,doc-48171268 Thu, 21 Feb 2019 05:27:47 +0000 2018-05-18T11:05:01-07:00 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/293827/48171268"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/12/68/48171268.7fb7c10d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Sorry, everyone, I must be driving you all crazy! I am posting SO many images, but the end is in sight - yes, thank goodness. Less than a week and I should be done. I honestly don't know how some people go on lots of holidays like this and take thousands of photos and still seem to manage to take a lot shorter time to post them than I have (i.e. nine months). Actually I thought it was even longer than that. I have a deadline for getting all these finished, and it looks like I might meet my deadline after all. Thank you all for your patience!<br /> <br /> Tonight, I posted 12 more photos taken on 18 May 2018, Day 12 of our holiday in Ontario and Quebec, This was our final day in Quebec, before flying back to Calgary early morning the next day, 19 May 2018.<br /> <br /> Day 12 will have photos of some of the 50,000 Snow Geese seen at an amazing Wildlife Area closer to Quebec City. We also got the chance to photograph a handful of barns, which was much enjoyed. <br /> <br /> We stopped at a few places on the long drive between Tadoussac and Quebec City, including Baie-des-Rochers, and Port-au-Persil briefly so that we could take a photos or two of the beautiful old church, Chapelle McLaren, with the St. Lawrence River in the distance. I managed to grab several rapid, drive-by shots of a few barns, which was great. How i would love a holiday just for old barns : ) <br /> <br /> A really special place we visited closer to Quebec City was the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area. Here, we saw an estimated 50,000 Snow Geese, on land, on water, and flying, turning the sky white. This was the first time I have ever been so close to Snow Geese. Some of them waddled within just a few feet of us while we were having a picnic lunch. We went on a walk there and saw some interesting bird species, incluing one tiny Hummingbird.</div> Day 12, male Firefly, probably in genus Photinus, Cap Tourmente <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/293827/48171268"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/12/68/48171268.7fb7c10d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Sorry, everyone, I must be driving you all crazy! I am posting SO many images, but the end is in sight - yes, thank goodness. Less than a week and I should be done. I honestly don't know how some people go on lots of holidays like this and take thousands of photos and still seem to manage to take a lot shorter time to post them than I have (i.e. nine months). Actually I thought it was even longer than that. I have a deadline for getting all these finished, and it looks like I might meet my deadline after all. Thank you all for your patience!<br /> <br /> Tonight, I posted 12 more photos taken on 18 May 2018, Day 12 of our holiday in Ontario and Quebec, This was our final day in Quebec, before flying back to Calgary early morning the next day, 19 May 2018.<br /> <br /> Day 12 will have photos of some of the 50,000 Snow Geese seen at an amazing Wildlife Area closer to Quebec City. We also got the chance to photograph a handful of barns, which was much enjoyed. <br /> <br /> We stopped at a few places on the long drive between Tadoussac and Quebec City, including Baie-des-Rochers, and Port-au-Persil briefly so that we could take a photos or two of the beautiful old church, Chapelle McLaren, with the St. Lawrence River in the distance. I managed to grab several rapid, drive-by shots of a few barns, which was great. How i would love a holiday just for old barns : ) <br /> <br /> A really special place we visited closer to Quebec City was the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area. Here, we saw an estimated 50,000 Snow Geese, on land, on water, and flying, turning the sky white. This was the first time I have ever been so close to Snow Geese. Some of them waddled within just a few feet of us while we were having a picnic lunch. We went on a walk there and saw some interesting bird species, incluing one tiny Hummingbird.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47718308 tag:ipernity.com,2018-11-21,doc-47718308 Wed, 21 Nov 2018 18:50:57 +0000 2018-09-29T14:45:30-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47718308"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/83/08/47718308.657fbc62.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I think I'm right in saying that this is Fireweed, displaying its wonderfull fall colours.<br /> <br /> My rough plans for 29 September 2018 changed when I saw the weather forecast. I ended up visiting the Reader Rock Garden instead of driving to a different garden. As usual when I go there, it was a bit windy, which always makes photographing flowers, especially ones on long stems, more difficult. It was also overcast and I was hoping that it wouldn't rain. Instead, I found myself standing at the highest point of the garden, with very light snow falling for just a few minutes. <br /> <br /> There were still quite a few flowers in bloom, though many were already past their prime. I'm pretty sure these glorious leaves belong to Fireweed. Usually, I see Fireweed growing in the wild, but Reader Rock Garden does have some native plants, too.</div> Fall colours <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47718308"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/83/08/47718308.657fbc62.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I think I'm right in saying that this is Fireweed, displaying its wonderfull fall colours.<br /> <br /> My rough plans for 29 September 2018 changed when I saw the weather forecast. I ended up visiting the Reader Rock Garden instead of driving to a different garden. As usual when I go there, it was a bit windy, which always makes photographing flowers, especially ones on long stems, more difficult. It was also overcast and I was hoping that it wouldn't rain. Instead, I found myself standing at the highest point of the garden, with very light snow falling for just a few minutes. <br /> <br /> There were still quite a few flowers in bloom, though many were already past their prime. I'm pretty sure these glorious leaves belong to Fireweed. Usually, I see Fireweed growing in the wild, but Reader Rock Garden does have some native plants, too.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47495310 tag:ipernity.com,2018-10-18,doc-47495310 Thu, 18 Oct 2018 05:31:49 +0000 2018-10-16T11:12:29-06:00 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/293827/47495310"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/53/10/47495310.586b23e1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I added a touch of filter during post-processing.<br /> <br /> Tonight, I added seven photos from a birding walk yesteday, 16 October 2018. I wanted to get them posted before (hopefully) posting tomorrow a few photos taken today in Carburn Park.<br /> <br /> Yesterday morning, I finally got out on a walk with birding friends. I have missed almost all the walks, so wanted to do this one. It was a longer walk than I maybe should have done, irritating the inflammation in the bursae of my shoulders and hips. Such a pain and very difficult to get rid of, I'm finding. Anti-inflammatory gel and Tylenol don't do enough, so I may end up having to get shots to help with the inflammation and pain. I've never had one of these before and feel very hesitant to do so now. From the bit I have read so far, the shots themselves sound very painful, but can also cause other problems. They don't always work, either.<br /> <br /> Anyway, yesterday's walk started off beautifully before we even left the parking lot, with us watching a huge murmuration of Starlings - the largest murmuration (2500 birds) I have ever witnessed. A Merlin was keeping the huge flock in motion, and it did end up catching one of them.<br /> <br /> Much further along on our walk, we noticed a White-tailed Deer across the river and on the Island at Mallard Point. Two healthy Coyotes were stalking it, but in the end, it ran off with its tail lifted, showing the white panic 'flag'.<br /> <br /> As usual, while others were looking for birds, my camera lens turned to a few other things as well. Loved these two leaves, happily showing off their beautiful fall colours and pattern. Everyone here is so thankful that we are now having a fall season, after the nasty shock of two severe snow storms at the beginning of October. Warmth and sunshine at last!!<br /> <br /> Another thing I photographed was a small spider on a wooden bridge railing. I was able to have my camera lens up close to the insect and it seemed to work. With something like a butterfly, though, you most likely would not be able to get that close without causing it to fly away. I still can't see how to take telemacro shots of say, wildflowers, unless I stand half a mile away : )</div> When fall comes after &#039;winter&#039; <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/293827/47495310"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/53/10/47495310.586b23e1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I added a touch of filter during post-processing.<br /> <br /> Tonight, I added seven photos from a birding walk yesteday, 16 October 2018. I wanted to get them posted before (hopefully) posting tomorrow a few photos taken today in Carburn Park.<br /> <br /> Yesterday morning, I finally got out on a walk with birding friends. I have missed almost all the walks, so wanted to do this one. It was a longer walk than I maybe should have done, irritating the inflammation in the bursae of my shoulders and hips. Such a pain and very difficult to get rid of, I'm finding. Anti-inflammatory gel and Tylenol don't do enough, so I may end up having to get shots to help with the inflammation and pain. I've never had one of these before and feel very hesitant to do so now. From the bit I have read so far, the shots themselves sound very painful, but can also cause other problems. They don't always work, either.<br /> <br /> Anyway, yesterday's walk started off beautifully before we even left the parking lot, with us watching a huge murmuration of Starlings - the largest murmuration (2500 birds) I have ever witnessed. A Merlin was keeping the huge flock in motion, and it did end up catching one of them.<br /> <br /> Much further along on our walk, we noticed a White-tailed Deer across the river and on the Island at Mallard Point. Two healthy Coyotes were stalking it, but in the end, it ran off with its tail lifted, showing the white panic 'flag'.<br /> <br /> As usual, while others were looking for birds, my camera lens turned to a few other things as well. Loved these two leaves, happily showing off their beautiful fall colours and pattern. Everyone here is so thankful that we are now having a fall season, after the nasty shock of two severe snow storms at the beginning of October. Warmth and sunshine at last!!<br /> <br /> Another thing I photographed was a small spider on a wooden bridge railing. I was able to have my camera lens up close to the insect and it seemed to work. With something like a butterfly, though, you most likely would not be able to get that close without causing it to fly away. I still can't see how to take telemacro shots of say, wildflowers, unless I stand half a mile away : )</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47349160 tag:ipernity.com,2018-09-19,doc-47349160 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 15:02:36 +0000 2018-09-11T14:54:40-06:00 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/293827/47349160"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/91/60/47349160.cd199677.