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Daytona Lagoon Waterpark located in the City of Daytona Beach in Volusia County Florida U.S.A.
©Copyright Notice
This photograph and all those within my photostream are protected by copyright. The photos may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written permission.
Four days ago, on 23 April 2025, I was able to get out for a shortish drive SE of Calgary. Posting another five of the photos that were taken. The weather was beautiful, just a little windy as the day wore on.
How different this drive was, compared to other recent drives. Spring is definitely here, and I was so happy to see a reasonable variety of birds. i did start off, though, stopping by to see two beautiful old barns.
The first bird I saw was a Western Meadowlark, then two more which were happily singing but nowhere to be seen. The first one was down on the ground in a field and difficult to see. I got one shot just for the record. It always amazes me how this species can sing so loudly yet so often cannot be found.
The next bird I came across was an American Crow that remained behind on a fence post after several others flew off. I was thankful for any bird that posed on a post, allowing me to get a handful of shots. While I was pulled over in my car, a small bird of prey swooped down as if to harass the Crow. Too fast and quickly out of sight, so no photo.
A field of cows and their babies was my next stop. It was so cute to see one cow with a line of teeny calves beside her. Perhaps she had agreed to babysit these babies for a short while.
Calling in at a favourite wetland, I found several Northern Shovelers, a small flock of Starlings, about half a dozen Yellow-headed Blackbirds who took off almost immediately, a few Red-winged Blackbirds, and a few noisy Canada Geese.
On the spur of the moment, I decided to call in at the Saskatoon Farm. This was partly because I hadn't been able to go there since they opened after the winter break a few weeks ago and also because I wanted to buy some soups and something for an early supper. As always, the food there is so good.
On the way to the Farm, I had my last sighting of the day, when two male Ring-necked Pheasants were running together. Too fast and too far to get a decent photo. Nice to see them, though, as it doesn't happen very often (for me).
All of my drive was SE of the city, and all on familiar roads. I think my next few drives will be fairly short, as I have to wait till 5 May to get new all-season tires installed on my car. My snow tires did not feel great on yesterday's drive, as our temperature was in the mid-teens.
Really enjoyed this drive - it felt so good to finally see, and be able to photograph, a few different birds that made for a lovely, spring day.
Four days ago, on 23 April 2025, I was able to get out for a shortish drive SE of Calgary. Posting another five of the photos that were taken. The weather was beautiful, just a little windy as the day wore on.
How different this drive was, compared to other recent drives. Spring is definitely here, and I was so happy to see a reasonable variety of birds. i did start off, though, stopping by to see two beautiful old barns.
The first bird I saw was a Western Meadowlark, then two more which were happily singing but nowhere to be seen. The first one was down on the ground in a field and difficult to see. I got one shot just for the record. It always amazes me how this species can sing so loudly yet so often cannot be found.
The next bird I came across was an American Crow that remained behind on a fence post after several others flew off. I was thankful for any bird that posed on a post, allowing me to get a handful of shots. While I was pulled over in my car, a small bird of prey swooped down as if to harass the Crow. Too fast and quickly out of sight, so no photo.
A field of cows and their babies was my next stop. It was so cute to see one cow with a line of teeny calves beside her. Perhaps she had agreed to babysit these babies for a short while.
Calling in at a favourite wetland, I found several Northern Shovelers, a small flock of Starlings, about half a dozen Yellow-headed Blackbirds who took off almost immediately, a few Red-winged Blackbirds, and a few noisy Canada Geese.
On the spur of the moment, I decided to call in at the Saskatoon Farm. This was partly because I hadn't been able to go there since they opened after the winter break a few weeks ago and also because I wanted to buy some soups and something for an early supper. As always, the food there is so good.
On the way to the Farm, I had my last sighting of the day, when two male Ring-necked Pheasants were running together. Too fast and too far to get a decent photo. Nice to see them, though, as it doesn't happen very often (for me).
