Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: interestingness#188

Thanks to Frank Sinatra & Sammy Davis Jr, who sang the song that had this title (1927). Have to admit it was never (i.e. many years later) "my" kind of music : ) However, that title came to mind when I saw this shot. Almost on the spur of the moment, I decided to join friends yesterday afternoon for a birding walk. The weather was so perfect, especially compared to the two consecutive snowstorms we had on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week! After a quick look for birds along the avenue of trees near Fish Creek Provincial Park headquarters, we drove down to the Boat Launch area and from there we walked south along the Bow River. The Ospreys were flying near the river ad we saw one of them carrying a fish to take back to their nest. We saw 30 species, but nothing close enough for photos. After an enjoyable walk, a few of us called in at Tim Horton's for coffee and a snack. From there, I called in at a different part of the park and watched a family of Beavers swimming in their pond. While I was waiting, hoping that they might appear, so many American Robins flew from branch to branch in the nearby trees and bushes, sometimes landing, like this colourful male, on the rocks at the edge of the pond. I always feel that Robins are so much taken for granted. Eventually, after a long wait, the Beaver's appeared - one adult, who crossed the path where I was standing (photo posted today), who took me off guard as I had my camera well zoomed. This huge animal walked faster than I was expecting, so it's not the greatest photo. Better than almost all my photos taken of them, though, as the light was quickly fading and the pond area was too dark. Hope your photos came out much better than mine, Phil! Such a treat to watch this family, especially the young ones. We were amazed, at one moment, when an old wooden pallet started moving and blocked a small passageway between the banks. One Beaver was pulling this discarded structure all on its own. I wonder if they had originally found it washed up nearby after the Alberta Flood of the Century last year (2013).

If only the whole world could be just as calm and peaceful as the feeling I get when I go for a drive SE of the city. Recently, there has been so much tragedy in several places around the world, some of it still continuing. It makes you wonder how all those affected can deal with so much loss, fear, pain and suffering. The TV footage is horrendous, even for those who are not involved, living far away from all the tragedy. It makes me feel so very grateful and lucky to be living in a place where I can go for a drive in peace and safety. My thoughts are with all those who are suffering so greatly. Taken SE of the city, in the Frank Lake area, on 27 April 2014. This morning, I slept through my alarm's loud music for an hour and then for an extra hour and a half! Have an Open House to go to very shortly, so am in a real rush and may have to finish off today's photos when I get home.