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I am SO stressed out! Just spent the last three hours, while a technician went through my whole computer remotely, deleting every virus that has accumulated. I was told that I phoned them just in time, as I was not far away from losing everything on my computer. I always have Norton installed on my computer, but apparently the last three months I have not had Network Security working on my computer. Can you believe I had 5,614 viruses and if I had reached 6,000, everything would have been lost? Yikes! Funny, as the last few days, I have been backing up my photos to external hard drives and a flash drive. A costly morning, but now my computer is fine and I have a five-year Security. Just went to Google and discovered that all my endless bookmarks have disappeared ... sigh. Oh, well, I guess I start all over again. Before all this, I was on Facebook and had clicked on a video link from a friend's Facebook page. Suddenly, my whole screen was filled with the Virus alert. I don't know if that link was the actual cause of all this problem, or if it was 'the last straw'. Thankful for the clear help from the technician! Much appreciated.<br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Our botany season has come to an end and so, on 11 September 2018, our main Naturalist had a group of us visit his amazing garden and for a walk to look at wild and garden plants in his neighbourhood.<br /> <br /> Not the greatest weather, but at least the rain kept away. I think more rain is in the forecast for the next week, which is a pity, as the fall leaves will all be on the ground before we know it.</div> Maple sp.? <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/293827/47349160"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/91/60/47349160.cd199677.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I am SO stressed out! Just spent the last three hours, while a technician went through my whole computer remotely, deleting every virus that has accumulated. I was told that I phoned them just in time, as I was not far away from losing everything on my computer. I always have Norton installed on my computer, but apparently the last three months I have not had Network Security working on my computer. Can you believe I had 5,614 viruses and if I had reached 6,000, everything would have been lost? Yikes! Funny, as the last few days, I have been backing up my photos to external hard drives and a flash drive. A costly morning, but now my computer is fine and I have a five-year Security. Just went to Google and discovered that all my endless bookmarks have disappeared ... sigh. Oh, well, I guess I start all over again. Before all this, I was on Facebook and had clicked on a video link from a friend's Facebook page. Suddenly, my whole screen was filled with the Virus alert. I don't know if that link was the actual cause of all this problem, or if it was 'the last straw'. Thankful for the clear help from the technician! Much appreciated.<br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Our botany season has come to an end and so, on 11 September 2018, our main Naturalist had a group of us visit his amazing garden and for a walk to look at wild and garden plants in his neighbourhood.<br /> <br /> Not the greatest weather, but at least the rain kept away. I think more rain is in the forecast for the next week, which is a pity, as the fall leaves will all be on the ground before we know it.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47270674 tag:ipernity.com,2018-09-05,doc-47270674 Wed, 05 Sep 2018 15:33:23 +0000 2018-09-04T13:49:20-06:00 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/293827/47270674"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/06/74/47270674.2ad61a69.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">For a splash of colour! Also to remind me of yesterday's botany walk in North Glenmore Park, in Calgary. I took very few photos as the park has changed dramatically. Lots of road construction going on, and so many of the trees and shrubs along the long trail near the houses were dead. It looked like they had all been sprayed to kill them. Everywhere was a total mess, and we wish we knew why.<br /> <br /> When I see a Mountain Ash tree covered in bright red berries, I can't resist taking a quick photo. The following interesting article is by Myrna Pearman, of the Ellis Bird Farm in Alberta. She is a very knowledgeable person, great photographer, and has published several beautiful books.<br /> <br /> "Although bohemian waxwings are the birds most often see gobbling mountain-ash berries in the winter, many other species will also dine on them. I have seen pine grosbeaks (shown here) and house finches feast on the berries, and a quick reference search indicates that many other species will as well: cedar waxwing, ruffed grouse, common grackle, European starling, American robin, northern flicker, Townsend’s solitaire, purple finch, yellow-rumped warbler, hermit thrush, evening grosbeak.. The seeds are indigestible, so birds are responsible for “planting” mountain-ash trees far and wide." From link below.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/community/birds-etc-mountain-ash-berries-a-delight-for-feathered-friends/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.reddeeradvocate.com/community/birds-etc-mountain-ash-...</a><br /> <br /> When we reached our usual furthest point of this walk, we discovered that a round bed of garden flowers and a second bed further away were both overgrown and full of dead plants. It used to be my favourite part of this walk. One of the house owners had created this display, so maybe it became just too much to maintain. I feel very grateful for the pleasure it gave over several years.<br /> <br /> Adding a bit of information on the wildfires in British Columbia:<br /> <br /> "British Columbia spent more than $568 million on firefighting efforts last year (2017), and while the figures for 2018 are still coming together, the bill is estimated to be higher than $300 million. <br /> <br /> Since April 1, humans have been responsible for starting more than 420 of about 1,950 wildfires in British Columbia, although the B.C. Wildfire Service said it's too early to be more specific about the causes since many are still under investigation. On average, the Wildfire Service says 40 per cent of fires over the past 10 years, or 666 per year, have been caused by humans. This season has seen an unusual amount of lightning activity, which has skewed that ratio."<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.timescolonist.com/news/b-c/b-c-wildfires-interactive-map-air-quality-road-closures-1.23341908" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.timescolonist.com/news/b-c/b-c-wildfires-interactive-...</a><br /> <br /> At the moment, Waterton Lakes National Park is safe from the wildfires just south of the Canada/US border. I think I'm right in saying that the evacuation alert has been lifted (for now, at least).</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/293827/47270674"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/06/74/47270674.2ad61a69.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">For a splash of colour! Also to remind me of yesterday's botany walk in North Glenmore Park, in Calgary. I took very few photos as the park has changed dramatically. Lots of road construction going on, and so many of the trees and shrubs along the long trail near the houses were dead. It looked like they had all been sprayed to kill them. Everywhere was a total mess, and we wish we knew why.<br /> <br /> When I see a Mountain Ash tree covered in bright red berries, I can't resist taking a quick photo. The following interesting article is by Myrna Pearman, of the Ellis Bird Farm in Alberta. She is a very knowledgeable person, great photographer, and has published several beautiful books.<br /> <br /> "Although bohemian waxwings are the birds most often see gobbling mountain-ash berries in the winter, many other species will also dine on them. I have seen pine grosbeaks (shown here) and house finches feast on the berries, and a quick reference search indicates that many other species will as well: cedar waxwing, ruffed grouse, common grackle, European starling, American robin, northern flicker, Townsend’s solitaire, purple finch, yellow-rumped warbler, hermit thrush, evening grosbeak.. The seeds are indigestible, so birds are responsible for “planting” mountain-ash trees far and wide." From link below.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/community/birds-etc-mountain-ash-berries-a-delight-for-feathered-friends/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.reddeeradvocate.com/community/birds-etc-mountain-ash-...</a><br /> <br /> When we reached our usual furthest point of this walk, we discovered that a round bed of garden flowers and a second bed further away were both overgrown and full of dead plants. It used to be my favourite part of this walk. One of the house owners had created this display, so maybe it became just too much to maintain. I feel very grateful for the pleasure it gave over several years.<br /> <br /> Adding a bit of information on the wildfires in British Columbia:<br /> <br /> "British Columbia spent more than $568 million on firefighting efforts last year (2017), and while the figures for 2018 are still coming together, the bill is estimated to be higher than $300 million. <br /> <br /> Since April 1, humans have been responsible for starting more than 420 of about 1,950 wildfires in British Columbia, although the B.C. Wildfire Service said it's too early to be more specific about the causes since many are still under investigation. On average, the Wildfire Service says 40 per cent of fires over the past 10 years, or 666 per year, have been caused by humans. This season has seen an unusual amount of lightning activity, which has skewed that ratio."<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.timescolonist.com/news/b-c/b-c-wildfires-interactive-map-air-quality-road-closures-1.23341908" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.timescolonist.com/news/b-c/b-c-wildfires-interactive-...</a><br /> <br /> At the moment, Waterton Lakes National Park is safe from the wildfires just south of the Canada/US border. I think I'm right in saying that the evacuation alert has been lifted (for now, at least).</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47227710 tag:ipernity.com,2018-08-29,doc-47227710 Wed, 29 Aug 2018 07:05:13 +0000 2018-08-25T10:23:16-06:00 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/293827/47227710"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/77/10/47227710.5969a8bc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Please, no need to make any comments! Just finishing off the last 10 photos taken during our trip east to Eagle Lake, on 25 August 2018. Some are similar to others, so I'm sure won't be of too much interest to anyone other than myself. Today, 28 August 2018, I did another long drive, this time SW of the city into the mountains. This is a second area that I try to do on my own each year now, to make sure that I don't lose confidence to do the drive. Too tired to sort and edit any of the images yet, but I will try and get three or four ready to upload tomorrow. Luckily, I saw a few furry, four-legged critters, which will make a change from all my recent photos.<br /> <br /> Thank you so much, Shirley, for inviting us all out to visit you the day before yesterday (25 August 2018) while you were out again at your summer trailer at Eagle Lake for the weekend! It was a fairly cool day, which was great, but the smoke is still being blown in from the wildfires in British Columbia. I was just reading an article this morning about the awful air quality in Seattle and theirs has been roughly the same as ours. They reckon the very poor air quality is equivalent to smoking seven cigarettes a day. <br /> <br /> It was such a pleasure to see some of "your" birds that you enjoy so much. Compared to our visit on 17 June 2017, there were fewer species to be seen, but enough to keep us happy. I think the highlight for me was a Western Kingbird that posed so beautifully on a tangle of metal pipes down near the edge of the water. The soapsud "icebergs" were interesting to see, too, but no doubt were polluting the lake!