Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Christmas lights

Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January. The Count that took place on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. Two years ago, on the trip in January (for the 2013 Count), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. We (my group of four friends and myself, travelling in two cars) drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (my small group saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not on this day! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! A few of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home. After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas! List of species seen by our small group, from Andrew Hart: Nanton general area Jan 3, 2016 8:45 AM Traveling 113.00 km 360 Minutes All birds reported? Yes Comments: -14 to +1 deg C sunny. Nanton CBC area D 32 Sharp-tailed Grouse 5 Golden Eagle 1 Bald Eagle 12 Rough-legged Hawk 50 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2 Eurasian Collared-Dove 8 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 3 Northern Shrike 4 Gray Jay 100 Black-billed Magpie 28 Common Raven 16 Black-capped Chickadee 4 European Starling 2 American Tree Sparrow 105 Pine Grosbeak -- First 60 In a yard with feeders. Balance seen elsewhere along route. Another 35 in a yard off Williams Coulee. 3 White-winged Crossbill 220 Common Redpoll 4 Hoary Redpoll 40 House Sparrow Number of Species: 20 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Update about my daughter: She is out of the hospital and back at home, but now knows that she will most likely have to have major surgery. She is in shock, me too, and I feel so upset for her.

Just a very quick shot to remind myself of an enjoyable evening with my youngest daughter yesterday, 15 November 2013. We took the Red Arrow Shuttlebus from south Calgary out to Spruce Meadows for their Christmas Market. I used to love going to Christmas fairs and markets many years ago, when the kids were young, but ever since they became adults and said they would prefer money or gift cards instead of "things", I no longer go to them. Spruce Meadows is the only one I go to, and that's only because I go with my daughter. Anyway, the Christmas lights were very pretty and I liked seeing this statue among the colourful trees. One of the highlights is the chance to see Santa's Reindeer - such beautiful animals. No sign of Santa, of course - he'll be busy preparing for Christmas Eve.

A friend made the base of this wreath for me two years ago, from barbed wire! I have it hanging in my tiny hallway, just inside the front door. My original plan was to hang it outside on my front door or wall, but then I discovered that the outside electric socket does not work. Now I love the light shining from the tiny Christmas lights cozy inside my place.