My new neighbour?

When I arrived home yesterday after a morning's walk at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area in the city, I noticed a pale brown 'shape' at the side of my front steps. When I zoomed in with my camera, I realized it was a Richardson's Ground Squirrel, aka Gopher! I've never seen one in my area before!I wonder how long it has been there, or if it has decided to stay under my steps. I have visions of a whole burrow system being created, which would not be good, even though they are cute little animals, lol! I guess I had better keep an eye on it.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richardson%27s_ground_squirrel

Yesterday, 27 July 2017. I decided to get up early and do a repeat botany walk at the Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown. One of the reasons I did this, was that I really dislike doing this drive, especially knowing that I could so easily end up in the downtown area - which I avoid at all cost. So, a bit like getting back on a horse if one is thrown off, I hoped a second drive might make me feel more comfortable. Also, I really wanted to hopefully see a Wild European Rabbit or two, and sure enough, they didn't disappoint. Black and white, plain black, light brown, mid-brown. A few more photos of the Nodding/Musk Thistles were also on my mind.

The Erlton/Roxboro Natural Area, not far from downtown Calgary, is the richest botanical area, for its size, within the city. Over 385 species have been recorded in an area of about three hectares. (All of Fish Creek Provincial Park has only about 460 species). Eighty species, however, are aliens, now occupying 90+% of the area. It is such a shame to see how the area is being devastated by plants that include Baby's Breath, Creeping Thistle, Nodding Thistle, Yellow Clematis and other invasive species.

We are still under a Heat Warning. This morning, I happened to check the forecast for the coming week and, so far, the temperatures for next Thursday and Friday are 35C and 34C. The average high for the month of July is 22.9C. There are fire bans in many places in Alberta, as everywhere is bone dry.