Nature Watch: Crane and Mallard

The wind on April 17th played havoc with our photography competition. Not only did it buffet our cameras, but it stirred up the air currents between our cameras and our subjects so that neither Nelson, nor myself got a detailed shot. We had a discussion about whether we should even show these, but in the end decided we have been blessed with some great shots, and there are going to be days when one, the other, or both of us don't do well.

On this day Nelson's shots were much better than mine, and he's chosen this Sandhill Crane as the one he thinks is the best of his lot. I'd like to point out the effect the wind had on a portion of the stubble field where it appears smeared.

Sandhill Crane, Southeast Saskatchewan, Apr 17, 2016. Photo credit: Nelson Draper

Meanwhile, I was out and about on the 17th as well and yes, all my shots were also blurred by the wind. The only decent one I have is this Mallard pair which, for whatever reason, decided to swim in the yuckiest part of the slough. I suspect that most of the stuff floating about had been dislodged by wave action--something that doesn't happen often out here unless the wind is fierce.

Mallard pair, Montmartre, SK, Apr 17, 2016. Photo credit: Anita Mae Draper

So there you have our windy images. For all you budding photographers... don't beat yourself up if you can't get great shots on a windy day. Minimize the wind damage by standing where the wind can't buffet your or tripod or arms while you hold the camera, but in the end, there's not much you can do - at least not with our level of equipment. (P500 and P520 Nikon CooPix cameras)

I believe Nelson has a great video clip of Sandhill Cranes practicing their mating dance. We'll get that set up soon. Until next time...

Wildlife Watch - Nuthatch & Crocus

This edition of Battle of the Birds and other Wildlife shows images taken on April 15, 2016.

Or perhaps I should start calling it the Battle of Flora and Fauna? 

April 15th was Nelson's birthday but that didn't stop him from getting out and about. He said that while he was aiming his camera at a running hare he spotted something purple. Zooming in, he saw the Prairie Crocus, a member of the buttercup family which grows very low to the ground and only appears in the spring. Sometimes as I walk through a field soon after the snow leaves, I'll look down and realize I'm standing in the midst of prairie crocus patch. Such an inspiring sight of color after all the whiteness.

Prairie Crocus, Southeast Saskatchewan, Apr 15, 2016. Photo by Nelson Draper

I had to two surprise visitors on April 15th. The first was an Eastern Gray Squirrel with a gorgeous rufous belly but I have a whole video of that one which I'll be showing at another time. 

So for my best shot of the day, I picked a new visitor to our farm - a White-breasted Nuthatch. According to my iBirdCanada app, this bird is a year round resident of these parts, however, it only stayed for a day and a half and then was gone. Since it likes the woody areas, I don't think our shelterbelt held enough trees for its liking. 

White-breasted Nuthatch, Montmartre, SK April 15, 2016. Photo by Anita Mae Draper

I hope you enjoyed these images of Saskatchewan flora and fauna. More coming soon...

Wildlife Watching - Meadowlark and Butterfly

This edition of Battle of the Birds and other Wildlife shows images taken by Nelson and me on April 14, 2016.

My best photo of the day was this Milbert's Tortoiseshell Butterfly who rested on our front patio for awhile.

Milbert's Tortoiseshell Butterfly, Montmartre, SK, April 14, 2016.
Photo credit Anita Mae Draper

Next up is Nelson's Western Meadowlark in its most classic pose.

Western Meadowlark, Southeastern Saskatchewan, April 14, 2016. 

Photo Credit Nelson Draper

Nelson did such a good job with that photo, didn't he?

The Western Meadowlark is one of my favorite birds and since it has the reputation of being a storyteller, I've adopted it as the icon for my writing. You'll see the following header throughout my website, as well as displayed on the 5th of every month when I appear on the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog:

www.anitamaedraper.com header

I also used a photo of a Western Meadowlark on my Facebook header last year when I announced that one of my stories was a finalist for the 2015 Word Awards. However, as you can see, my photo doesn't compare in quality to the one Nelson took above.

2015 Facebook header for Anita Mae Draper

I hope you enjoyed these photos of Saskatchewan wildlife. More coming soon.

Battle of the Birds and Other Wildlife

After an almost snow-free winter where the only wildlife seemed to be common house sparrows, also called English Sparrows, it's wonderful to see all the birds and animals return.

