Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: interestingness#110

Perhaps I should whisper that this is my favourite Thistle, seeing as it is a weed : ) It is called Musk Thistle, also Nodding Thistle, and was introduced from Europe and North Africa. A member of the Aster family, it grows to 60-250 cm tall, with flower heads that are 1.5-8 cm across. This particular plant was growing on 23rd July 2008 at the Erlton/Roxborough Natural Area. It was past its prime, as the purple disc florets have died, but I am always fascinated with the spine-tipped, inner and outer bracts. I am always given the chance to photograph them before they are pulled, LOL. Finally bought two new external drives this afternoon - wish I could wave a magic wand and discover the last 15 months' worth of images magically transferred to them, LOL! I've taken a ton of photos on most of the days during that time ... sigh! I transfer them one folder at a time. Did a three and a half hour walk by the Glenmore Reservoir, south side, this morning. I've only done one day of walking in about the last 10 days, and my poor old body is painfully paying the price : (. Highlights were a Long-tailed Duck and a Pacific Loon on the Reservoir, plus various kinds of Grebe and White-winged Scoters. Several Trumpeter Swans flew overhead in formation, too - lovely to see them at this time of the year. Temperature was around 4C, and it was overcast most of the time, but it was a gorgeous morning for a walk.

Wish I could take credit for the timing, but I had to take quite a few shots to end up with ONE with its mouth open, mid-screech. Almost without fail, by the time my camera had processed an image, this little Columbian Ground Squirrel's mouth was closed again : ). Not sure if I noticed the Mosquito on its head when I was taking the photo. Saw this little guy/gal while we were enjoying (thoroughly enjoying!) a Strawberry Milkshake at Kananaskis Village after a day of hiking Ptarmigan Cirque Trail. Thanks Robin and Cedric! These Ground Squirrels are a different species from the Richardson's Ground Squirrels that are found in the city.

Got another chance to see a few Redpolls this afternoon when I called in at a second natural area. After uploading this photo, it suddenly struck me that maybe this is a Hoary Redpoll, not a Common Redpoll, because of its lighter coloring. I would love it if someone could confirm or correct for me! The highest this photo has been in Explore is #110 on 22nd January 2007.