Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Leaving Alberta

Snowy Owl
 I had another great trip back to Alberta.  The Archaeological Society of Alberta Flintknapping Workshop on Sunday was a blast and during the rest of the trip I saw lots of family that I hadn't seen in years.  The temperature was cold - as low as -33 degrees Celsius, and often in the -20 range.  I'm kicking myself for forgetting my camera on the day of the workshop, but I received a few photos from the official photographer that I think I can share with you on Friday.  In the meantime, here's some of the scenery from around the countryside.

I was only on the farm for a couple hours when this frosty coyote trotted through the yard.  It was minus 25 and he led the dogs on a leisurely chase across the pasture.
These four coyotes were born last summer a few miles north of the home place.
This is the farm where I grew up in Southern Alberta and where I stay when I come for a visit.  I miss the big sky.

I've never seen so many snowy owls.  You can spot them sitting on the power poles every few miles.
Can you spot the owl in this shot?
The Great Horned Owls seemed more comfortable in the trees.

The snowy owls were just as at home on the ground.  They look big when you see them walking through a pasture.  I thought this one was a coyote when I first saw it from the road.

Snowy Owl in flight.  Beautiful birds.

Photo Credits: Tim Rast

5 comments:

  1. Great photos! So very beautiful.
    It appears that the coyotes and owls have taken over the farm now that the cattle and buffalo are all gone.
    Bring me home an [live] owl, please!

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  2. Thanks for the beautiful pictures...

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  3. I mean it. We really need to get that picture of the farm in a frame!

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  4. On the last two visits home, almost all of the wildlife that I saw were predators and there were a lot of them around. I've seen a few rabbits darting around, but that was only at dusk - I think they must spend most of their days hiding or on the run.

    One of the biologists we met last summer showed me how he made his catch and release raptor traps. I could probably find the materials on the farm, but I'm sure I wouldn't be able to get the permits in time to bring an owl home this afternoon. But I agree, I'd much rather have a resident snowy owl to keep the mice away than a cat.

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  5. Great photos Tim! The sky is so blue - it doesn't look real.

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