Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Sibbald

Today, 5th January 2008, I went on an outing to the Sibbald, Exshaw, Canmore and Harvie Heights areas in the mountains. There wasn't much snow to be seen until we got further into the mountains. I was very happy that we were lucky enough to see a Stellar's Jay at Harvie Heights (near Canmore). Back in February, I had seen one in exactly the same place! Very difficult to get a photo of these birds, so I was pleased that even this very distant, cropped shot captured the bird suffiiciently to tell what it is. This bird is the provincial bird of B.C.. In Alberta, Stellars are spotted most often in the Rockies and this is a wintering one. They are locally uncommon year-round. "These birds have glossy blue plumage; black head and nape; large, black crest; white streaks on the forehead and chin; wings and tail are accentuated by dark blue." From Birds of Alberta by Fisher and Acorn.

Today, 5th January 2008, I went on an outing to the Sibbald, Exshaw, Canmore and Harvie Heights areas in the mountains. There wasn't much snow to be seen until we got further into the mountains. The early morning sun was glorious in this area. Turned everything to an orange glow.

Today, 5th January 2008, I went on an outing to the Sibbald, Exshaw, Canmore and Harvie Heights areas in the mountains. There wasn't much snow to be seen until we got further into the mountains. This photo was taken at Barrier Lake. It was windy and cold - looked quite bleak, and the mist was rising and blowing from the frozen lake in the distance. I so rarely get to go to the mountains, so always appreciate any chance that I do get, at any time of year.

Yesterday, 5th January 2008, I went on an outing to the Sibbald, Exshaw, Canmore and Harvie Heights areas in the mountains. I was very happy that we were lucky enough to see a Stellar's Jay at Harvie Heights (near Canmore). Back in February, I had seen one in exactly the same place! Very difficult to get a photo of these birds, so I was pleased that even this very distant, cropped shot captured the bird suffiiciently to tell what it is. I may never seen one again, which is why I am posting two (very poor) photos of this gorgeous bird : ). Maybe one day, I will be able to get a closer, sharp photo of one. Till then ..... This bird is the provincial bird of B.C.. In Alberta, Stellars are spotted most often in the Rockies and this is a wintering one. They are locally uncommon year-round. "These birds have glossy blue plumage; black head and nape; large, black crest; white streaks on the forehead and chin; wings and tail are accentuated by dark blue." From Birds of Alberta by Fisher and Acorn.

What a difference the sun makes. Yesterday, 5th January 2008, I went on an outing to the Sibbald, Exshaw, Canmore and Harvie Heights areas in the mountains. There wasn't much snow to be seen until we got further into the mountains. Once there, there was a fine snow falling part of the time.

Yesterday, 5th January 2008, I went on an outing to the Sibbald, Exshaw, Canmore and Harvie Heights areas in the mountains. There wasn't much snow to be seen until we got further into the mountains. Once there, there was a fine snow falling part of the time. I always find that when I photograph mountain peaks that are not in the sun, I end up with an image that looks black and white.

Yesterday, 5th January 2008, I went on an outing to the Sibbald, Exshaw, Canmore and Harvie Heights areas in the mountains. We saw quite a few of these Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches at someone's feeder in Harvie Heights. I had never seen one of these birds before and was happy to get a distant photo or two. "These birds are locally common from mid-March to October; a few might overwinter.... They can be seen in mountain meadows, alpine tundra, avalanche slopes, roadsides and occasionally towns.... A few of these birds spend winter in Alberta on chinook-warmed slopes and at feeding stations in the foothills, but most leave the province for better climes to the south." From Birds of Alberta by Fisher and Acorn.

Another mountain view from my day out on Saturday 5th January. We went through the Sibbald area and to Exshaw, Canmore and Harvie Heights, to see what birds we could find. Seeing the scenery is such a bonus for me, as I rarely get to the mountains.