<br /> <br /> I also loved taking a couple of quick shots of a cute goat just as we were leaving. We had stopped so that one of us could get out and buy several food items from a Hutterite stand that was in the trailer campground. I got out to get a bottle of water from my backpack in the back of the car and a friend in the car behind caught my attention and pointed out this animal posing so nicely.<br /> <br /> Great to see everyone who went, and we all enjoyed an array of delicious salads and desserts that left me feeling full till the early evening. We also enjoyed meeting your two Grandchildren, Shirley, who happened to be staying with you for the weekend. So good to see them both making lists of the bird species seen.<br /> <br /> Many thanks, Anne B, for driving some of us us east across the prairies. Hugely appreciated, as always!</div> Rough cocklebur / Xanthium strumarium <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/293827/47227710"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/77/10/47227710.5969a8bc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Please, no need to make any comments! Just finishing off the last 10 photos taken during our trip east to Eagle Lake, on 25 August 2018. Some are similar to others, so I'm sure won't be of too much interest to anyone other than myself. Today, 28 August 2018, I did another long drive, this time SW of the city into the mountains. This is a second area that I try to do on my own each year now, to make sure that I don't lose confidence to do the drive. Too tired to sort and edit any of the images yet, but I will try and get three or four ready to upload tomorrow. Luckily, I saw a few furry, four-legged critters, which will make a change from all my recent photos.<br /> <br /> Thank you so much, Shirley, for inviting us all out to visit you the day before yesterday (25 August 2018) while you were out again at your summer trailer at Eagle Lake for the weekend! It was a fairly cool day, which was great, but the smoke is still being blown in from the wildfires in British Columbia. I was just reading an article this morning about the awful air quality in Seattle and theirs has been roughly the same as ours. They reckon the very poor air quality is equivalent to smoking seven cigarettes a day. <br /> <br /> It was such a pleasure to see some of "your" birds that you enjoy so much. Compared to our visit on 17 June 2017, there were fewer species to be seen, but enough to keep us happy. I think the highlight for me was a Western Kingbird that posed so beautifully on a tangle of metal pipes down near the edge of the water. The soapsud "icebergs" were interesting to see, too, but no doubt were polluting the lake!<br /> <br /> I also loved taking a couple of quick shots of a cute goat just as we were leaving. We had stopped so that one of us could get out and buy several food items from a Hutterite stand that was in the trailer campground. I got out to get a bottle of water from my backpack in the back of the car and a friend in the car behind caught my attention and pointed out this animal posing so nicely.<br /> <br /> Great to see everyone who went, and we all enjoyed an array of delicious salads and desserts that left me feeling full till the early evening. We also enjoyed meeting your two Grandchildren, Shirley, who happened to be staying with you for the weekend. So good to see them both making lists of the bird species seen.<br /> <br /> Many thanks, Anne B, for driving some of us us east across the prairies. Hugely appreciated, as always!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/47146916 tag:ipernity.com,2018-08-13,doc-47146916 Mon, 13 Aug 2018 16:51:38 +0000 2018-08-07T11:50:29-06:00 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/293827/47146916"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/69/16/47146916.e5a0f94d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">"The common wood-nymph can vary greatly. All individuals are brown with two eyespots on each forewing – the lower one often being larger than the upper one. Some may have many, few, or no eyespots on the ventral surface of the hindwing." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_wood-nymph" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_wood-nymph</a><br /> <br /> Back to the bio-blitz on Lisa Harbinson' property for my photos tonight. I have just added six extra photos. I really need to get the rest of my suitable shots taken that day edited and posted, so that I can send her the link to my album. <br /> <br /> The area we visited on 7 August was an 80-acre site near Bottrel, NW of Calgary. The site consisted of mostly open, low, hilly, ungrazed land, with a few Aspens and Spruce, and willows around three ponds (two of which were dry). On 25 May 2018, four people had visited this site for the first time - I had been unable to go, as I was spending the day with my daughter. <br /> <br /> The original visit was the result of the owners winning a free bioblitz at a Silent Auction, in connection with the Ghost Valley Community. A great idea and always a win-win situation, with the land owners learning a lot about what is found on their land, and the leader and participants enjoying a much-appreciated visit to a different location.<br /> <br /> We were very lucky to see an adult male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker with two juveniles. I rarely see one of these birds, but love to see the neat rows of small holes that they make on a tree trunk. <br /> <br /> Did you know that photographing mushrooms can be dangerous? I believe I knew this already and I was reminded of this on this bio-blitz. Towards the end of our hike, I stopped to photograph a not particularly photogenic mushroom that was growing on a very slight incline. I took one step back to focus better and lost my balance - not sure if my foot went down into a shallow hole or if I was tripped up by one of the many very small, short tree stumps. Whatever the cause, I did a most inelegant, slow-motion fall backwards, hitting my head hard on the ground, surrounded by my friends. Because I was wearing a backpack, I think this resulted in some whiplash, with my head falling back. It was not pleasant to drive anywhere the next day, especially each time I had to start off when traffic lights turned green. The muscles all around my neck and my shoulders are painful, but hopefully it will clear up before too long.</div> Common Wood-Nymph / Cercyonis pegala <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/293827/47146916"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/69/16/47146916.e5a0f94d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">"The common wood-nymph can vary greatly. All individuals are brown with two eyespots on each forewing – the lower one often being larger than the upper one. Some may have many, few, or no eyespots on the ventral surface of the hindwing." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_wood-nymph" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_wood-nymph</a><br /> <br /> Back to the bio-blitz on Lisa Harbinson' property for my photos tonight. I have just added six extra photos. I really need to get the rest of my suitable shots taken that day edited and posted, so that I can send her the link to my album. <br /> <br /> The area we visited on 7 August was an 80-acre site near Bottrel, NW of Calgary. The site consisted of mostly open, low, hilly, ungrazed land, with a few Aspens and Spruce, and willows around three ponds (two of which were dry). On 25 May 2018, four people had visited this site for the first time - I had been unable to go, as I was spending the day with my daughter. <br /> <br /> The original visit was the result of the owners winning a free bioblitz at a Silent Auction, in connection with the Ghost Valley Community. A great idea and always a win-win situation, with the land owners learning a lot about what is found on their land, and the leader and participants enjoying a much-appreciated visit to a different location.<br /> <br /> We were very lucky to see an adult male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker with two juveniles. I rarely see one of these birds, but love to see the neat rows of small holes that they make on a tree trunk. <br /> <br /> Did you know that photographing mushrooms can be dangerous? I believe I knew this already and I was reminded of this on this bio-blitz. Towards the end of our hike, I stopped to photograph a not particularly photogenic mushroom that was growing on a very slight incline. I took one step back to focus better and lost my balance - not sure if my foot went down into a shallow hole or if I was tripped up by one of the many very small, short tree stumps. Whatever the cause, I did a most inelegant, slow-motion fall backwards, hitting my head hard on the ground, surrounded by my friends. Because I was wearing a backpack, I think this resulted in some whiplash, with my head falling back. It was not pleasant to drive anywhere the next day, especially each time I had to start off when traffic lights turned green. The muscles all around my neck and my shoulders are painful, but hopefully it will clear up before too long.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46932764 tag:ipernity.com,2018-06-28,doc-46932764 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 16:36:05 +0000 2018-06-27T15:43:53-06:00 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/293827/46932764"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/27/64/46932764.5f48bccb.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">It is always a joy to see these Himalayan Blue Poppies growing at Reader Rock Garden, and I was happy to find two of them in bloom yesterday, 27 June 2018. I almost missed them, as they were hidden in a tangle of trees and tall plants. The sun was shining, but it was quite windy, as so often happens when I go there. I used to love going to this garden, usually after I had been volunteering in the same part of the city. Since I stopped volunteering there, I only get a rare visit. Yesterday, I decided I had better go, or the plants would be in seed before I finally made it there. This was the first time I had been this year.<br /> <br /> "Blue Himalayan Poppies are one of the most impressive plants for the shade garden. Plants form a rosette of hairy leaves, bearing large satiny flowers in an amazing shade of true blue. These are not always easy to please, demanding an evenly moist, rich soil and cool woodland conditions. Plants are not long lived, typically flowering in the second or third year, setting seed, then dying out. Gardeners in hot summer climates seldom succeed with these plants, yet they are surprisingly tolerant of cold winter conditions."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.perennials.com/plants/meconopsis-betonicifolia.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.perennials.com/plants/meconopsis-betonicifolia.html</a><br /> <br /> Shortly before I left the garden, I noticed a lady standing on the path ahead of me, beckoning me to quietly keep walking towards her. When I reached her, she kindly pointed to a bird of prey perched in one of the trees. I'm not sure of the ID, but think it might be a Cooper's Hawk - I have seen them there before. Unfortunately, it was almost completely in shadow and had its back towards us, but I did manage to get a shot when it happened to turn its head just enough to catch the sun, and I was able to see its red eye. The tip of its tail, seen in some of my other photos, was curved, not straight.</div> Blue Himalayan Poppy <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/293827/46932764"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/27/64/46932764.5f48bccb.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">It is always a joy to see these Himalayan Blue Poppies growing at Reader Rock Garden, and I was happy to find two of them in bloom yesterday, 27 June 2018. I almost missed them, as they were hidden in a tangle of trees and tall plants. The sun was shining, but it was quite windy, as so often happens when I go there. I used to love going to this garden, usually after I had been volunteering in the same part of the city. Since I stopped volunteering there, I only get a rare visit. Yesterday, I decided I had better go, or the plants would be in seed before I finally made it there. This was the first time I had been this year.