Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Mountain Sheep

On 24 March 2018, I went with a group of about 20 fellow-birders for a day of birding west of the city. Not the greatest weather and there was not a huge variety of bird species. However, it was great to be out in beautiful mountain scenery. Places we stopped at included Seebe Dam, where we saw several Trumpeter Swans and a pair of Bald Eagles; Exshaw; Harvey Heights; Canmore town, where we saw a Pileated Woodpecker; and we also walked the Policeman's Creek Boardwalk Trail in Canmore. Thanks, Andrew, for a very enjoyable day out. Thanks so much, Anne B, for driving two of us all day - greatly appreciated!

Late afternoon on 9 July 2017, I arrived back home from a wonderful three-day trip to Waterton Lakes National Park. I had just been on a one-day bus trip to this beautiful park on 24 June 2017, so felt very lucky to be returning for a longer stay so soon. I travelled there and back with friend, Darlene, who had very kindly offered to take me, and we had a fun time, seeing so many interesting things. Thank you SO much, Darlene - I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciated being able to go on this trip with you! This Bighorn Sheep was seen on 8 July, the second day of this trip, on the way to Cameron Lake. The photo was taken from the passenger seat through the driver's window. Darlene decided to go on a long day hike to Bertha Lake with a few of the group, which I knew would be far too much for me. Car space was limited for other locations, so I was beginning to think I would have to stay at the camp all day - with no walks around the camp grounds, seeing as we had seen a Black Bear in the camp the previous evening! As it turned out, I was able to get a ride with Caroline, for which I was extremely grateful, and we went with another couple in a separate vehicle, to Cameron Lake. There, we went on the forest trail along the edge of the lake, as far as one can hike. This trail is a favourite of mine, especially as it is level, not uphill. A few birds and lots of wildflowers to see and photograph, including a Stellar's Jay that was seen in the parking lot when we first arrived. I think I have only ever seen a Stellar's Jay twice before. A neat bird to see along the forest trail was a Fox Sparrow. More Bear Grass along this trail, so of course I couldn't resist taking a few more photos. Three days of 32C temperatures, and then I arrived home to find that my thermostat read 29C inside my home. I am not good at dealing with the heat and then to walk and hike in such temperatures was exhausting. Back in Calgary, we had already been having a heatwave, but we have had rain and it temporarily cooled down, thank goodness. Tomorrow, we are back to high temperatures again. It was wonderful to again be surrounded by such magnificent scenery, go on a few walks/hikes with plenty of time to look for, and photograph, wildflowers, insects, and a few birds and animals. Lots of good company with around 20 (?) people, some of whom I already knew and lots of new faces, too. The trip was organized by Nature Calgary. Everyone was free to go wherever they wanted each day, but for the two nights, we stayed at the very basic but adequate Canyon Church Camp, off the Red Rock Parkway. Dorm-style cabins (about which I will say nothing, lol!), but they do have showers and even flush toilets at the camp. We were fed SO well - lots of variety and good food. We were given two breakfasts and two suppers, plus a packed lunch for the two days. Our huge thanks go out to Jean Kennedy, the camp cook, who cooked and prepared these great meals for us! Jean was there in 2015 and 2016, when I attended this weekend, and it was really good news when I was told that she would be there again this time. The food was so much enjoyed and greatly appreciated! Our huge thanks to Andrew for organizing this trip so brilliantly! He has been organizing these annual weekends for a number of years now. A great time was had by all.