All of my drive was SE of the city, and all on familiar roads. I think my next few drives will be fairly short, as I have to wait till 5 May to get new all-season tires installed on my car. My snow tires did not feel great on yesterday's drive, as our temperature was in the mid-teens.
Really enjoyed this drive - it felt so good to finally see, and be able to photograph, a few different birds that made for a lovely, spring day.
Yesterday, 23 April 2025, I was able to get out for a shortish drive SE of Calgary. Posting five of the photos that were taken. The weather was beautiful, just a little windy as the day wore on.
After driving a number of back roads, on the spur of the moment I decided to call in at the Saskatoon Farm on the way home. This was partly because I hadn't been able to go there since they opened after the winter break a few weeks ago and also because I wanted to buy some soups and something for an early supper. As always, the food there is so good. All of my drive was SE of the city, and all on familiar roads. I think my next few drives will be fairly short, as I have to wait till 5 May to get new all-season tires installed on my car. My snow tires did not feel great on yesterday's drive, as our temperature was in the mid-teens.
How different yesterday's drive was, compared to other recent drives. Spring is definitely here, and I was so happy to see a reasonable variety of birds. i did start off, though, stopping by to see two beautiful old barns.
The first bird I saw was a Western Meadowlark, then two more which were happily singing but nowhere to be seen. The first one was down on the ground in a field and difficult to see. I got one shot just for the record. It always amazes me how this species can sing so loudly yet so often cannot be found.
The next bird I came across was an American Crow that remained behind on a fence post after several others flew off. I was thankful for any bird that posed on a post, allowing me to get a handful of shots. While I was pulled over in my car, a small bird of prey swooped down as if to harass the Crow. Too fast and quickly out of sight, so no photo.
A field of cows and their babies was my next stop. It was so cute to see one cow with a line of teeny calves beside her. Perhaps she had agreed to babysit these babies for a short while.
Calling in at a favourite wetland, I found several Northern Shovelers, a small flock of Starlings, about half a dozen Yellow-headed Blackbirds who took off almost immediately, a few Red-winged Blackbirds, and a few noisy Canada Geese.
My last sighting was on the way to the Saskatoon Farm, when two male Ring-necked Pheasants were running together. Too fast and too far to get a decent photo. Nice to see them, though, as it doesn't happen very often (for me).
Really enjoyed this drive - it felt so good to finally see, and be able to photograph, a few different birds that made for a lovely, spring day.
Bones Bike Froggy's Saloon located in the City of Daytona Beach in Volusia County Florida U.S.A.
©Copyright Notice
This photograph and all those within my photostream are protected by copyright. The photos may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written permission.
Uploading the last five photos taken on my last drive, on 21 March 2025. Just not feeling inspired at all, taking rather dull, colourless images that are far from good. Hopefully, once the snow and weather becomes like spring, I can do better! We have a forecast for more snow coming this weekend. The next few photos I upload will be several scans of old family photos. After those, I think I may have to post a few of the online jigsaw puzzles that I have been doing, partly for my own record, but also to see bright, cheery colour for a change and interesting puzzle pictures. Bear with me : )
On this drive, I got caught in a very unexpected wind and light snow storm (snow squall). It happened just when I had reached the most distant area of my drive on 22 March 2025, and lasted most of the way eastwards to the main highway going north. For quite a distance, it was almost a white-out. No snow was settling, though.
Passed the usual old barns, saw several Common Ravens feeding on a carcass that, judging by the fur, belonged to a coyote, and was happy to see three Bald Eagles. Hadn't seen one of these majestic birds for quite a while. I almost missed three very distant Trumpeter Swans, that looked rather like a few remaining spots of snow in the field. Also saw a huge bird of prey flying far away. Judging by the wing shape, I am thinking that it was most likely a Turkey Vulture. Two years ago, (on 22 or 23 March of that year), I had been so thrilled to see one perched on a power pole in roughly the same area. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a quick shot before the bird I saw a few days ago flew over a rolling hill and disappeared.