I spend time every day taking photos of anything that catches my eye and so when Nelson Draper wanted a good camera to use on his daily travels, I gave him my Nikon P500 to see if he liked it. I had upgraded to a Nikon P520 and really like the hybrid camera with it's long zoom, but without the need to carry around extra lenses.

And now we're getting into a nightly ritual of comparing the photos we've taken throughout the day.

Here's the best of our shots for April 13th:

Common Snipe, Southeast Saskatchewan, Apr 13, 2016. Photo by Nelson Draper

My best shot was actually a video of a Long-tailed weasel who had come poking around our yard. Here's the screenshot of it followed by the actual video:

Long-tailed Weasel, Montmartre, SK, Apr 13, 2016.
Photo by Anita Mae Draper

The video is silent because I was shooting through the picture-window of my living room. Yes... it came right into our yard.

I'll be posting more photos and video as soon as I can. Please enjoy this brief glimpse into Saskatchewan wildlife.

Evening Walk Photos: April 8, 2015

Red-Winged Blackbird, South of Montmartre, SK, April 8, 2015

Now that winter is over and the warmer weather has returned, Nelson and I have started taking a walk in the evenings. Not far, but down our country road where we stop and listen to the migrating birds and I try to capture them to share with those who may not get to experience the prairie as we do. 

The top photo is a red-winged blackbird who sat atop the wolf willows at the end of our driveway. It seems he's claimed his territory since he sat there alone singing in an attempt to attract the attention of any nearby females. He paused his singing as we passed, but continued as we turned onto the main road. 

Canada Geese Pair in Flight, South of Montmartre, SK, April 8, 2015

Our attention was drawn to a pair of low-flying Canada geese who were preparing to land in the nearby slough. I tried to film their landing because I love the way their feet come out as if they're stepping on the brakes, but it happened so fast, I missed it.

Snow Geese in Flight, South of Montmartre, SK, April 8, 2015

The air was filled with honking snow geese, except as soon as they spotted us on that empty road, they quieted and silently arced around us before continuing on their path. Incredible.

Canada Geese Pair, South of Montmartre, SK, April 8, 2015

While passing our dugout, I heard a Canada goose loudly honking its presence, but couldn't see it so I waited. Seconds later, a pair swam into the middle reminding me of the swan photos I took last summer. I don't know if this Canada Geese pair are in migration or will nest for the summer, but they're welcome to stay.

Country Road, South of Montmartre, SK, April 8, 2015

We headed home, noting that the spring runoff had lowered considerably. In a few weeks this quiet stretch of road will be filled with sounds of grain trucks and tractors pulling augers and seeders as the farmers return to plant their crops.

Back To Normal... Almost

It's August and things are almost back to normal after putting 5200 kms/3200 miles on my vehicle during a 10 day stretch in July which included:

July 12: JJ and I headed west, stopped at Fort Walsh in the Cypress Hills, SK.

July 13: Drove to Calgary, AB to spend time with Jessica.

July 16: Jessica, JJ and I drove back to the farm.

July 17 am: Nelson and the kids went to church where they led worship with JJ working the sound. Meanwhile, I picked up Crystal at Regina airport.

pm: Crystal and I joined the family at church where she spent a few mins with her dad, then the kids and I headed east to Thunder Bay. Nick shared the driving.

Jul 18-21: Spent 4 days in Thunder Bay with Grandma Mary and Grandpa Torsti including a family meal at Hoito's with Uncle Paul and cousin Nancy.

While in Thunder Bay we enjoyed a birthday celebration at the Prince Arthur Hotel with Grandpa Bill and Grandma Judy.

We also drove out to the Amethyst Mine Panorama for exercise and pretty purple rocks. :)

July 21: Dropped Crystal off at Thunder Bay airport for flight back to Vancouver, BC

July 22: Drove 3 kids back to farm, again with Nick sharing driving

July 23 am: Arrived exhausted, run-down with sore throat, stuffy nose, et al, but content. Van still in relatively good shape.

pm: Nick left for the Street Invaders Team boot camp in Eston, SK prior to his departure to South Africa.

July 24: Jessica left for job as counsellor at Circle Square Ranch, Wolf Creek, SK.

July 30: Picked Jessica up at the ranch.

July 31: Drove Jessica to Regina airport for flight back to Calgary, AB.

Aug 1: Nick landed in Cape Town, South Africa. Please pray for him and the mission team.

So, the girls have gone back to their homes, but Nick won't be back until mid-Aug.

And that's how my summer's been so far.


How about you?