<br /> <br /> "Blue Himalayan Poppies are one of the most impressive plants for the shade garden. Plants form a rosette of hairy leaves, bearing large satiny flowers in an amazing shade of true blue. These are not always easy to please, demanding an evenly moist, rich soil and cool woodland conditions. Plants are not long lived, typically flowering in the second or third year, setting seed, then dying out. Gardeners in hot summer climates seldom succeed with these plants, yet they are surprisingly tolerant of cold winter conditions."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.perennials.com/plants/meconopsis-betonicifolia.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.perennials.com/plants/meconopsis-betonicifolia.html</a><br /> <br /> Shortly before I left the garden, I noticed a lady standing on the path ahead of me, beckoning me to quietly keep walking towards her. When I reached her, she kindly pointed to a bird of prey perched in one of the trees. I'm not sure of the ID, but think it might be a Cooper's Hawk - I have seen them there before. Unfortunately, it was almost completely in shadow and had its back towards us, but I did manage to get a shot when it happened to turn its head just enough to catch the sun, and I was able to see its red eye. The tip of its tail, seen in some of my other photos, was curved, not straight.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46918258 tag:ipernity.com,2018-06-27,doc-46918258 Wed, 27 Jun 2018 16:21:04 +0000 2018-06-26T13:06:42-06:00 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/293827/46918258"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/82/58/46918258.dad136e1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The last time I visited the Calgary Zoo was on 6 October 2015. I used to go fairly often, but my usual parking lot and Zoo entrance then closed for the winter. Since then, road construction and bridge replacement have been going on, but has now been completed. The drive to the north entrance of the Zoo is definitely out of my driving comfort zone, so I have been waiting for this day for a long time. Yesterday was THE day - for me and for half the people in the city!! It was packed! I had decided to go before schools close tomorrow for the summer. However, I suspect some schools had end-of-term Zoo visits yesterday. When I checked the weather forecast, rain was in the forecast for the next six days, so I knew i needed to go straight away. <br /> <br /> My visit only covered about half the Zoo, as I usually spend a lot of time in the Conservatory, enjoying the plants and tropical butterflies. My daughter had taken a photo of a gigantic lily pad, Victoria Water Lily / Victoria amazonica, and I really wanted to see it. There were three or four of these in a tiny pool. I love the pattern on the underside of the upturned edge of each lily pad. A lady who was a volunteer told me that people (kids?) damage the rims of these spectacular leaves. Too bad that parents don't control their kids! I didn't see a huge variety of butterfly species, but there were enough to keep me happily clicking for a short while.<br /> <br /> My intention had not been to visit the Panda family, as I was sure there would be an extremely long line-up. However, I was able to just walk in, which was great. How lucky we are to have these four amazing animals visit our Zoo. They were in an inside enclosure, full of plants - and Bamboo, of course. I'm not sure how many hours a day these animals sleep, but two of the three that could be seen slept for part of the time I was there. Had to smile at the very uncomfortable positions in which they slept. There was no glass in front of the Panda in the photo I posted this morning, but two other Pandas were in a glassed-in part of the enclosure. Almost impossible to get photos without the reflections of the crowds of people. I will add some information alter about these very special guests of our Zoo.<br /> <br /> The Bactrian Camel had recently given birth to a baby - such a cute little thing. No sign of the Red Pandas when I passed their enclosure. One of the birds I love to see - though these birds tend to hide! - is the amazing Himalayan Monal. The male, especially, takes my breath away each time I see it.<br /> <br /> A few hours well spent happily clicking. Hopefully, it won't be almost three years before my next visit, though the west entrance does close each winter. It felt so good to once again be back in a place full of colour and interest.</div> Victoria Water Lily / Victoria amazonica <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/293827/46918258"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/82/58/46918258.dad136e1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The last time I visited the Calgary Zoo was on 6 October 2015. I used to go fairly often, but my usual parking lot and Zoo entrance then closed for the winter. Since then, road construction and bridge replacement have been going on, but has now been completed. The drive to the north entrance of the Zoo is definitely out of my driving comfort zone, so I have been waiting for this day for a long time. Yesterday was THE day - for me and for half the people in the city!! It was packed! I had decided to go before schools close tomorrow for the summer. However, I suspect some schools had end-of-term Zoo visits yesterday. When I checked the weather forecast, rain was in the forecast for the next six days, so I knew i needed to go straight away. <br /> <br /> My visit only covered about half the Zoo, as I usually spend a lot of time in the Conservatory, enjoying the plants and tropical butterflies. My daughter had taken a photo of a gigantic lily pad, Victoria Water Lily / Victoria amazonica, and I really wanted to see it. There were three or four of these in a tiny pool. I love the pattern on the underside of the upturned edge of each lily pad. A lady who was a volunteer told me that people (kids?) damage the rims of these spectacular leaves. Too bad that parents don't control their kids! I didn't see a huge variety of butterfly species, but there were enough to keep me happily clicking for a short while.<br /> <br /> My intention had not been to visit the Panda family, as I was sure there would be an extremely long line-up. However, I was able to just walk in, which was great. How lucky we are to have these four amazing animals visit our Zoo. They were in an inside enclosure, full of plants - and Bamboo, of course. I'm not sure how many hours a day these animals sleep, but two of the three that could be seen slept for part of the time I was there. Had to smile at the very uncomfortable positions in which they slept. There was no glass in front of the Panda in the photo I posted this morning, but two other Pandas were in a glassed-in part of the enclosure. Almost impossible to get photos without the reflections of the crowds of people. I will add some information alter about these very special guests of our Zoo.<br /> <br /> The Bactrian Camel had recently given birth to a baby - such a cute little thing. No sign of the Red Pandas when I passed their enclosure. One of the birds I love to see - though these birds tend to hide! - is the amazing Himalayan Monal. The male, especially, takes my breath away each time I see it.<br /> <br /> A few hours well spent happily clicking. Hopefully, it won't be almost three years before my next visit, though the west entrance does close each winter. It felt so good to once again be back in a place full of colour and interest.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46537812 tag:ipernity.com,2018-04-18,doc-46537812 Wed, 18 Apr 2018 17:29:39 +0000 2017-03-20T16:15:11-06:00 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/293827/46537812"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/78/12/46537812.9853a29c.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">So many things not working (for me, anyway) on Flickr this morning!<br /> <br /> Quickly editing and posting my "daily three", after getting up late. As mentioned yesterday, my daughter went in for major surgery yesterday morning, and it was a huge relief when I was able to go and visit her in the evening. This was thanks to friends, Mary-Jane and Bud, who so kindly said that they would drive me across the city if my daughter was up to having a visitor and if I wished to go. I was so very grateful, as it was a huge relief to go and to see that my daughter was OK. Now comes a long healing process, starting with six weeks off work. SO thankful this all turned out OK.<br /> <br /> Ha, ha, while I was posting these photos and starting on the descriptions, I had totally forgotten about the MOUSE in my HOUSE! I haven't been downstairs yet, so have to go and bravely face the unknown - is it still in my home and, if so, where is it and will it suddenly come running out across the floor, making me give out a loud scream?! Also, is it a mouse or something like a Meadow Vole (which don't normally go inside)? To me, it looked "huge" when it frightened the life out of me two days ago. <br /> <br /> After more than a year, I have forgotten which Hummingbird is which. However, I think this might be a female White-necked Jacobin, perched in the rain. Taken at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the island of Trinidad, on 20 March 2017. This Centre covers nearly 1,500 acres of mainly forested land in the Arima and Aripo Valleys of the Northern Range. <br /> <br /> This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my dear friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going. <br /> <br /> Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off! <br /> <br /> What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so I think were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous. <br /> <br /> The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.<br /> <br /> I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure.<br /> <br /> This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M</a><br /> <br /> I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk</a></div> On a rainy day in Trinidad <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/293827/46537812"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/78/12/46537812.9853a29c.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">So many things not working (for me, anyway) on Flickr this morning!<br /> <br /> Quickly editing and posting my "daily three", after getting up late. As mentioned yesterday, my daughter went in for major surgery yesterday morning, and it was a huge relief when I was able to go and visit her in the evening. This was thanks to friends, Mary-Jane and Bud, who so kindly said that they would drive me across the city if my daughter was up to having a visitor and if I wished to go. I was so very grateful, as it was a huge relief to go and to see that my daughter was OK. Now comes a long healing process, starting with six weeks off work. SO thankful this all turned out OK.<br /> <br /> Ha, ha, while I was posting these photos and starting on the descriptions, I had totally forgotten about the MOUSE in my HOUSE! I haven't been downstairs yet, so have to go and bravely face the unknown - is it still in my home and, if so, where is it and will it suddenly come running out across the floor, making me give out a loud scream?! Also, is it a mouse or something like a Meadow Vole (which don't normally go inside)? To me, it looked "huge" when it frightened the life out of me two days ago. <br /> <br /> After more than a year, I have forgotten which Hummingbird is which. However, I think this might be a female White-necked Jacobin, perched in the rain. Taken at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the island of Trinidad, on 20 March 2017. This Centre covers nearly 1,500 acres of mainly forested land in the Arima and Aripo Valleys of the Northern Range. <br /> <br /> This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my dear friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going. <br /> <br /> Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off! <br /> <br /> What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so I think were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous. <br /> <br /> The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.