This is a photo taken in 2012, not on our most recent trip, three days ago. On this particular day four years ago, I took a number of photos of the herd of Bighorn Sheep that live on Plateau Mountain. I posted one or two other photos closer to that time, so I will copy and paste my description from that day, 13 July 2012. "On 13th July, eight of us spent the day botanizing on Plateau Mountain, Kananaskis, way south west of Calgary. We record all plant species found, and any insects, birds, etc. that we notice, gradually adding new species to the existing list. I had been there a week previously with a different group (of Lichenologists, Bryologists, etc.). The upper gate was locked on Saturday and we didn't have a key, so we had to walk from the locked gate up the road all the way to the lower meadows. This time, though, we also explored a little bit further, climbing part way up a very rocky slope. One of the absolute highlights of the trip was when we were offered the chance to be driven to the very top to see the herd of around 150 Bighorn Sheep that call the mountain "home". The man who was in charge of checking the gas plant on top of the plateau was allowed access to drive all the way up there, so we were very lucky. (Note added on 1 October 2016: more recently, the gas plant has been shut down.) A week before, I had been up there for the first time, but we only passed by the sheep and didn't get out of our vehicles. Three of us chose to go, and what a thrill it was, to have dozens of these wild animals come rushing towards the vehicle - they love to lick the salt off the truck. Apparently, they won't come near if it's just a person standing there, but they do come running over when they see a vehicle to lick. We got out of the truck and we even had a sheep or two come over and nuzzle our hands. While there, someone (thanks, David!) spotted a Hoary Marmot enjoying the shade under part of the small gas plant. I was delighted to see one of these animals - got a very distant and crummy photo, but am posting it so that I can add it to my Wild Animals of Alberta set. We were so lucky to be driven all the way back down the mountain to our cars, too, picking up the other five of us on the way. It's a tough job searching for rare plants, but someone has to do it, lol!"

This photo was taken the day before yesterday, on Saturday, 10 September 2016. This was the second day in a row that I did a long drive that I had never done myself, and had longed for years to be brave enough to do. On the Friday, I drove way down south as far as the Coaldale Bird of Prey Centre (drove 496 km that day). Then, on the Saturday, my daughter came with me to Kananaskis and I drove the HIghway 40 loop, going south via Turner Valley and then coming home via 1X and Highway 1A. I had been to Coaldale maybe five times before with various friends, and I had been to Kananaskis quite a few times over the years with various friends. What a way to introduce a new car to life with Anne Elliott, lol! By the end of yesterday, it was so dirty from all the dust gathered, especially along the rough, gravel Spray Lakes/Smith-Dorrien trail (only drove part way along this mountainous road).. Also covered in splattered insects which were unlucky enough to fly into my car. If I had been able to do these drives a bit earlier in the summer, I would have done so and not on consecutive days. However, I would never have taken my 17-year-old car, for a start. Then, when I checked the Bird of Prey Centre's website the other day, I discovered that Saturday was the last day it would be open before closing till next May. As far as the Kananaskis trip was concerned, there has already been snow in some areas of the mountains, and I definitely did not want to risk doing my very first drive there in snow. So, two wonderful days, for which I am truly thankful! About three weeks ago, I went with friend, Pam, for a long day out in Kananaskis (the mountain area of the Rocky Mountains that is closest to Calgary). What a great day we had, seeing so many different things in such beautiful scenery. The trip with my daughter followed a good part of the trip I was on with Pam, which was great. Our first stop was at Highwood House, a very convenient place to stop for things like coffee, washrooms, gas station. All the Hummingbird feeders have been taken down now that the Hummingbirds have left. From there, we drove north to Rock Glacier to see the little Pikas (also called Rock Rabbits). I'm pretty sure we saw just two individuals and managed to get some rather distant shots. As usual, they were darting all over the massive scree (talus?) slope, busily collecting plants to store and dry in their "caves", ready for the winter months. There was very light rain while we were there, but that cleared up for the rest of our journey. A couple of short YouTube videos in case anyone wants to hear and see these absolutely cute creatures: youtu.be/US_Hy_eGPtg youtu.be/OQ2IgcjVIfc Further along, we called in at Boulton Bridge, as I wanted to do a quick check to see if there were many mushrooms around. Recently, I had been there with friends, Dorothy and Stephen, and we found lots of interesting mushrooms to photograph. Saturday was very different and it was obvious that the peak of the season is already over. Trying to find Buller Pond, where I had stopped with Pam the other week, we ended up at an area called Peninsular, part of Lower Kananaskis Lake, seen in this photo. I don't remember ever having been to this area before. A short drive along the Spray Lakes/Smith-Dorrien trail, followed by continuing along Highway 40 past Barrier Lake, brought us to Highway 1. We crossed over and found 1X, which then took us to Highway 1A leading to Cochrane. From there on, I was on very familiar driving ground. Many thanks, Rachel, for coming out with me. We had a great day in such magnificent scenery with enough wildlife to keep us happy (Pikas, Bighorn Sheep and a tiny Chipmunk who was munching on a bright red berry.

