The reason for my "Noooo ...!!!" is that I only noticed the little Ladybug when I got home and looked at my photo on the computer! I was standing way back and zooming in, concentrating on trying to keep the flower in my viewfinder (it was so windy, as it always seems to be). So, I didn't see the black and white beetle - and it's a NEW one for me. Ha, I'm trying not to think about the possible macro I could have taken! Now, if only it would still be around next time I go.
I don't know if this could be the tiny black & white ladybug - Psyllobora vigintimaculata.
Tags: Calgary Alberta Canada southern Alberta Reader Rock Garden nature flora garden flower flowers Daisy magenta macro close-up insect Ladybug black and white horizontal vibrant beauty in nature Panasonic DMC-FZ40 DMC-FZ40 FZ40 Lumix point-and-shoot P1100957 FZ40 annkelliott beautiful_expression
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Loved the golden glow behind this bursting Poppy bud, seen at the Reader Rock Garden on 29th September 2010. One of my favourite things to photograph.
I was fortunate enough to be invited by birding friends, John and Lorrie, to go with them and a friend in search of Snowy Owls for a few hours today. We travelled the backroads east of the city and managed to see three Owls, all distant, though not too bad by the time they are heavily cropped. Two were far away across a field (one useless as far as photos are concerned) and another was perched on some sort of antenna (?) in a field. We also enjoyed seeing a solitary Snow Bunting perched on a fence - don't usually see them alone. The meeting place this morning was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I made myself do it. I try and make myself do a new location each year : ) Such a lovely sunny day today, though quite windy out east of the city. Thanks so much, Lorrie and John, for a lovely day!
Tags: Calgary Alberta southern Alberta Reader Rock Garden nature garden flora flower flowers Poppy bud bursting pink details bokeh beauty in nature Panasonic DMC-FZ35 DMC-FZ35 FZ35 Lumix point-and-shoot P1190912 FZ35 annkelliott beautiful_expression
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Taken at the Reader Rock Garden on 7 July 2010. I think the background was from a gravel path or a stone wall. Not completely sure, but I think this is Centaurea dealbata (Persian Cornflower).
Tags: Calgary Alberta Canada Reader Rock Garden nature flora flower flowers garden Centaurea dealbata Persian Cornflower mauve macro close-up beauty in nature
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Another photo from my archives, put aside when I was backing up a few more old photo files recently. Taken at the Reader Rock Garden on 28 July 2010. I always enjoy trying to photograph Lilies : ) Here in Canada, it is the Canada Day (July 1st) long weekend. Have a happy time, everyone - and, please, drive safely!
Tags: Calgary Alberta Canada Reader Rock Garden nature flora garden flower flowers Lily pink-purple macro close-up bokeh
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Most times that I decide to call in at the Reader Rock Garden, it's windy or very windy. Yesterday, after a botany walk all morning, followed by a volunteer shift in the afternoon, I thought I'd call in before driving home. It had been pretty much impossible to photograph any wildflowers earlier in the day, and the wind continued while I was Reader's. I was glad that I went, though, as I realized that the Calgary Stampede starts off tomorrow morning, with the world famous Stampede Parade. The Stampede Grounds just across from Reader's were busy and noisy, as preparations were underway to open the huge Midway of exhilarating "rides", and so on. I will be on top of a high mountain plateau (way, way south of the city) that escaped the glaciers of the last Ice Age, so is covered in permafrost, and we'll be looking at the wildflowers, lichens, mosses, etc., keeping our eyes open for rare species. Sure beats the craziness that will be going on in the city : ) When our kids were very young, the Stampede was fun and an experience not to be missed, just as it is for visitors to the city, but I am happy as can be to be as far away as possible after all these years.
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