Bald Eagle

 The holiday season is around the corner and depending on the area you live in, Christmas Bird Count time is here. For us in the Bow Valley, it will be Saturday, December 17, 2016, click over to "bowvalleynaturalists.org" for more info.. It a great way to spend time, listening and seeing birds that call the Bow Valley home in the winter and the occasional rare guest that has decided to stick around for the winter instead of flying somewhere warm. Some Bald Eagles were still around few weeks back, when it seemed winter was long off. Now we are in full winter mode, but still a chance one or two eagles will be spotted. But Christmas Bird Count is more then just about spotting birds, it's a great way spend time with others and connect with nature around us. 

Until next moment,

Amar

Moose

Winter is here in force, it was a clear morning but by the time I came across this female moose, snow was falling. I played it safe, keeping my distance while trying to get a picture of her through the shrubs and the falling snow. After she had a look at me, she went on eating.

Until next moment,

Amar

Mount Rundle and a Snow Goose

For several days we had a rare sight in Banff National Park, a Snow Goose. A not so shy juvenile Snow Goose that was spotted in the water near the shore and on land eating away. In most cases the snow geese fly south around the park, but for some reason this one decided to land in Banff and hang out. It was spotted with blood behind its head, no one is sure what the cause was. When I saw it one morning, it seem to be in good health, it was very busy eating on land. One night I arrived to its original location from where I heard it had moved on. From the lights of my car I could see no sign of any waterfowls or hear any. Thinking I was along, with light on my head I made my way next to the open water. I took several 30 second exposures, when I noticed on the rear screen of the camera some dark object in the water. After I zoomed in I realized the Snow Goose was back, resting safely in the water for the night. After confirming with my headlight, it was time for me to move on.

Until next moment,

Amar

Mount Rundle

We have been seing beautiful sunrises the last number of weeks along Vermilion Lakes, this was one of them. I always look for a different place to take the picture from, not always possible. But this time it worked out. Sunrises are little more special when there is a reflection in the water.

Until next moment,

Amar

Mount Chephren

 It looks like a another warm winter, compare to what they used to be like. When I took this picture of Mount Chephren, it was a cold morning, everything covered with snow except for the running Mistaya River. But few weeks later the area looked like spring had arrived and then few more weeks  it was back to winter.I grew up experiencing cold winters and when I moved to the mountains, just meant more layers needed to enjoy the winter.  It's also lot easier moving over frozen water during cold winters, for now my winter exploring has been limited. If you have not figured it out yet, I'm bit outside the norm, like my winter full of snow and cold air to keep it light and fluffy. I just eat lot of chocolate when I want to connect with others. 

Until next moment, 

Amar

Northern Hawk Owl

I was making my way home toward the end of the day, when from the side of my eye I saw this Northern Hawk Owl perched on top of a tree. It seems to be passing through, I don't often see this or any other owls in the area. I was able get few of its picture before leaving it in the area.

Until next moment,

Amar

Mount Rundle

One year I would like to take a picture of Mount Rundle every day and then watch the slideshow. This mountain has so many looks.

Until next moment,

Amar

Red Fox

There is no secret to seeing wildlife, as I have said many times, you just have to get out. The formula is simple, the more you go out the more you will see. You can have the "best" camera in the world and read everything written about wildlife, you will still have to get out to see them. Since the first time I saw a red fox in Banff National Park from a distance, getting an okay picture. I kept hoping I will came across one again one day, this year it all came together. Getting several chances, including one few weeks back, when I was able get this close-up.

Until next moment,

Amar

Castle Mtn

Castle Mountain is one of the popular mountain to take pictures of, and I have many times. It's a mountain that stands out from other, due to where it's located, particurally viewing it from the East.  With some fresh snow on the mountain, providing nice contrast, and with sky opening up I just had to take its picture.

Until next moment,

Amar

Mount Rundle

Lot easier heading for work in the morning when there is a chance to come across this type of  view. The Bow River is across my way when heading for work, the conditions were such, the sky was set to light up. I had plenty of time before work started, so I stopped along the river to take few pictures.

