Wow, what an evening!

I am so utterly exhausted this morning after an amazing evening of watching licensed bird banders band some of the owls I know, and then having to drive home in the worst rain storm I have ever experienced! This morning, I am in agony every inch of my upper body from gripping the steering wheel so hard for so long. Phil and Rob, so glad you were both able to come along, too. However, no thanks are passed your way for missing the turn to the only paved road going south, resulting in a nightmare drive north of Calgary and then all the way home on the dreaded Deerfoot Trail!!! You couldn't see the road or vehicles - all you could see was a faint red blur from the rear lights of the car in front of you. It was very windy, too, which didn't help, and we were surrounded by a lightning storm. Must go online and read various newspaper reports of the storm, ha.

This is Richard, the main licensed bird bander who came down to Calgary from near Edmonton yesterday evening. He had so generously invited me to join him and several other banders while they banded a Northern Hawk Owlet and 1 adult Great Gray Owl (male) and three of his four adorable Owlets. This is one of the the latter, looking quite curiously at Richard : ) Unfortunately, it was extremely foggy yesterday evening (very unusual) and the rain drizzled the whole time. My camera lens was permanently fogged up, and I couldn't take many photos, and I wasn't expecting any of them to turn out at all. Fortunately, a few did, including this one of Richard, which I love. Just look at those owlet legs, one of which is now sporting a little bit of "bling". Not sure if this little Owlet is the same one as I posted yesterday or one of its siblings, when, with permission, I photographed the owlets - looking nice and dry. I even got the chance to hold some of the owls, which was just amazing. There's nothing like holding a warm little body just a few inches away and having the owl(et) turn and stare at you, ha. Absolutely priceless. Richard, thank you SO much for such a wonderful evening - one I will think of often and will never forget! You obviously love what you are doing : )

And there is worse weather on its way??

www.calgaryherald.com/news/calgary/Tornadoes+spotted+stor...