All three photos posted today were taken six days ago, on 20 August 2016, when I went with friend, Pam, for a long day out in Kananaskis (the mountain area of the Rocky Mountains that is closest to Calgary). What a great day we had, seeing so many different things in such beautiful scenery. We met up in the city at 7:00 am and drove southwards through Millarville and took the back way from Turner Valley to Highway 40. This is exactly the route that I had planned to go when I was all set to take my daughter on 4 August. Then my car's muffler and catalytic converter died and I haven't been able to do any long drives at all. Nothing further than maybe five or ten minutes from home, with a vehicle that sounds dreadful with its loud, broken muffler noise and the loudest rattle that sounds as if the bottom of my car is about to fall off. All that comes to an end this coming Monday, when I finally get my new vehicle, thank goodness! Before we left the town of Turner Valley (on Highway 22), we called in for a few minutes at friend Jackie's garden to see if there were any interesting birds at all her feeders. We only saw Pine Siskins, but no doubt all sorts of other species would arrive for her during the day. Our first stop along Highway 40, which is the highway that goes right through Kananaskis, giving spectacular scenic views every inch of the way, was at Highwood House. This small store/gas station, at such a convenient location, is known for its Hummingbird feeders. We were lucky enough to see either one or maybe two of these teeny birds, and I did manage to get one blurry shot, just for the record. I thought they would all have left by now, fairly late August. Continuing on our way north, we eventually came to Rock Glacier where we happily watched one or two little Pikas darting all over the massive scree slope, busily collecting plants to store and dry in their "caves", ready for the winter months. I will add more information about these very small animals under any photo of one of them. Already have lots of information under previously posted Pika images. These are such difficult creatures to photograph - only six or seven inches long and more or less the same colour as the surrounding mountain of broken rock. Our next destination, after bumping into friend Kerri who was photographing the PIkas, was Buller's Pond, near Spray Lakes along the Spray Lakes/Smith-Dorrien road. I don't remember ever going there before and we were so glad we called in. Just before we got there, we took a drive up the mountainside road to Mt. Shark and gazed at the mountain scene before our eyes when we reached the highest parking lot. I have been up here maybe two or three times before, but in winter time. Soon, we arrived at Buller Pond, which is a lovely pond/lake, where we saw masses of small, green, jelly-like 'blobs' floating near the edge of the water. I finally found out what I think is the correct ID for them - Ophrydium versatile. ""These blobs are made by a colonial microscopic single-celled protozoan called Ophrydium versatile. They can be found all over the world in fresh water. The individual cells line up side by side in the “blob” and attach themselves to a jelly-like substance they secrete. They are symbiotic with microscopic Chlorella algae which live inside the Ophrydium cells and give the blob its green color. " Fro the link below; askanaturalist.com/what-are-these-green-jelly-blobs/ It was here that, while walking through the trees near the edge of the pond, I suddenly gasped and couldn't believe my eyes. There was a beautiful Spruce Grouse perched on a log, with a second one lying at the base of the stump. Such a beautiful sight! I quietly called Pam to come and see what I had just found and we spent some time watching them. These two birds, with their gorgeous feathers, showed no sign of moving, allowing us plenty of time to take photos. Eventually, I saw yet another one of them moving around on the ground nearby, and then a fourth one. So, it seems that it was a mother and her three young ones. What an absolute treat to come across these spectacular birds and to be given time to really enjoy them. Once back on Highway 40, we started driving southwards, heading for home. We just couldn't resist calling in again at Rock Glacier, where I was able to get closer and perhaps better photos of one of the Pikas. Then, fifteen minutes later, we saw several cars pulled over at the sides of the highway. Could it finally be a bear? Unfortunately, no, it wasn't, but instead we saw a group of five Bighorn Sheep, four at the edge of the road and a fifth standing in the road as if to let us know that she owned the road and had right of way. One of the Sheep started walking along the edge in the direction of our vehicle. She walked with determination, her focus on a photographer who was out of his car and walking towards her, then crouched down to photograph her as she got closer and closer to him. She stopped just a matter of maybe six feet from him - we drove off now that the road was clear, so I've no idea if anything happened between the Sheep and the photographer, but he was doing everything that a photographer (or anyone) should not be doing. Thank you so much, Pam, for enabling me to get out to the mountains! It was such a fun, enjoyable day, in beautiful weather, spectacular scenery, and much-enjoyed company!

