For over a week now swans are being spotted in the Bow Valley, both Trumpeter and Tundra Swans. Here are Tundra Swans taking in the sun last week on a cool morning with snow from prevous days.
Until next moment,
Amar
Black billed Magpies
If you can get close enough to a carcass, you'll see there is a pecking order with the wildlife that's trying to get a meal, which can result in lot of squabbling. The big and the powerful species will dominate most of the times. Even within one specie, there can be an order to follow, from the oldest to the youngest or strongest to the weakest. With the carcass in the picture, first came the coyotes, followed by eagles, right behind were the ravens and magpies when this picture was taken.
Until next moment,
Amar
American Robin
Last week the snow had fallen, this tree in town was wearing its best fall colours. Few different species were busy eating the fruits of it. After few mouth full, this robin needed a break.
Until next moment,
Amar
Boreal Chickadee
Boreal Chickadees are one of the few birds that spend their winter in the rocky mountains. They are always busy looking for food to help keep them warm. Here is one that's about to eat a itsy bitsy spider.
Until next moment,
Amar
Sunset Over Massive Range
The clouds had started building late afternoon, the chance of a bright sunset looked bleak. But from a distance I could see toward the west there was open sky behind the Massive Range, there was a chance the light could get under the clouds and provide a bright sunset. Now I needed a place where I could set myself and wait. Found it along the Bow River, I set my equipment and waited. It slowly started, warm bright colours spreading front me. For about ten minutes I enjoyed watching a beautiful sunset.
Until next moment,
Amar
Pilot Mountain
I was exploring the valley few weeks back, looking for wildlife of the bird kind. The sun was rising and coming over the rangee behind me, looked over at Pilot Mountain and liked the simplicity of it all. Light dusking of snow fallen on the mountain the day before, sunlight on the north side of the mountian and its reflection in the slow moving stream before me.
Until next moment,
Amar
Moose
There I was face to face with a young healthy male moose. It's ears and eyes focused on me, trying to figure me out. With moss and dirt on one antler, a small dead branch on the other and middle of a rut season with high hormone level, he was not having a good morning. With the river behind me and it front of me, I needed to stay calm and find my way to safety without having to change my underwear. My heartbeat was up and only rose higher as it started to grunt. Looking back at that crazy morning, it did not lower its head and at no time its hackles were up, two major signs of agitation. It did not come toward me right away, moving around me and always at least one eye on me. For every step it took, I took few more, after about fifteen minutes it and I had switched position. I backed into the forest as it slowly took steps toward me, then it stopped moving and grunting. I then decided to make a move away from the area, bringing an end to a very exciting morning.
Until next moment,
Amar
Mount Chephren
The original plan was to take picture of Mount Chephren from one of the Waterfowl Lakes, but it was windy and the water was not calm. So I decided to follow Mistaya River and see if I could find an area that would work better. Soon after with very little effort I came across shrubs still showing the fall colours, that is where I grabbed this picture.
Until next moment,
Amar
Northern Lights
One of my first attempt at taking pictures of northern lights. We're approaching the peak year of solar flares activities of a eleven year cycle. Hoping for lot of practice. Check out Paul Zizka Photography for one amazing picture of the lights from the same lake.
Until next moment,
Amar
Aspen Colours
Still finding fall colour, and still taking pictures of them. So much to have fun with, moving around to find the best combination of subject and background.
Until next moment,
Amar
Grizzly
Animals and railway tracks are not a good combination. This beautiful large boar looking for treats on the track. Hopefully it stays smart and gets off the tracks when the iron horse makes its way.
Until next moment,
Amar
Elk
They will not be mating this year, the dominate male near by too big, strong and skilled for these two. So they practice and practice until their year comes.
Until next moment,
Amar
Bald Eagle
Way up on top of the tree, looking over the lake and taking in the morning light. The Bald Eagle enjoying some rest.
Until next moment,
Amar
Mountain Goats
The goats were taking in the last of the sunlight of the day. Would have been great hiking up to get a closer picture, but it was to late to hike near them. So from my location I framed the picture that would give the best look.
Until next moment,
Amar
Fall Colours
Many of the leaves have fallen of the aspen trees, but just the other week the valley was loaded with fall colours.
Until next moment,
Amar
Porcupine
With a coat of quills, which it uses to depend and camouflage from predators. They come in handy, as it's slow moving and not able to run away from danger. It was moving along on the trail, with me not far behind. When it heard and saw me coming, it moved off the trail, making its way far from me as possible. I keeping my distance, zoomed in and grabbed few pictures before it got to far.
Until next moment,
Amar
Mount Patterson
I was waiting for the sunlight to hit the peaks, the temperature was just below freezing. I had forgotten my gloves but the surrounding kept me warm. Looking around to see what would make for a good image as I enjoyed the fall colours on the valley's floor. Soon the peaks were lighting up one by one, but my focus that morning was Mount Patterson and its named glacier, Snowbird. After I got my picture I did what I love to do in the mountains, explore.
Until next moment,
Amar
Elk
The males that bugle more often and have the loudest call are a bigger attraction to the females. Most often bugling takes place early and late in the day, one of those sound we associate to nature, like the call of the loon or the howl of the wolf.
Until next moment,
Amar
Elk
The days are shortening and that means the rut is on with the elk. The males are rubbing their antlers on trees ad shrubs, fighting each other and wallowing in dust and mud.
Until next moment,
Amar
Moon
I tried to get pictures of the full moon, but the clouds had the final say. It was a different story few days ago, when I was able to get this picture as the moon was making its way over Mount Rundle.
Until next moment,
Amar