So... I have not kept up as well with updating on my Walk for Wildlife as I had last year. Sorry! Things have been pretty busy in my personal life as I have been trying to get settled in my new home. I will also admit, with great disappointment, unlike last year I have not been able to get out everyday to capture wildlife looking amazing. I have done my best to get out at least half of the week, but unfortunately I have been missing days. So the photos you are seeing in this blog post are taken during that time. I am still sharing one photograph for each day of the walk, but some of these may have been taken on the same day since I was unable to capture any great wildlife photographs on the remaining days. It has been approximately a month since I have last posted on the walk, and lots has still happened to me. There have been an abundance of opportunities for me to catch multiple bird species this year and I have been truly thankful for it. While taking a walk in one of my favorite places in the Qu'Appelle Valley I was able to capture my first ever Wood Duck. It stunned me with it's beauty, and I am over the top glad I was there to be able to capture it. It is such a stunning duck, and is often seen as North America's most beautiful waterfowl. One of the reasons I was so happy to capture it was due to the fact it is rarely seen on the prairies. I couldn't be happier that Mother Nature afforded me this opportunity to capture such an amazing animal. The theme this year for the Walk for Wildlife is all about "Wild Migrations", and mother nature has delivered many feathered migratory animals to appreciate. This walk for me is becoming known to myself as the "Year I Walked With Birds". You can see it by how many feathered friends are the main points to my pictures. This year was also the year I had a Downy Woodpecker decide to "wake me up" to capture a sunrise (photo below; read about it here). It has been a magical winged adventure this spring. Between all the feathers I have managed to see some animals of the furry variety. I did manage to spot river otters again this year, but was unable to capture an appropriate picture of the cuties swimming. The deer this year have not been as cooperative for pictures as the blessed abundance of forage has not left them clinging to forest edges unlike last year's harsh winter, and snowy spring. Though it has made my job difficult to capture them I prefer the challenge knowing that this year Mother Nature may be giving them a rest, and providing them with a year they can truly recover their numbers in. All in all, I am very thankful for everything I have had the chance to enjoy in the limited time I have gotten to enjoy them. I am thankful for those that in their wisdom have protected the lands that I have used to capture the photographs I have. I can't wait to see what will come out in my last two weeks of the walk. Bring it on Mother Nature! I can't wait to see what you have for me... I am listening. ^ Why it is always good to listen when Mother Nature comes calling in the form of a Downy Woodpecker. 2015 Walk for Wildlife
The Challenge: Walk everyday from April 10 to May 31 to capture nature & wildlife looking excellent. The Reason: To participate in the Canadian Wildlife Federations Walk for Wildlife & raise money to help support species at risk in Canada. Any money gained from my top photographs will go to a Saskatchewan group that is working to help protect Species At Risk in Canada. This year's theme is "Wild Migrations", and I will do my best to capture species making their migration back to the prairies this spring. Thank you for *your* support. I hope you enjoyed seeing the photographs from my last 28 days of the walk!