<br /> <br /> I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure.<br /> <br /> This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M</a><br /> <br /> I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46536058 tag:ipernity.com,2018-04-17,doc-46536058 Tue, 17 Apr 2018 16:44:51 +0000 2017-03-20T16:20:01-06:00 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/293827/46536058"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/60/58/46536058.1f57d382.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I had not planned to post any photos today, as I was expecting to be at a hospital across the city, waiting for my daughter to have her major surgery. However, yesterday evening, she told me not to bother to go early, as she had to be there at 6:00 am and would then be going straight in to get ready for surgery and then a recovery period of 1-2 hours after roughly 4-5 hours of surgery ( longer if necessary). It is now 11:08 am and I am so stressed out, not knowing how things are going and not sure just how to plan the rest of the day. My daughter said that if I am thinking of going over later, to phone the hospital and check with the unit to see if she is up to having visitors. Will need to get a taxi, as I will never drive to that part of the city. <br /> <br /> To add to my stress, I have a MOUSE in the HOUSE, for the very first time ever. A few years ago, a number of my neighbours had mice indoors, but not me. I love wildlife, but when it comes to having a mouse inside my home, that is a very different matter. It terrifies me, wondering where it is and if it will suddenly run across the floor, making me scream. I was watching TV yesterday afternoon, when I suddenly saw out of the corner of my eye a dark shape run across my hall floor and into the kitchen. A minute later, it ran back in the opposite direction - and disappeared. I think it may have got in through my front door when I opened it yesterday, to place something in my mailbox for a neighbour to pick up. There are now five traps set! I see one is now upside down, but I don't know if the mouse triggered it or if it was too delicately set. This is not just a mouse, it's a LARGE mouse - or maybe it's not even a mouse, but maybe something like a Meadow Vole? All I know is that it is not welcome and it is making me extremely nervous and stressed out. <br /> <br /> And so goes my day, lol!<br /> <br /> This photo was taken on 20 March 2017, our last day spent at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, on the island of Trinidad, before flying home to Alberta.<br /> <br /> "The Black-throated Mango is 10.2 cm long and weighs 7.2g. The longish black bill is slightly decurved. <br /> <br /> The male has glossy bright green upperparts. His throat and chest are matt black, bordered with blue-green. The flanks are bright green, and the black of the chest tapers onto the belly.<br /> <br /> The female black-throated mango has bronze-green upperparts and white underparts with a black central stripe. Immature birds show some grey or buff feather tips on the head and wings, and have brown around the eyes." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-throated_mango" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-throated_mango</a><br /> <br /> This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my dear friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going. <br /> <br /> Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off! <br /> <br /> What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so I think were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous. <br /> <br /> The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.<br /> <br /> I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure.<br /> <br /> This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M</a><br /> <br /> I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk</a></div> Black-throated Mango, Asa Wright, Trinidad <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/293827/46536058"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/60/58/46536058.1f57d382.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I had not planned to post any photos today, as I was expecting to be at a hospital across the city, waiting for my daughter to have her major surgery. However, yesterday evening, she told me not to bother to go early, as she had to be there at 6:00 am and would then be going straight in to get ready for surgery and then a recovery period of 1-2 hours after roughly 4-5 hours of surgery ( longer if necessary). It is now 11:08 am and I am so stressed out, not knowing how things are going and not sure just how to plan the rest of the day. My daughter said that if I am thinking of going over later, to phone the hospital and check with the unit to see if she is up to having visitors. Will need to get a taxi, as I will never drive to that part of the city. <br /> <br /> To add to my stress, I have a MOUSE in the HOUSE, for the very first time ever. A few years ago, a number of my neighbours had mice indoors, but not me. I love wildlife, but when it comes to having a mouse inside my home, that is a very different matter. It terrifies me, wondering where it is and if it will suddenly run across the floor, making me scream. I was watching TV yesterday afternoon, when I suddenly saw out of the corner of my eye a dark shape run across my hall floor and into the kitchen. A minute later, it ran back in the opposite direction - and disappeared. I think it may have got in through my front door when I opened it yesterday, to place something in my mailbox for a neighbour to pick up. There are now five traps set! I see one is now upside down, but I don't know if the mouse triggered it or if it was too delicately set. This is not just a mouse, it's a LARGE mouse - or maybe it's not even a mouse, but maybe something like a Meadow Vole? All I know is that it is not welcome and it is making me extremely nervous and stressed out. <br /> <br /> And so goes my day, lol!<br /> <br /> This photo was taken on 20 March 2017, our last day spent at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, on the island of Trinidad, before flying home to Alberta.<br /> <br /> "The Black-throated Mango is 10.2 cm long and weighs 7.2g. The longish black bill is slightly decurved. <br /> <br /> The male has glossy bright green upperparts. His throat and chest are matt black, bordered with blue-green. The flanks are bright green, and the black of the chest tapers onto the belly.<br /> <br /> The female black-throated mango has bronze-green upperparts and white underparts with a black central stripe. Immature birds show some grey or buff feather tips on the head and wings, and have brown around the eyes." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-throated_mango" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-throated_mango</a><br /> <br /> This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my dear friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going. <br /> <br /> Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off! <br /> <br /> What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so I think were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous. <br /> <br /> The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.<br /> <br /> I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure.<br /> <br /> This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M</a><br /> <br /> I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46483430 tag:ipernity.com,2018-04-04,doc-46483430 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 16:33:17 +0000 2017-03-16T08:42:34-06:00 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/293827/46483430"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/34/30/46483430.027beae1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Back to more odds and ends from our trip to Trinidad & Tobago in March 2017. I'm just not getting a chance to get out much and, when I do, there are so few things to photograph at the moment. This photo was taken on 16 March 2017, our first day staying at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the island of Trinidad. <br /> <br /> This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my dear friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going. <br /> <br /> Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off! <br /> <br /> What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous. <br /> <br /> The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.<br /> <br /> I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure. I'm not sure of the ID, but wonder if it might be something like Sanchezia (Sanchezia speciosa).<br /> <br /> This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M</a><br /> <br /> I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk</a></div> Tropical plant, Asa Wright, Trinidad <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/293827/46483430"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/34/30/46483430.027beae1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Back to more odds and ends from our trip to Trinidad & Tobago in March 2017. I'm just not getting a chance to get out much and, when I do, there are so few things to photograph at the moment. This photo was taken on 16 March 2017, our first day staying at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the island of Trinidad. <br /> <br /> This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my dear friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going. <br /> <br /> Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off! <br /> <br /> What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous. <br /> <br /> The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.<br /> <br /> I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure. I'm not sure of the ID, but wonder if it might be something like Sanchezia (Sanchezia speciosa).<br /> <br /> This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M</a><br /> <br /> I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46390260 tag:ipernity.com,2018-03-16,doc-46390260 Fri, 16 Mar 2018 15:30:48 +0000 2017-03-19T12:28:21-06:00 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/293827/46390260"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/02/60/46390260.bf3fa731.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This photo was taken on 19 March 2017, at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, on the island of Trinidad, where we stayed for five days. ID kindly supplied by Wendy Cutler!<br /> <br /> "Sunset Bells is an interesting plant from the Caribbean. Yellow flowers with bright orange sepal cups form a colorful ground cover. The yellow flowers are short-lived, but the orange sepal cups last for many days and give the plant an everblooming effect. The dark, glossy, toothed leaves make this plant attractive even when it is not in bloom. It is a perennial herb that can be grown as a house-plant. From spring to summer it is covered with very showy orange-red flowers. The bright yellow corolla, with some red striping or spotting, is about twice the length of the sepal cup, with a narrow tube and flaring lobes. Leaves are large, dark-green with brown touch, very ornamental. The stems are thick and succulent, usually upright. The plant forms a dense mountain of flowers and foliage. The plant forms tubers at the base of the stem, and sometimes also in the leaf axils. The name is taken from mythology - Chryso Themis was a daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon, of Greek mythology. Pulchella means beautiful." From link below.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Sunset" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Sunset</a> Bells.html<br /> <br /> This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my great friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going. <br /> <br /> Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off! <br /> <br /> What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous. <br /> <br /> The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.