https://www.ipernity.com/tag/293827/keyword/477165 https://cdn.ipernity.com/p/101/C3/7B/293827.buddy.jpg https://www.ipernity.com/tag/293827/keyword/477165 Mon, 25 May 2026 20:56:22 +0000 Mon, 25 May 2026 20:56:22 +0000 https://www.ipernity.com https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/51201494 tag:ipernity.com,2019-10-09,doc-51201494 Wed, 09 Oct 2019 16:51:08 +0000 2019-10-06T11:15:30-07:00 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/293827/51201494"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/14/94/51201494.17ede3dc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">9 October 2019: temperature is -7C (windchill -13C). It snowed again yesterday and more snow is forecast for this coming weekend (Canadian Thanksgiving).<br /> <br /> Having seen the weather forecast for another snow storm, I made a quick decision to get back to the mountains - I don't drive there when there is snow on the roads. It was going to be sunny, but unfortunately, it was also very windy, which gave me a lot of not-quite-sharp images. Also, much of the highway through Kananaskis is closed for the winter months, for the protection of the wildlife. There were three or four locations that I wanted to photograph with snow on the peaks. With scenic shots in my mind, I took the south route, this time avoiding the dusty, gravel back road that I love to drive. Normally, I would never do a drive like this on a weekend day - more cars and people.<br /> <br /> Much of the drive was similar to my trip with friend, Pam, on 5 September. A little over a month ago already? The first part of my drive, before turning around and heading home, I had done before, but I had never driven myself the most northerly part. I really wanted to make sure I did this while I could, rather than have to leave it till next year, as I might have lost courage by then. Actually, this north stretch had not been in my plans, but as it was not yet noon, I decided to do it, driving further than Pam and I had gone. A couple of extra stops were added - Barrier Lake and Lorette Ponds.<br /> <br /> Keeping a close eye on how much gas was left, it was time to turn around and go back home the same way as I had driven earlier in the morning. Lots of animals on the road - mainly cattle! I don't think I have ever seen so many cows on the road before - and, oh, what a mess they were leaving behind them, everywhere! They were as stubborn about moving off the road as the three groups of Bighorn Sheep I came across during the day. I guess cows, too, like licking salt and other minerals off the road surface.<br /> <br /> So many people were out to go hiking and there were lots of cars parked in many places. On my return drive, I was not too impressed to see about a dozen cars lined up along the edge of the road - thinking 'hikers' and then suddenly thinking "bear?" As I drove past, I caught a glimpse of three brown shapes in the long grass. I did what I don't like doing - a U-turn and adding myself to the end of the line. My handful of highly zoomed photos were all taken through the windshield, turning them into green-tinted blurs. I have added three of them, just for the record. Not sure if I can rescue any others. I tried to read the blurry number on the pink ear tag, which may have shifted upside down, on her right ear. She was busy feeding in the long grass with her two cubs, totally oblivious of the audience. I didn't notice if many people were out of their cars - I know the female idiot (oops, I mean 'driver') of the car in front of me, got out and walked down the road in the direction of the bears, but I couldn't see where she disappeared to. Eventually, a Park ranger arrived and shooed the beautiful bear family into the trees. Such an unexpected sighting and thrill - definitely the highlight of my 440 km drive. If I am right, I think I had only ever seen two Grizzlies in Alberta in all these years - a female with one cub.</div> Bighorn Sheep female <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/293827/51201494"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/14/94/51201494.17ede3dc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">9 October 2019: temperature is -7C (windchill -13C). It snowed again yesterday and more snow is forecast for this coming weekend (Canadian Thanksgiving).<br /> <br /> Having seen the weather forecast for another snow storm, I made a quick decision to get back to the mountains - I don't drive there when there is snow on the roads. It was going to be sunny, but unfortunately, it was also very windy, which gave me a lot of not-quite-sharp images. Also, much of the highway through Kananaskis is closed for the winter months, for the protection of the wildlife. There were three or four locations that I wanted to photograph with snow on the peaks. With scenic shots in my mind, I took the south route, this time avoiding the dusty, gravel back road that I love to drive. Normally, I would never do a drive like this on a weekend day - more cars and people.<br /> <br /> Much of the drive was similar to my trip with friend, Pam, on 5 September. A little over a month ago already? The first part of my drive, before turning around and heading home, I had done before, but I had never driven myself the most northerly part. I really wanted to make sure I did this while I could, rather than have to leave it till next year, as I might have lost courage by then. Actually, this north stretch had not been in my plans, but as it was not yet noon, I decided to do it, driving further than Pam and I had gone. A couple of extra stops were added - Barrier Lake and Lorette Ponds.<br /> <br /> Keeping a close eye on how much gas was left, it was time to turn around and go back home the same way as I had driven earlier in the morning. Lots of animals on the road - mainly cattle! I don't think I have ever seen so many cows on the road before - and, oh, what a mess they were leaving behind them, everywhere! They were as stubborn about moving off the road as the three groups of Bighorn Sheep I came across during the day. I guess cows, too, like licking salt and other minerals off the road surface.<br /> <br /> So many people were out to go hiking and there were lots of cars parked in many places. On my return drive, I was not too impressed to see about a dozen cars lined up along the edge of the road - thinking 'hikers' and then suddenly thinking "bear?" As I drove past, I caught a glimpse of three brown shapes in the long grass. I did what I don't like doing - a U-turn and adding myself to the end of the line. My handful of highly zoomed photos were all taken through the windshield, turning them into green-tinted blurs. I have added three of them, just for the record. Not sure if I can rescue any others. I tried to read the blurry number on the pink ear tag, which may have shifted upside down, on her right ear. She was busy feeding in the long grass with her two cubs, totally oblivious of the audience. I didn't notice if many people were out of their cars - I know the female idiot (oops, I mean 'driver') of the car in front of me, got out and walked down the road in the direction of the bears, but I couldn't see where she disappeared to. Eventually, a Park ranger arrived and shooed the beautiful bear family into the trees. Such an unexpected sighting and thrill - definitely the highlight of my 440 km drive. If I am right, I think I had only ever seen two Grizzlies in Alberta in all these years - a female with one cub.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/51201488 tag:ipernity.com,2019-10-08,doc-51201488 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 17:00:38 +0000 2019-10-07T14:36:11-07:00 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/293827/51201488"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/14/88/51201488.759f0f0f.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Well, hello again, winter!! Yesterday, it looked like late fall. Today, we are having another snowfall, giving us our second world of white already this fall. Because of the forecast for today, I knew I had better get down to the Saskatoon Farm yesterday. I had wanted to buy a few of their vegetables, but they hold their special event at a weekend and I had no intention of facing masses of cars and people. Instead, I did a long drive into Kananaskis two days ago, which turned out to be a really good decision. <br /> <br /> Yesterday, 7 October 2019, was overcast and not good for photos, which didn't really matter, as I barely used my camera at the farm. Basically, apart from sunflowers hanging their heads, everything had already died and much had been removed. There was no colour left, and the wonderful days of visits to the farm to happily snap endless photos full of colour are now over till next spring and summer. Can't wait!<br /> <br /> After enjoying lunch there, and buying two kinds of frozen, home-made soup, I drove along one nearby road just to see if there was anything of interest. I came across an old wooden shed (outhouse?). A touch of filter in post-processing brought out the wood details.<br /> <br /> For me, the next few days will be days to hibernate, hoping that the ground (and my car) will become bare again. The forecast reckons Calgary will be getting about 10 cm of snow today. Looks like we should have sunshine on the coming days. This year has been an absolutely crazy year as far as the weather is concerned!<br /> <br /> "Domestic guineafowl, sometimes called pintades, pearl hen, or gleanies, are poultry originating from Africa. They are the domesticated form of the helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) and are related to other game birds such as the pheasants, turkeys and partridges. Although the timing of their domestication is unknown, there is evidence that domestic guineafowl were present in Greece by the 5th century BC." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> "The Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) is the best known of the guineafowl bird family, Numididae, and the only member of the genus Numida. It breeds in Africa, mainly south of the Sahara, and has been widely introduced into the West Indies and southern France.... While guineafowl are native to Africa, the Helmeted Guineafowl has been domesticated and both feral and wild-type birds have been introduced elsewhere." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmeted_guineafowl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmeted_guineafowl</a><br /> <br /> “Frequently domesticated and included in exotic bird collections, the helmeted guineafowl is an easily recognizable bird and the most widespread game bird in Africa. In other parts of the world, feral and farm populations of these birds can be frequently seen and escapees are regular.” <br /> <br /> <a href="http://birding.about.com/od/Grouse-Quail-And-Pheasants/p/Helmeted-Guineafowl.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">birding.about.com/od/Grouse-Quail-And-Pheasants/p/Helmete...</a></div> Domesticated Helmeted Guineafowl / "Numida meleagris" <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/293827/51201488"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/14/88/51201488.759f0f0f.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Well, hello again, winter!! Yesterday, it looked like late fall. Today, we are having another snowfall, giving us our second world of white already this fall. Because of the forecast for today, I knew I had better get down to the Saskatoon Farm yesterday. I had wanted to buy a few of their vegetables, but they hold their special event at a weekend and I had no intention of facing masses of cars and people. Instead, I did a long drive into Kananaskis two days ago, which turned out to be a really good decision. <br /> <br /> Yesterday, 7 October 2019, was overcast and not good for photos, which didn't really matter, as I barely used my camera at the farm. Basically, apart from sunflowers hanging their heads, everything had already died and much had been removed. There was no colour left, and the wonderful days of visits to the farm to happily snap endless photos full of colour are now over till next spring and summer. Can't wait!