Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Genus: Aquila

The rare time that I am fortunate enough to see a Golden Eagle in the wild, it is always little more than a large speck in the distance, spotted and identified by someone using a scope. Wild is always best, of course, but I also enjoy seeing one of these magnificent birds of prey close enough to see its beautiful feather detail. This particular bird resides at the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre in Coaldale, southern Alberta, a wonderful place that rehabilitates and releases (whenever possible) various birds of prey - hawks, owls, Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures,and Golden Eagles. Some of these birds act as Wildlife Ambassadors, too, educating the public. It had been a few years since my last visit there - I've been maybe three or four times - and I had been longing to go back. Much too far and all new driving territory for me to even think about driving there myself. However, just over a month ago, on 9 September 2016, that is exactly what I did. A friend had said she would come along, too, but she emailed me at 1:00 am to say that she assumed the trip had been cancelled, as she hadn't heard back about the time to meet. In fact, I had sent two emails giving the time, so I don't know what happened there. Very unfortunate, as it would have been great to have had company on such a long drive and I know she would have had lots of fun with her camera. I knew it would be a long day and further than I would normally drive - and in a brand new car that I have yet to learn to drive! It didn't look or feel quite as new after travelling 481 km! Only got lost twice, one minor and the other major. Must have taken a wrong turn somewhere down south and I ended up in the city of Lethbridge, that I had very carefully planned to avoid. After three and three-quarter hours, I finally arrived, to my huge relief. Despite getting there later than I had hoped, I still had more than enough time to wander round the grounds and photograph the various raptors. Some were tethered out in a couple of grassy areas and others were in large outdoor cages. Wonderful to get such a close look at the various majestic birds. I took a slightly different way home via #845 (?) making absolutely sure that I didn't accidentally find myself in Lethbridge again and it wasn't too long before I found myself in the area that I had driven a few weeks before, when I went SW of Vulcan to look for Common NIghthawks (without any luck). Just so happy that I finally made myself do this drive. When I Googled the Centre's website, I discovered that they were closing two days later for the winter. So, it was either a case of going the next day or not at all till next May onwards. The very next day, 10 September 2016, I took my daughter on a long drive in Kananaskis. This was yet another place that I had longed to be able to drive for many years - and finally I did it! I had been lots of times with various friends, but this was the very first time I had ever driven myself.

A closer look at one of the five beautiful Golden Eagles that we saw two days ago. This is the closest photo I managed to get, but it's close enough to see the difference in colour of the head compared to the rest of the body. Such spectacular birds, and a species that I so rarely get the chance to see. I have added a previously posted, much closer shot of a Golden Eagle from the Coaldale Bird of Prey Centre in a comment box below. "The Golden Eagle is one of the largest, fastest, nimblest raptors in North America. Lustrous gold feathers gleam on the back of its head and neck; a powerful beak and talons advertise its hunting prowess. You're most likely to see this eagle in western North America, soaring on steady wings or diving in pursuit of the jackrabbits and other small mammals that are its main prey. Sometimes seen attacking large mammals, or fighting off coyotes or bears in defense of its prey and young, the Golden Eagle has long inspired both reverence and fear." From AllAboutBirds. www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden_Eagle/id Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. The Count that took place two days ago, on 3 January 2016, was part of the 2015 Bird Count. As you can see, the weather was bright and sunny for us this day. What you can't see was that it was very cold for the first part of the day, then warming up to a more pleasant cold later on! I think it was -21C when we started. On last year's trip in January (for the 2013 Count, but delayed), on the hour-long drive south of Calgary, we hit -34C (-29.2F)!!!!! Again, this year, there was no or very little wind, which makes all the difference. Also, the only walking we had to do was when we called in at various farms. We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton, Alberta. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars (we saw 5!) and in which some years - but definitely not this Count! - numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group! Around lunch time, we returned to the Truch family's place as we were very nearby, and ate our lunch in the warmth of their cosy home. After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads, but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite. Just before leaving for Calgary at the end of the day, we were shown the family's Llamas, two Donkeys, Peacocks, and several tiny white Quail. I should have taken photos of these animals when it was daylight - but maybe I can do it next year. Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thanks. Can't wait for next Christmas!

Happy first day of Fall! This photo was taken at the Calgary Zoo two days ago, on 21 September 2015. Though I have seen a number of Golden Eagles in the wild in Alberta, they have always been very, very distant. Seen in the wild is the ideal way, of course, but seeing one close lets you really see the details of these magnificent birds of prey. The bird in this photo is a juvenile, as it still has patches of white on its feathers, and I came across it unexpectedly. The Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles used to be in a huge enclosure and then last (?) year the wire fencing was taken down and I hadn't seen the birds since then. Glad to see that at least this individual is still at our Zoo, and hopefully the others are, too. "The Golden Eagle is one of the largest, fastest, nimblest raptors in North America. Lustrous gold feathers gleam on the back of its head and neck; a powerful beak and talons advertise its hunting prowess. You're most likely to see this eagle in western North America, soaring on steady wings or diving in pursuit of the jackrabbits and other small mammals that are its main prey. Sometimes seen attacking large mammals, or fighting off coyotes or bears in defense of its prey and young, the Golden Eagle has long inspired both reverence and fear." From AllAboutBirds. www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden_Eagle/id en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_eagle I called in at the ENMAX Conservatory butterfly house first, as this display is coming to an end. The beautiful tropical plants are fading and the number of butterfly species the other day seemed to be down. Still managed to get a few photos, though. Thank you to the Zoo staff who made this room such a delight to visit since spring. Really wish I had been able to get to the Zoo more than just a couple of times this year! There were lots of people there the day before yesterday, now that ILLUMINASIA, Lantern & Garden Festival has begun.