Of interest to local birders - AltaLink takes steps to protect birds in the Frank Lake area. The high concentration of power towers and wires is causing birds to fly into the wires and get killed. calgary.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=936795&binId=1.120191... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All three photos posted today were taken four days ago, on 20 August 2016, when I went with friend, Pam, for a long day out in Kananaskis (the mountain area of the Rocky Mountains that is closest to Calgary). What a great day we had, seeing so many different things in such beautiful scenery. We met up in the city at 7:00 am and drove southwards through Millarville and took the back way from Turner Valley to Highway 40. This is exactly the route that I had planned to go when I was all set to take my daughter on 4 August. Then my car's muffler and catalytic converter died and I haven't been able to go on any long drives at all. Nothing further than maybe five or ten minutes from home, with a vehicle that sounds dreadful with its loud, broken muffler noise and the loudest rattle that sounds as if the bottom of my car is about to fall off. Before we left the town of Turner Valley (on Highway 22), we called in for a few minutes at friend Jackie's garden to see if there were any interesting birds at all her feeders. We only saw Pine Siskins, but no doubt all sorts of other species would arrive for her during the day. Our first stop along Highway 40, which is the highway that goes right through Kananaskis, giving spectacular scenic views every inch of the way, was at Highwood House. This small store/gas station, at such a convenient location, is known for its Hummingbird feeders. We were lucky enough to see either one or maybe two of these teeny birds, and I did manage to get one blurry shot, just for the record. I thought they would all have left by now, fairly late August. Continuing on our way north, we eventually came to Rock Glacier where we happily watched one or two little Pikas darting all over the massive scree slope, busily collecting plants to store and dry in their "caves", ready for the winter months. I will add more information about these very small animals when I post a photo of one of them. Already have lots of information under previously posted Pika images. These are such difficult creatures to photograph - only six or seven inches long and the same colour as the surrounding mountain of broken rock. Our next destination, after bumping into friend Kerri who was photographing the PIkas, was Buller's Pond, near Spray Lakes along the Spray Lakes/Smith-Dorrien road. I don't remember ever going there before and we were so glad we called in. Just before we got there, we took a drive up the mountainside road to Mt. Shark and gazed at the mountain scene before our eyes when we reached the highest parking lot. I have been up here maybe two or three times before, but in winter time. Soon, we arrived at Buller Pond, which is a lovely pond/lake, where we saw masses of small, green, jelly-like 'blobs' floating near the edge of the water. I finally found out what I think is the correct ID for them - Ophrydium versatile. ""These blobs are made by a colonial microscopic single-celled protozoan called Ophrydium versatile. They can be found all over the world in fresh water. The individual cells line up side by side in the “blob” and attach themselves to a jelly-like substance they secrete. They are symbiotic with microscopic Chlorella algae which live inside the Ophrydium cells and give the blob its green color. " Fro the link below; askanaturalist.com/what-are-these-green-jelly-blobs/ It was here that, while walking through the trees near the edge of the pond, I suddenly gasped and couldn't believe my eyes. There was a beautiful Spruce Grouse perched on a log, with a second one lying at the base of the stump. Such a beautiful sight! I quietly called Pam to come and see what I had just found and we spent some time watching them. These two birds, with their gorgeous feathers, showed no sign of moving, allowing us plenty of time to take photos. Eventually, I saw yet another one of them moving around on the ground nearby, and then a fourth one. So, it seems that it was a mother and her three young ones. What an absolute treat to come across these spectacular birds and to be given time to really enjoy them. Once back on Highway 40, we started driving back on Highway 40, heading for home. We just couldn't resist calling in again at Rock Glacier, where I was able to get closer and perhaps better photos of one of the Pikas. Then, fifteen minutes later, we saw several cars pulled over at the sides of the highway. Could it finally be a bear? Unfortunately, no, it wasn't, but instead we saw a group of four Bighorn Sheep, three standing at the edge of the road and a fourth standing in the road as if to let us know that she owned the road and had right of way. However, she didn't move. One of the Sheep started walking along the edge in the direction of our vehicle. She walked with determination and I was taken off guard when she came level with my window and I managed to zoom out a little and got a few quick shots that show the whole of her head, unlike the photo I posted the other day : ) Her focus, however, was on a photographer who was out of his car and had walked towards her, then crouched down to photograph her as she got closer and closer to him. She stopped just a matter of maybe six feet from him - we drove off now that the road was clear, so I've no idea if anything happened between the Sheep and the photographer, but he was doing everything that a photographer (or anyone) should not be doing. Thank you so much, Pam, for enabling me to get out to the mountains! It was such a fun, enjoyable day, in beautiful weather, spectacular scenery, and much-enjoyed company!