<br /> <br /> After enjoying lunch there, and buying two kinds of frozen, home-made soup, I drove along one nearby road just to see if there was anything of interest. I came across an old wooden shed (outhouse?). A touch of filter in post-processing brought out the wood details.<br /> <br /> For me, the next few days will be days to hibernate, hoping that the ground (and my car) will become bare again. The forecast reckons Calgary will be getting about 10 cm of snow today. Looks like we should have sunshine on the coming days. This year has been an absolutely crazy year as far as the weather is concerned!<br /> <br /> "Domestic guineafowl, sometimes called pintades, pearl hen, or gleanies, are poultry originating from Africa. They are the domesticated form of the helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) and are related to other game birds such as the pheasants, turkeys and partridges. Although the timing of their domestication is unknown, there is evidence that domestic guineafowl were present in Greece by the 5th century BC." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> "The Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) is the best known of the guineafowl bird family, Numididae, and the only member of the genus Numida. It breeds in Africa, mainly south of the Sahara, and has been widely introduced into the West Indies and southern France.... While guineafowl are native to Africa, the Helmeted Guineafowl has been domesticated and both feral and wild-type birds have been introduced elsewhere." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmeted_guineafowl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmeted_guineafowl</a><br /> <br /> “Frequently domesticated and included in exotic bird collections, the helmeted guineafowl is an easily recognizable bird and the most widespread game bird in Africa. In other parts of the world, feral and farm populations of these birds can be frequently seen and escapees are regular.” <br /> <br /> <a href="http://birding.about.com/od/Grouse-Quail-And-Pheasants/p/Helmeted-Guineafowl.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">birding.about.com/od/Grouse-Quail-And-Pheasants/p/Helmete...</a></div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/50537110 tag:ipernity.com,2019-08-17,doc-50537110 Sat, 17 Aug 2019 15:55:43 +0000 2019-08-13T19:46:11-07:00 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/293827/50537110"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/71/10/50537110.e607cde3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">"Bear Warning - Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas<br /> Effective Date: August 16, 2019 until further notice<br /> Where: All trails and area between Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas in Fish Creek Provincial Park<br /> Why: MULTIPLE bears feeding in the area."<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/a...</a><br /> <br /> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> The 8 photos I have posted this morning, 17 August 2019, were taken on the second walk I went on four days ago. On 13 August 2019, I did something that I always try to avoid - go on two walks on the same day. This time, there were two birding outings that I really wanted to go on, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Both were in Fish Creek Park. <br /> <br /> It had been quite a few years since I had walked west of Bow Bottom Trail and I had forgotten what the area looked like until this new walk. Quite a few birds were seen, likewise mosquitoes. I didn't take many photos, but it was nice to catch an American Goldfinch doing what American Goldfinches love to do - collect the seeds from the invasive Creeping (formerly Canada) Thistles. A baby House Wren was spotted near the top of a distant broken tree, peering out of a cavity. I couldn't even see it with the naked eye, so I was surprised to see the tiny beak in my photos. A couple of wildflowers caught my eye, and a friend pointed out a line of fungi on a distant, unapproachable tree trunk.<br /> <br /> The 13 photos I posted yesterday morning were from the morning birding walk, at Mallard Point. The expert eyes were searching for Warblers that have started to arrive here. These tiny birds that are fast moving and always seem to be hiding, are not easy to see, and definitely not easy to photograph, as all bird photographers know. As usual, my eyes also wander to wildflowers and fungi. The Wandering Garter Snake that slithered across the narrow trail and disappeared into the long grass came as a surprise. Definitely not my favourite thing! Managed a quick shot in between people and have posted it just for the record. The Osprey, and the little Clay-coloured Sparrow with a beak full of insects, were enjoyed by all. Actually, the air was full of tiny flying insects, as you can tell by all the tiny specks in my Osprey shots.<br /> <br /> We were very lucky with the weather for both walks, which is always so much appreciated. A Frost Warning was issued for last night, 16 August, and there is now a covering of snow in the mountains.</div> American Goldfinch collecting Thistle seeds <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/293827/50537110"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/71/10/50537110.e607cde3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">"Bear Warning - Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas<br /> Effective Date: August 16, 2019 until further notice<br /> Where: All trails and area between Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas in Fish Creek Provincial Park<br /> Why: MULTIPLE bears feeding in the area."<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/a...</a><br /> <br /> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> The 8 photos I have posted this morning, 17 August 2019, were taken on the second walk I went on four days ago. On 13 August 2019, I did something that I always try to avoid - go on two walks on the same day. This time, there were two birding outings that I really wanted to go on, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Both were in Fish Creek Park. <br /> <br /> It had been quite a few years since I had walked west of Bow Bottom Trail and I had forgotten what the area looked like until this new walk. Quite a few birds were seen, likewise mosquitoes. I didn't take many photos, but it was nice to catch an American Goldfinch doing what American Goldfinches love to do - collect the seeds from the invasive Creeping (formerly Canada) Thistles. A baby House Wren was spotted near the top of a distant broken tree, peering out of a cavity. I couldn't even see it with the naked eye, so I was surprised to see the tiny beak in my photos. A couple of wildflowers caught my eye, and a friend pointed out a line of fungi on a distant, unapproachable tree trunk.<br /> <br /> The 13 photos I posted yesterday morning were from the morning birding walk, at Mallard Point. The expert eyes were searching for Warblers that have started to arrive here. These tiny birds that are fast moving and always seem to be hiding, are not easy to see, and definitely not easy to photograph, as all bird photographers know. As usual, my eyes also wander to wildflowers and fungi. The Wandering Garter Snake that slithered across the narrow trail and disappeared into the long grass came as a surprise. Definitely not my favourite thing! Managed a quick shot in between people and have posted it just for the record. The Osprey, and the little Clay-coloured Sparrow with a beak full of insects, were enjoyed by all. Actually, the air was full of tiny flying insects, as you can tell by all the tiny specks in my Osprey shots.<br /> <br /> We were very lucky with the weather for both walks, which is always so much appreciated. A Frost Warning was issued for last night, 16 August, and there is now a covering of snow in the mountains.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/50537106 tag:ipernity.com,2019-08-17,doc-50537106 Sat, 17 Aug 2019 15:54:14 +0000 2019-08-13T19:45:47-07:00 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/293827/50537106"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/71/06/50537106.e213d763.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">"Bear Warning - Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas closed<br /> Effective Date: August 16, 2019 until further notice<br /> Where: All trails and area between Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas in Fish Creek Provincial Park<br /> Why: Multiple bears feeding in the area."<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/a...</a><br /> <br /> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> The 8 photos I have posted this morning, 17 August 2019, were taken on the second walk I went on four days ago. On 13 August 2019, I did something that I always try to avoid - go on two walks on the same day. This time, there were two birding outings that I really wanted to go on, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Both were in Fish Creek Park. <br /> <br /> It had been quite a few years since I had walked west of Bow Bottom Trail and I had forgotten what the area looked like until this new walk. Quite a few birds were seen, likewise mosquitoes. I didn't take many photos, but it was nice to catch an American Goldfinch doing what American Goldfinches love to do - collect the seeds from the invasive Creeping (formerly Canada) Thistles. A baby House Wren was spotted near the top of a distant broken tree, peering out of a cavity. I couldn't even see it with the naked eye, so I was surprised to see the tiny beak in my photos. A couple of wildflowers caught my eye, and a friend pointed out a line of fungi on a distant, unapproachable tree trunk.<br /> <br /> The 13 photos I posted yesterday morning were from the morning birding walk, at Mallard Point. The expert eyes were searching for Warblers that have started to arrive here. These tiny birds that are fast moving and always seem to be hiding, are not easy to see, and definitely not easy to photograph, as all bird photographers know. As usual, my eyes also wander to wildflowers and fungi. The Wandering Garter Snake that slithered across the narrow trail and disappeared into the long grass came as a surprise. Definitely not my favourite thing! Managed a quick shot in between people and have posted it just for the record. The Osprey, and the little Clay-coloured Sparrow with a beak full of insects, were enjoyed by all. Actually, the air was full of tiny flying insects, as you can tell by all the tiny specks in my Osprey shots.<br /> <br /> We were very lucky with the weather for both walks, which is always so much appreciated. A Frost Warning was issued for last night, 16 August!</div> American Goldfinch collecting Thistle seeds <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/293827/50537106"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/71/06/50537106.e213d763.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">"Bear Warning - Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas closed<br /> Effective Date: August 16, 2019 until further notice<br /> Where: All trails and area between Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas in Fish Creek Provincial Park<br /> Why: Multiple bears feeding in the area."<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/a...