View allAll Photos Tagged backview
.
Pruttel relaxes.
All my photos are for sale. Drop me a line if you would like a print, I am still setting up a shop on my webpage.
It was a very non-traditonal portrait session in that the girl didn't want very many actual closeup portraits of her, more far away shots with her horses, but that gave me more options in editing. And I swear these skies from Jackson Hole have been put to more use replacing blown highlights than I ever could have imagined!
Explore #134
Two days ago, 24 February 2015, I called in again at Fish Creek Park to see if anyone had been able to find the tiny, popcan-sized Northern Pygmy-owl(s). I was in luck and, although the light was bad, the little owls put on quite a performance. This included a few things that I had missed on other days, such as a perched on a fence post (photo posted yesterday) and both owls very briefly sitting on a branch for just a few seconds, side by side. Unfortunately, I was standing the "wrong" side of the tree, so only saw them from behind. Luckily, the female did turn her head for just a moment. There is quite an obvious difference in colour with this pair, with the male (on the right) being a more rusty colour, and he's smaller than the female. You can see the two black "false" eyes on the back of his head. A poor quality image, taken in bad light, but I was happy to get any at all. There were long periods of waiting in between the various bits of activity, so one needs a huge amount of patience : )
The fence post photo I posted yesterday was taken shortly before I left the park, after watching and waiting and hoping that this little female would eventually fly down and catch a Meadow Vole. Instead, she simply flew over to a fence post, which in itself was a real treat. I loved the background colour from patches of dead leaves still hanging on the bushes.
"Northern Pygmy Owls are 'sit and wait' predators, that hunt mainly by vision, diving down onto prey on the ground and driving the talons into the prey's throat. They will also attack birds in shrubs, crashing into the hapless victims. Most prey is carried off in the feet to feeding sites. Birds are usually plucked before being consumed. They often eat only the brains of birds and the soft abdomen of insects. One of these little owls can carry prey weighing up to 3 times its own weight.
The Northern Pygmy Owl feeds on a wide range of small prey including small mammals, birds, and reptiles and amphibians. Voles make up the bulk of their diet, with birds comprising most of the rest (mainly songbirds, but as large as a California Quail). Other small mammals include shrews, mice, chipmunks, bats, moles, young rabbits, and weasels. Insects may be very important when they are most abundant. Other prey taken are toads, frogs and small lizards and snakes.
During winter, surplus prey is cached in a cavity, often in large quantities. Summer caches are usually much smaller.
Pellets are very small, averaging about 3cm long. They are formed only occasionally as these owls don't consume large amounts of fur, feathers, or bone. The pellets tend to fall apart shortly after ejection." From OwlPages.
www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=Glaucidium&species=ca...
Posting really late today, after lunchtime. To put it mildly, I really need to try and change my sleep pattern so that I'm getting to bed hours earlier and not waking up so late in the day!
Saturday, 12 September 2020: our temperature at noon is 14C (windchill 12C). Sunny, but overcast. Sunrise is at 7:08 am and sunset is at 7:55 pm. Very different weather compared to the Labour Day long weekend on 5-7 September, when Alberta was hit with a late-summer storm. This brought cold temperatures, and snow to some parts of Alberta. My daughter had a bit of snow in her area of the city. If only all our rain/snow could have fallen over the west coast of the US right now. It might have helped a little with the battle to control the devastating wildfires down there. Just horrendous.
The last few weeks, I have been hoping to get over to one of the city gardens that I like to visit. Finally, yesterday, 11 September 2020, I knew that I had better go before any more bad weather arrives. Heavy rain recently and frost seemed to have had a bad effect on the plants, but I still found plenty to enjoy and photograph. My knowledge of garden plant IDs is practically zero, unfortunately.
"The Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs is without doubt one of the Seven Wonders of Calgary, Alberta. It boasts 1350 square meters (14 600 square feet) of gardens which includes a spectacular Wall Garden that runs an uninterrupted 1300 feet. In the gardens you will find an endless variety of annuals and perennials ranging from artemisias to zinnias. Here indeed is a place to stop and smell the roses and the peonies and the delphiniums and the chrysanthemums and the …
What makes these gardens so very special is that they were created and continue to be maintained by a band of green-thumbed enthusiastic volunteers. These hale and hearty diggers, planters, seeders, weeders, mowers, waterers, pruners and community builders work two to three mornings a week to keep the gardens in primrose shape and their efforts are truly appreciated by the many walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
On any given day, hundreds of people walk the wall garden with their families, friends and out-of-town visitors. It has become a treasured destination site for many.
For anyone who has spent time in the gardens, it is hard to believe that they have only been here since 2006 when a humble ornamental garden (400 square feet) was developed within the existing BirthPlace Forest tree beds.