(Note to self - I uploaded each of my 'daily three' images separately today, to see if it resulted in this photo being seen the way it should be seen - as my MAIN, last posted photo. I am not impressed, to say the least, that my photos are not seen in the order I want them seen and occasionally my main photos are not even showing up at all on people's Contact page.) All three photos posted today were taken yesterday, 20 August 2016, when I went with friend, Pam, for a long day out in Kananaskis (the mountain area of the Rocky Mountains that is closest to Calgary). What a great day we had, seeing so many different things in such beautiful scenery. We met up in the city at 7:00 am and drove southwards through Millarville and took the back way from Turner Valley to Highway 40. This is exactly the route that I had planned to go when I was all set to take my daughter on 4 August. Then my car's muffler and catalytic converter died and I haven't been able to go on any long drives at all. Nothing further than maybe five or ten minutes from home, with a vehicle that sounds dreadful with its loud, broken muffler noise and the loudest rattle that sounds as if the bottom of my car is about to fall off. Before we left the town of Turner Valley (on Highway 22), we called in for a few minutes at friend Jackie's garden to see if there were any interesting birds at all her feeders. We only saw Pine Siskins, but no doubt all sorts of other species would arrive for her during the day. Our first stop along Highway 40, which is the highway that goes right through Kananaskis, giving spectacular scenic views every inch of the way, was at Highwood House. This small store/gas station, at such a convenient location, is known for its Hummingbird feeders. We were lucky enough to see either one or maybe two of these teeny birds, and I did manage to get one blurry shot, just for the record. Continuing on our way north, we eventually came to Rock Glacier where we happily watched one or two little Pikas darting all over the massive scree slope, busily collecting plants to store and dry in their "caves", ready for the winter months. I will add more information about these very small animals when I post a photo of one of them. Already have lots of information under previously posted Pika images. These are such difficult creatures to photograph - only six or seven inches long and the same colour as the surrounding mountain of broken rock. Our next destination, after bumping into friend Kerri who was photographing the PIkas, was Buller's Pond, near Spray Lakes along the Spray Lakes/Smith-Dorrien road. I don't remember ever going there before and we were so glad we called in. Just before we got there, we took a drive up the mountainside road to Mt. Shark and gazed at the mountain scene before our eyes when we reached the highest parking lot. I have been up here maybe two or three times before, but in winter time. Soon, we arrived at Buller Pond, which is a lovely pond/lake, where we saw masses of small, green, jelly-like 'blobs' floating near the edge of the water. I tried to identify these late last night, but couldn't find anything that looked exactly the same. So, I'm not sure yet if they are insect eggs or maybe even salamander eggs. The third photo I posted today shows one of these green 'blobs', along with a couple of Water Striders standing on the top. It was here that, while walking through the trees near the edge of the pond, I suddenly gasped and couldn't believe my eyes. There was a beautiful Spruce Grouse perched on a tree stump, with a second one lying at the base of the stump. Such a beautiful sight! I quietly called Pam to come and see what I had just found and we spent some time watching them. These two birds, with their gorgeous feathers, showed no sign of moving, allowing us plenty of time to take photos. Eventually, I saw yet another one of them moving around on the ground nearby, and then a fourth one. So, it seems that it was a mother and her three young ones. What an absolute treat to come across these spectacular birds and to be given time to really enjoy them. Once back on Highway 40, we started driving back on Highway 40, heading for home. We just couldn't resist calling in again at Rock Glacier, where I was able to get closer and perhaps better photos of one of the Pikas. Then, fifteen minutes later, we saw several cars pulled over at the sides of the highway. Could it finally be a bear? Unfortunately, no, it wasn't, but instead we saw a group of four Bighorn Sheep, three standing at the edge of the road and a fourth standing in the road as if to let us know that she owned the road and had right of way. However, she didn't move. Can't remember if it was this female or one of the others that started walking along the edge in the direction of our vehicle. She walked with determination and I was taken off guard when she came level with my window and I got this quick shot. Her focus, however, was on a photographer who was out of his car and had walked towards her, then crouched down to photograph her as she got closer and closer to him. She stopped just a matter of maybe six feet from him - we drove off now that the road was clear, so I've no idea if anything happened between the Sheep and the photographer, but he was doing everything that a photographer (or anyone) should not be doing! Thanks you so much, Pam, for enabling me to get out to the mountains! It was such a fun, enjoyable day, in beautiful weather, spectacular scenery, and much-enjoyed company!