</a><br /> <br /> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> The 8 photos I have posted this morning, 17 August 2019, were taken on the second walk I went on four days ago. On 13 August 2019, I did something that I always try to avoid - go on two walks on the same day. This time, there were two birding outings that I really wanted to go on, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Both were in Fish Creek Park. <br /> <br /> It had been quite a few years since I had walked west of Bow Bottom Trail and I had forgotten what the area looked like until this new walk. Quite a few birds were seen, likewise mosquitoes. I didn't take many photos, but it was nice to catch an American Goldfinch doing what American Goldfinches love to do - collect the seeds from the invasive Creeping (formerly Canada) Thistles. A baby House Wren was spotted near the top of a distant broken tree, peering out of a cavity. I couldn't even see it with the naked eye, so I was surprised to see the tiny beak in my photos. A couple of wildflowers caught my eye, and a friend pointed out a line of fungi on a distant, unapproachable tree trunk.<br /> <br /> The 13 photos I posted yesterday morning were from the morning birding walk, at Mallard Point. The expert eyes were searching for Warblers that have started to arrive here. These tiny birds that are fast moving and always seem to be hiding, are not easy to see, and definitely not easy to photograph, as all bird photographers know. As usual, my eyes also wander to wildflowers and fungi. The Wandering Garter Snake that slithered across the narrow trail and disappeared into the long grass came as a surprise. Definitely not my favourite thing! Managed a quick shot in between people and have posted it just for the record. The Osprey, and the little Clay-coloured Sparrow with a beak full of insects, were enjoyed by all. Actually, the air was full of tiny flying insects, as you can tell by all the tiny specks in my Osprey shots.<br /> <br /> We were very lucky with the weather for both walks, which is always so much appreciated. A Frost Warning was issued for last night, 16 August!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/50537092 tag:ipernity.com,2019-08-16,doc-50537092 Fri, 16 Aug 2019 16:58:29 +0000 2019-08-13T09:22:20-07:00 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/293827/50537092"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/70/92/50537092.0f0655b0.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">"Bear Warning - Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas<br /> Effective Date: August 16, 2019 until further notice<br /> Where: All trails and area between Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas in Fish Creek Provincial Park<br /> Why: Multiple bears feeding in the area."<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/a...</a><br /> <br /> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> On 13 August 2019, I did something that I always try to avoid - go on two walks on the same day. This time, there were two birding outings that I really wanted to go on, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Both were in Fish Creek Park. <br /> <br /> The 13 photos I posted this morning were from the morning birding walk, at Mallard Point. The expert eyes were searching for Warblers that have started to arrive here. These tiny birds that are fast moving and always seem to be hiding, are not easy to see, and definitely not easy to photograph, as all bird photographers know. As usual, my eyes also wander to wildflowers and fungi. The Wandering Garter Snake that slithered across the narrow trail and disappeared into the long grass came as a surprise. Definitely not my favourite thing! Managed a quick shot in between people and have posted it just for the record. The Osprey, and the little Clay-coloured Sparrow with a beak full of insects, were enjoyed by all. Actually, the air was full of tiny flying insects, as you can tell by all the tiny specks.<br /> <br /> We were very lucky with the weather, which is always so much appreciated. Today, 16th August, it has been pouring with rain - again! Yesterday was one of the few beautiful days we have had this summer and, as often happens, I had an appointment in the middle of the day.</div> Osprey <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/50537092"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/70/92/50537092.0f0655b0.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">"Bear Warning - Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas<br /> Effective Date: August 16, 2019 until further notice<br /> Where: All trails and area between Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas in Fish Creek Provincial Park<br /> Why: Multiple bears feeding in the area."<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/a...</a><br /> <br /> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> On 13 August 2019, I did something that I always try to avoid - go on two walks on the same day. This time, there were two birding outings that I really wanted to go on, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Both were in Fish Creek Park. <br /> <br /> The 13 photos I posted this morning were from the morning birding walk, at Mallard Point. The expert eyes were searching for Warblers that have started to arrive here. These tiny birds that are fast moving and always seem to be hiding, are not easy to see, and definitely not easy to photograph, as all bird photographers know. As usual, my eyes also wander to wildflowers and fungi. The Wandering Garter Snake that slithered across the narrow trail and disappeared into the long grass came as a surprise. Definitely not my favourite thing! Managed a quick shot in between people and have posted it just for the record. The Osprey, and the little Clay-coloured Sparrow with a beak full of insects, were enjoyed by all. Actually, the air was full of tiny flying insects, as you can tell by all the tiny specks.<br /> <br /> We were very lucky with the weather, which is always so much appreciated. Today, 16th August, it has been pouring with rain - again! Yesterday was one of the few beautiful days we have had this summer and, as often happens, I had an appointment in the middle of the day.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/50531750 tag:ipernity.com,2019-08-16,doc-50531750 Fri, 16 Aug 2019 16:50:50 +0000 2019-08-13T09:22:44-07:00 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/293827/50531750"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/17/50/50531750.7c61f13d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">On 13 August 2019, I did something that I always try to avoid - go on two walks on the same day. This time, there were two birding outings that I really wanted to go on, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Both were in Fish Creek Park. <br /> <br /> The 13 photos I posted this morning were from the morning birding walk, at Mallard Point. The expert eyes were searching for Warblers that have started to arrive here. These tiny birds that are fast moving and always seem to be hiding, are not easy to see, and definitely not easy to photograph, as all bird photographers know. As usual, my eyes also wander to wildflowers and fungi. The Wandering Garter Snake that slithered across the narrow trail and disappeared into the long grass came as a surprise. Definitely not my favourite thing! Managed a quick shot in between people and have posted it just for the record. The Osprey, and the little Clay-coloured Sparrow with a beak full of insects, were enjoyed by all.<br /> <br /> We were very lucky with the weather, which is always so much appreciated. Today, 16th August, it has been pouring with rain - again! Yesterday was one of the few beautiful days we have had this summer and, as often happens, I had an appointment in the middle of the day.</div> Osprey <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/50531750"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/17/50/50531750.7c61f13d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">On 13 August 2019, I did something that I always try to avoid - go on two walks on the same day. This time, there were two birding outings that I really wanted to go on, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Both were in Fish Creek Park. <br /> <br /> The 13 photos I posted this morning were from the morning birding walk, at Mallard Point. The expert eyes were searching for Warblers that have started to arrive here. These tiny birds that are fast moving and always seem to be hiding, are not easy to see, and definitely not easy to photograph, as all bird photographers know. As usual, my eyes also wander to wildflowers and fungi. The Wandering Garter Snake that slithered across the narrow trail and disappeared into the long grass came as a surprise. Definitely not my favourite thing! Managed a quick shot in between people and have posted it just for the record. The Osprey, and the little Clay-coloured Sparrow with a beak full of insects, were enjoyed by all.<br /> <br /> We were very lucky with the weather, which is always so much appreciated. Today, 16th August, it has been pouring with rain - again! Yesterday was one of the few beautiful days we have had this summer and, as often happens, I had an appointment in the middle of the day.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49550112 tag:ipernity.com,2019-07-06,doc-49550112 Sat, 06 Jul 2019 17:36:45 +0000 2019-07-03T16:53:08-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49550112"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/01/12/49550112.4b15d8dd.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Saturday, 6 July 2019, 5:15 pm - here comes the rain and thunder. Our weather forecast for today, 6 July 2019, from the Weather Network: <br /> <br /> "A multi-day severe storm threat looms for the Prairies. This weekend is ripe with storm risk, with Saturday's thunderstorms set to fire for the afternoon and evening, along with some tornado chance on the table for southern Alberta -- something visitors to the Calgary Stampede should keep an eye on." <br /> <br /> This morning, 6 July 2019, I am posting 7 more photos taken three days ago, on a drive south to Frank Lake. Yet again, when I checked the weather forecast, it said continuing rain for day after day after day. However, the sun was shining when I decided to drive south. The clouds were sufficiently photogenic for me to change my plans and, instead of calling in at the Saskatoon Farm, I drove straight to the Lake.<br /> <br /> The previous time I was at Frank Lake, there was one Coot, two Canada Geese, and a Red-winged and a Yellow-headed Blackbird. Two days ago, it was so much better! The Barn Swallows were there, having built their nest a few feet away from their previous nest site. The Eared Grebes had their tiny, adorable babies, sometimes riding on their back, other times swimming separately. Same thing with the Coots - some had very young babies; others had somewhat older youngsters. One Coot adult and baby were walking in thick mud, searching for food. They both looked such a mess, as if they had rolled in the mud. A pair of Western Grebes could be seen far in the distance.<br /> <br /> "In the fall, almost the entire population of Eared Grebes flies to Mono Lake, California, or Great Salt Lake, Utah, to fatten up on brine shrimp and alkali flies before migrating farther south. Here they more than double their weight, and the sizes of their muscles and organs change. The pectoral (chest) muscles shrink to the point of flightlessness and the digestive organs grow significantly. Before departure for the wintering grounds, the process reverses; the digestive organs shrink back to about one-fourth their peak size, and the heart and pectoral muscles grow quickly to allow for flight." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eared_Grebe/overview" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eared_Grebe/overview</a><br /> <br /> The sky began to change - the white clouds were taken over by rather menacing black ones and it became windy and the rain started. I really didn't want to drive back home on the very busy highway in pouring rain, but after waiting and hoping for it to end, I eventually had no choice but to risk it. As it turned out, there was hardly any traffic going north. <br /> <br /> It has been raining on and off for something like three weeks now, and everyone is tired of the rain. The famous 9-day Calgary Stampede runs from 5-14 July this year and rain during Stampede makes things so unpleasant! Judging by my Stampede photos posted on Flickr, I haven't been since 2013, when I went with my daughter - surely it hasn't been that long? I know I haven't been the last few years, as it was feeling just too much to deal with. Happy to be away from the huge masses of people and the sickening smell of grease, ha, ha! Of course, not going means not getting any mini-donuts, too. Happy Stampeding, everyone! May the sun shine ....</div> Eared Grebe & baby <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/293827/49550112"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/01/12/49550112.4b15d8dd.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Saturday, 6 July 2019, 5:15 pm - here comes the rain and thunder. Our weather forecast for today, 6 July 2019, from the Weather Network: <br /> <br /> "A multi-day severe storm threat looms for the Prairies. This weekend is ripe with storm risk, with Saturday's thunderstorms set to fire for the afternoon and evening, along with some tornado chance on the table for southern Alberta -- something visitors to the Calgary Stampede should keep an eye on." <br /> <br /> This morning, 6 July 2019, I am posting 7 more photos taken three days ago, on a drive south to Frank Lake. Yet again, when I checked the weather forecast, it said continuing rain for day after day after day. However, the sun was shining when I decided to drive south. The clouds were sufficiently photogenic for me to change my plans and, instead of calling in at the Saskatoon Farm, I drove straight to the Lake.<br /> <br /> The previous time I was at Frank Lake, there was one Coot, two Canada Geese, and a Red-winged and a Yellow-headed Blackbird. Two days ago, it was so much better! The Barn Swallows were there, having built their nest a few feet away from their previous nest site. The Eared Grebes had their tiny, adorable babies, sometimes riding on their back, other times swimming separately. Same thing with the Coots - some had very young babies; others had somewhat older youngsters. One Coot adult and baby were walking in thick mud, searching for food. They both looked such a mess, as if they had rolled in the mud. A pair of Western Grebes could be seen far in the distance.<br /> <br /> "In the fall, almost the entire population of Eared Grebes flies to Mono Lake, California, or Great Salt Lake, Utah, to fatten up on brine shrimp and alkali flies before migrating farther south. Here they more than double their weight, and the sizes of their muscles and organs change. The pectoral (chest) muscles shrink to the point of flightlessness and the digestive organs grow significantly. Before departure for the wintering grounds, the process reverses; the digestive organs shrink back to about one-fourth their peak size, and the heart and pectoral muscles grow quickly to allow for flight." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eared_Grebe/overview" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eared_Grebe/overview</a><br /> <br /> The sky began to change - the white clouds were taken over by rather menacing black ones and it became windy and the rain started. I really didn't want to drive back home on the very busy highway in pouring rain, but after waiting and hoping for it to end, I eventually had no choice but to risk it. As it turned out, there was hardly any traffic going north. <br /> <br /> It has been raining on and off for something like three weeks now, and everyone is tired of the rain. The famous 9-day Calgary Stampede runs from 5-14 July this year and rain during Stampede makes things so unpleasant! Judging by my Stampede photos posted on Flickr, I haven't been since 2013, when I went with my daughter - surely it hasn't been that long? I know I haven't been the last few years, as it was feeling just too much to deal with. Happy to be away from the huge masses of people and the sickening smell of grease, ha, ha! Of course, not going means not getting any mini-donuts, too. Happy Stampeding, everyone! May the sun shine ....</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49550108 tag:ipernity.com,2019-07-06,doc-49550108 Sat, 06 Jul 2019 17:34:45 +0000 2019-07-03T15:38:36-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49550108"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/01/08/49550108.26baeb40.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Our weather forecast for today, 6 July 2019, from the Weather Network: <br /> <br /> "A multi-day severe storm threat looms for the Prairies. This weekend is ripe with storm risk, with Saturday's thunderstorms set to fire for the afternoon and evening, along with some tornado chance on the table for southern Alberta -- something visitors to the Calgary Stampede should keep an eye on." <br /> <br /> This morning, 6 July 2019, I am posting 7 more photos taken three days ago, on a drive south to Frank Lake. Yet again, when I checked the weather forecast, it said continuing rain for day after day after day. However, the sun was shining when I decided to drive south. The clouds were sufficiently photogenic for me to change my plans and, instead of calling in at the Saskatoon Farm, I drove straight to the Lake.<br /> <br /> The previous time I was at Frank Lake, there was one Coot, two Canada Geese, and a Red-winged and a Yellow-headed Blackbird. Two days ago, it was so much better! The Barn Swallows were there, having built their nest a few feet away from their previous nest site. The Eared Grebes had their tiny, adorable babies, sometimes riding on their back, other times swimming separately. Same thing with the Coots - some had very young babies; others had somewhat older youngsters. One Coot adult and baby were walking in thick mud, searching for food. They both looked such a mess, as if they had rolled in the mud. A pair of Western Grebes could be seen far in the distance.<br /> <br /> The sky began to change - the white clouds were taken over by rather menacing black ones and it became windy and the rain started. I really didn't want to drive back home on the very busy highway in pouring rain, but after waiting and hoping for it to end, I eventually had no choice but to risk it. As it turned out, there was hardly any traffic going north. <br /> <br /> It has been raining on and off for something like three weeks now, and everyone is tired of the rain. The famous 9-day Calgary Stampede runs from 5-14 July this year and rain during Stampede makes things so unpleasant! Judging by my Stampede photos posted on Flickr, I haven't been since 2013, when I went with my daughter - surely it hasn't been that long? I know I haven't been the last few years, as it was feeling just too much to deal with. Happy to be away from the huge masses of people and the sickening smell of grease, ha, ha! Of course, not going means not getting any mini-donuts, too. Happy Stampeding, everyone! May the sun shine ....</div> Coot baby following in Mom&#039;s footsteps <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/293827/49550108"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/01/08/49550108.26baeb40.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Our weather forecast for today, 6 July 2019, from the Weather Network: <br /> <br /> "A multi-day severe storm threat looms for the Prairies. This weekend is ripe with storm risk, with Saturday's thunderstorms set to fire for the afternoon and evening, along with some tornado chance on the table for southern Alberta -- something visitors to the Calgary Stampede should keep an eye on." <br /> <br /> This morning, 6 July 2019, I am posting 7 more photos taken three days ago, on a drive south to Frank Lake. Yet again, when I checked the weather forecast, it said continuing rain for day after day after day. However, the sun was shining when I decided to drive south. The clouds were sufficiently photogenic for me to change my plans and, instead of calling in at the Saskatoon Farm, I drove straight to the Lake.<br /> <br /> The previous time I was at Frank Lake, there was one Coot, two Canada Geese, and a Red-winged and a Yellow-headed Blackbird. Two days ago, it was so much better! The Barn Swallows were there, having built their nest a few feet away from their previous nest site. The Eared Grebes had their tiny, adorable babies, sometimes riding on their back, other times swimming separately. Same thing with the Coots - some had very young babies; others had somewhat older youngsters. One Coot adult and baby were walking in thick mud, searching for food. They both looked such a mess, as if they had rolled in the mud. A pair of Western Grebes could be seen far in the distance.<br /> <br /> The sky began to change - the white clouds were taken over by rather menacing black ones and it became windy and the rain started. I really didn't want to drive back home on the very busy highway in pouring rain, but after waiting and hoping for it to end, I eventually had no choice but to risk it. As it turned out, there was hardly any traffic going north. <br /> <br /> It has been raining on and off for something like three weeks now, and everyone is tired of the rain. The famous 9-day Calgary Stampede runs from 5-14 July this year and rain during Stampede makes things so unpleasant! Judging by my Stampede photos posted on Flickr, I haven't been since 2013, when I went with my daughter - surely it hasn't been that long? I know I haven't been the last few years, as it was feeling just too much to deal with. Happy to be away from the huge masses of people and the sickening smell of grease, ha, ha! Of course, not going means not getting any mini-donuts, too. Happy Stampeding, everyone! May the sun shine ....</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49550104 tag:ipernity.com,2019-07-06,doc-49550104 Sat, 06 Jul 2019 17:30:13 +0000 2019-07-03T17:08:51-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49550104"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/01/04/49550104.3d19678f.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Our weather forecast for today, 6 July 2019, from the Weather Network: <br /> <br /> "A multi-day severe storm threat looms for the Prairies. This weekend is ripe with storm risk, with Saturday's thunderstorms set to fire for the afternoon and evening, along with some tornado chance on the table for southern Alberta -- something visitors to the Calgary Stampede should keep an eye on." <br /> <br /> This morning, 6 July 2019, I am posting 7 more photos taken three days ago, on a drive south to Frank Lake. Yet again, when I checked the weather forecast, it said continuing rain for day after day after day. However, the sun was shining when I decided to drive south. The clouds were sufficiently photogenic for me to change my plans and, instead of calling in at the Saskatoon Farm, I drove straight to the Lake.<br /> <br /> The previous time I was at Frank Lake, there was one Coot, two Canada Geese, and a Red-winged and a Yellow-headed Blackbird. Two days ago, it was so much better! The Barn Swallows were there, having built their nest a few feet away from their previous nest site. The Eared Grebes had their tiny, adorable babies, sometimes riding on their back, other times swimming separately. Same thing with the Coots - some had very young babies; others had somewhat older youngsters. One Coot adult and baby were walking in thick mud, searching for food. They both looked such a mess, as if they had rolled in the mud. A pair of Western Grebes could be seen far in the distance.