<br /> <br /> I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure.<br /> <br /> This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M</a><br /> <br /> I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk</a></div> Chrysothemis pulchella, Trinidad <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/293827/46390260"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/02/60/46390260.bf3fa731.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This photo was taken on 19 March 2017, at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, on the island of Trinidad, where we stayed for five days. ID kindly supplied by Wendy Cutler!<br /> <br /> "Sunset Bells is an interesting plant from the Caribbean. Yellow flowers with bright orange sepal cups form a colorful ground cover. The yellow flowers are short-lived, but the orange sepal cups last for many days and give the plant an everblooming effect. The dark, glossy, toothed leaves make this plant attractive even when it is not in bloom. It is a perennial herb that can be grown as a house-plant. From spring to summer it is covered with very showy orange-red flowers. The bright yellow corolla, with some red striping or spotting, is about twice the length of the sepal cup, with a narrow tube and flaring lobes. Leaves are large, dark-green with brown touch, very ornamental. The stems are thick and succulent, usually upright. The plant forms a dense mountain of flowers and foliage. The plant forms tubers at the base of the stem, and sometimes also in the leaf axils. The name is taken from mythology - Chryso Themis was a daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon, of Greek mythology. Pulchella means beautiful." From link below.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Sunset" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Sunset</a> Bells.html<br /> <br /> This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my great friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going. <br /> <br /> Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off! <br /> <br /> What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous. <br /> <br /> The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.<br /> <br /> I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure.<br /> <br /> This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M</a><br /> <br /> I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46373088 tag:ipernity.com,2018-03-10,doc-46373088 Sat, 10 Mar 2018 13:54:23 +0000 2017-03-20T10:32:39-06:00 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/293827/46373088"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/30/88/46373088.8e7a2c96.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Back to Trinidad images this morning, as these three were already in a folder of photos to maybe post. <br /> <br /> It wasn't always easy to get a photo of one of these colourful Yellow Orioles. At least this one was on a branch, not a bird feeder. Apparently, they build a 40 cm-long hanging basket, suspended from the end of a branch. Males and females are similar, with the female slightly duller. Given the brightness of the bird in my photo, I would think this is probably a male. The photo was taken at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, on the island of Trinidad, on 20 March 2017.<br /> <br /> "Although it does have black in its plumage, the Yellow Oriole derives its common name from the large extent of yellow in its plumage relative to all other orioles, with its black restricted to the tail, a narrow yellow bib, and the wings. The Yellow Oriole is a common resident in lowlands below 500 m in northern South America and adjoining Caribbean islands from northeastern Colombia to the mouth of the Amazon. It occurs in a variety of open forest habitats such as deciduous woodland, scrub, and in urban areas. This is the only icterid in its range with the combination of an all yellow back and white wing bars." From Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Neotropical Birds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/portal/species/overview?p_p_spp=676556" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/portal/species/overview?p_p...</a><br /> <br /> This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my dear friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going. <br /> <br /> Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off! <br /> <br /> What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous. <br /> <br /> The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.<br /> <br /> I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure.<br /> <br /> This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M</a><br /> <br /> I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk</a></div> Yellow Oriole, Trinidad <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/293827/46373088"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/30/88/46373088.8e7a2c96.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Back to Trinidad images this morning, as these three were already in a folder of photos to maybe post. <br /> <br /> It wasn't always easy to get a photo of one of these colourful Yellow Orioles. At least this one was on a branch, not a bird feeder. Apparently, they build a 40 cm-long hanging basket, suspended from the end of a branch. Males and females are similar, with the female slightly duller. Given the brightness of the bird in my photo, I would think this is probably a male. The photo was taken at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, on the island of Trinidad, on 20 March 2017.<br /> <br /> "Although it does have black in its plumage, the Yellow Oriole derives its common name from the large extent of yellow in its plumage relative to all other orioles, with its black restricted to the tail, a narrow yellow bib, and the wings. The Yellow Oriole is a common resident in lowlands below 500 m in northern South America and adjoining Caribbean islands from northeastern Colombia to the mouth of the Amazon. It occurs in a variety of open forest habitats such as deciduous woodland, scrub, and in urban areas. This is the only icterid in its range with the combination of an all yellow back and white wing bars." From Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Neotropical Birds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/portal/species/overview?p_p_spp=676556" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/portal/species/overview?p_p...</a><br /> <br /> This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my dear friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going. <br /> <br /> Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off! <br /> <br /> What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous. <br /> <br /> The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.<br /> <br /> I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure.<br /> <br /> This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M</a><br /> <br /> I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46352592 tag:ipernity.com,2018-03-08,doc-46352592 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 19:01:52 +0000 2015-05-29T10:05:27-07:00 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/293827/46352592"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/25/92/46352592.4ba5c0ba.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">All three photos posted today were taken on 29 May 2015, on a trip way down in southern Alberta. A small group of us spent the day at the Whaleback, climbing the ridges, doing a species count. We had such a great day, finding all sorts of things of interest - plants, mosses, lichens - and in my case, insects, animals and birds, too : ) In fact, anything and everything, lol.<br /> <br /> The weather was good for walking, not too warm and, up till the last part, dry. We were so lucky that the rain stayed away for most of the day. When I went on this outing in May 2013, it rained all day, though I still managed to get plenty of photos. On 29 May 2015, it was overcast with low cloud, making scenic shots rather unpleasant.<br /> <br /> Just before taking the turn for the road leading to a place to park, we stopped at a spot down by the river and did a search there. I was thrilled to bits to find three or four Tent Caterpillars on a plant next to a large rock and thought what a way to start the day. After taking a few photos, I walked to the other side of the rock and noticed what almost looked like a circular patch of lichen growing on the rock surface. A closer look revealed a mass of dozens of these writhing caterpillars, with several others climbing up in single file to join the rest. Still makes me itch all over, just thinking about it, lol! I have added a previously posted close-up of the caterpillar mass in a comment box below.<br /> <br /> "Tent caterpillars tend to hatch in the early spring, after trees bud. They feed on leaves for approximately six weeks, and then search for places to create cocoons. About 10 days later, the adult forest tent moth emerges and the female immediately begins to lay eggs for the next spring. While tent caterpillars can cause severe damage to trees as they defoliate them, they seldom kill them; most trees will bud again later in the summer."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_tent_caterpillar_moth" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_tent_caterpillar_moth</a><br /> <br /> Another highlight of the day for me was when I happened to notice a tiny spot of bright red deep inside a distant Early Yellow Locoweed flower. I zoomed in for a photo and thought it looked like it might be a Ladybug. Couldn't count the spots properly, so I very gently parted the petals to get a better look. Unfortunately, it crawled on to my hand and wouldn't return to a petal until after I had taken two or three shots, and then it immediately moved out of sight. I was so happy to find that it was a different kind of Ladybug, though I had seen one a few years ago - it was a Convergent Ladybug.<br /> <br /> Part way through the day, I stayed behind while the rest of the group climbed to a higher ridge, and I explored the lower ground. It was a place where I knew I wouldn't get lost - but I did have to wait till at least some of the others returned a few hours later, as others were needed to create an opening to climb though the barbed-wire fence again. I found plenty to photograph and it was quite a feeling to be so high up with such an amazing view all around, and to be alone up there. While I sat to eat lunch on a rocky outcrop with a couple of trees, a tiny Sparrow (of some kind) came to visit a couple of times and sing for me. Also, there were maybe half a dozen Brewer's Blackbirds that stayed around the area for much of the time, flying or perched on low bushes. A truly magical time.<br /> <br /> The rest of the group had a good time, too, and saw Parry's Townsendia flowers and lots of Balsamroot in bloom. Fortunately, I had seen the Townsendia before on a brutal hike to Picklejar Lakes several years ago. Two years before, I had also seen hillsides at the Whaleback covered in the bright yellow Balsamroot flowers. I did manage to find several plants huddled together lower down, so was happy to get a few photos of these bright and cheery flowers.<br /> <br /> Altogether, a wonderful day in an incredibly beautiful place with great company! Many thanks, Robin and Cedric, for giving me a ride there and back - appreciated it SO much!</div> Tent Caterpillar <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/293827/46352592"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/25/92/46352592.4ba5c0ba.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">All three photos posted today were taken on 29 May 2015, on a trip way down in southern Alberta. A small group of us spent the day at the Whaleback, climbing the ridges, doing a species count. We had such a great day, finding all sorts of things of interest - plants, mosses, lichens - and in my case, insects, animals and birds, too : ) In fact, anything and everything, lol.