My friends, Cathy and Terry, and I, had left Calgary early morning on Wednesday, 14 May 2014, and I think it was around 12:15 a.m. midnight on Thursday, 15 May, that they dropped me off at home after two long, wonderful days in the Rocky Mountains, west of the city. Wednesday night was spent in a spotless motel, in a place that had so many Mountain Sheep roaming the streets, lol! This is just one of the many females - the males were off somewhere else and we didn't see any males at all that weekend. Yes, females also have horns, but just these small ones. Though we were hoping to see at least one Bear, I was happy as can be to see absolutely anything beautiful : ) Over the two days, we had 7 bear sightings, with three definitely different Black Bears (no Grizzlies), and possibly four. The rest of the sightings were of Bears we had already seen. My friends are good at telling individual bears, often by a certain scar and, of course, the actual location. Many of the bears we see, they have seen before. I was so tired after the trip, that I had no choice but to fall into bed at 7:00 p.m. the following evening, thinking that a short nap might help. I slept for something like 13 hours with a couple of hours awake (and on my computer) in the middle! I think the excruciating pain in both arms and shoulders (from inflammation of the rotator cuffs) and my lower back was a factor in my utter tiredness, too.

Friends, Cathy and Terry, and I, had a great day out in the mountains on 19 August 2014. Our trip was part way along Highway 40 and then along the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Lakes Trail. The weather forecast was not good for this day, but we were so lucky that, apart from a few raindrops, the rain stayed away. The sun actually came out at two locations we stopped at for a short while. This group of Bighorn Sheep was licking the salt from the road. We had just started taking a few photos when a car came from the opposite direction. The driver barely slowed down, which of course scattered the animals. It's always a treat to see them, no matter how many times one has seen them before. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bighorn_sheep

My friends, Cathy and Terry, and I, had left Calgary early morning on Wednesday (14 May 2014) and I think it was around 12:15 a.m. midnight (Thursday, 15 May 2014), that they dropped me off at home after two long, wonderful days in the Rocky Mountains, west of the city. Wednesday night was spent in a spotless motel, in a place that had so many Mountain Sheep roaming the streets, lol! These were different animals from the female in my image here - yes, females also have horns, but just these small ones. Though we were hoping to see at least one Bear, I was happy as can be to see absolutely anything beautiful : ) I still have lots of photos from the trip that I have not (yet) posted. Over the two days, we had 7 bear sightings, with three definitely different Black Bears (no Grizzlies), and possibly four. The rest of the sightings were of Bears we had already seen. My friends are good at telling individual bears, often by a certain scar and, of course, the actual location. Many of the bears we see, they have seen before. I was so tired after the trip, that I had no choice but to fall into bed at 7:00 p.m. the following evening, thinking that a short nap might help. I slept for something like 13 hours with a couple of hours awake (and on my computer) in the middle! I think the excruciating pain in both arms and shoulders and my lower back was a factor in my utter tiredness, too.