This photo was taken on 20 July 2014, at an exhibit that was brought to Bow Valley Provincial Park. Though I have seen a number of Golden Eagles in the wild, they have always been very distant. I intended posting this weeks ago, but other things just got in the way. Felt it was still important to post, as Spirit was loved by so many people. I’m still disgusted knowing that a human being could pick up a gun and shoot such a majestic bird of prey, back in early 2007. As a result, he was taken to the Coaldale Birds of Prey Centre near Lethbridge, where he remained until recently, serving as an educational Ambassador. From the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre, Coaldale, near Lethbridge, posted on 30 January 2015: “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Spirit our beloved Golden Eagle. Spirit passed away suddenly several weeks ago after contracting an acute respiratory infection, which was most likely exacerbated by his longstanding gunshot injuries. He was taken to the Calgary Avian and Exotic Pet Clinic, and treated by their caring staff, but sadly he didn’t make the trip home. Spirit was brought the Centre in early 2007 with gunshot wounds to his head and chest. Due to the severity and location of the head wound, Spirit gradually lost his ability to see. Suffering from permanent blindness, he was left unable to care for himself and so began his life as an educational ambassador at the Centre. Spirit and his story of strength and survival touched the hearts of thousands of people from across the world, and we know he will be greatly missed by all. His absence at the Centre is felt by the staff every day. We are devastated by his loss. Farewell Spirit, Piita, may you return to the skies, gracefully soaring forever in peace.” Ian Tyson, Canadian singer-songwriter, recorded a song written by grade 1 and 2 students at Calgary Arts Academy, who wrote a song to cheer up a golden eagle named Spirit. youtu.be/-s52Jikk-5k en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Tyson Coaldale Birds of Prey Centre website: www.burrowingowl.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To any local photographer who has been enjoying seeing and photographing the tiny Northern Pygmy-owls: Called in briefly at the park yesterday afternoon, Saturday, 28 February 2015. Yellow tape was put across the entrances to one of the more popular places that the tiny Northern Pygmy-owls like, so you can only get very distant views, if at all, from there now. This is to prevent people from getting closer to the owls and "disturbing" them - though anyone I've seen in the park (except for two people on one occasion) has been respectful towards the owl. The conservation officers are also particularly concerned with the people who spend a lot of time there or who get there early in the morning and stay for many hours/all day, which I'm not interested in doing at all. About two hours maximum is my limit. Hopefully, everyone will take notice of the closure and stay out of the area, otherwise further restrictions could be put in place, spoiling things for anyone who might happen to go to the park!

This majestic Golden Eagle, named Spirit, is virtually blind. He was originally brought to the Coaldale Birds of Prey Centre in February 2007, starving and badly injured. A gun shot pellet went through his eye and was lodged in the back of his head, two more pellets were in his chest. The doctor reckoned that it would be too risky to try and remove them. With such devastating injuries, at the hand of a "human being", Spirit was unable to be returned to the wild, so he has acted ever since as a wonderful Ambassador for his species and for other birds of prey. Though his home is in Coaldale, he travels to various places, patiently educating the public about Golden Eagles. On 20 July 2014, I plucked up courage to do a drive that I’d never done before - to Bow Valley Provincial Park (at the foot of the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains). I had been that particular route once or twice before that I can think of, when I carpooled with others. A good part of the drive was in familiar territory, but I’d never driven the last part of the journey myself. I had met my youngest daughter at 9:00 a.m. and we were both eager to see a small display of birds of prey that had been brought up from the Coaldale Birds of Prey Centre. This year, there was no Short-eared Owl or Turkey Vulture, but it was great to see any at all. There was a Burrowing Owl, a Barn Owl, a Great Horned Owl and this beautiful Golden Eagle. Another real treat that was an amusing one, was seeing a baby Barn Owl that was just 45 days old. This little ball of fluff was acting as a great ambassador, letting young kids get a close view and ask questions, and fall in love with it – and to hopefully, in the future, do everything they can as adults to protect our precious wildlife. The enjoyment of seeing these birds up close reminds one that the reason these birds are not free to live in the wild, is because of some kind of interaction with humans – such as permanent injuries from being hit by a vehicle, pesticide use, or even worse, being shot by a human, as in the case of Spirit! This exhibit was our first destination in the park, though on the drive from Calgary, we had stopped at the small McDougall Church at Morley. After seeing and photographing the birds of prey, we then drove to Middle Lake that’s in a different part of the park. We walked the very short distance to the edge of the lake, but didn't walk around it. From there, we drove to Many Springs Trail and did a very slow walk around the lake, stopping to look at and photograph a few different wildflowers and butterflies. Though slow, it was still further than I should have walked. Certain wildflowers were already finished, including various Orchid species, but there were still plenty of other species to see and enjoy. Even the weather cooperated, though the forecast had been for isolated showers. Not too hot, nice clouds in the sky and lovely to have my daughter’s company for the day. www.burrowingowl.com/newsevents/news5.php I always love this story, about a Bald Eagle, not a Golden Eagle, who becomes special friends with a man diagnosed with Cancer: youtu.be/HO0O0SAgPuc