These six photos were taken on 25 June 2020, when I got together with five friends at the garden paradise where one of them lives. We each drove west of the city in our own vehicles, and social distancing was perfect. So much room outdoors, and lots of wildlife. Jackie does so much for the birds and animals that either live on her land or visit during migration. They know a good thing when they see it : ) Jackie had baked a delicious cake for us to enjoy, too. Thank you so much for inviting me, Jackie, and it was great to catch up with everyone!
I didn't wander round much at all, as it was such a special time to actually sit down with friends and talk. This little Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel was busy stuffing its cheeks with sunflower seeds near where we were sitting. They are such beautiful animals.
Obviously, the information below is now outdated, but still of interest. Just makes me feel even luckier than ever : )
"The Thirteen-lined or Striped Ground Squirrel, if it still exists here, may be the rarest mammal in the Calgary area today...... Calgary sightings: The only known location in Calgary where this species has been sighted is in South Glenmore Park, to the northwest of the park building. It was last reported on 28 April 2002 and 6 June 2002. A population occurs near Millarville (south of Calgary), where one was reported on 17 April 2005. " From the great talkaboutwildlife website, which no longer exists.
"The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is strictly diurnal and is especially active on warm days. A solitary or only somewhat colonial hibernator, it often occurs in aggregations in suitable habitats.
In late summer, it puts on a heavy layer of fat and stores some food in its burrow. It enters its nest in October (some adults retire much earlier), rolls into a stiff ball, and decreases its respiration from between 100 and 200 breaths per minute to one breath about every five minutes. It emerges in March or early April.
The burrow may be 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6.1 metres) long, with several side passages. Most of the burrow is within one to two feet (about half a meter) of the surface, with only the hibernation nest in a special deeper section. Shorter burrows are dug as hiding places. This ground squirrel's home range is two to three acres (0.8 to 1.2 ha).
Its primary diet includes grass and weed seeds, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and crickets, but it may also eat mice and shrews; it will viciously attack and consume cicadas if able to catch them. This squirrel sometimes damages gardens by digging burrows and eating vegetables, but also devours weed seeds and harmful insects.
It is well known for standing upright to survey its domain, diving down into its burrow when it senses danger, then sometimes poking out its nose and giving a bird-like trill. It has a maximum running speed of 8 mph (13 km/h) and reverses direction if chased." From Wikipedia.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen-lined_ground_squirrel
Jackie also has placed Bluebird and Tree Swallow nest boxes on her property. She has beautifully decorated some of the boxes with her paintings.
A Mule Deer visited while we were there, seeking water to drink. Jackie had mentioned that deer have been coming and drinking a huge amount of water.
From Jackie's place, I drove a bit further west to check out a few of my usual backroads. Not a lot to see - Brewer's Blackbirds, Mountain Bluebirds and a few other "regulars". However, I was treated to a beautiful Bobolink! As I was driving along, I spotted what looked rather like a Red-winged Blackbird way down the road. When I got nearer, I couldn't believe my eyes! It had obviously flown down the road from one of its more usual locations. It just sat there, and sang. Unfortunately, my photos were taken in harsh light and wind, so not the best. Will post a short video of it soon.