This past winter (November to April) was a good time for seeing Snowy Owls around Calgary, Alberta. They are amazing to see, perched on fence posts, power poles or buildings in open countryside.

Tags:   Snowy Owl Alberta bird nature wildlife Nyctea scandiaca owl white Bubo scandiacus Canada annkelliott perched wire near Calgary feathers blue sky Birdshare

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The Savannah Sparrow is one of the most common birds in Alberta to be found in any natural open areas. This photo was taken in a Calgary park, north Weaselhead. The bright yellow "lore" make it look as if it has yellow eyebrows!

Tags:   Savannah Sparrow bird nature wildlife Calgary Alberta wire fence birds Passerculus sandwichensis annkelliott North Glenmore Park IMG_1000520 Canon S3 IS Sparrow ornithology

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The Great Horned Owl is the provincial bird of Alberta and is common all year round. I have been lucky enough to see many, including two young ones. The feather detail really is quite attractive. They feed mainly at night but in winter they also hunt in the daytime.

Tags:   Calgary Alberta Canada Fish Creek Park bird nature wildlife Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus annkelliott Fauna & Flora of FCPP Talkaboutwildlife.ca Sikome owl adult perched tree sleeping

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This was my very first bird photo, when I was new to "birding". In fact, I had no idea what kind of bird it was until I got home and did a little research. This photo, taken almost two and a half years ago, got me totally "hooked" on nature photography. These small birds will fly to your hand to feed, though hand-feeding is rather frowned upon.

Tags:   Calgary Alberta Canada Fish Creek Park bird nature wildlife White-breasted Nuthatch BigFave Sitta carolinensis Specanimal ABigFave EXPLORE Interestingness#338 Explore 2006 Dec 5 Olympus C750UZ annkelliott Fauna & Flora of FCPP Talkaboutwildlife.ca Glennfield Excellence AvianExcellence

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A friend took me looking for Ruffed Grouse this summer and this time we witnessed this male Ruffed Grouse doing his drumming courtship display on a log in a wooded area of Calgary. The drumming sound, made by beating the air with its wings, feels as if it is vibrating through your body. Sounds very much like a motor starting up. Males and females look similar. Thanks, David, as always!

Tags:   Calgary Alberta Canada Weaselhead bird nature wildlife Ruffed Grouse drumming Bonasa umbellus Olympus C750UZ annkelliott Talkaboutwildlife.ca side view #GreatNature

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