Yesterday, 13 May 2023, I left home early in the morning and set out for a few hours of driving. Wasn't quite sure where I would be going, but I did know that I would first call in briefly at Frank Lake. I came across a small group of birders, including several friends. So nice to chat for a bit and then I left to continue my drive. Enjoyed photographing the Yellow-headed Blackbirds at the Lake, as well as seeing a western Meadowlark and a Brown-headed Cowbird. Did very little walking, but still better than nothing.
From the Lake itself, I drove a few of the backroads around the Lake. Then I took a main road over to the SW of Calgary and drove mainly familiar roads. Stopped just long enough to take four or five quick photos of a distant Great Horned Owl family.
Things are beginning to feel just a little bit weird when I go to this area. Somehow, over about three visits, I am getting a different beautiful bird perched on the same power pole or the one adjacent to it. First time it was the Turkey Vulture. Next time it was a gorgeous Bald Eagle, and yesterday it was a Swainson's Hawk, lol. Each time, the bird just sat there, sometimes preening, allowing me the chance to watch and take photos. A bit further down the road today, I caught sight of a shorebird standing on a tall power pole. My shorebird ID skills are pretty much useless, so I will have to get Google help.
Came home via the highway in the SW, starting with a road that I had never driven before. Love 'new' roads, especially when they have a 'new' old barn or two. Closer to home, I drove several of my favourite roads and saw so many Mountain Bluebirds.
The weather yesterday was beautiful, just a bit windy. Unfortunately, the forecast is for continued hot weather.
"Hot and dry conditions will create an extreme fire danger across the province, exacerbating ongoing fires while easily sparking and fanning the ignition of new blazes.
Making matters worse is a shift in wildfire smoke that could lead to health issues across populated areas in the coming days." From the Weather Network.
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