<br /> <br /> The sky began to change - the white clouds were taken over by rather menacing black ones and it became windy and the rain started. I really didn't want to drive back home on the very busy highway in pouring rain, but after waiting and hoping for it to end, I eventually had no choice but to risk it. As it turned out, there was hardly any traffic going north. <br /> <br /> It has been raining on and off for something like three weeks now, and everyone is tired of the rain. The famous 9-day Calgary Stampede runs from 5-14 July this year and rain during Stampede makes things so unpleasant! Judging by my Stampede photos posted on Flickr, I haven't been since 2013, when I went with my daughter - surely it hasn't been that long? I know I haven't been the last few years, as it was feeling just too much to deal with. Happy to be away from the huge masses of people and the sickening smell of grease, ha, ha! Of course, not going means not getting any mini-donuts, too. Happy Stampeding, everyone! May the sun shine ....</div> Coot juvenile <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/293827/49550104"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/01/04/49550104.3d19678f.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Our weather forecast for today, 6 July 2019, from the Weather Network: <br /> <br /> "A multi-day severe storm threat looms for the Prairies. This weekend is ripe with storm risk, with Saturday's thunderstorms set to fire for the afternoon and evening, along with some tornado chance on the table for southern Alberta -- something visitors to the Calgary Stampede should keep an eye on." <br /> <br /> This morning, 6 July 2019, I am posting 7 more photos taken three days ago, on a drive south to Frank Lake. Yet again, when I checked the weather forecast, it said continuing rain for day after day after day. However, the sun was shining when I decided to drive south. The clouds were sufficiently photogenic for me to change my plans and, instead of calling in at the Saskatoon Farm, I drove straight to the Lake.<br /> <br /> The previous time I was at Frank Lake, there was one Coot, two Canada Geese, and a Red-winged and a Yellow-headed Blackbird. Two days ago, it was so much better! The Barn Swallows were there, having built their nest a few feet away from their previous nest site. The Eared Grebes had their tiny, adorable babies, sometimes riding on their back, other times swimming separately. Same thing with the Coots - some had very young babies; others had somewhat older youngsters. One Coot adult and baby were walking in thick mud, searching for food. They both looked such a mess, as if they had rolled in the mud. A pair of Western Grebes could be seen far in the distance.<br /> <br /> The sky began to change - the white clouds were taken over by rather menacing black ones and it became windy and the rain started. I really didn't want to drive back home on the very busy highway in pouring rain, but after waiting and hoping for it to end, I eventually had no choice but to risk it. As it turned out, there was hardly any traffic going north. <br /> <br /> It has been raining on and off for something like three weeks now, and everyone is tired of the rain. The famous 9-day Calgary Stampede runs from 5-14 July this year and rain during Stampede makes things so unpleasant! Judging by my Stampede photos posted on Flickr, I haven't been since 2013, when I went with my daughter - surely it hasn't been that long? I know I haven't been the last few years, as it was feeling just too much to deal with. Happy to be away from the huge masses of people and the sickening smell of grease, ha, ha! Of course, not going means not getting any mini-donuts, too. Happy Stampeding, everyone! May the sun shine ....</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49541424 tag:ipernity.com,2019-07-04,doc-49541424 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 16:55:52 +0000 2019-07-03T16:05:04-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49541424"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/14/24/49541424.cadefc2b.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Happy 4th July to all Americans!<br /> <br /> About an hour after writing those words, I turned on the TV and saw the news about the strong 6.4 earthquake that has just hit southern California. Dozens of after-shocks being felt, too. Most unfortunate news.<br /> <br /> This morning, 4 July 2019, I am posting five photos taken yesterday, on a drive south to Frank Lake. Yet again, when I checked the weather forecast, it said continuing rain for day after day after day. However, the sun was shining when I decided to drive south. The clouds were sufficiently photogenic for me to change my plans and, instead of calling in at the Saskatoon Farm, I drove straight to the Lake.<br /> <br /> The last time I was at Frank Lake, there was one Coot, two Canada Geese, and a Red-winged and a Yellow-headed Blackbird. Yesterday was so much better! The Barn Swallows were there, having built their nest a few feet away from their previous nest site. The Eared Grebes had their tiny, adorable babies, sometimes riding on their back, other times swimming separately. Same thing with the Coots - some had very young babies; others had somewhat older youngsters. One Coot adult and baby were walking in thick mud, searching for food. They both looked such a mess, as if they had rolled in the mud. A pair of Western Grebes could be seen far in the distance.<br /> <br /> The sky began to change - the white clouds were taken over by rather menacing black ones and it became windy and the rain started. I really didn't want to drive back home on the very busy highway in pouring rain, but after waiting and hoping for it to end, I eventually had no choice but to risk it. As it turned out, there was hardly any traffic going north. <br /> <br /> Last night, it rained here and has been raining all morning. The famous 9-day Calgary Stampede runs from 5-14 July this year, with some events already starting today. Rain during Stampede makes things so unpleasant! Judging by my Stampede photos posted on Flickr, I haven't been since 2013, when I went with my daughter - surely it hasn't been that long? I know I haven't been the last few years, as it was feeling just too much to deal with. Happy to be away from the huge masses of people and the sickening smell of grease, ha, ha! Of course, not going means not getting any mini-donuts, too. Happy Stampeding, everyone! May the sun shine ....</div> Barn Swallow / Hirundo rustica <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/293827/49541424"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/14/24/49541424.cadefc2b.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Happy 4th July to all Americans!<br /> <br /> About an hour after writing those words, I turned on the TV and saw the news about the strong 6.4 earthquake that has just hit southern California. Dozens of after-shocks being felt, too. Most unfortunate news.<br /> <br /> This morning, 4 July 2019, I am posting five photos taken yesterday, on a drive south to Frank Lake. Yet again, when I checked the weather forecast, it said continuing rain for day after day after day. However, the sun was shining when I decided to drive south. The clouds were sufficiently photogenic for me to change my plans and, instead of calling in at the Saskatoon Farm, I drove straight to the Lake.<br /> <br /> The last time I was at Frank Lake, there was one Coot, two Canada Geese, and a Red-winged and a Yellow-headed Blackbird. Yesterday was so much better! The Barn Swallows were there, having built their nest a few feet away from their previous nest site. The Eared Grebes had their tiny, adorable babies, sometimes riding on their back, other times swimming separately. Same thing with the Coots - some had very young babies; others had somewhat older youngsters. One Coot adult and baby were walking in thick mud, searching for food. They both looked such a mess, as if they had rolled in the mud. A pair of Western Grebes could be seen far in the distance.<br /> <br /> The sky began to change - the white clouds were taken over by rather menacing black ones and it became windy and the rain started. I really didn't want to drive back home on the very busy highway in pouring rain, but after waiting and hoping for it to end, I eventually had no choice but to risk it. As it turned out, there was hardly any traffic going north. <br /> <br /> Last night, it rained here and has been raining all morning. The famous 9-day Calgary Stampede runs from 5-14 July this year, with some events already starting today. Rain during Stampede makes things so unpleasant! Judging by my Stampede photos posted on Flickr, I haven't been since 2013, when I went with my daughter - surely it hasn't been that long? I know I haven't been the last few years, as it was feeling just too much to deal with. Happy to be away from the huge masses of people and the sickening smell of grease, ha, ha! Of course, not going means not getting any mini-donuts, too. Happy Stampeding, everyone! May the sun shine ....</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49539554 tag:ipernity.com,2019-07-04,doc-49539554 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 16:54:07 +0000 2019-07-03T16:15:10-07:00 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/293827/49539554"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/95/54/49539554.ea21ca57.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Happy 4th July to all Americans!<br /> <br /> About an hour after writing those words, I turned on the TV and saw the news about the strong 6.4 earthquake that has just hit southern California. Dozens of after-shocks being felt, too. Most unfortunate news.<br /> <br /> This morning, 4 July 2019, I am posting five photos taken yesterday, on a drive south to Frank Lake. Yet again, when I checked the weather forecast, it said continuing rain for day after day. However, the sun was shining when I decided to drive south. The clouds were sufficiently photogenic for me to change my plans and, instead of calling in at the Saskatoon Farm, I drove straight to the Lake.<br /> <br /> The last time I was at Frank Lake, there was one Coot, two Canada Geese, and a Red-winged and a Yellow-headed Blackbird. Yesterday was so much better! The Barn Swallows were there, having built their nest a few feet away from their previous nest site. The Eared Grebes had their tiny, adorable babies, sometimes riding on their back, other times swimming separately. Same thing with the Coots - some had very young babies; others had somewhat older youngsters. One Coot adult and baby were walking in thick mud, searching for food. They both looked such a mess, as if they had rolled in the mud. A pair of Western Grebes could be seen far in the distance.<br /> <br /> The sky began to change - the white clouds were taken over by rather menacing black ones and it became windy and the rain started. I really didn't want to drive back home on the very busy highway in pouring rain, but after waiting and hoping for it to end, I eventually had no choice but to risk it. As it turned out, there was hardly any traffic going north. <br /> <br /> Last night, it rained here and has been raining all morning. The famous 9-day Calgary Stampede runs from 5-14 July this year, with some events already starting today. Rain during Stampede makes things so unpleasant! Judging by my Stampede photos posted on Flickr, I haven't been since 2013, when I went with my daughter - surely it hasn't been that long? I know I haven't been the last few years, as it was feeling just too much to deal with. Happy to be away from the huge masses of people and the sickening smell of grease, ha, ha! Of course, not going means not getting any mini-donuts, too. Happy Stampeding, everyone! May the sun shine ....