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These are the last few photos to upload from my last drive, on 29 December 2024, SE of Calgary. Had hoped that I might just be lucky enough to see a Snowy Owl, but no luck this time finding my first Snowy for this winter. Looking back on Flickr, most of my old Snowy Owl images were taken in the month of January.

Seeing the return of snow forecast for the next few days, this day seemed to be a good chance to get out. It did snow the previous night, but not a great amount. The weather was supposed to be good and it turned into a beautiful day. The skies at times were just gorgeous during the five hours that I was out. It made such a welcome change from the overcast, white skies that I had on recent drives.

Birds were scarce. Only one bird of prey was seen, perched on a tall power pole. Before I managed to get a photo of it, from a distance, a pick-up truck came from behind me and off flew the bird. This has happened many times before, on an empty, quiet back road and just when I come across a bird to photograph, along comes the only vehicle, spooking the bird into flight. A lone Ring-necked Pheasant male more than made up for it, though. First caught sight of it way down the road, running through the tall grasses and plants. When it reached a nearby farm, it took off, flying, and disappearing. The only other birds I saw were a couple of Ravens and several Black-billed Magpies.

Old barns and homesteads were enjoyed, as always. Most, if not all, were familiar ones. Not sure when I will get out again, though I think this coming week is supposed to be sunnier, after this week's cold temperatures and snow.

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A touch of filter was added to this image in post-processing.

These are the last few photos to upload from my last drive, on 29 December 2024, SE of Calgary. Had hoped that I might just be lucky enough to see a Snowy Owl, but no luck this time finding my first Snowy for this winter. Looking back on Flickr, most of my old Snowy Owl images were taken in the month of January.

Seeing the return of snow forecast for the next few days, this day seemed to be a good chance to get out. It did snow the previous night, but not a great amount. The weather was supposed to be good and it turned into a beautiful day. The skies at times were just gorgeous during the five hours that I was out. It made such a welcome change from the overcast, white skies that I had on recent drives.

Birds were scarce. Only one bird of prey was seen, perched on a tall power pole. Before I managed to get a photo of it, from a distance, a pick-up truck came from behind me and off flew the bird. This has happened many times before, on an empty, quiet back road and just when I come across a bird to photograph, along comes the only vehicle, spooking the bird into flight. A lone Ring-necked Pheasant male more than made up for it, though. First caught sight of it way down the road, running through the tall grasses and plants. When it reached a nearby farm, it took off, flying, and disappearing. The only other birds I saw were a couple of Ravens and several Black-billed Magpies.

Old barns and homesteads were enjoyed, as always. Most, if not all, were familiar ones. Not sure when I will get out again, though I think this coming week is supposed to be sunnier, after this week's cold temperatures and snow.

© All Rights Reserved

These are the last few photos to upload from my last drive, on 29 December 2024, SE of Calgary. Had hoped that I might just be lucky enough to see a Snowy Owl, but no luck this time finding my first Snowy for this winter. Looking back on Flickr, most of my old Snowy Owl images were taken in the month of January.

Seeing the return of snow forecast for the next few days, this day seemed to be a good chance to get out. It did snow the previous night, but not a great amount. The weather was supposed to be good and it turned into a beautiful day. The skies at times were just gorgeous during the five hours that I was out. It made such a welcome change from the overcast, white skies that I had on recent drives.

Birds were scarce. Only one bird of prey was seen, perched on a tall power pole. Before I managed to get a photo of it, from a distance, a pick-up truck came from behind me and off flew the bird. This has happened many times before, on an empty, quiet back road and just when I come across a bird to photograph, along comes the only vehicle, spooking the bird into flight. A lone Ring-necked Pheasant male more than made up for it, though. First caught sight of it way down the road, running through the tall grasses and plants. When it reached a nearby farm, it took off, flying, and disappearing. The only other birds I saw were a couple of Ravens and several Black-billed Magpies.

Old barns and homesteads were enjoyed, as always. Most, if not all, were familiar ones. Not sure when I will get out again, though I think this coming week is supposed to be sunnier, after this week's cold temperatures and snow.

© All Rights Reserved