Fawn

A pleasant surprise early this morning...my first sighting of a fawn in town.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on July 3, 2023.

Need Some Help?

In Daisy's yard to finish up a few gardening duties...and as soon as I walked around the far side of the lilacs I was greeted by this young doe.

She ended up helping me prune the new growth off the lilacs.  Good for her (and for me).  

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on June 13, 2023.

Long Shot (Saint Margaret's)

A tiny prairie cathedral in the majestic Cypress Hills of Alberta.

Saint Margaret's Church was photographed near Eagle Butte on August 28, 2017.

A Beautiful Place Out in the Country

Everything is so green and lush down here this year.

Lucy Township School near Powers Lake, North Dakota was photographed on June 21, 2023.

Oh!

Oh!  Caught me by surprise. 

They really like Romaine lettuce (if you happen to have any handy). 

Photographed in Alex's yard in Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 29, 2021.

Inner Glow

On the way home from gardening at Daisy's house today I saw that the prickly pear cacti are now coming into full bloom.  Their flowers bloom with an inner glow that is second to none.

They're a late spring delight on sunny hillsides here in southeastern Alberta.

Photographed on June 10, 2022.

Cows in the Buffalo Beans

Just across the road from Saint Margaret's...

...a couple of cows grazing on the hillside.  They know not to eat the buffalo beans.

Photographed near Eagle Butte, Alberta on May 30, 2023.

Chillin' Out

A bunny just chillin' out along a pedestrian sidewalk in town.  They must be double-jointed.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 26, 2023.

Prairie Crocus

Enjoying something simple...

A single prairie crocus blooming in the countryside near Cappon, Alberta.

Maybe not such a big deal for most but over the years much of their natural habitat has been disrupted by people so seeing even one is a treat.  Enjoy the little things. 

Photographed on May 15, 2023. 

XIII

While taking some photos of a long abandoned church I ran into this little creature in the churchyard.  It's the first time I'd seen a thirteen-lined ground squirrel in the area so it was a small but special event of sorts.  This one was pretty curious and scurried up closer and closer until he or she was only a few feet away from me...up close and personal with a squirrel.

Photographed near Horsham, Saskatchewan on May 15, 2023.

Barn near Surprise

A barn near Surprise, Saskatchewan.

Just as I was about to leave an owl appeared in the hayloft door.  I'll bet there's a nest with owlets somewhere inside.  Mama owl picked a nice spot to raise her babies.

Photographed on May 15, 2023.

Foggy Morning

Sunrise accompanied by fog. 

 

Fog is not something you see every day here in southeastern Alberta and these are not the colours one usually associates with a foggy morning...much like a real-live sepia tone.

Something I've come to appreciate over the years is that from where I live in town I can be out in the country in about five minutes.  Everyone should have that luxury.

Photographed near Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 13, 2023.

At the Lake

At the lake last fall.  

I don't think I've ever seen the water so clear.

Photographed at Elkwater in the beautiful Cypress Hills of Alberta on October 3, 2022.

Deer in the Park

It's not unusual to encounter a deer or two at every turn during a walk through Strathcona Park.  This family was taking it easy near the park entrance.  They do blend nicely into the landscape, don't they?

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on April 5, 2023.

Lookout on Reesor Road

Early October in the Cypress Hills of Alberta.  

One can almost see forever from this lookout on Reesor Road.

Even though spring hasn't quite sprung here in southern Alberta, I can't wait for the return of fall.

Photographed on October 3, 2022.

Flirting and Feeding

A pair of ducks flirting on the river.  My bet is there will be ducklings in the spring!

Meanwhile on the other side of the bridge...

...was this solitary duck...

...there she goes...

...on a deep dive to find some food...

...just ripples now...

...(cue the sorrowful despairing orchestral music like they do in nature films)...

...she's been underwater for almost a minute now...

...oh there she is...safe and sound!  Hope she found something good to eat.

I've always found the simple everyday routines of wild creatures so engrossing.  Each time is the same...but different.

Photographed at Finlay Bridge in Medicine Hat, Alberta on January 11, 2023.

Sunset

Following my afternoon visit to Lac Qui Parle Church I was off to see a few sites in and around Torquay and then further south to take in an old cemetery  nearer the Canadian/American border.  Before I knew it, the sun was setting and it was time for me to head for Weyburn where I'd booked a motel for the night.

On my way to the highway I saw the church again, about a mile in the distance, but now enveloped in a purple and gold sky...a lovely way to end the day. 

Photographed near Torquay, Saskatchewan on October 17, 2017.

Enjoying a Sunny Day

Lots of ground squirrels out enjoying the warm sunny weather today, as was I.

Photographed near Cappon. Alberta on March 17, 2023.

No Gardening Today

I don't think my gardening services will be needed at Saint Margaret's any time soon.  

Hmmm...maybe in June?  

This is the heaviest snow pack in forty years.  

Photographed near Eagle Butte, Alberta by David Carter on March 12, 2023.

Wildflowers

Lots of fresh snow down here in southeastern Alberta so I think some wildflowers are in order.  Can't wait to see them in full bloom this coming spring (whenever that may be).  

Photographed at Saint Wolodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Cemetery near Cappon, Alberta on June 23, 2022.