Saturday, 1 June 2024: I spent several hours today, driving SW of Calgary. I don't normally go out on a weekend day, as there are no doubt far more people out and about. So glad I made this decision, as I came across various familiar birds that I always enjoy seeing. Also, I had an amazing sighting of something really special, that made my day. More about that tomorrow, after I have edited a few photos from today. Meanwhile, I have just added five more photos from 24 May, when my daughter and I got together.
On 24 May 2024, it was such an enjoyable day! My daughter and I spent a long day together, which happens so rarely, unfortunately. This day was a belated Mother's Day/one-day-early Birthday get-together. The weather did not co-operate at all - dark clouds almost the whole time, and some rain.
Photos were a real challenge, especially the highlight sighting of the day - a great gray Owl. The poor owl was totally blown out and quite distant, seen from sitting in the car, through trees, and across a field/farmyard. From that distance, at first glimpse, it looked like one of those fake owls that some people use. I had thought of driving along this particular road this day, just because I can never remember where it leads to. Well, we were certainly rewarded, as this was the very first Great Gray Owl that my daughter had ever seen! Luckily, I have much better previously posted photos in my Great Gray Owl album.
Our day started off with a delicious breakfast at the Saskatoon Farm - I had the breakfast Quesadilla, which is always so good.
From the farm, we went south and called in briefly at Frank Lake. Then we drove westwards, to go and search for Mountain Bluebirds and anything else. Fortunately, we were in luck.
Though this had been a long day of driving, starting at 9:00 am, I decided to take my daughter to Carburn Park to see if we could find the Lewis's Woodpecker. My daughter had never seen one, but I had seen one in Fish Creek Park three years ago. Couldn't see anyone standing around, camera in hand. We did see some very cute Common Goldeneye ducklings in a long row on a log. Also a Mallard with her ducklings.
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Five photos taken on three different dates, 24 May, 1 June and 6 June 2024.
On 24 May 2024, it was such an enjoyable day! My daughter and I spent a long day together, which happens so rarely, unfortunately. This day was a belated Mother's Day/one-day-early Birthday get-together. The weather did not co-operate at all - dark clouds almost the whole time, and some rain.
Photos were a real challenge, especially the highlight sighting of the day - a great gray Owl. The poor owl was totally blown out and quite distant, seen from sitting in the car, through trees, and across a field/farmyard. From that distance, at first glimpse, it looked like one of those fake owls that some people use. I had thought of driving along this particular road this day, just because I can never remember where it leads to. Well, we were certainly rewarded, as this was the very first Great Gray Owl that my daughter had ever seen! Luckily, I have much better previously posted photos in my Great Gray Owl album.
Our day started off with a delicious breakfast at the Saskatoon Farm - I had the breakfast Quesadilla, which is always so good.
From the farm, we went south and called in briefly at Frank Lake. Then we drove westwards, to go and search for Mountain Bluebirds and anything else. Fortunately, we were in luck.
Though this had been a long day of driving, starting at 9:00 am, I decided to take my daughter to Carburn Park to see if we could find the Lewis's Woodpecker. My daughter had never seen one, but I had seen one in Fish Creek Park three years ago. Couldn't see anyone standing around, camera in hand. We did see some very cute Common Goldeneye ducklings in a long row on a log. Also a Mallard with her ducklings.
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I LOVED this!
Yesterday, 24 May 2024, was such an enjoyable day! My daughter and I spent a long day together, which happens so rarely, unfortunately. This day was a belated Mother's Day/one-day-early Birthday get-together. The weather did not co-operate at all - dark clouds almost the whole time, and some rain.
Photos were a real challenge, especially the highlight sighting of the day. The poor owl was totally blown out and quite distant, seen from sitting in the car, through trees, and across a field/farmyard. From that distance, at first glimpse, it looked like one of those fake owls that some people use. I had thought of driving along this particular road this day, just because I can never remember where it leads to. Well, we were certainly rewarded, as this was the very first Great Gray Owl that my daughter had ever seen!
Will have to add more to my description later, as I am running late getting organized for another long day tomorrow, starting around the time I need to set my alarm clock, at 4:30 am. Not enjoyed as an absolute night-owl. This is the second day of the May Species Count. Today was the first day, but I no longer take part in this one.
Tags: Alberta Canada SW of Calgary
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Yesterday, 24 May 2024, was such an enjoyable day! My daughter and I spent a long day together, which happens so rarely, unfortunately. This day was a belated Mother's Day/one-day-early Birthday get-together. The weather did not co-operate at all - dark clouds almost the whole time, and some rain.
Photos were a real challenge, especially the highlight sighting of the day. The poor owl was totally blown out and quite distant, seen from sitting in the car, through trees, and across a field/farmyard. From that distance, at first glimpse, it looked like one of those fake owls that some people use. I had thought of driving along this particular road this day, just because I can never remember where it leads to. Well, we were certainly rewarded, as this was the very first Great Gray Owl that my daughter had ever seen!
Will have to add more to my description later, as I am running late getting organized for another long day tomorrow, starting around the time I need to set my alarm clock, at 4:30 am. Not enjoyed as an absolute night-owl. This is the second day of the May Species Count. Today was the first day, but I no longer take part in this one.
Tags: Alberta Canada SW of Calgary nature wildlife avian ornithology Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta back view perched fence post field bokeh outdoor spring 24 May 2024 Canon SX60 Canon SX60 Powershot annkelliott Anne Elliott © Anne Elliott 2024 © All Rights Reserved IMG_0064
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Yesterday, 24 May 2024, was such an enjoyable day! My daughter and I spent a long day together, which happens so rarely, unfortunately. This day was a belated Mother's Day/one-day-early Birthday get-together. The weather did not co-operate at all - dark clouds almost the whole time, and some rain.
Photos were a real challenge, especially the highlight sighting of the day. This poor owl was totally blown out and quite distant, seen from sitting in the car, through trees, and across a field/farmyard. From that distance, at first glimpse, it looked like one of those fake owls that some people use. I had thought of driving along this particular road this day, just because I can never remember where it leads to. Well, we were certainly rewarded, as this was the very first Great Gray Owl that my daughter had ever seen! Luckily, I have much better previously posted photos in my Great Gray Owl album.
Will have to add more to my description later, as I am running late getting organized for another long day tomorrow, starting around the time I need to set my alarm clock, at 4:30 am. Not enjoyed for an absolute night-owl. This is the second day of the May Species Count. Today was the first day, but I no longer take part in this one. Weather forecast for tomorrow is, unfortunately, cloudy and rainy.
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