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So I just had to say this... I think... I think.... Spring is finally here! I am so excited, and so very pleasantly surprised as it came a whole lot quicker this year. This winter had a case of the milds and truly I did not mind that one bit. March came in, and I watched as the first day of spring by the calendar actually LOOKED like a the first day of spring! I was a very happy woman. Though throughout the month of March, and up to pretty much a little over a week ago we were still experiencing bouts of snow. This snow would come just when I thought we had finally seen the last of it, but it didn't last long... sometimes less than a day. The snow hung around tightly as it could this year not wanting to give up its spot on the prairies. In all the dark places where the suns warmth could not hit you could find it and its accomplice, ice. Though go it did as the warm spring sun found its way to thaw the winter world, and wash the prairies with its warmth. The golden color of the sun made this springs welcoming sparkle on the landscape, and made one feel warm even if the wind blew cold. Spring in all her beautiful glory has been here I dare say a month, and it looks like she is truly here to stay... if I jinx this snow-less run I apologize already for getting prematurely excited. The skies have been so welcoming with their warmth, and down below everywhere the light touches it brings that spring in a little stronger. The landscape is still quiet though as it is awaiting that first spring rain to help wake up the fresh greens for the year. In some spots I have been blessed to find the first sightings of this years green, and I can't wait for it to take over the landscape again. I explored every nook and cranny I could find as I watched the snow disappear. I even found myself out on the Trans Canada Trail this spring in a spot I haven't visited for a couple of years. It was there I found the Easter Bunny! The Easter Bunny was quick though, and I was unable to ask it for it's picture. I was able to capture the beauty of the whitetail deer coming down to enjoy the spring sun. However, even they showed me their tail pretty quickly and bobbed back up into the hills. With the coming of spring also comes my 2015 Walk for Wildlife The Challenge: Walk everyday from April 10 to May 31 to capture nature & wildlife looking excellent. The Reason: To participate in the Canadian Wildlife Federations Walk for Wildlife & raise money to help support species at risk in Canada. Any money gained from my top photographs will go to a Saskatchewan group that is working to help protect Species At Risk in Canada. This year's theme is "Wild Migrations", and I will do my best to capture species making their migration back to the prairies this spring. Thank you for my support. I hope you enjoy the next 8 pictures from my first days of the walk! "On 20 December 2013, the Sixty-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim 3 March as World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora. The date is the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973, which plays an important role in ensuring that international trade does not threaten the species’ survival." March 3 is World Wildlife Day, and it is a day that is used to recognize the importance of wildlife. Wildlife is an important part of my life, and is one of my favorite things to photograph. I have decided to celebrate this day by sharing a few of my favorite wildlife photographs from the past year. It was a great year out, and it was a great growing opportunity for me. One of my goals is to become better at capturing wildlife, and sharing a bit more into the world of the many magnificent animals that are out there. I am an avid supporter of wildlife conservation, and am very proud of the multiple organizations that exist in Saskatchewan in this effort. I have been lucky to meet people, and be a part of some the great work that is being undertaken in our province to protect our wildlife (Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, Saskatchewan Provincial Parks, Nature Conservancy, Nature Saskatchewan, and Ducks Unlimited to name a few). Two major areas of work within the province of Saskatchewan to protect wildlife is in numerical counts, and habitat protection. Hunters, anglers, bird watchers, wildlife photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts in the province all play an important role in both methods. It is the money, and countless hours of personal time that help make sure our provincial wildlife populations are healthy. Agriculture has also taken on a role of becoming great partners to assist with the many programs. It has been through partnership that many great projects and habitat has been able to be protected. There are still wildlife populations in our province, and country, that need help and there will always be work to do as we figure out the right way to balance our lifestyles within our ecosystems. However, I am an optimist as due to my young age I now get benefit from the work of those before me as wildlife populations grow, and more habitat land is protected. The trick is to make sure the great work doesn’t stop and that we continue to do the best we can with the best available knowledge we have. One can learn more about Species At Risk within Canada by looking at the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as they are the major number holder. You can also visit Parks Canada website on Species at risk. “The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) determines the national status of wild Canadian species, subspecies, varieties or other designatable units that are suspected of being at risk of extinction or extirpation. COSEWIC uses a process based on science and Aboriginal or community knowledge to assess wildlife species at risk. All native mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, arthropods, molluscs, vascular plants, mosses and lichens are included in COSEWIC's current mandate.” To learn more about Saskatchewan’s Species At Risk you can visit Ministry of Environments Species at risk page, along with visiting the Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre website. The Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre is our provincial number. To find their species lists click here.