<br /> <br /> The weather was good for walking, not too warm and, up till the last part, dry. We were so lucky that the rain stayed away for most of the day. When I went on this outing in May 2013, it rained all day, though I still managed to get plenty of photos. On 29 May 2015, it was overcast with low cloud, making scenic shots rather unpleasant.<br /> <br /> Just before taking the turn for the road leading to a place to park, we stopped at a spot down by the river and did a search there. I was thrilled to bits to find three or four Tent Caterpillars on a plant next to a large rock and thought what a way to start the day. After taking a few photos, I walked to the other side of the rock and noticed what almost looked like a circular patch of lichen growing on the rock surface. A closer look revealed a mass of dozens of these writhing caterpillars, with several others climbing up in single file to join the rest. Still makes me itch all over, just thinking about it, lol! I have added a previously posted close-up of the caterpillar mass in a comment box below.<br /> <br /> "Tent caterpillars tend to hatch in the early spring, after trees bud. They feed on leaves for approximately six weeks, and then search for places to create cocoons. About 10 days later, the adult forest tent moth emerges and the female immediately begins to lay eggs for the next spring. While tent caterpillars can cause severe damage to trees as they defoliate them, they seldom kill them; most trees will bud again later in the summer."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_tent_caterpillar_moth" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_tent_caterpillar_moth</a><br /> <br /> Another highlight of the day for me was when I happened to notice a tiny spot of bright red deep inside a distant Early Yellow Locoweed flower. I zoomed in for a photo and thought it looked like it might be a Ladybug. Couldn't count the spots properly, so I very gently parted the petals to get a better look. Unfortunately, it crawled on to my hand and wouldn't return to a petal until after I had taken two or three shots, and then it immediately moved out of sight. I was so happy to find that it was a different kind of Ladybug, though I had seen one a few years ago - it was a Convergent Ladybug.<br /> <br /> Part way through the day, I stayed behind while the rest of the group climbed to a higher ridge, and I explored the lower ground. It was a place where I knew I wouldn't get lost - but I did have to wait till at least some of the others returned a few hours later, as others were needed to create an opening to climb though the barbed-wire fence again. I found plenty to photograph and it was quite a feeling to be so high up with such an amazing view all around, and to be alone up there. While I sat to eat lunch on a rocky outcrop with a couple of trees, a tiny Sparrow (of some kind) came to visit a couple of times and sing for me. Also, there were maybe half a dozen Brewer's Blackbirds that stayed around the area for much of the time, flying or perched on low bushes. A truly magical time.<br /> <br /> The rest of the group had a good time, too, and saw Parry's Townsendia flowers and lots of Balsamroot in bloom. Fortunately, I had seen the Townsendia before on a brutal hike to Picklejar Lakes several years ago. Two years before, I had also seen hillsides at the Whaleback covered in the bright yellow Balsamroot flowers. I did manage to find several plants huddled together lower down, so was happy to get a few photos of these bright and cheery flowers.<br /> <br /> Altogether, a wonderful day in an incredibly beautiful place with great company! Many thanks, Robin and Cedric, for giving me a ride there and back - appreciated it SO much!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46352590 tag:ipernity.com,2018-03-08,doc-46352590 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:59:57 +0000 2015-05-29T10:23:39-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46352590"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/25/90/46352590.e2f5288f.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">All three photos posted today were taken on 29 May 2015, on a trip way down in southern Alberta. A small group of us spent the day at the Whaleback, climbing the ridges, doing a species count. We had such a great day, finding all sorts of things of interest - plants, mosses, lichens - and in my case, insects, animals and birds, too : ) In fact, anything and everything, lol.<br /> <br /> The weather was good for walking, not too warm and, up till the last part, dry. We were so lucky that the rain stayed away for most of the day. When I went on this outing in May 2013, it rained all day, though I still managed to get plenty of photos. On 29 May 2015, it was overcast with low cloud, making scenic shots rather unpleasant.<br /> <br /> Just before taking the turn for the road leading to a place to park, we stopped at a spot down by the river and did a search there. I was thrilled to bits to find three or four Tent Caterpillars on a plant next to a large rock and thought what a way to start the day. After taking a few photos, I walked to the other side of the rock and noticed what almost looked like a circular patch of lichen growing on the rock surface. A closer look revealed a mass of dozens of these writhing caterpillars, with several others climbing up in single file to join the rest. Still makes me itch all over, just thinking about it, lol! <br /> <br /> Another highlight of the day for me was when I happened to notice a tiny spot of bright red deep inside a distant Early Yellow Locoweed flower. I zoomed in for a photo and thought it looked like it might be a Ladybug. Couldn't count the spots properly, so I very gently parted the petals to get a better look. Unfortunately, it crawled on to my hand and wouldn't return to a petal until after I had taken two or three shots, and then it immediately moved out of sight. I was so happy to find that it was a different kind of Ladybug, though I had seen one a few years ago - it was a Convergent Ladybug.<br /> <br /> Part way through the day, I stayed behind while the rest of the group climbed to a higher ridge, and I explored the lower ground. It was a place where I knew I wouldn't get lost - but I did have to wait till at least some of the others returned a few hours later, as others were needed to create an opening to climb though the barbed-wire fence again. I found plenty to photograph and it was quite a feeling to be so high up with such an amazing view all around, and to be alone up there. While I sat to eat lunch on a rocky outcrop with a couple of trees, a tiny Sparrow (of some kind) came to visit a couple of times and sing for me. Also, there were maybe half a dozen Brewer's Blackbirds that stayed around the area for much of the time, flying or perched on low bushes. A truly magical time.<br /> <br /> The rest of the group had a great time, too, and saw Parry's Townsendia flowers and lots of Balsamroot in bloom. Fortunately, I had seen the Townsendia before on a brutal hike to Picklejar Lakes several years ago. Two years before, I had also seen hillsides at the Whaleback covered in the bright yellow Balsamroot flowers. I did manage to find several plants huddled together lower down, so was happy to get a few photos of these bright and cheery flowers.<br /> <br /> Altogether, a wonderful day in an incredibly beautiful place with great company! Many thanks, Robin and Cedric, for giving me a ride there and back - appreciated it SO much!</div> Plant from the Whaleback <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/293827/46352590"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/25/90/46352590.e2f5288f.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">All three photos posted today were taken on 29 May 2015, on a trip way down in southern Alberta. A small group of us spent the day at the Whaleback, climbing the ridges, doing a species count. We had such a great day, finding all sorts of things of interest - plants, mosses, lichens - and in my case, insects, animals and birds, too : ) In fact, anything and everything, lol.<br /> <br /> The weather was good for walking, not too warm and, up till the last part, dry. We were so lucky that the rain stayed away for most of the day. When I went on this outing in May 2013, it rained all day, though I still managed to get plenty of photos. On 29 May 2015, it was overcast with low cloud, making scenic shots rather unpleasant.<br /> <br /> Just before taking the turn for the road leading to a place to park, we stopped at a spot down by the river and did a search there. I was thrilled to bits to find three or four Tent Caterpillars on a plant next to a large rock and thought what a way to start the day. After taking a few photos, I walked to the other side of the rock and noticed what almost looked like a circular patch of lichen growing on the rock surface. A closer look revealed a mass of dozens of these writhing caterpillars, with several others climbing up in single file to join the rest. Still makes me itch all over, just thinking about it, lol! <br /> <br /> Another highlight of the day for me was when I happened to notice a tiny spot of bright red deep inside a distant Early Yellow Locoweed flower. I zoomed in for a photo and thought it looked like it might be a Ladybug. Couldn't count the spots properly, so I very gently parted the petals to get a better look. Unfortunately, it crawled on to my hand and wouldn't return to a petal until after I had taken two or three shots, and then it immediately moved out of sight. I was so happy to find that it was a different kind of Ladybug, though I had seen one a few years ago - it was a Convergent Ladybug.<br /> <br /> Part way through the day, I stayed behind while the rest of the group climbed to a higher ridge, and I explored the lower ground. It was a place where I knew I wouldn't get lost - but I did have to wait till at least some of the others returned a few hours later, as others were needed to create an opening to climb though the barbed-wire fence again. I found plenty to photograph and it was quite a feeling to be so high up with such an amazing view all around, and to be alone up there. While I sat to eat lunch on a rocky outcrop with a couple of trees, a tiny Sparrow (of some kind) came to visit a couple of times and sing for me. Also, there were maybe half a dozen Brewer's Blackbirds that stayed around the area for much of the time, flying or perched on low bushes. A truly magical time.<br /> <br /> The rest of the group had a great time, too, and saw Parry's Townsendia flowers and lots of Balsamroot in bloom. Fortunately, I had seen the Townsendia before on a brutal hike to Picklejar Lakes several years ago. Two years before, I had also seen hillsides at the Whaleback covered in the bright yellow Balsamroot flowers. I did manage to find several plants huddled together lower down, so was happy to get a few photos of these bright and cheery flowers.<br /> <br /> Altogether, a wonderful day in an incredibly beautiful place with great company! Many thanks, Robin and Cedric, for giving me a ride there and back - appreciated it SO much!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46199866 tag:ipernity.com,2018-01-30,doc-46199866 Tue, 30 Jan 2018 17:39:28 +0000 2017-03-19T14:51:23-07:00 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/293827/46199866"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/66/46199866.1b22a3b9.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Finally, after a one day break to post three cold, winter photos taken locally, I can get back to posting warm images taken on the island of Trinidad. The next few batches of photos will show our boat ride through the amazing Caroni Swamp, to see the spectacular Scarlet Ibis - and other things along the way. This outing really was the highlight of our holiday, kept to the last but one day in Trinidad. There was just one more outing the following morning, and then we spent that afternoon hanging out at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, photographing some of the birds and packing our bags ready for leaving in the middle of the night to catch our first flight home. If I have time, I might just try and edit a number of less-than-inspiring images and post overnight sometime, just so that I can get to the end of this holiday faster. I did that many times last year.