I am adding the link to an important article on how photographers/birders have affected the well-being of two recent small owl species seen in Calgary. So sad. One species is a rare one - the Boreal Owl, an owl that I have longed to see for many years. The other, the Northern Saw-whet Owl, is not seen all that often, but I have seen several over the years. I went just one time and neither species was seen. I have not been back since, as it just didn't feel the right thing to do, especially after hearing what some people were doing in order to get their photos. Facebook in particular results in encouraging people who want to (understandably) see these owls, and a certain program lets people know immediately where what is being seen and where. The latter results in endless people rushing to see each particular bird. I don't use it and, as a result, I have missed almost every rare or unusual bird seen over the past year. At least I know that I am not one of those whose actions usually result in a bird moving on elsewhere. Always sad when getting photos (the closer the better) is more important than any wildlife's well-being.

livewirecalgary.com/2021/03/12/weaselhead-owl-mania-shows...

Friday, 12 March 2021: our temperature is PLUS 7C (windchill PLUS 6C) at 11:00 am. Sunrise is at 6:57 am, and sunset is at 6:35 pm. A mix of sun and cloud. So glad to see that the snowflake icons have disappeared for the forecast for this coming week.

Yesterday, 11 March 2021, I was so happy to get my first dose of the COVID vaccine! I didn't have to wait in line, which was a relief, and all went smoothly. This morning, my arm is quite painful, but that is to be expected.

The previous day, I had the first part of a root canal and have to return to get it completed next week. After about an hour and a quarter/half. my dentist asked if I had had enough, as he knew that it would be unpleasant to keep my jaw open that long. The disc in the joint on the left side of my jaw disintegrated years ago, which causes problems. I was more than ready to stop and get rid of all the metal and rubber in my mouth! No pain from my tooth, though. Can't say I look forward to a repeat of this in a week's time, or to having to go back for a cap on the tooth, or to having a root canal in another tooth at a later date.

On 9 March 2021, I joined a few friends, all wearing masks, for a morning birding walk in Fish Creek Park. The 'usual' birds were too far away for photos, but I did manage to get a photo or two of this Great Horned Owl. It is one of a pair, spending their time in an awkward tree that makes it very difficult to see the owls and take photos. I only managed to eventually spot this owl, but was out of luck for the other.

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