The BPF, by the way, saw 7000 trees planted in the area. The project was accomplished through a partnership of BP Energy, Calgary Parks, Regional Health and Golden Acres." From the gardens' website.
Saturday, 27 August 2022, 2:00 pm: wow, we have a storm! Strong winds, thunder, lightning, and rain. Thank goodness - hope it lasts for a while. as we so desperately need rain. Temperature at 4:00 pm is 11°C (feels like 7°C).
On 24 August 2022, it turned out to be an 11-hour day, driving a total of 483 km. Fortunately, it was not an extremely hot day, thanks to the drop in temperature the last day or two, together with some much-needed rain. Luckily, I was not going to go to the mountains, as you could barely see them through the thick haze (smoke?).
My actual destination was the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre, near Lethbridge. I know some people feel that photographing birds that are not out in the wild is cheating or misleading. I kind of agree, though I think it's fine as long as someone says where a photo was taken - wild or in captivity. September 2016 was the very first time I was brave enough to do this long drive myself, but I really, really wanted to go. Since then, I have repeated the drive every year except for 2021.
This Centre is 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, including educating the public away from the Centre. Sometimes, a bird is used as a foster parent, too.
Because I knew what a long drive this would be, I drove on highways almost all the time. Just one gravel back road was the exception. As it happened, I almost immediately came across two juvenile Swainson's Hawks perched on adjacent fence posts. They were beautiful birds, showing off the attractive feather patterns on their backs. They just sat there, unconcerned by the presence of my car, and were still there when I left a short while later. You have to love Swainson's juveniles. The yellow in the background is a field in harvest colour. These were just two of several hawks I saw in the wild this day. Of course, I saw all sorts of birds of prey once I reached the Centre. Always fun to have a young Great Horned Owl or a tiny Burrowing Owl perched on ones arm. I asked if they had a Turkey Vulture and they had two, in one of the small cages/enclosures outdoors. These Vultures are so much smaller than I always think they are.
On the way home, I checked to see if I could see a Common Nighthawk and did eventually spot one, on a pole out in a field. Zoomed in and took a handful of identical photos, and posted one just for the record yesterday.
This was definitely a rewarding - and exhausting - day, full of sightings of all kinds. My favourite kind of day! I actually managed to leave home just after 8:00 am and got back a few minutes before 7:00 pm, earlier than I was expecting.
A Mallard Duck not giving two hoots about his airframe's pitch as he lands on the lake :)
f/8 / 1/2000 sec / Auto ISO 1796 / 400 mm / Manual mode
Nuclear Going Away Party -
Lately I find it bewildering, how my orderly homeland is propelled into chaos as the hurricane of the international media surged in. While many chase because it is their duty, some pursuit to obtain a selfie. The rest go after while they can for… I don’t know what.
Two days before 12 June, I happened to be at the wrong place the right time. Opportunity was handed to me to touch shoulders with two lovers of mushroom clouds. One is in extreme health, and the other has bins of wealth. Nothing said is never listened. And so for ten full minutes, I poured out my gift of gab. What was more startling than the intense roar of thunder was the sudden realization that nothing would ever be as it once was the moment the nuke button is hit. At the eleventh hour, the repentant pair gave me their words that they will not blossom megawatts of galaxies to foul the water, land and air.
In actual fact, I needn’t know what the grim truth is behind their public tryst. All I want from the twin opposites - to shake hands and make merry, not sorrow, in tomorrow’s world. I speak for the entire human race. Seriously, I wouldn’t bother yaking if I’m just a Galapagos turtle swimming with peaceful pigeons in the pelagic sea.
Modelling the new Curve range of Evening and Formal wear for this gorgeous and versatile brand, Orne Trendz.
Huge thanks, as always, to this incredible team for making the day such a success -
PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter Elgar
FASHION DRESSES and STYLING: Orné Orne Trendz by Prerna Khnna www.ornetrendz.com.au
FUR SHAWLS: Orné
STUNNING MODELS: Kelly Kooper & Meg McGuinness
AMAZING HMUA and HAIR STYLING: Melissa Ibbetson Rumi Artistry
GREAT ASSISTANT AND HEADPIECE DESIGNER: Elena Tretiakova, La'Elegant
NOTE: Today, 3 February 2019, the temperature just after noon was -27C (windchill -38C!). That is -16.6F (windchill -36.4F). Needless to say, it has been a day, just like yesterday, to stay home. Any birding wallks for yesterday and today, also tomorrow, were cancelled, which very, very rarely happens. A nasty shock after enjoying so many milder winter days for quite some time this winter.
This evening, I have just posted nine more photos from Day 9, I had hoped to completely finish Day 9 today, but still have maybe half a dozen or so more bird and fungus images I'd like to add. Hopefully, I can finish them tomorrow, and then move on to day 10 of our two-week holiday in Ontario and Quebec in May 2018. I will have only Day 10, 11 and 12 to sort, edit and post.