Not the best quality, but this beautiful Bald Eagle (number 3) was perched on a fence post the far side of a ranch field.
Another five uploads posted this afternoon, taken before I got caught in a very unexpected wind and light snow storm (snow squall). It happened just when I had reached the most distant area of my drive on 22 March 2025, and lasted most of the way eastwards to the main highway going north. For quite a distance, it was almost a white-out. No snow was settling.
Passed the usual old barns, saw several Common Ravens feeding on a carcass that, judging by the fur, belonged to a coyote, and was happy to see three Bald Eagles. Hadn't seen one of these majestic birds for a while. I almost missed three very distant Trumpeter Swans, that looked rather like a few remaining spots of snow in the field. Also saw a huge bird of prey flying far away. Judging by the wing shape, I am thinking that it was most likely a Turkey Vulture. Two years ago, (on 22 or 23 March of that year), I had been so thrilled to see one perched on a power pole in roughly the same area. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a quick shot before the new bird flew over a rolling hill and disappeared.
Not the best quality, but this beautiful Bald Eagle (number 3) was perched on a fence post the far side of a ranch. I had only noticed fairly recently that if I took a video of some bird, often it would be very slightly sharper than a still photo. So, thought I would give it a try - it made no difference this time.
All five uploads this afternoon were taken before I got caught in a very unexpected wind and light snow storm (snow squall), It happened just when I had reached the most distant area of my drive yesterday, 22 March 2025, and lasted most of the way eastwards to the main highway going north. For quite a distance, it was almost a white-out. No snow was settling.
Passed the usual old barns, saw several Common Ravens feeding on a carcass that, judging by the fur, belonged to a coyote, and was happy to see three Bald Eagles. Hadn't seen one of these majestic birds for a while. I almost missed three very distant Trumpeter Swans, that looked rather like a few remaining spots of snow in the field. Also saw a huge bird of prey flying far away. Judging by the wing shape, I am thinking that it was most likely a Turkey Vulture. Two years ago, (on 22 or 23 March of that year), I had been so thrilled to see one perched on a power pole in roughly the same area. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a quick shot before yesterday's bird flew over a rolling hill and disappeared.
Adding five old photos from my archives today. Will add the description that I wrote on a different previously posted image taken on the same trip. Won't be going anywhere for a while - our weather is -23C today (Feels -32C)! We had a bit of snow overnight.
"On 16 June 2022, I made the most of a break in our ongoing rainy weather and did the same area as I've been doing the last few outings - SW of Calgary. After the torrential rain, one of my favourite small wetlands now has water in it. Too late for the birds to start nesting there, apart from the few that are already there. I had almost given up on seeing a Wilson's Snipe yesterday, but when I drove slowly past the area on my way home, I was happy to find one on a fence post. Not that I don't have enough photos of these Snipe already from over the years, but I just love to see and photograph them.
The Bobolink(s) also were in the area yesterday and, once again, I bought take-out from Ranchers Corner and enjoyed my meal, sitting in my car, listening to the glorious song of the Bobolink.
Will there ever be a day with no wind? Such windy days the last little while. More rain, too, on 7 of the next 8 days. Late yesterday evening, I had almost finished typing a long email to a friend when, suddenly, the power went out on my street (and area?). Took them maybe an hour and a quarter to fix it, but my email was no longer there when the power did finally come back on. Saw lightning in the distance."
Finally getting back to editing a few old photos from my archives. Our weather has turned very cold, with freezing fog today and ice crystals. Snow is also again in the forecast, so I'm sure I won't be heading out anywhere to take new images.
I will add the description that I wrote under a previously posted photo taken on the same outing.
