Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: flying insects

"Bear Warning - Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas Effective Date: August 16, 2019 until further notice Where: All trails and area between Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas in Fish Creek Provincial Park Why: Multiple bears feeding in the area." www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/a... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On 13 August 2019, I did something that I always try to avoid - go on two walks on the same day. This time, there were two birding outings that I really wanted to go on, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Both were in Fish Creek Park. The 13 photos I posted this morning were from the morning birding walk, at Mallard Point. The expert eyes were searching for Warblers that have started to arrive here. These tiny birds that are fast moving and always seem to be hiding, are not easy to see, and definitely not easy to photograph, as all bird photographers know. As usual, my eyes also wander to wildflowers and fungi. The Wandering Garter Snake that slithered across the narrow trail and disappeared into the long grass came as a surprise. Definitely not my favourite thing! Managed a quick shot in between people and have posted it just for the record. The Osprey, and the little Clay-coloured Sparrow with a beak full of insects, were enjoyed by all. Actually, the air was full of tiny flying insects, as you can tell by all the tiny specks. We were very lucky with the weather, which is always so much appreciated. Today, 16th August, it has been pouring with rain - again! Yesterday was one of the few beautiful days we have had this summer and, as often happens, I had an appointment in the middle of the day.

This Yellow-headed Blackbird was seen at Frank Lake, when I spent the day (24 May 2014) with my youngest daughter, driving SE of the city, checking a familiar spot or two in the morning. A pair of Great Horned Owlets were where we had hoped they would still be. I had hoped to find a White-faced Ibis to show my daughter – various friends had been seeing and photographing them from fairly close. We bumped into friend, Greg, at the birding blind, and I had just told him that I was hoping to find an Ibis. I had barely got the words out when Greg swung round and pointed way up, saying: “You mean, like that one?” I'm sure I would have missed it. So, at least my daughter saw one, even if just a distant bird. Thanks, Greg! As you can see from my photo, the air was filled with flying insects, and not pleasant to be in. After driving along a few of the backroads, we then went to the Saskatoon Farm for a delicious lunch and to wander round the greenhouses and gift shop. A weekend day is perhaps not the best time to go – or should I say that a weekday would probably be quieter.