<br /> <br /> This photo was taken on 19 March 2017. On that day, we hiked to see the unusual Oilbirds in the morning and then we went to the Caroni Swamp in the afternoon and evening. We were lucky enough to see this Masked Cardinal along the edge of the Caroni Swamp, before going on the boat to see the Scarlet Ibis.<br /> <br /> At the Swamp, my six friends and I were privileged to be able to watch the arrival of huge flocks of amazing Scarlet Ibis flying in to roost. Will add this YouTube link (not my video) to give an idea of what our boat ride was like - including the large snake curled up in a tree over our heads! All the other boats we saw were packed full of people, but we were given a boat to ourselves, which was great.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/vV9XvW2JSVE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/vV9XvW2JSVE</a><br /> <br /> "The masked cardinal (Paroaria nigrogenis) is a bird species in the tanager family (Thraupidae). It was formerly placed in the Emberizidae and is not very closely related to the cardinals proper (Cardinalidae).<br /> <br /> It is found in Trinidad, far north-eastern Colombia and northern Venezuela. It was previously considered conspecific with the red-capped cardinal, from which it differs by the black ear-coverts and the red (not black) lower throat and upper chest. Additionally, its lower mandible is typically whitish, but this is not entirely consistent, as it occasionally is pale flesh-coloured." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masked_cardinal" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masked_cardinal</a><br /> <br /> This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my dear friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going. <br /> <br /> Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off! <br /> <br /> What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous. <br /> <br /> The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.<br /> <br /> I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure.<br /> <br /> This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M</a><br /> <br /> I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk</a></div> Masked Cardinal at the edge of Caroni Swamp <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/293827/46199866"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/66/46199866.1b22a3b9.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Finally, after a one day break to post three cold, winter photos taken locally, I can get back to posting warm images taken on the island of Trinidad. The next few batches of photos will show our boat ride through the amazing Caroni Swamp, to see the spectacular Scarlet Ibis - and other things along the way. This outing really was the highlight of our holiday, kept to the last but one day in Trinidad. There was just one more outing the following morning, and then we spent that afternoon hanging out at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, photographing some of the birds and packing our bags ready for leaving in the middle of the night to catch our first flight home. If I have time, I might just try and edit a number of less-than-inspiring images and post overnight sometime, just so that I can get to the end of this holiday faster. I did that many times last year.<br /> <br /> This photo was taken on 19 March 2017. On that day, we hiked to see the unusual Oilbirds in the morning and then we went to the Caroni Swamp in the afternoon and evening. We were lucky enough to see this Masked Cardinal along the edge of the Caroni Swamp, before going on the boat to see the Scarlet Ibis.<br /> <br /> At the Swamp, my six friends and I were privileged to be able to watch the arrival of huge flocks of amazing Scarlet Ibis flying in to roost. Will add this YouTube link (not my video) to give an idea of what our boat ride was like - including the large snake curled up in a tree over our heads! All the other boats we saw were packed full of people, but we were given a boat to ourselves, which was great.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/vV9XvW2JSVE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/vV9XvW2JSVE</a><br /> <br /> "The masked cardinal (Paroaria nigrogenis) is a bird species in the tanager family (Thraupidae). It was formerly placed in the Emberizidae and is not very closely related to the cardinals proper (Cardinalidae).<br /> <br /> It is found in Trinidad, far north-eastern Colombia and northern Venezuela. It was previously considered conspecific with the red-capped cardinal, from which it differs by the black ear-coverts and the red (not black) lower throat and upper chest. Additionally, its lower mandible is typically whitish, but this is not entirely consistent, as it occasionally is pale flesh-coloured." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masked_cardinal" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masked_cardinal</a><br /> <br /> This adventure was only the second holiday of any kind, anywhere, that I have had in something like 30 or 35 years! The other holiday was a wonderful, one-week trip with my dear friends from England, Linda and Tony, when we went down south to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons in September 2012. I have had maybe half a dozen weekends away, including to Waterton National Park, which have helped keep me going. <br /> <br /> Six birding/photographer friends and I decided that we would take this exciting trip together (from 12-21 March 2017), spending the first two or three days on the island of Tobago and then the rest of the time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the nearby, much larger island of Trinidad. We decided to take a complete package, so everything was included - accommodation at both places, all our food, and the various walks and day trips that we could choose from. Two of my friends, Anne B. and Brenda, saw to all the planning of flights and accommodations, which was so very much appreciated by the rest of us. I could never have done all this myself! We were so lucky with our flights, as we were just in time to get Black Friday prices, which were 50% off! <br /> <br /> What a time we had, seeing so many beautiful and interesting things - and, of course, everything was a lifer for me. Some of these friends had visited Costa Rica before, so were familiar with some of the birds. There was a lot more to see on Trinidad, so we were glad that we chose Tobago to visit first and then spend a longer time at Asa Wright. It was wonderful to be right by the sea, though, at the Blue Waters Inn on the island of Tobago. Just gorgeous. <br /> <br /> The Asa Wright Nature Centre, on Trinidad, is such an amazing place! We stayed in cabins up or down hill from the main building. Really, one doesn't need to travel away from the Centre for birding, as so many different species visit the Hummingbird feeders that are right by the huge, open veranda, and the trees of the rain forest high up the mountainous road. The drive up and down this narrow, twisting, pot-holed road was an adventure in itself! Never would I ever do this drive myself - we had a guide who drove us everywhere in a minibus. I had read many accounts of this road, lol! There was enough room for two vehicles to pass each other, and the honking of horns was almost continuous - either to warn any vehicle that might be coming fast around the next bend or as a sign that drivers knew each other. The drive along this road, from the coast to Asa Wright, took just over an hour each way.<br /> <br /> I still miss the great food that was provided every single day at Asa Wright and even the Rum Punch that appeared each evening. I never drink at all, so I wasn't sure if I would even try the Punch - glad I did, though, as it was delicious and refreshing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all served buffet-style, with a great variety of dishes from which to choose. To me, pure luxury. So very, very grateful to have been invited to be part of this amazing adventure.<br /> <br /> This is a video that I came across on YouTube, taken by Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, at many of the same places we visited on Trinidad and Tobago. Not my video, but it made me feel like I was right there still. Posting the link here again, so that I won't lose it. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/BBifhf99f_M</a><br /> <br /> I also came across the following 27-minute YouTube video of the flora and fauna of Trinidad, filmed by John Patrick Smith in February 2015.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/6HHBm9MIxnk</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46162272 tag:ipernity.com,2018-01-19,doc-46162272 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 17:54:44 +0000 2018-01-18T11:38:42-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/46162272"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/22/72/46162272.6b33f589.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday, 18 January 2018, I almost came home with an empty memory card in my camera. Luckily, we were treated to a distant view of a Pileated Woodpecker at the furthest point of our walk, and then to a couple of these gorgeous Pine Grosbeak males feeding on berries. Usually, when I see Pine Grosbeaks, they are either flying high overhead or else perched at the top of a very tall tree in the distance. To see them this close up shows them in all their glory. In some ways, I think a back view is the most beautiful, showing the black and white wing pattern.<br /> <br /> Much as I would love to jump in my car and go for a drive, I just haven't been able to do so the last 10 or so days, dealing with various services shutting down after my credit card was compromised by someone in eastern Canada, and consequently cancelled. So, a morning's walk in Fish Creek Park with a group of friends sounded appealing, especially as others had seen a Black-backed Woodpecker, a Three-toed Woodpecker and even the tiny Northern Pygmy-owl. As almost always happens, none of these birds were seen yesterday, ha.<br /> <br /> We are still having milder weather, often sunny and even a few degrees above 0°C on some days. Yesterday was 2C-7C, which felt wonderful. Perfect weather for getting out ... sigh. We know there is still plenty of snow that will come before spring arrives.</div> Pine Grosbeak male feeding on 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/293827/46162272"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/22/72/46162272.6b33f589.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday, 18 January 2018, I almost came home with an empty memory card in my camera. Luckily, we were treated to a distant view of a Pileated Woodpecker at the furthest point of our walk, and then to a couple of these gorgeous Pine Grosbeak males feeding on berries. Usually, when I see Pine Grosbeaks, they are either flying high overhead or else perched at the top of a very tall tree in the distance. To see them this close up shows them in all their glory. In some ways, I think a back view is the most beautiful, showing the black and white wing pattern.<br /> <br /> Much as I would love to jump in my car and go for a drive, I just haven't been able to do so the last 10 or so days, dealing with various services shutting down after my credit card was compromised by someone in eastern Canada, and consequently cancelled. So, a morning's walk in Fish Creek Park with a group of friends sounded appealing, especially as others had seen a Black-backed Woodpecker, a Three-toed Woodpecker and even the tiny Northern Pygmy-owl. As almost always happens, none of these birds were seen yesterday, ha.<br /> <br /> We are still having milder weather, often sunny and even a few degrees above 0°C on some days. Yesterday was 2C-7C, which felt wonderful. Perfect weather for getting out ... sigh. We know there is still plenty of snow that will come before spring arrives.</div> Anne Elliott