Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: explore2014June06

25 May 2014 was the annual May Species Count, which went really well. There were seven people in my group and we travelled in two vehicles, covering a large area SW of Calgary and W of Priddis. The Count lasted from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the weather was mostly clear but clouded up by noon, with a short shower while we were having lunch at Brown-Lowery Provincial Park. Heavy clouds for the rest of the day, calm, 9-18°C, with 88km travelled by car. 69 bird species were found, plus 15 White-tailed Deer and two Moose. A good day! Thanks for the ride, Phil! Much appreciated! Each year on this Count, a highlight is calling in to see the much sought-after Evening Grosbeaks at Barb Castell's acreage. They didn't let us down, and even gave us some chances to get a few photos. They were a fair distance away and seemed to be constantly on the move, so I didn't get any photos that were particularly good. However, when it comes to Evening Grosbeaks, I'll take anything I can get : ) After the Count ended, it was pointed out that we could return to the city by one of two different routes. If we had chosen the other route, we would have missed the other highlight of the day - a Great Gray Owl! It didn't stay around for long, as it was busy hunting, but we did manage to get a handful of quick shots. We also saw a Ring-necked Pheasant in a field, just within camera range. www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/evening_grosbeak/id

Another photo of the bouquet of beautiful Roses that my youngest daughter gave me for my birthday, nearly two weeks ago. There are over 100 species of Rose, most of them native to Asia, with smaller numbers native to Europe, North America, and northwest Africa. There are many cultivars and hybrids. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose Posting later than usual today, around 11:30 a.m.). Overslept again (till 11:30 a.m.) thanks to the muscle relaxant pills I'm having to take as part of the treatment for inflammation (and hopefully not a tear!) of the rotator cuffs in my shoulders. I'm already taking only half the dose my doctor prescribed, as I just can't function on the full dose. It's a gloomy, overcast day here today, only 11°C (52°F) and the forecast is for isolated showers this afternoon. More rain this coming week, but the week after that looks promising.

Came across this photo taken back on 27 April 2014, that I hadn't posted before. Not the greatest shot, but too cute to get buried on my hard drive. Taken in Fish Creek Park just a few days before these two Great Horned Owlets fledged. We were surprised because, compared to last year's owlets, these new ones did very little wing practice while still at the top of the nesting tree. Posting later than usual today, around 11:30 a.m.). Overslept again (till 11:30 a.m.) thanks to the muscle relaxant pills I'm having to take as part of the treatment for inflammation (and hopefully not a tear!) of the rotator cuffs in my shoulders. I'm already taking only half the dose my doctor prescribed, as I just can't function on the full dose.