A mix of colours

Yesterday, I was out from 6:10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., taking part in a Christmas Bird Count on the Cochrane Reserve, north-west of Calgary. Not sure of the exact number of bird species we saw, but it was around 23. Just outside our count area at the end of the day, we saw a beautiful little Northern Pygmy-owl atop a tall Spruce tree. Thanks, Tony, for bringing your scope - what an amazing view we were able to get of this tiny, perfect owl! We called in at various farms and ranches and saw all sorts of things in addition to the birds. The scenery is spectacular! This photo is what you see when you look westwards towards the mountains. The rolling Foothills in the foregoround are just as beautiful in their own way.