"On 1 August 2020, it was yet another day in a string of days that have been under a Heat Warning. Just after noon, it is only 23C (windchill 25C), but it is supposed to get up to 29C again. A few days ago, it was 31C while I was out for the day and 33C when I returned to the city. Heat does not suit me well, though many years ago, we lived in Oman, Middle East, and I remember when it got up to 48C! We did have air-conditioning (when it worked), and how I wish I had air-conditioning here! Sometimes, I just have no choice but to jump into my car and go for a drive, just to get some coolness.
That was the case yesterday, when I couldn't take one more minute of the heat inside my place. So, I ended up going to the Saskatoon Farm (like my second home) for a late lunch and to pick up a few fresh vegetables and fruit. While there, I took just a few flower photos and stopped to check on the tortoises. The last thing I knew about them was that there were two of them. Yesterday, I lost count of how many were in the beautifully designed enclosure. Chatting with Paul, the "boss" of the farm, I was told that they now have three different species in there. They really are quite beautiful.
Afterwards, I also drove a few other roads, including a road that I had never driven along before. To my delight, I came across two barns that were new to me. Any day seeing a new barn is exciting : )
On my drive home early evening, the sky filled with dramatic clouds and it became extremely dark. It felt as if it was three hours later."
Finally getting back to editing a few old photos from my archives. Our weather has turned very cold, with freezing fog today and ice crystals. Snow is also again in the forecast, so I'm sure I won't be heading out anywhere to take new images.
I will add the description that I wrote under a previously posted photo taken on the same outing.
"On 16 June 2022, I made the most of a break in our ongoing rainy weather and covered the same area as I've been doing the last few outings - SW of Calgary. After the torrential rain, one of my favourite small wetlands now has water in it. Too late for the birds to start nesting there, apart from the few that are already there. I had almost given up on seeing a Wilson's Snipe, but when I drove slowly past the area on my way home, I was happy to find one on a fence post. Not that I don't have enough photos of these Snipe already from over the years, but I just love to see and photograph them.
The Bobolink(s) also were in the area yesterday and, once again, I bought take-out from Ranchers Corner and enjoyed my meal, sitting in my car, listening to the glorious song of the Bobolink.
Will there ever be a day with no wind? Such windy days the last little while. More rain, too, on 7 of the next 8 days. Yesterday evening, I had almost finished typing a long email to a friend when, suddenly, the power went out on my street (and area?). Took them maybe an hour and a quarter to fix it, but my email was no longer there when the power did finally come back on. Saw lightning in the distance."
Five photos taken today, 9 January 2025, while on a drive with my daughter. We had hoped to find a Snowy Owl, as she has yet to see her first one of this winter.
The weather forecast was for a beautiful, sunny day, which it was, but the strong glare from the sun was just awful, not only for taking photos but also for driving.
Not much in the way of birds, apart from a small flock of Snow Buntings in flight, three groups of Gray Partridge, a Raven or two and, of course, Black-billed Magpies.
We did have one rather creepy moment, when we were pulled over to photograph a familiar old barn. Several years ago, when we were doing exactly the same thing at this location, we noticed a large tarpaulin in the ditch at the edge of the road. We approached it cautiously and my daughter pulled one corner upwards to check what was underneath. What we saw was something we have never forgotten. A head that didn't look like any kind of animal's head - looked rather like dark, human hair on the forehead. We did not look any further, but quickly drove away from the area. At the same time that we were there today, we heard several Coyotes howling around us in the distance, in different directions. I think unusual in the daytime. Unfortunately, they were too far away to see.
No success in finding a Snowy Owl, but at least we came across a number of old barns and an old grain elevator. Always my favourite kind of day, spent together with my daughter.
"The small town of Brant, Alberta, has one grain elevator. It is a former Alberta Wheat Pool elevator, now owned by Brant Farms Ltd. and still in use." From Grain Elevators of Canada,
"Brant is located 18 km west and 12 kilometres north of Vulcan. It is located on the CP main line which runs from Aldersyde to Kipp. This elevator was originally a Home Grain elevator, but changed owners to Searle, Federal and finally Alberta Wheat Pool, before being sold to B & J Farms." From vanishingsentinels.blogspot.ca/2006/02/alberta-wheat-pool...
