Tree Top Thrush

Tree Top Thrush

Apr 21, 2021 | Birds, Trees

This, unfortunately, was the best shot I could take of this Hermit Thrush that was singing away on a late spring afternoon a couple years ago. Unfortunately, this was the best shot I could take of this Hermit Thrush…

These are quite shy birds. You hear them long, long, long before you ever get to see them. It took me a good 20 minutes to hunt this bird down with my camera, but I selfishly wanted to get a decent look at this cousin to the American Robin. Selfishly, because he stopped singing and flew away when I got too near…

Oh well. Live and learn.

Captured at J.J. Collett Natural Area (near Ponoka, Alberta, Canada) on April 30, 2017, using my old Canon Rebel XS DSLR with a Canon EF 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens attached.

Aspen Menagerie

Aspen Menagerie

Apr 20, 2021 | Forests, Plants, Mosses & Lichens, Trees

J.J Collett Natural Area, south of Ponoka, Alberta, is in the Aspen Parkland area. These Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides) are part of a “climax” plant community, before going into White Spruce (Picea glauca). These deciduous trees form as a colony of daughter clones of the parent tree, making for a colony of genetically identical trees that can be hundreds, if not thousands, of years old.

Taken on April 30, 2017, with my old Canon Rebel XS DSLR plus Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 macro lens.

Hairy on an Aspen

Hairy on an Aspen

Apr 19, 2021 | Birds, Trees

The Hairy Woodpecker is one such bird that loves to stick around in Canadian winters. As long as there’s suet and plenty of trees to perch and peck holes in, a Hairy is a happy camper.

Taken near Barrhead, AB, Canada on April 16, 2017, with my old Canon Rebel XS DSLR camera, with a Canon EF 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 IS USM telephoto lens.

Spruce Rain Drop

Spruce Rain Drop

Apr 19, 2021 | Abstract Photos, Plants, Mosses & Lichens, Trees

The rain wouldn’t quit. Yet it was a peaceful, welcoming rain as the remaining snow melted away; soft, gentle, not hard to force me off the trail towards shelter.

​I couldn’t help but notice how the rain drops on the spruce needles lit up like tiny lights as the light shone through–and the sun wasn’t even peaking through the clouds yet.

Shot at J.J. Collett Natural Area on April 30, 2017, with my old Canon Rebel XS DSLR camera with a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 IS USM macro lens.