Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: explore2009March7

We were lucky to see this young Pine Grosbeak a little more out in the open on 3rd March, in Weaselhead. Pretty birds and a species that I don't usually get to see, especially close (though this is a cropped image!). I have an old T-Con 1.7 from when I had my very first digital camera (Olympus C750UZ). Finally I bought an adaptor tube so that I can now use it with my Panasonic point-and-shoot. I have to admit that I find it a nuisance, as I can't use it for most of my photos. However, the tube cost me just $39, so I thought I might as well give it a try.

Every once in a while, the Red Pandas at the Calgary Zoo will stop for a moment, before continuing with their almost constant motion. "The Red Panda, also called the Firefox, Fire Cat, Lesser Panda, or Ailurus fulgens ("shining cat"), is a mostly herbivorous mammal, specialized as a bamboo feeder. It is slightly larger than a domestic cat (40 - 60 cm long, 3 - 6 kg weight). The Red Panda is endemic to the Himalayas in Bhutan, southern China, Pakistan, India, Laos, Nepal, and Burma. There is an estimated population of fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. Their population continues to decline due to habitat fragmentation... Red Pandas are classified as Vulnerable. .... In southwest China the Red Panda is hunted for its fur and especially for its highly-valued bushy tail from which hats are produced. In the areas of China where the Red Panda lives, their fur is often used for local cultural ceremonies and in weddings the bridegroom traditionally carries the hide. The 'good-luck charm' hats are used by Chinese newlyweds." From Wikipedia.