Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: explore2008June8

Smooth Blue Beardtongue adds beautiful colour to hillsides here. Sometimes, you see a plant that has a lot more pink/purple, but this is a very blue one. It gets its name from the sterile stamen (staminode) which is covered in hairs.

In Alberta, these owls are rare to uncommon from March to November - a few overwinter. This was the second one I have been privileged to see in the wild! Absolutely made my day : ). It was being harrassed constantly by American Robins and their noise gave away the owl's location each time. Find the Robins, find the Owl : )