Until next moment,

Amar

Moon

This Monday full moon will be rising, or in this case a supermoon. The difference, a supermoon is when a full moon or a new moon makes its closest approach to Earth on its elliptical orbit. A another additional bonus for this Monday,  the Moon will be closest to the Earth since 1948. On November 14 the Moon will be 30 percent brighter and 14 percent bigger than the regular full moon. If you don't live in the mountains, it will even look more impressive when it rises over the horizon, the visual moon effect at its best. For those of us in the mountains, we will have to wait bit longer as it makes its way above the peaks on Monday. 

Until next moment, 

Amar

Red Fox

A red fox making its way through the valley. Even though the cold weather is taking its time, it had its winter coat on. I watched it for a few minutes, it stopped couple of times to have a snack along the way.

Until next moment,

Amar

Fairholme Range

At the end of the day, light peaked through the clouds and lit up top of the mountains and a cloud just above them and all was reflected in the calm water.

Until next moment,

Amar

Bald Eagle

I was driving when I noticed a juvenile Bald Eagle, perched on top of a dead douglas fir. I quickly decided I would turn around at the next opportune location and see if I could get in a position to get the picture of the eagle without scaring it away. I thought I had a good chance, large birds tend to perch for a long period of time, this one was perched near a pull-off, where people were moving around, the bird was not too shy. But my main reason trying to get this picture, the tree base was located below the road, giving me an opportunity to get the picture having the camera at the eye level of the Bald Eagle. Not always easy with wildlife. Took me about ten minutes to get back to the pull-off and another fifteen minutes to get close enough to get the picture and to leave the bird enjoying the view.

Until next moment,

Amar

Red Squirrel

The larger fauna tend to get most of the attention compared to the small. If they are small and common, even less. The red squirrels fall in the later camp, they are found across Canada, often the only mammal spotted or heard during hikes. Occasionally they come across fame when they or their cousins photobomb visitors photos. But for most part they go about their business when not concerned about being on the dinner plate of many predators who find them tasty. They are found year around, except when they are staying warm underground during cold days. Since I see them so often, I always wait to get their pictures when they stand out. That was they case few weeks back, while walking through the forest.

Until next moment,

Amar

Red Fox

I was making my way down the trail, when  looked ahead in an open area. There, was a fox hunting for food, I stopped and got my camera out, while the fox stopped to look at me. Pausing for only few seconds before it continued hunting. I did not move any closer, kept taking pictures until it was out of sight. Then it was time for me to exit the area.

Until next moment,

Amar

Cascade Mountain

When your home is in a beautiful national park, you don't have far to see the beauty.  It had been snowing on the mountains and raining in the valley. I woke up to overcast weather and low clouds moving through the valley, soon with the rising sun things started to clear. I left home early, to make my way to work and having enough time in hand in case I needed to stop to take pictures. The sunlight was now lighting up the fall colours in the Central Park. Having my gear in the back-pack, within few minutes only few hundred meters from home,  I got  busy taking pictures. Home sweet home.

Until next moment,

Amar

Mount Chephren

Parts of Banff National Park are already looking like winter has arrived then other places. Here are part of Waputik Mountains under the snow.

Until next moment,

Amar

Sunset

 It's never just about the picture, I get out to enjoy nature and occasionally I come back with an interesting image. When I was out last month, I just wanted to get out and explore the trails, after the hike I was driving  by a small lake next to the road, noticed the water was calm and about half an hour away from a possible bright  sunset. So I found a place away from the road, sat down on a rock and took in the surroundings. I could hear few birds on the opposite side of the lake and near me  insects were busy on ground and on the water. Time quickly passed, when I noticed a little bit of red in the clouds. Few  minutes later the clouds were on fire. For about ten minutes I got to watch a beautiful sunset and take pictures along the way. A good ending to the day. 

Until next moment, 

Amar

Mount Rundle

For over a day rain and snow was falling from the sky and the mountains were hiding in the clouds. Then one evening the clouds started to move out before the sun left for the day. It was not until next morning Mount Rundle was fully visible, but enough was exposed that evening to see it covered with new snow.

Until next moment,

Amar