Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: on log

Three of us spent some time this afternoon photographing two amazing Pileated Woodpeckers in Fish Creek Park. It doesn't matter how many times I see one of these huge, almost prehistoric looking birds, I am still filled with awe. The two today kept flying from tree to tree and occasionally to a log. One of the biggest challenges is to try and get a photo with no twigs or blades of grass in the way!! They gave us a chance to shoot in different settings, which was really nice and much appreciated. For those of you who are not familiar with this Woodpecker, this is a female - the male has a red moustache, but not the female. Also, the female's red crest starts on the crown, whereas the male's crest begins at the forehead. In Alberta, the Pileated Woodpecker is uncommon to common year-round.

Talk about intricate pattern and detail, and protection : ) This Inland bearded Dragon resides at the Calgary Zoo (behind glass, unfortunately). "The beard has an expandable dewlap with spiky scales. The beard is used for both mating and aggression displays. Both sexes have a beard, but males display more frequently, especially in courtship rituals." nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactS...

A little male Downy Woodpecker at Sikome, Fish Creek Park, March 3rd. Can you believe it - it's snowing - again?!! Lol, I'm beginning to convince myself that maybe winter will never come to an end after all! I made myself go for a walk with friends this morning, from Bebo Grove to Shannon Terrace and back. Not many birds to be seen, and no sign of the little Northern Pygmy-owls. Another day that is heavily overcast with no light for photography : ( I think the only photo that I might be able to rescue is of icicles - anyone want to sit and gaze at icicles, ha?? Anyone? It's almost April, and spring HAS to be around the corner. Meanwhile, stay warm, everyone! www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/downy_woodpecker/id

Having to dig into my archives yet again, this time from 23rd June : ) This is the youngest of two Great Horned Owlets from Fish Creek Park that we all enjoyed tremendously last year. This is the one that fell out of their nesting tree (I was told that a photographer with a huge lens had got too close presumably in order to get a full-frame shot - something that annoys me intensely - the owl lost its balance and fell to the ground!!!) Must have been on the ground for 8-10 days, with both adults keeping close watch. S/he was a little bit older when I took this photo. Mom and the sibling were in a tree with this little one. Mom flew off into the trees across the path, leaving both owlets and eventually the older owlet joined her. This youngest one stayed and proceded to move around a little and then take a quick nap. It ended up on this low, sloping tree trunk, not bothered at all by our presence (just two of us). The cutest thing imaginable : )