Black-tailed Prairie Dog

Late last fall in Grasslands National Park...

Not just another gopher...the black-tailed prairie dog is exclusive to this small part of the southern prairies.

They are about twice the size of a regular gopher (Richardson's Ground Squirrel) and have a distinctive black tail.

Most of the colony's members were in their burrows during my visit but this guy/girl was still active (and keeping an eye on me).  Whenever I got too close he (or she) would scoot into the burrow opening.

That looks like a nice fur coat for the winter.

The black tail blends in well with the soil.

Always fun to watch the wildlife.

Photographed near Val Marie, Saskatchewan on November 19, 2021.

Across the Alley...

...from Daisy's yard is a natural area populated by the local wildlife.  These two young bucks were so quiet I didn't even notice them resting in the tall grass until I had been working in the yard for half an hour.  They weren't concerned about me at all and posed quite nicely for some photos.  

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 28, 2022.

In Daisy's Yard

I was working in Daisy's yard today.  Accomplished lots and she was just the best company.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 28, 2022.

Wheat Stalks

Strikingly beautiful metal sculptures depicting the humble wheat stalk.

Photographed near Gull Lake, Saskatchewan.

Memorial Tree

A tree planted as a memorial for a friend's mother who passed away in 2004.

This is what's commonly known as a mayday tree.

The flowers are not only attractive but have a heavenly fragrance as well.

Planting a memorial tree is a thoughtful way to remember someone who is still dear to the heart.

Photographed on May 21, 2022.

Long Shot (Peace Lutheran Church)

Nearly a century old but still standing proudly on a hilltop near Lakenheath, Saskatchewan. 

Photographed on May 25, 2022.

Robin Redbreast

A robin looking for nest building materials.

Found something good.

Looks like he's happy with his find.  Good for him.

Photographed in Eastend, Saskatchewan on May 9, 2022.

Saint John's Parochial School

A country school located north of Liebenthal, Saskatchewan.

Looking to the east...the small elevator across the road is the Wenzel Seed Cleaning Facility.

The school is in reasonably good condition both inside and out.

Love the cast iron and wood desks.

A plaque mounted beside the front door reads:

"St. John's School was built in 1924.  The student count at that time was 38.  St. John's was the only parochial school in the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church in Saskatchewan.  In 1942 St. John's became a separate school.  Due to declining enrollment, the school closed in 1965.  It was the last of one-room schools in the district.

"St. John's Church and School was the activity centre for the district members and families.  They formed the Happyland Concert Band, a baseball team and an active youth group."

Information courtesy of the Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society Incorporated.

Photographed on November 5, 2021.

Wigness Ranch Sign

Spotted along Saskatchewan Highway 13 near Admiral, Saskatchewan. 

Beware of the electric fence.  My arm accidentally touched one strand while taking photos and it was a pretty good jolt.  Don't see electric fences all that often but it immediately reminded me of an episode of The Ren & Stimpy Show from the early-90's where they play a board game called "Don't Whiz on the Electric Fence."  Definitely something I wouldn't recommend. 

Photographed on May 11, 2022.

One-Eyed Jack's

A vintage barn somewhere south of Simmie, Saskatchewan.

Seems to be wearing an eyepatch...

...welcome to One-Eyed Jack's.

Photographed on May 11, 2022.