Day 9, 15 May 2018, involved a local morning walk, not far from our friend Anne's home. Just before 10:00 am, we drove to near the Marine Mammal Interprretation Centre in Tadoussac and followed the Sentier de la Pointe-de-l'Islet Trail. Not the greatest weather, including for photography. However, it was a delightful trail, much of it along a wooden boardwalk (which had quite a few steps). After this outing, we spent some time at our friend's house, watching the birds that came to her garden and then, later on, went for a short, local walk.
"Walk along Sentier de la Pointe-de-l'Islet Trail, a forest trail by the ocean with marvellous views of the surrounding coast and skyline. The wooden boardwalk leads you behind the wharf to the mouth of the Saguenay River. The trail provides an easy walk, stretching just under a kilometer (0.6 mi), or you can climb freely over the rocky shoreline for a more adventurous route. The point offers an ideal atmosphere for a picnic by the water. Look out into the distance to catch a glimpse of minke whales, while seals and belugas come close to the shore to feed." From link below.
www.inspirock.com/canada/tadoussac/sentier-de-la-pointe-d...
Beautiful lady in blue walking alone in Kimber Lane, Chinatown, Sydney
Guess it's all about being at the right place at the right time!
Have a lovely weekend.
(better view in black)
Marylands Country House, Marysville. Popular destination at the time for Honeymooners.
Destroyed, along with the township of Marysville, this weekend as a result of bushfires.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, everyone!
Sunday, 21 June 2020: our temperature just before noon is 20C (windchill 20C). Sunrise is at 5:21 am and sunset is at 9:54 pm. The sun is shining this morning, but we are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, with a risk of a thunderstorm this afternoon.
This photo was taken during a walk in Fish Creek Park two mornings ago, on 19 June 2020. This was the first organized walk since the restrictions were lifted a little. Only 10 people maximum were allowed to participate, though only eight turned up. Social distancing is supposed to be in effect, just as it is anywhere these days. I was impressed and very appreciative that most people in the group took great care to keep at least 6' away. Unfortunately, the combination of birds and cameras can make some people totally forget about the restrictions. Of course, I understand the excitement of seeing a bird and wanting to take photos, but that needs to be put second to making sure that one is keeping themselves, and more importantly, others, as safe as possible. Cases in Alberta are going up at the moment, so it's important to be careful.
Some of the enjoyed sightings that morning included three Great Horned Owls (one family) and three Osprey. I even saw a few of my first wildflowers. Going on my drives out of the city doesn't result in finding wildflowers and taking photos of them. Can't tell you how beautiful the Goat's-beard flowers looked yesterday, despite the fact that this species is extremely invasive : ) We were very lucky that the rain stayed away until we were in our cars and starting to drive home.
Yet again, I'm having to dig into my archives. I've only been able to get out on two walks since the car accident I was involved in (but not at fault) on 28 November 2015, and barely got any new photos. Today, I have had to cancel another volunteer shift and will have to cancel a dental appointment for tomorrow, just so that I can do things like phoning my Insurance Company. Hoping I don't need to go and report it to the Police. Also need to make an appointment to take my car in to be looked at. Yesterday morning, just as I was arrivng at the meeting place for a morning birding walk, I noticed a slight rattling sound. Then, in the evening, the rattle was much worse, sometimes sounding like one metal piece was scraping against another. Such a pain at any time, but December is a really bad month to be without a drivable car!
Five of us spent the day, on 23 July 2015, botanizing the land belonging to Darryl Teskey, SW of Calgary and W of Millarville (maybe a 40-minute drive from the city). This was the first time I had been there and I'm so glad I went - I would have missed all sorts of things, including a family of Ruffed Grouse and several fungi. These Grouse are the rare rufous-morph, and we startled them when we were walking through the forest in their direction. Usually, you don't see Grouse because they are so well-hidden. When you get fairly close (sometimes very close) to them, they suddenly "explode" from the tangle of shrubs and plants of the forest floor, making ones heart beat fast!
Our walk took us over grassland and through forest, everywhere treacherous with so many fallen logs which were often barely visible. I have never, ever seen so many tiny Skipper butterflies - there must have been hundreds or even thousands of these bright orange beauties that were flying or perched on flowers of every colour.
Fortunately, the rain stayed away until we started driving back to Calgary. Quite a lot of black clouds, reminding me of the tornado that passed through/over Calgary just the day before (22 July 2015).
Our purpose, as always, was to find and list everything that we saw - wildflowers, trees, grasses, birds, insects, fungi, etc.. Our leader then compiles an extensive list of our finds and this is later sent to the landowner, along with any photos that we might take. Always a win/win situation, as the landowner then has a much better idea of just what is on his property, and we have a most enjoyable day.