My friends, Cathy and Terry, and I, had left Calgary early morning on Wednesday, 14 May 2014, and I think it was around 12:15 a.m. midnight on Thursday, 15 May, that they dropped me off at home after two long, wonderful days in the Rocky Mountains, west of the city. Wednesday night was spent in a spotless motel, in a place that had so many Mountain Sheep roaming the streets, lol! This is just one of the many females - the males were off somewhere else and we didn't see any males at all that weekend.

Friends, Cathy and Terry, and I, had left Calgary early morning on Wednesday (14 May 2014) and I think it was around 12:15 a.m. midnight (Thursday, 15 May 2014), that they dropped me off at home after two long, wonderful days in the Rocky Mountains, west of the city. Wednesday night was spent in a spotless motel, in a place that had so many Mountain Sheep roaming the streets, lol! This particular group was "mowing" the grass around a small church. Most Sheep we saw were losing their winter coats and looked really ragged. Though we were hoping to see at least one Bear on this trip, I was happy as can be to see absolutely anything beautiful : ) As it turned out, over the two days, we had 7 bear sightings, with three definitely different Black Bears (no Grizzlies), and possibly four. The rest of the sightings were of Bears we had already seen. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bighorn_sheep

No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get one single photo that I liked of this group of Mountain Sheep we came across the other day, lol. I think the main reason was that they were on a steep hillside, so the grass was very close behind them and I just could not get a blurred background. This is perhaps the "best" of my Mountain Sheep shots, though I still haven't carefully gone through all the photos I took over the two days. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bighorn_sheep My friends, Cathy and Terry, and I, had left Calgary early morning on Wednesday (14 May 2014) and I think it was around 12:15 a.m. midnight (Thursday, 15 May 2014), that they dropped me off at home after two long, wonderful days in the Rocky Mountains, west of the city. Wednesday night was spent in a spotless motel, in a place that had so many Mountain Sheep roaming the streets, lol! These were different animals from the female in my image here. Though we were hoping to see at least one Bear, I was happy as can be to see absolutely anything beautiful : ) Over the two days, we had 7 bear sightings, with three definitely different Black Bears (no Grizzlies), and possibly four. The rest of the sightings were of Bears we had already seen. My friends are good at telling individual bears, often by a certain scar and, of course, the actual location. Many of the bears we see, they have seen before. I was so tired after the trip, that I had no choice but to fall into bed at 7:00 p.m. yesterday evening, thinking that a short nap might help. I slept for something like 13 hours with a couple of hours awake (and on my computer) in the middle! I think the excruciating pain in both arms and shoulders was a factor in my utter tiredness, too.

