Wild Blue Columbine / Aquilegia brevistyla

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Something tells me that this photo might be showing as my main photo today.

On 7 June 2015, it was a hot day – way too hot for my liking. I was not keen on the idea of being out in the sun for three hours, but neither could I have stayed in my place one more minute - it felt like an oven!

I decided to join birding friends for a walk at the west end of South Glenmore Park and we had a lovely, leisurely walk, stopping often to look at, or listen to, a variety of birds. I think my favourites were a pair of colourful American Goldfinch. It was also fun to see a little Black-capped Chickadee looking out from its nest cavity.

There were quite a few species of wildflower as well, including these dainty Blue Columbine flowers. I so rarely go on a walk these days, so I tend to miss many of the wildflowers.

The name "Columbine" comes from the word "Columba", meaning dove. The five petals look rather like a ring of doves.

Will add Janet and Bernie’s bird list below, for my own memory. Thanks for such an enjoyable afternoon, both of you! A stop afterwards at the Good Earth café was so much appreciated and enjoyed, too.

1. Great Blue Heron - 1
2. Canada Goose - 40
3. Mallard - 5
4. Gadwall - 2
5. Swainson's Hawk - 1
6. Franklin's Gull - 30+
7. Woodpecker sp. likely Sapsucker - 1
8. Olive-sided Flycatcher -1
9. Least Flycatcher - 12
10. Red-eyed Vireo - 2
11. Black-billed Magpie - 1
12. American Crow - 4
13. Common Raven - 1
14. Tree Swallow - 4
15. Black-capped Chickadee - 2 @nest site.
16. House Wren - 11
17. American Robin - 6
18. Cedar Waxwing - 6
19. Yellow Warbler - 10
20. Chipping Sparrow - 1
21. Clay-coloured Sparrow - 4
22. Baltimore Oriole - 1
23. Red-winged Blackbird - 3
24. Brown-headed Cowbird - 3
25. House Finch - 3
26. American Goldfinch - 5
27. House Sparrow - 2

Least Chipmunk - 1
Muskrat - 1
Yellow Swallowtail Butterfly - 10+
Blue Azure - 1
Alpine sp. Butterfly - 15+