Five days after a day trip to the southern prairies, it was out to the mountains the day before yesterday. It might be the winter before I get round to posting the rest of my prairie photos from 9 July.
The sky was blue when I set out that morning, 14 July 2020, and I felt quite hopeful. When I go to Kananaskis, I always go south from the city. I had no idea where I would end up going, but I knew that it wouldn't be as far as I would have liked. As it turned out, I had a few surprises along the way, so it was a real mixed day of photo opportunities - my favourite kind of day. A total drive of 373 kilometres, leaving home just before 8:30 am and arriving back at 6:45 pm. It was weird, as I noticed the gas level meter seemed to stop part way through the day and showed more gas left than I would have expected. It did eventually keep slowly moving, but showed about half a tank of gas left by the end of the day, which I would have thought was too much. Must keep my eye on that! I always worry about running out of gas when I do a long day's drive.
Once I reached Highway 40, my first stop was at Highwood House to pick up a few snacks, Unfortunately, the website was wrong and they were not open on Tuesdays. However, while I was there, I was lucky enough to see a teeny Rufous Hummingbird. I'm not sure just how many there were - or maybe it was the same one that returned a few times. I always forget what a loud noise they make. Jan, I'm so glad that your father got this chance. Same with the Pika, even if it was only an extremely distant view.
After stopping to take a few scenic shots along the main highway through Kananaskis, I eventually reached the area where the American Pikas live. Each time I go, I always forget how far this part of the drive is. Once there, I really lucked out after not too long a wait, as the only few photos I took were when one Pika showed itself, but after that, everything slowed down - basically stopped, apart from the occasional distant squeak. There was a good variety of wildflowers to enjoy and photograph - and even one lonely, plain mushroom.
These little Pikas/Rock Rabbits are only 6-9 inches long and are usually seen far away, running backwards and forwards over the scree (talus) slope that they call home. Very occasionally, one happens to come closer, usually for just a quick moment.
"The American Pika is a generalist herbivore. It eats a large variety of green plants, including different kinds of grasses, sedges, thistles and fireweed. Although pikas can meet their water demands from the vegetation they eat, they do drink water if it is available in their environment. Pikas have two different ways of foraging: they directly consume food (feeding) or they cache food in haypiles to use for a food source in the winter (haying). The pika feeds throughout the year while haying is limited to the summer months. Since they do not hibernate, pikas have greater energy demands than other montane mammals. In addition, they also make 13 trips per hour to collect vegetation when haying, up to a little over 100 trips per day." From Wikipedia.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_pika
A couple of short YouTube videos in case anyone wants to hear and see these absolutely cute creatures:
youtu.be/US_Hy_eGPtg
youtu.be/OQ2IgcjVIfc
After thankfully getting a few photos of a Pika, I continued north till I reached the turn-off to the Kananaskis Lakes and Smith-Dorien Trail. I can only imagine how many people there were at the Lakes, and I never like the crowds there at the best of times. Instead, I went to one of my favourite places, where the view of the spectacular mountain range is so amazing. Just love all the eroded, jagged folds.
Continuing on the same road, I decided to drive as far as Buller Pond for another beautiful mountain view. Also stopped to gaze at the beautiful view at the Moose meadow, though the light was not good for photos. When I looked down closer to my feet, I noticed several Yellow Penstemon flowers. So pretty, and I then remembered seeing them at that location a previous year.
Concerned about my gas level meter, I thought the wisest thing was to head back to the main Kananaskis Highway and head for home. I had no desire to run out of gas if I drove further, just in case the meter was not showing an accurate remaining level.
Another great day, avoiding any close contact with other people. Even if I had seen no wildlife, the scenery alone would have made this drive more than worthwhile. Feel so lucky to live within reach of this whole, nature-filled area.