</div> Eared Grebe / Podiceps nigricollis <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/293827/49539554"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/95/54/49539554.ea21ca57.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Happy 4th July to all Americans!<br /> <br /> About an hour after writing those words, I turned on the TV and saw the news about the strong 6.4 earthquake that has just hit southern California. Dozens of after-shocks being felt, too. Most unfortunate news.<br /> <br /> This morning, 4 July 2019, I am posting five photos taken yesterday, on a drive south to Frank Lake. Yet again, when I checked the weather forecast, it said continuing rain for day after day. However, the sun was shining when I decided to drive south. The clouds were sufficiently photogenic for me to change my plans and, instead of calling in at the Saskatoon Farm, I drove straight to the Lake.<br /> <br /> The last time I was at Frank Lake, there was one Coot, two Canada Geese, and a Red-winged and a Yellow-headed Blackbird. Yesterday was so much better! The Barn Swallows were there, having built their nest a few feet away from their previous nest site. The Eared Grebes had their tiny, adorable babies, sometimes riding on their back, other times swimming separately. Same thing with the Coots - some had very young babies; others had somewhat older youngsters. One Coot adult and baby were walking in thick mud, searching for food. They both looked such a mess, as if they had rolled in the mud. A pair of Western Grebes could be seen far in the distance.<br /> <br /> The sky began to change - the white clouds were taken over by rather menacing black ones and it became windy and the rain started. I really didn't want to drive back home on the very busy highway in pouring rain, but after waiting and hoping for it to end, I eventually had no choice but to risk it. As it turned out, there was hardly any traffic going north. <br /> <br /> Last night, it rained here and has been raining all morning. The famous 9-day Calgary Stampede runs from 5-14 July this year, with some events already starting today. Rain during Stampede makes things so unpleasant! Judging by my Stampede photos posted on Flickr, I haven't been since 2013, when I went with my daughter - surely it hasn't been that long? I know I haven't been the last few years, as it was feeling just too much to deal with. Happy to be away from the huge masses of people and the sickening smell of grease, ha, ha! Of course, not going means not getting any mini-donuts, too. Happy Stampeding, everyone! May the sun shine ....</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49513174 tag:ipernity.com,2019-07-01,doc-49513174 Mon, 01 Jul 2019 16:51:41 +0000 2019-06-30T12:23:28-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49513174"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/31/74/49513174.294c6f54.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!<br /> <br /> The link below is to a 4:34 minutes video by the BBC. If you have never seen this before, you'll understand why I posted this link with this photo. It makes me laugh every time I see it.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/j5mHjpwitIA" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/j5mHjpwitIA</a><br /> <br /> Yesterday morning, 30 June 2019, I woke up earlier than usual. Once I was on my computer, I checked the weather forecast and saw raindrop icons in the forecast for the next week, but yesterday was for sun. I knew what I had to do! Luckily, I had a tank full of gas, so I grabbed both cameras and a snack or two, and headed out the door. I must be the only person who hadn't been to Kananaskis recently and taken photos of the tiny Pikas (Rock Rabbits), and that was my destination. <br /> <br /> This is a long weekend for Canada Day, and my plan had been to keep off the roads, as I was sure they would be busy, making it more difficult to stop whenever I wanted, to take a photo or two. However, when I saw the weather forecast, it changed my mind. Sunshine, blue sky with clouds, made it a perfect day to be out - I'm sure you agreed, Bonnie : )<br /> <br /> A day in Kananaskis is always great, but sometimes 'great' turns out to be fantastic! Can't believe how lucky I was, not just in the mountains, but on the journey there and, at the end of the day, calling in at my 'usual' area closer to home.<br /> <br /> I suspect the Pika is most people's favourite - around 6 inches long and almost impossible to see against the mountainside of broken rocks that are the same colour as the Pika's fur. Starting to believe that maybe I was going to be out of luck, the first one appeared, racing in and out and over and between the endless, sharp rocks. Take your eyes off the animal and you stand a good chance of not being able to find it again. Then a second one appeared, a baby - which I think is the one on this photo. It perched itself on top of this rock and simply stayed there for a few minutes. Several of my photos show the eyes closing slightly. However, eventually it did move, and off it went. When it appeared not too far away, I caught sight of it and thought at first it was a mouse, ha. So tiny!<br /> <br /> While I was searching for a Pika, a herd of Bighorn Sheep had come down the massive mountain side and, as they usually do, gathered right in the middle of the road to lick salt left by vehicles. After quite a time, there was an almighty BOOM that startled me and a handful of others. We hadn't noticed a Park's truck arrive, armed with 'bangers' to make the Sheep move from the road. Once the Park's person had left, the Sheep returned to the road. There were several young ones along with the females.<br /> <br /> It will take me ages to go through my photos, especially having to combine two cameras, but lots of images can wait till winter. More important, to me, is to continue editing and posting the remaining Texas photos.</div> Columbian Ground Squirrel / Urocitellus columbianus <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/293827/49513174"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/31/74/49513174.294c6f54.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!<br /> <br /> The link below is to a 4:34 minutes video by the BBC. If you have never seen this before, you'll understand why I posted this link with this photo. It makes me laugh every time I see it.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/j5mHjpwitIA" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/j5mHjpwitIA</a><br /> <br /> Yesterday morning, 30 June 2019, I woke up earlier than usual. Once I was on my computer, I checked the weather forecast and saw raindrop icons in the forecast for the next week, but yesterday was for sun. I knew what I had to do! Luckily, I had a tank full of gas, so I grabbed both cameras and a snack or two, and headed out the door. I must be the only person who hadn't been to Kananaskis recently and taken photos of the tiny Pikas (Rock Rabbits), and that was my destination. <br /> <br /> This is a long weekend for Canada Day, and my plan had been to keep off the roads, as I was sure they would be busy, making it more difficult to stop whenever I wanted, to take a photo or two. However, when I saw the weather forecast, it changed my mind. Sunshine, blue sky with clouds, made it a perfect day to be out - I'm sure you agreed, Bonnie : )<br /> <br /> A day in Kananaskis is always great, but sometimes 'great' turns out to be fantastic! Can't believe how lucky I was, not just in the mountains, but on the journey there and, at the end of the day, calling in at my 'usual' area closer to home.<br /> <br /> I suspect the Pika is most people's favourite - around 6 inches long and almost impossible to see against the mountainside of broken rocks that are the same colour as the Pika's fur. Starting to believe that maybe I was going to be out of luck, the first one appeared, racing in and out and over and between the endless, sharp rocks. Take your eyes off the animal and you stand a good chance of not being able to find it again. Then a second one appeared, a baby - which I think is the one on this photo. It perched itself on top of this rock and simply stayed there for a few minutes. Several of my photos show the eyes closing slightly. However, eventually it did move, and off it went. When it appeared not too far away, I caught sight of it and thought at first it was a mouse, ha. So tiny!<br /> <br /> While I was searching for a Pika, a herd of Bighorn Sheep had come down the massive mountain side and, as they usually do, gathered right in the middle of the road to lick salt left by vehicles. After quite a time, there was an almighty BOOM that startled me and a handful of others. We hadn't noticed a Park's truck arrive, armed with 'bangers' to make the Sheep move from the road. Once the Park's person had left, the Sheep returned to the road. There were several young ones along with the females.<br /> <br /> It will take me ages to go through my photos, especially having to combine two cameras, but lots of images can wait till winter. More important, to me, is to continue editing and posting the remaining Texas photos.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49509812 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-29,doc-49509812 Sat, 29 Jun 2019 18:35:14 +0000 2019-06-25T19:22:00-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49509812"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/12/49509812.8bdd58b8.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Osprey with fish <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/293827/49509812"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/12/49509812.8bdd58b8.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49509808 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-29,doc-49509808 Sat, 29 Jun 2019 18:33:50 +0000 2019-06-25T19:23:10-07:00 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/293827/49509808"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/08/49509808.723b7801.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Osprey with fish <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/293827/49509808"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/08/49509808.723b7801.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49509800 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-29,doc-49509800 Sat, 29 Jun 2019 18:28:40 +0000 2019-06-25T19:23:02-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49509800"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/00/49509800.94d000d1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Osprey with fish <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/293827/49509800"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/98/00/49509800.94d000d1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49509792 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-29,doc-49509792 Sat, 29 Jun 2019 18:25:01 +0000 2019-06-25T19:22:03-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49509792"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/97/92/49509792.73285469.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Osprey with fish <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/293827/49509792"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/97/92/49509792.73285469.