To learn more about Species at Risk, wildlife in general, and conservation work please visit: Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation Candian Wildlife Federation Nature Saskatchewan Parks Canada Nature Conservancy of Canada Ministry of Envrionment Canada Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre COSEWIC Ducks Unlimited Saskatchewan Provincial Parks Ministry of Envrionment Saskatchewan On May long weekend I found myself on the road, & I had my truck pointed west. I was on my way to big beautiful British Columbia for the weekend; a 5 day round trip. That traveling day out to B.C. was as interesting, as it was beautiful. The weather would change from rain, to sun, & there was even a tornado warning at one point. The sights I got to see on the way up were amazing, & the roads were quiet. Traveling on a Thursday of a long weekend is a brilliant idea. I stopped many times along HWY 16 to stop & take in some of my favorite sights. I was extremely thrilled when I found myself to be one of only a handful of travelers on the road while I passed through the Robson Valley & McBride country. The area around McBride, B.C. is hands down one of the most beautiful landscapes in British Columbia in my opinion. Every time I travel through my heart skips a beat, & my breathe catches at the beauty that is found in that valley. It was made special that day since I could drive slow & didn't have to keep up with traffic to go through, also I was enjoying the green scenery that Saskatchewan was severely lacking at that point in time. My final stopping point on the road that day was Prince George, B.C. to visit with a dear friend. Prince George welcomed me with one of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen while being there. I also got greeted with a good hug, & one very cuddly puppy. It felt great to be "home" again. On this visit I also got to capture a reining event, & watch as some talented riders (& horses) showed off their skills. It was an awesome weekend of capturing spins & big stops as rider & horse worked seamlessly together to complete the prescribed pattern. I also took some time to soak up the local beauty that is the Prince George region. I enjoyed some time down by the Fraser river, attempting to catch frogs. The only one caught was caught by a friend who handed it off to me however, my skills were not up to par. Later during the trip I took a tour of a local farm, & got to spend some time with some farm animals that completely stole my heart. I have to admit that I was sad to leave that beautiful country side, in all its green glory, so soon. The trip home I made sure to soak up as much of that wet, green scenery I could while I prayed that Saskatchewan would greet me with the same site. As always, on the drive up & drive home, Jasper National Park provided an excellent break to the trip as I got to take in the sights of the mountains & wildlife.
I will admit though I was happy to be home when I arrived back at my real home. The province of Saskatchewan will always be my soul mate, & even though I love to travel, I do love coming home. When I arrived home I guess Mother Nature heard my prayers, & Saskatchewan was happy to have me back, because when I came home I found fresh green leaves, & a beautiful sunset to welcome me home. The Challenge: Walk everyday from April 6 to May 22, and capture nature & wildlife looking excellent. The Reason: To participate in the Canadian Wildlife Federations Walk for Wildlife & raise money to help support species at risk in Canada. Find my donation page here. The last two weeks of my walk were amazing as I watched spring fully take hold on the landscape. Things were greening up, buds were forming, all sorts of birds were chirping, & I even got to see my prairie crocuses this year. Finding them was a bit of a adventure as I kept trying new places, as all the previous places I went to came up with none. Finding them ended up leading me to my new favorite picnic spot that I am excited to use plenty of times on the nicer days. They were on a beautiful flat hill top that gave a gorgeous view of the valley. The birds were very active as they were out finding nests, & the sun was a little bit warmer each day. It was beautiful getting out to see all that Saskatchewan has to offer a person in Spring. I found new spots as I explored some of the beauty I didn't know that was hidden in my own backyard. I also went back to appreciate some old spots, and even finished the walk at the same location I started it at. Fresh new plants, Ruddy ducks, and Sunsets were some of my favorite parts of the two and half weeks. The deer at this point were now full from spring feeding, and a lot more frisky on the landscape. With their bellies now full, and food sources plentiful, they now made sure to dash at a moments notice. As the deer were running away there were some other new residents I got to experience in the valley. I got to experience my very first set of Saskatchewan River Otters! I also was able to get my first decent photograph of some resident turkey vultures. They apparently don't listen to signs, & hunt where they please. The last two weeks of the walk were amazing as they showed me spring in her true colors. The area opened up beautifully just like the crocus I had seen on that hill top. There was so many amazing things to see, both wild & agricultural on the local landscape. Times that I will forever remember for their beauty, and the re-wilding of my heart after a long hibernation indoors this past winter. I am so glad to participate in this walk. I can't wait for next years.