"There were 1,651 elevators in Alberta in 1951, but by 1982 a total of 979 elevators remained. The 1990s spelled the death of the wooden “country” or “primary” elevator. At the end of the 1990s, as the full impact of both of the ending of the Crow Rate in 1995 and further impending rail abandonment was felt, the pace of demolition accelerated at an unprecedented rate. At the end of the 1996-1997 crop year, there were only 327 elevators left. Alberta’s largest cooperative grain companies, the Alberta Wheat Pool (which amalgamated with Manitoba Pool Elevators in 1998 as Agricore) and United Grain Growers, ultimately formed a new corporate entity known as Agricore United in 2001, issuing issued public shares. Demolition of country elevators has continued, and in 2005 there were only 156 wooden elevators of any kind still standing, only a handful of which are used by the grain trade.
The Government of Alberta has recognised the significance of the traditional wood grain elevators, and has designated 12 as Provincial Historic Resources. They are located in the following communities: Andrew, Castor, Leduc, Meeting Creek, Paradise Valley, Radway, Rowley (3 elevators), Scandia and St. Albert (2 elevators)."
www.grainelevatorsalberta.ca/articles/HRM-history.pdf
More than a touch of filter was added in post-processing.
Yesterday, 6 January 2025, I went for a drive SE of Calgary, hoping that I might just be lucky in finding a Snowy Owl. My daughter has a free day coming up and we will be going to the same areas. With a bit of luck, she will be able to find her first Snowy of the year.
Luck was on my side yesterday, as I found a beautiful female Snowy Owl. Along one back road, I had pulled over to photograph the clouds, when suddenly, a large bird of prey flew from a fence post and across the road, disappearing over the fields. A Snowy that I hadn't seen when perched, as it was very distant. Once I was home, I was able to zoom in with my photos and, sure enough, there was the owl. A short while later, I spotted the same owl perched on a tall power pole. Took a few shots through the windscreen. I did wonder about standing outside my car to get a couple of not-blurry captures. However, as almost always happens, the only vehicle (pickup truck) I had seen along the back roads came rushing from behind my car and off flew the owl. So, I was left with awful, very blurry images, but did edit and edit and edit the above image, to post just for the record, of my first Snowy Owl sighting of the year.
Other birds seen yesterday were hundreds of Snow Buntings in a huge flock along a highway. They didn't stay still, constantly on the move while quickly feeding in the snowy field and then all flying together this way and that. They are such beautiful birds, especially when seen in flight. Also saw a small group of Gray Partridge which were running down the road, way ahead of me.
This week, our weather is beautiful, milder and no fresh snow for a few days. The worry is that, with so little snow so far this winter, will the crops have enough water in a few months' time?
Taken through the windscreen of my car, and quite distant, so a very poor quality!
Yesterday, 6 January 2025, I went for a drive SE of Calgary, hoping that I might just be lucky in finding a Snowy Owl. My daughter has a free day coming up and we will be going to the same areas. With a bit of luck, she will be able to find her first Snowy of the year.
Luck was on my side yesterday, as I found a beautiful female Snowy Owl. Along one back road, I had pulled over to photograph the clouds, when suddenly, a large bird of prey flew from a fence post and across the road, disappearing over the fields. A Snowy that I hadn't seen when perched, as it was very distant. Once I was home, I was able to zoom in with my photos and, sure enough, there was the owl. A short while later, I spotted the same owl perched on a tall power pole. Took a few shots through the windscreen. I did wonder about standing outside my car to get a couple of not-blurry captures. However, as almost always happens, the only vehicle (pickup truck) I had seen along the back roads came rushing from behind my car and off flew the owl. So, I was left with awful, very blurry images, but did edit and edit and edit the above image, to post just for the record, of my first Snowy Owl sighting of the year.