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">This morning, I decided to edit and post, in one fell swoop, all of the photos that were taken on 25 June 2019, during a walk at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park. I don't usually do any evening walks, but all our birding walks have come to an end until the next session starts, towards the end of summer. As usual, I have missed most of the walks from the session that has just finished.<br /> <br /> Burnsmead is quite a good place for birds and I don't have to drive across the city to get there. I do find the walk, for me, is a bit too far, and a few of us chose to leave before the end. We lucked out with the weather, fortunately. Glad we weren't out two evenings later, when we had a huge storm that resulted in a lot of flooding in the city and around Southern Alberta. Some people had a lot of hail, too.<br /> <br /> One of the highlights for me was seeing an Osprey land on a distant, tall utility pole, with a fish in its talons. We also enjoyed watching a pair of tiny Yellow Warblers collecting delicate insects to feed their babies. These brightly coloured birds are so small and so fast and, needless to say, not easy to photograph! We were surprised to see a Northern Rough-winged Swallow perched on a fence near the path. I've only ever "seen" a handful and always in rapid flight overhead. This one just sat there and gave us the chance to take photos. I don't get out enough to search for wildflowers, so it was also nice to come across a few species in the park.<br /> <br /> Thanks, Anne B, for organizing and leading the walk. Even more appreciated as there are no more morning walks available for now.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49506854 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-28,doc-49506854 Fri, 28 Jun 2019 23:09:42 +0000 2019-06-23T15:46:50-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49506854"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/68/54/49506854.0d210695.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday evening, 27 June 2019, I was out at a birding meeting. As well as being a chance to get together with friends, it was also a surprise celebration for the 90th birthday of the wife of our main Naturalist. Everyone loves Aileen - a very smart lady who knows so much about birding and botany and all sorts of other things. She is always the same, every time you see her, so welcoming and sweet, yet a very strong person. We are all in awe that she is still able to occasionally join us for a walk or even a trip - if she is not too busy with something else! Her husband, our Naturalist, at the age of 87, can still out-walk many of us (me definitely included!). No one knows how he manages to organize so many birding walks, botany walks, out-of-town day or half-day trips, and endless other activities such as caring for their double-lot garden in which they grow a lot of vegetables (and, of course, flowers, including so many native plants). <br /> <br /> As well as celebrating Aileen's birthday, we also watched an excellent, beautifully-filmed and produced video titled "Birding and Botany on the Southern Alberta Walk with Gus Yaki” by Marshall Netherwood, who accompanied Gus and others on a cross-Alberta "walk" a while ago. This video held one's attention every second. It was also announced last night that Gus has just been awarded some special award for all the volunteering he does, and has done for so many years. <br /> <br /> Oh, boy, what weather we had yesterday! I got caught in a heavy rainstorm on the drive home from the meeting. Little did I know that other roads around me were badly flooded! Only today did I see photos and videos of the roads that had turned into rivers. There is flooding in the city and in lots of places in Alberta. Much as we need moisture, especially the farmers, we definitely do not need serious flooding.<br /> <br /> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Sorry for flooding my photostream with photos of Wilson's Snipe and Mountain Bluebirds. Decided to keep them more or less together, rather than posting them here and there. I still have a few images from a couple of very recent short walks, but I also have several walks and trips that are coming up soon. I suspect my Texas photos are not going to get done for some time yet!</div> Wilson&#039;s Snipe <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/293827/49506854"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/68/54/49506854.0d210695.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Yesterday evening, 27 June 2019, I was out at a birding meeting. As well as being a chance to get together with friends, it was also a surprise celebration for the 90th birthday of the wife of our main Naturalist. Everyone loves Aileen - a very smart lady who knows so much about birding and botany and all sorts of other things. She is always the same, every time you see her, so welcoming and sweet, yet a very strong person. We are all in awe that she is still able to occasionally join us for a walk or even a trip - if she is not too busy with something else! Her husband, our Naturalist, at the age of 87, can still out-walk many of us (me definitely included!). No one knows how he manages to organize so many birding walks, botany walks, out-of-town day or half-day trips, and endless other activities such as caring for their double-lot garden in which they grow a lot of vegetables (and, of course, flowers, including so many native plants). <br /> <br /> As well as celebrating Aileen's birthday, we also watched an excellent, beautifully-filmed and produced video titled "Birding and Botany on the Southern Alberta Walk with Gus Yaki” by Marshall Netherwood, who accompanied Gus and others on a cross-Alberta "walk" a while ago. This video held one's attention every second. It was also announced last night that Gus has just been awarded some special award for all the volunteering he does, and has done for so many years. <br /> <br /> Oh, boy, what weather we had yesterday! I got caught in a heavy rainstorm on the drive home from the meeting. Little did I know that other roads around me were badly flooded! Only today did I see photos and videos of the roads that had turned into rivers. There is flooding in the city and in lots of places in Alberta. Much as we need moisture, especially the farmers, we definitely do not need serious flooding.<br /> <br /> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Sorry for flooding my photostream with photos of Wilson's Snipe and Mountain Bluebirds. Decided to keep them more or less together, rather than posting them here and there. I still have a few images from a couple of very recent short walks, but I also have several walks and trips that are coming up soon. I suspect my Texas photos are not going to get done for some time yet!</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49506836 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-28,doc-49506836 Fri, 28 Jun 2019 17:14:59 +0000 2019-06-23T17:02:15-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49506836"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/68/36/49506836.8ae45513.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In Bluebirds, the blue colour is produced by the structure of the feather - there is no blue pigment. "Tiny air pockets in the barbs of feathers can scatter incoming light, resulting in a specific, non-iridescent color. Blue colors in feathers are almost always produced in this manner. Examples include the blue feathers of Bluebirds, Indigo Buntings, Blue Jay's and Steller's Jays."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mountain_Bluebird/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mountain_Bluebird/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.jstor.org/discover/pgs/index?id=10.2307/4077277&img=dtc.51.tif.gif&uid=3739392&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=3737720&uid=4&sid=56109306583&orig=/discover/10.2307/4077277?uid=3739392&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=3737720&uid=4&sid=56109306583" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.jstor.org/discover/pgs/index?id=10.2307/4077277&i...</a><br /> <br /> "A female Mountain Bluebird pays more attention to good nest sites than to attractive males. She chooses her mate solely on the basis of the location and quality of the nesting cavity he offers her—disregarding his attributes as a singer, a flier, or a looker.<br /> <br /> A male Mountain Bluebird frequently feeds his mate while she is incubating and brooding. As the male approaches with food, the female may beg fledgling-style—with open beak, quivering wings, and begging calls. More often, she waits until her mate perches nearby, then silently flicks the wing farthest from him—a signal that usually sends him off to find her a snack.<br /> <br /> The oldest recorded Mountain Bluebird was a female, and at least 9 years old when she was recaptured and rereleased during banding operations in Alberta in 2005. She had been banded in the same province in 1997." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mountain_Bluebird/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mountain_Bluebird/</a><br /> <br /> The 10 photos posted this morning are photos taken on 23 June 2019 in my "usual" area, on my way home from the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance botany walk and BBQ. After a birdless morning, I knew I would be able to find a few birds closer to home. I hadn't really expected to find a Bobolink, so this was an extra treat. <br /> <br /> That day, 23 June, was a fun day, despite the fact that it was raining a good part of the time. It was the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance walk, which ends with a delicious fundraiser BBQ at noon. This botany walk, through the forest and along the top of the cliff by the Ghost River, is led by our main Naturalist, Gus Yaki, and hosted by Erik Butters. I can't remember how many of these events I have been to over the years, but certainly a few. <br /> <br /> It was a very early start to that day, as I wanted to allow about two hours' travel time. There has been some flooding in certain areas and I wasn't sure if there might be a road or two blocked off. As it turned out, I reached the meeting place in plenty of time, so drove a bit further to see what I could find. Just an attractive, old wagon that I have seen before, and some adorable, new calves in one of the fields.<br /> <br /> I like to drive myself out there, as I then have the choice to drive somewhere else when all is finished, if I have any energy left. Exactly what I did, enjoying myself photographing Mountain Bluebirds, a Wilson's Snipe, and the Bobolink which was unfortunately perched on a high wire. Better than nothing, though.</div> Mountain Bluebird with Red-winged Grasshopper <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/293827/49506836"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/68/36/49506836.8ae45513.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In Bluebirds, the blue colour is produced by the structure of the feather - there is no blue pigment. "Tiny air pockets in the barbs of feathers can scatter incoming light, resulting in a specific, non-iridescent color. Blue colors in feathers are almost always produced in this manner. Examples include the blue feathers of Bluebirds, Indigo Buntings, Blue Jay's and Steller's Jays."<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mountain_Bluebird/id" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mountain_Bluebird/id</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.jstor.org/discover/pgs/index?id=10.2307/4077277&img=dtc.51.tif.gif&uid=3739392&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=3737720&uid=4&sid=56109306583&orig=/discover/10.2307/4077277?uid=3739392&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=3737720&uid=4&sid=56109306583" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.jstor.org/discover/pgs/index?id=10.2307/4077277&i...