Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: explore2014January31

Yes, it's "just" a Magpie, but ....they are still beautiful birds, especially when the wing feathers catch the sunlight. Usually, they just look black and white birds. Although these birds are seen everywhere, within the city and outside, I find they are surprisingly difficult birds to photograph. This one was seen at the Reader Rock Garden on 4 September 2013.

I rarely get out any more for an actual walk, especially in the winter months. This winter has been brutally cold with so much snow, which has now turned to ice, thanks to the comparatively mild weather we've had recently. Today, the forecast is for snow again, sigh. Anyway, I managed to push myself out the front door on Tuesday (28 January 2014) to go for a walk in Weaselhead with friends. The morning started off unpleasantly cold, but gradually warmed up. The pathways were covered in ice and one person did fall, unfortunately, so I was relieved I had my ice grabbers on my winter boots. We had a few nice sightings, which gave reasonable photo opps, including several House Finches, a Downy Woodpecker, and a beautiful little Snowshoe Hare who was well camouflaged against the snow and was hiding in a tangle of branches. Thanks so much, Phil, for spotting this little guy - a treat for all of us! At the end of the walk, a Coyote was spotted, hunting in the field by the parking lot. A most enjoyable walk in good company : )

This was a popular flower with a bee (wasp, hoverfly?), a moth (?) and a tiny green Aphid. Taken on 27 August 2013, when I was at Pearce Estate (near Inglewood Bird Sanctuary). Came across the image when I was looking late last night for something cheery to post, lol. It snowed again all yesterday, giving us maybe another three inches. Gone is the wonderful, sunny, comparatively mild weather, which was appreciated so much, and in its place we have an overcast sky that looks like it might bring more snow. It's -15C, windchill -24C and it looks from the forecast like we should be getting about nine days with some sun, and then days of snow - again! This golden flower is for anyone who has had enough of winter already and we are still barely more than mid-way! Definitely a winter to remember!