Back to local birds, but also back to the archives. It was a case of either post no photos this morning or quickly grab three from my archives. Still taking no new photos and still missing all the new bird arrivals back to the city and surroundings, which is so frustrating and disappointing. Soon, that will change, and I will be so thankful.
Late afternoon on 20 July 2017, the smoke haze from the B.C. and Alberta wildfires seemed to have lifted somewhat. So, I took a drive along some of my favourite roads SW of the city, seeing a few of the 'usual' things. These included this handsome American Robin, who was busy collecting insects for his babies. He flew in just when I was looking for Mountain Bluebirds, landed on a fence post and then off he flew. Such beautiful, but often overlooked, birds.
In between photographing Mountain Bluebirds, I drove part way along a road that I had only ever been on once before, and that was quite recently. Usually, I am home earlier than I was on this particular day. This later time meant that I was lucky enough to see two families of deer - White-tailed and Mule Deer. The first was a Mule Deer doe with her fawn standing at the edge of the road. I pulled over way down the road and waited till they had safely crossed. Managed to get a couple of distant shot through the windscreen, with the usual poor quality results. I knew that there would be a barbed-wire fence the far side of the road and I didn't want to spook them and risk them getting tangled in the sharp barbs. Several years ago, I had seen a huge Moose get spooked and then get briefly tangled in barbed wire - it spooked when it suddenly realized that some farm cows had quietly come up behind it!
The day before yesterday, 16 July 2021, I headed out W and SW of the city. My plan was to then cut eastwards and call in at the Saskatoon Farm. On two previous occasions, I had had a similar plan and both times I had to give up. This time, I thought I had prepared a route carefully, yet I still got lost. As always, road names and numbers differ, depending on which map one looks at. In the end, I drove back north to Calgary and immediately drove back south on the highway to reach the Saskatoon Farm.
Despite the smoke from wildfires, which blocked out the mountains and almost caused the Foothills to completely disappear from sight, I had an amazing day. Much needed and greatly appreciated and enjoyed.
One of the highlights of the day was to see and photograph a pair of Common Loons. They were the far side of a huge lake and stayed there the whole time I was there. Luckily, I did manage to get a handful of shots that are reasonable. Loons are such magnificent birds, with their striking feather patterns. I believe the last Loon I saw in Alberta was on 12 June 2018, in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Feeling so thrilled to have seen the Loons, I couldn't believe my luck when I came upon a cattle drive. Another highlight of my day.
Continuing my drive, I stopped to quickly check out another pond. Nothing on the water, but two beautiful Cedar Waxwings kept flying to a dead tree that was near where I was sitting in my car. I'm not sure, but I think one was an adult and the other possibly a juvenile.
Further on my drive, I realized I just couldn't find my way east to the highway, so I returned to the city and then headed for the Saskatoon Farm, where I was able to enjoy their famous Quiche and take a few colourful flower shots. Such a great day for me, and such a great contrast to the absolute nightmare and loss that so many people are suffering in various places around the world, from devastating wildfires to very destructive floods in Europe. I know when I am lucky.
Adding five photos taken yesterday, 21 June 2022.
Wednesday, 22 June 2022: our temperature is 20°C (windchill 20°C) at noon. Supposed to get up to 25°C this afternoon. Sunrise was at 5:21 am, and sunset is at 9:54 pm.
Yesterday was the second day of staying home, waiting/hoping for a phone call about getting the leak under my kitchen sink fixed. By the time 4:00 pm rolled around, I just had to get out for a while. A spur of the moment decision was to do my 'usual' drive SW of the city, later than I would normally set out. The weather forecast looked good, yet ten minutes into my drive, dark clouds began to fill the sky. A few seconds of raindrops and things thankfully began to brighten.
Before long, the Mountain Bluebird nestlings will have fledged and disappeared, so it was good to see several pairs of Bluebirds on my drive. Had to smile at the one pair - they seemed to fly off and return to the next box almost immediately, over and over again. At one of the boxes, I finally saw a little face with wide open beak.
The other few birds I saw were species that I almost always see along these roads - Tree Swallows, Brewer's Blackbirds, Savannah Sparrows, etc.. However, the perches were different from ones I have seen before.
It was a treat to see a Moose early in the drive. When I first saw it, it was a long way down the road. The word 'horse' came to my mind, but then I realized what it was. Had to take a rapid shot through the windscreen before the Moose turned and disappeared into the bushes. As so often happens, windscreen shots come out extremely blurry and with a greenish tinge. Posting an awful photo just for the record. I think the last Moose I saw was in June 2020.
© All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Established 1875
Can anyone ID any of the plants in this image with notes. I'm mainly interested in an ID for the blue flowering shrub. Thanks
Buckeye below in the comments has suggested Ceonothus sp. which looks a good fit however I am open to other suggestions or if possible, a Ceonothus cultivar ID.