</a><br /> <br /> "A female Mountain Bluebird pays more attention to good nest sites than to attractive males. She chooses her mate solely on the basis of the location and quality of the nesting cavity he offers her—disregarding his attributes as a singer, a flier, or a looker.<br /> <br /> A male Mountain Bluebird frequently feeds his mate while she is incubating and brooding. As the male approaches with food, the female may beg fledgling-style—with open beak, quivering wings, and begging calls. More often, she waits until her mate perches nearby, then silently flicks the wing farthest from him—a signal that usually sends him off to find her a snack.<br /> <br /> The oldest recorded Mountain Bluebird was a female, and at least 9 years old when she was recaptured and rereleased during banding operations in Alberta in 2005. She had been banded in the same province in 1997." From AllAboutBirds.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mountain_Bluebird/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mountain_Bluebird/</a><br /> <br /> The 10 photos posted this morning are photos taken on 23 June 2019 in my "usual" area, on my way home from the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance botany walk and BBQ. After a birdless morning, I knew I would be able to find a few birds closer to home. I hadn't really expected to find a Bobolink, so this was an extra treat. <br /> <br /> That day, 23 June, was a fun day, despite the fact that it was raining a good part of the time. It was the annual Ghost Watershed Alliance walk, which ends with a delicious fundraiser BBQ at noon. This botany walk, through the forest and along the top of the cliff by the Ghost River, is led by our main Naturalist, Gus Yaki, and hosted by Erik Butters. I can't remember how many of these events I have been to over the years, but certainly a few. <br /> <br /> It was a very early start to that day, as I wanted to allow about two hours' travel time. There has been some flooding in certain areas and I wasn't sure if there might be a road or two blocked off. As it turned out, I reached the meeting place in plenty of time, so drove a bit further to see what I could find. Just an attractive, old wagon that I have seen before, and some adorable, new calves in one of the fields.<br /> <br /> I like to drive myself out there, as I then have the choice to drive somewhere else when all is finished, if I have any energy left. Exactly what I did, enjoying myself photographing Mountain Bluebirds, a Wilson's Snipe, and the Bobolink which was unfortunately perched on a high wire. Better than nothing, though.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49440024 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-19,doc-49440024 Wed, 19 Jun 2019 15:17:34 +0000 2019-06-18T19:07:57-07:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49440024"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/24/49440024.82fea6e4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Once again, I am up-to-date with my local photos, after going on a two-hour birding walk in Fish Creek Park yesterday evening, 18 June 2019. Maybe I can make a start on Day 9 of our South Texas birding trip back in March 2019. A total of 36 bird species were seen, though I missed many of these birds. <br /> <br /> The forecast was for rain, so I wasn't sure if we were going to get caught in a downpour. Instead, we enjoyed sunshine and a pleasant temperature. This morning, 19 June, it is only 10C (windchill 7C) and overcast, with an expected high of 12C. Wish we could send our rain further north, where there are various wildfires burning. As of right now, there are 6 fires out of control, 7 being held, and 9 under control.</div> Cedar Waxwing <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/293827/49440024"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/24/49440024.82fea6e4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Once again, I am up-to-date with my local photos, after going on a two-hour birding walk in Fish Creek Park yesterday evening, 18 June 2019. Maybe I can make a start on Day 9 of our South Texas birding trip back in March 2019. A total of 36 bird species were seen, though I missed many of these birds. <br /> <br /> The forecast was for rain, so I wasn't sure if we were going to get caught in a downpour. Instead, we enjoyed sunshine and a pleasant temperature. This morning, 19 June, it is only 10C (windchill 7C) and overcast, with an expected high of 12C. Wish we could send our rain further north, where there are various wildfires burning. As of right now, there are 6 fires out of control, 7 being held, and 9 under control.</div> Anne Elliott https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49410698 tag:ipernity.com,2019-06-15,doc-49410698 Sat, 15 Jun 2019 22:26:10 +0000 2019-06-13T11:33:12-06:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Anne Elliott) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/293827">Anne Elliott</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/293827/49410698"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/06/98/49410698.8aec8af0.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Two days ago, I was invited to visit the acreage where friend, Jackie, now lives. The 16 photos taken there and posted this afternoon are all on private land, so no location is given, for obvious security reasons. Jackie has only been there for the last few months, but is loving life in such a nature Paradise. So much wildlife and plant life, and I can't think of anyone more perfect to be living there, enjoying every new sighting and loving all the regulars. Thank you so much for inviting me, Jackie, and it was great to catch up with everyone!<br /> <br /> Perhaps the main creature that I was really hoping I would see was the beautiful Thirteen-lined Groundsquirrel. I had seen them in Weaselhead in various places, and in Waterton Lakes National Park.<br /> <br /> Obviously, the information below is now outdated, but still of interest. Just makes me feel even luckier than ever : ) <br /> <br /> "The Thirteen-lined or Striped Ground Squirrel, if it still exists here, may be the rarest mammal in the Calgary area today...... Calgary sightings: The only known location in Calgary where this species has been sighted is in South Glenmore Park, to the northwest of the park building. It was last reported on 28 April 2002 and 6 June 2002. A population occurs near Millarville (south of Calgary), where one was reported on 17 April 2005. " From the great talkaboutwildlife website, which no longer exists.<br /> <br /> "The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is strictly diurnal and is especially active on warm days. A solitary or only somewhat colonial hibernator, it often occurs in aggregations in suitable habitats.<br /> <br /> In late summer, it puts on a heavy layer of fat and stores some food in its burrow. It enters its nest in October (some adults retire much earlier), rolls into a stiff ball, and decreases its respiration from between 100 and 200 breaths per minute to one breath about every five minutes. It emerges in March or early April.<br /> <br /> The burrow may be 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6.1 metres) long, with several side passages. Most of the burrow is within one to two feet (about half a meter) of the surface, with only the hibernation nest in a special deeper section. Shorter burrows are dug as hiding places. This ground squirrel's home range is two to three acres (0.8 to 1.2 ha).<br /> <br /> Its primary diet includes grass and weed seeds, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and crickets, but it may also eat mice and shrews; it will viciously attack and consume cicadas if able to catch them. This squirrel sometimes damages gardens by digging burrows and eating vegetables, but also devours weed seeds and harmful insects.<br /> <br /> It is well known for standing upright to survey its domain, diving down into its burrow when it senses danger, then sometimes poking out its nose and giving a bird-like trill. It has a maximum running speed of 8 mph (13 km/h) and reverses direction if chased." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen-lined_ground_squirrel" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen-lined_ground_squirrel</a></div> Rare Thirteen-lined Groundsquirrel / Ictidomys tridecemlineatus <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/293827/49410698"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/06/98/49410698.8aec8af0.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Two days ago, I was invited to visit the acreage where friend, Jackie, now lives. The 16 photos taken there and posted this afternoon are all on private land, so no location is given, for obvious security reasons. Jackie has only been there for the last few months, but is loving life in such a nature Paradise. So much wildlife and plant life, and I can't think of anyone more perfect to be living there, enjoying every new sighting and loving all the regulars. Thank you so much for inviting me, Jackie, and it was great to catch up with everyone!<br /> <br /> Perhaps the main creature that I was really hoping I would see was the beautiful Thirteen-lined Groundsquirrel. I had seen them in Weaselhead in various places, and in Waterton Lakes National Park.<br /> <br /> Obviously, the information below is now outdated, but still of interest. Just makes me feel even luckier than ever : ) <br /> <br /> "The Thirteen-lined or Striped Ground Squirrel, if it still exists here, may be the rarest mammal in the Calgary area today...... Calgary sightings: The only known location in Calgary where this species has been sighted is in South Glenmore Park, to the northwest of the park building. It was last reported on 28 April 2002 and 6 June 2002. A population occurs near Millarville (south of Calgary), where one was reported on 17 April 2005. " From the great talkaboutwildlife website, which no longer exists.<br /> <br /> "The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is strictly diurnal and is especially active on warm days. A solitary or only somewhat colonial hibernator, it often occurs in aggregations in suitable habitats.<br /> <br /> In late summer, it puts on a heavy layer of fat and stores some food in its burrow. It enters its nest in October (some adults retire much earlier), rolls into a stiff ball, and decreases its respiration from between 100 and 200 breaths per minute to one breath about every five minutes. It emerges in March or early April.<br /> <br /> The burrow may be 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6.1 metres) long, with several side passages. Most of the burrow is within one to two feet (about half a meter) of the surface, with only the hibernation nest in a special deeper section. Shorter burrows are dug as hiding places. This ground squirrel's home range is two to three acres (0.8 to 1.2 ha).<br /> <br /> Its primary diet includes grass and weed seeds, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and crickets, but it may also eat mice and shrews; it will viciously attack and consume cicadas if able to catch them. This squirrel sometimes damages gardens by digging burrows and eating vegetables, but also devours weed seeds and harmful insects.<br /> <br /> It is well known for standing upright to survey its domain, diving down into its burrow when it senses danger, then sometimes poking out its nose and giving a bird-like trill. It has a maximum running speed of 8 mph (13 km/h) and reverses direction if chased." From Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen-lined_ground_squirrel" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen-lined_ground_squirrel</a></div> Anne Elliott