Other birds seen yesterday were hundreds of Snow Buntings in a huge flock along a highway. They didn't stay still, constantly on the move while quickly feeding in the snowy field and then all flying together this way and that. They are such beautiful birds, especially when seen in flight. Also saw a small group of Gray Partridge which were running down the road, way ahead of me.
This week, our weather is beautiful, milder and no fresh snow for a few days. The worry is that, with so little snow so far this winter, will the crops have enough water in a few months' time?
A touch of filter was added to this image in post-processing.
Posting five more photos taken on 29 December 2024, SE of Calgary. Had hoped that I might just be lucky enough to see a Snowy Owl, but no luck this time finding my first Snowy for this winter. Looking back on Flickr, most of my old Snowy Owl images were taken in the month of January.
Seeing the return of snow forecast for the next few days, this day seemed to be a good chance to get out. It did snow the previous night, but not a great amount. The weather was supposed to be good and it turned into a beautiful day. The skies at times were just gorgeous during the five hours that I was out. It made such a welcome change from the overcast, white skies that I had on recent drives.
Birds were scarce. Only one bird of prey was seen, perched on a tall power pole. Before I managed to get a photo of it, from a distance, a pick-up truck came from behind me and off flew the bird. This has happened many times before, on an empty, quiet back road and just when I come across a bird to photograph, along comes the only vehicle, spooking the bird into flight. A lone Ring-necked Pheasant male more than made up for it, though. First caught sight of it way down the road, running through the tall grasses and plants. When it reached a nearby farm, it took off, flying, and disappearing. The only other birds I saw were a couple of Ravens and several Black-billed Magpies.
Old barns and homesteads were enjoyed, as always. Most, if not all, were familiar ones. Not sure when I will get out again, as four of the next five days are supposed to get snow.
Happy New Year! It is snowing here in Calgary, -11C (feels like -16C).
Thank you all for the visits, faves and comments during the past year (2024)! Can't thank you enough. My apologies for rarely doing the same.
I have only ever made three calendars before this new one. One that I printed myself for 2008, and ones for 2021 and 2023 that I had printed by one of the printing places. This year, while dealing with a computer that was giving huge problems, including showing empty rectangles for all my tens of thousands of images on my computer, I rushed to try and create a calendar for 2025. Chaos and having to use some old photos, I managed to get one done. I only do these for fun and to keep one for myself and give my daughter and my son one, and just several friends. A good thing I don't get a huge number printed, especially if I was going to sell them, as I noticed tonight, while editing this calendar page, that the printing company didn't catch the error that 2023 dates for each month were being used!!! For the image above, I removed the dates.
Link to 2008 calendar:
www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/albums/72157603512753989
Link to 2021 calendar:
www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/albums/72157717494205361
Link to 2023 calendar:
www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/albums/72177720304894933
Happy New Year! It is snowing here in Calgary just after midnight, -11C (feels like -16C).
Thank you all for the visits, faves and comments during the past year (2024)! Can't thank you enough. My apologies for rarely doing the same.
I have only ever made three calendars before this new one. One that I printed myself for 2008, and ones for 2021 and 2023 that I had printed by one of the printing places. This year, while dealing with a computer that was giving huge problems, including showing empty rectangles for all my tens of thousands of images on my computer, I rushed to try and create a calendar for 2025. Chaos and having to use some old photos, I managed to get one done. I only do these for fun and to keep one for myself and give my daughter and my son one, and just several friends. A good thing I don't get a huge number printed, especially if I was going to sell them, as I noticed tonight, while editing this calendar page, that the printing company didn't catch the error that 2023 dates for each month were being used!!! For the image above, I removed the dates.
Link to 2008 calendar:
www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/albums/72157603512753989
Link to 2021 calendar:
www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/albums/72157717494205361
Link to 2023 calendar:
www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/albums/72177720304894933