Several cars pulled over and stopped to watch quite a large herd of Mountain Sheep yesterday afternoon, along the Elbow Falls Trail (Highway 66), Kananaskis. Some of the time, they were licking the salt off the road, and then they decided to climb an outcrop for a while. The youngest member of the family was very hesitant about trying to climb and so the rest of them patiently waited until s/he found an easier way to climb up. Then, back down they came and continued licking salt. People usually seem to be very good at slowing down or stopping for wildlife - always good to see. As you can see, I was in a winter wonderland (felt more like a nightmare for more than a brief moment, LOL)! Here in the city, we had snow all morning : (

Two members of the fair-sized herd of Mountain Sheep that were licking the salt off the road when I drove along Elbow Falls Trail towards Forgetmenot Pond recently.

Yesterday, eight of us made a return trip to Plateau Mountain, Kananaskis - I had been there a week previously with a different group. The upper gate was locked yesterday and we didn't have a key, so we had to walk from the locked gate up the road all the way to the lower meadows. This time, though, we also explored a little bit further, climbing part way up a very rocky slope. One of the absolute highlights of the trip was when we were offered the chance to be driven to the very top to see the herd of around 150 Bighorn Sheep that call the mountain "home". A week before, I had been up there for the first time, but we only passed by the sheep and didn't get out of our vehicles. Three of us chose to go, and what a thrill it was, to have dozens of these wild animals come rushing towards the vehicle - they love to lick the salt off the truck. Apparently, they won't come near if it's just a person standing there, but they do come running over when they see a vehicle to lick. We got out of the truck and we even had a sheep or two come over and nuzzle our hands. While there, someone spotted a Hoary Marmot enjoying the shade under part of the small gas plant. I was delighted to see one of these animals - got a very distant and crummy photo, but might still upload it just to add it to my Wild Animals of Alberta set. We were so lucky to be driven all the way back to our cars, too, picking up the other five of us on the way. It's a tough job searching for rare plants , but someone has to do it, lol!

There is a herd of either 125 or 150 Mountain Sheep (Bighorn Sheep) that calls the Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve "home". "Reserve" means that the public is not allowed to drive to the very top of this mountain, and it's an awful long hike from the locked gate to the very top. These Sheep are totally wild - and wonderful : ) Three of us chose to accept the offer of a ride up to the top by a worker who checks the small gas plant up there - which is going to be closed down this (?) month, so the upper gate may be kept locked permanently. The Sheep are losing their winter coats and look quite a sight, ha. They love to lick the salt off the worker's truck and come running when they see him arrive. There were lots of young ones, who are the cutest little things - they kept their distance, though, which is good. I'm sure they will miss the salt once the plant is shut down.

Another shot of some of the beautiful Mountain (Bighorn) Sheep that live on the flat top of Plateau Mountain Ecologocal Reserve, Kananaskis. Taken on 13 July 2012. Later, mid-evening: was out for a three-hour botany walk this morning, followed by my volunteer shift this afternoon. Tomorrow, I am getting eight windows and my patio door replaced, so it will be a long day for the contractors, and for me : ) I'm sure they will be so glad when they have finished all mine, as I am the last place to be done. I'm kind of hoping that it doesn't flow over to the next day, too, but we'll have to see. Also really hoping that it doesn't rain tomorrow, as it would have to be postponed again. I can't wait to have windows that can finally be opened, especially at the moment, as it is unbearably hot and humid. I have so much stuff to move out of the way tonight, so I have to get off my computer : )