Apparently it's been a good month for Owl viewing around here! There's some low ground about 4 miles from where I'm working right now, and no matter which route I start with, the last 4miles is pretty much the same, and includes this swampy area. On many mornings, I'll see Great Grey Owls here, as well as a pair of Red-tailed fox kits(which have so far eluded my lens), a pair of twin moose calves with no Mom and some ever elusive Red-Tailed Hawks.
Last night on the way home, a Great Grey was hunting from a post, criss-crossing the road with absolutely no concern for me and my camera. I came away with some good shots and a lesson (re-learned, unfortunately) on not getting so close that the subject fills the frame. Seems I get so excited when these guys actually sit still that I get too close, and trying to get a flight shot with a 600 when the birds is that close will get you nothing more than out of focus tail feathers.
So, with said photos safely hidden in the recycle bin, I'll share a couple of the better perched shots and hope for another chance today.

If you haven't heard already, we are in the midst of a project following 3 teams of equestrians up to and through the 2012 Telus Battle of the Breeds at Spruce Meadows this september. Western Horse Review has picked up a separate blog we are doing for that project, and you can follow us here:

http://www.westernhorsereview.com/blogs/breed-sport-news/battle-of-the-breeds-2012/

And for anyone who saw the last post about the late-fledging Great Horned Owl, he unfortunately didn't make it. The ladies at the Wildlife center told us that the problem with wildlife injuries is that the animal doesn't usually display any indications its hurt or sick until its too late.

Happy long weekend everyone!
It's been a hot few weeks here in central Alberta lately. I'm reluctantly back to work, albeit much closer to home than I've ever been.( It remains to be seen if that is actually a good thing or not!).
The new location affords me a 15 minute drive in the morning through the hills west of our place.
lots of chances for local wildlife shots, and some pretty nice landscape views as well. Coming home at night, the sun is behind me and the trip is repeated, although I do seem to be having a lot more luck in the mornings. Lots of fog and mist. One spot on the road is home to at least 6 Kestrels, who may be more wary than Red-Tailed Hawks(if thats possible) when it comes to getting their picture taken.
This morning, near where I commonly see great Horned Owls, I thought I saw a porcupine in the ditch.
Closer inspection revealed it to be a young-very young and late!- Great Horned Owl fledgling. He was in some distress, and wasnt able to fly. He didnt look hurt, so I went on my way, planning to come back and check on him later. At 9:30 he was still in the same spot, and moving much less, so I scooped him up and my wife and girls came and delivered him to the great folks at the Medicine River Wildlife Center. They'll do their best to nurse him back, but Carol said he was in bad shape and had about a 10% chance of making it.
Here he was when I first saw him early this morning:

I've also seen some good looking deer in the area

The view from the high ground on Baldy can be very impressive in the morning

I managed to get a Kestrel to sit still for a shot the other morning

And even a dirty old compressor facility can look not too shabby in the wee hours of first light

Have a great week everyone!