One of the three magnificent Bald Eagles at the Calgary Zoo. Was so lucky that day because this fine bird came right up to me (the other side of the chain link fence!) and stayed there for some strange reason.

Tags:   Calgary Alberta Canada Calgary Zoo nature bird Bird of prey Eagle Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Panasonic DMC-FZ18 FZ18 P1080451 annkelliott NaturesFinest Talkaboutwildlife.ca AnimalPlanet PlatinumPhoto SuperShot Explore interestingness#285 explore2009February2 i500

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Yes, this is an awful photo, but I get a bigger sense of power when I look at it than when I see a close-up of a Bald Eagle that I've taken at the Calgary Zoo. I don't usually bother with flight shots, as my camera doesn't cope with these, but thought I'd try this one of the Eagle soaring above the Bow River at Burnsmead, Fish Creek Park.

Tags:   Calgary Alberta Canada Bow River Burnsmead Fish Creek Park nature bird Bird of prey Eagle Bald Eagle Haiaeetus leucocephalus Panasonic DMC-FZ18 Panasonic FZ18 FZ18 P1080650 FZ18 annkelliott

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Saw this magnificent Golden Eagle last year at the Coaldale Birds of Prey Centre, near Lethbridge, southern Alberta. This Centre takes injured birds of prey and either rehabilitates them for release or keeps them if that is not a possible option. A great place to visit! In Alberta, these Eagles are uncommon from March to September - a few overwinter. I've only seen between maybe 3 and 5 in the wild.

Tags:   Alberta Canada Coaldale Birds of Prey Centre Bird of prey Eagle Raptor Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos nature bird Canon S3 IS IMG_0211 annkelliott SOE Shield of Excellence AnimalPlanet

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I think I may have used this particular photo back in January to make into a birthday card and Flickr greeting for my son. I wanted to have a proper copy of it in my photostream. Yes, it was a VERY cold day when I was taking these photos, as you can tell by this little Sparrow's fluffed up feathers.

Tags:   Calgary Alberta Canada Calgary Zoo nature Bird-watching bird Sparrow House Sparrow Passer domesticus female Panasonic DMC-FZ18 Panasonic FZ18 FZ18 P1040400 FZ18 annkelliott

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The Trumpeter Swan is locally common from April to October, though I don't get to see them very often. The bird in my photo was at the Calgary Zoo.

"The Trumpeter Swan was hunted almost to extinction for its feathers and meat in the early 20th century.... it is hoped that populations will continue to recover". From Birds of Alberta by Fisher & Acorn.

Tags:   Calgary Alberta Canada Calgary Zoo nature bird Water fowl Swan Trumpeter Swan Cygnus buccinator white Panasonic DMC-FZ18 FZ18 P1040002 FZ18 annkelliott AnimalPlanet FlickrDiamond DiamondClassPhotographer ImpressedBeauty Explore interestingness#277 explore2008March17 Talkaboutwildlife.ca curve feathers graceful captive adult January 14th, 2008 resting Birdshare

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