*Side Note: My May long weekend also provided an excellent opportunity to take my walk outside of Saskatchewan. That post will be a separate one as I tell of my 5 day whirlwind trip to British Columbia. The Challenge: Walk everyday from April 6 to May 22, and capture nature & wildlife looking excellent. The Reason: To participate in the Canadian Wildlife Federations Walk for Wildlife & raise money to help support species at risk in Canada. Find my donation page here. Preface: I am almost 2 weeks late on posting this update and I apologize (I have been pretty diligent about posting a picture a day to help track the walk on my tumblr page though on a positive note!). The fourth week of my walk for wildlife, and things started out a little rainy then turned a little snowy. The snow was wet, and dense, covering the landscape in a slushy white mess. It was to my delight that the snow disappeared by the following afternoon. I walked to work the morning after the snow came in winter boots through the snow. I left work a few hours later in the warm spring sun, with no snow around, and feeling really out of place with my boots. Out of place, and very happy that the snow was gone with the bright warm sun shining. Every week I hope that the snow that falls will be that last bit of snow for the year. Every week so far we keep getting more. However, with this being the last week of April one can only assume that with May next week this last 24 hour showing of snow will truly be this year's last. With the snow melting its winter partner, ice, was also melting with it. As I examined the lake surfaces I could see that the ice was starting to let go of the lake. The lakes were finally being freed from their winter entrapment, and getting a breath of fresh air. The water was crisp, but still made me want to walk in. It was so beautiful to see the water shimmer from the sun in the ice free patches. I am sure the lakes were happy to finally join their river friends in throwing off their ice cover. The ice has been off the river for a little while now with water flowing freely. Though the week started of cold and wet, with weather I am sure even the ducks weren't enjoying, the weather changed. It quickly turned the opposite way as the sun felt a bit warmer, shone a bit brighter, and I started to see the trees trying to get their green out. In between the death of last year you could find the rebirth of Mother Nature this year. It was a glorious sight to know that things were indeed going to turn green soon. And turn green Mother Nature did. She light up the night sky that week with a show of green, so gentle and so sweet. To watch the green lights dance across the sky while the evening wasn't so cold to scare you into the house was an amazing moment. The green washed across the sky, and made me even more excited for the green that was to wash the landscape in the near future. Each day I was out this week, be it during the night or during the day, the amazing spring season never stopped surprising me. Though the landscape looks a little drab at the moment, in its yellows and browns, I know that soon the landscape will be covered in green. I check the trees buds each day and see them developing more and more. Soon our deciduous trees will burst forth with those leaves. The grass keeps trying to grow through the old growth, and soon it will. Everything is alive, and busy, out on that landscape. Getting cleaned up, and getting ready to put on their summer's best. I will close this blog entry with a couple shots I took of some Sandhill Cranes while out on my walk. I was blessed for a second time that when I made the choice to take the road less traveled these wonderful birds would be spotted. This time I was lucky enough to see them approach over the trees, and fly freely through the wind scoping out the landscape below them. It is said that when a Crane enters your life they bring a message of good-tidings. If you see them flying they are encouraging you to lift your eyes skies to remind you to keep your spirit lifted and inspiring you to trust in the universe. Well these two definitely gave me a inspiring sight to behold. I am going to say they have been showing up in my life as a sign to keep reminding me that good things await me on the road less traveled. May these pictures lift your spirit as much as the sight of them lifts mine. May they also bring you good luck in your upcoming week!
The Challenge: Walk everyday from April 6 to May 22, and capture nature & wildlife looking excellent. The Reason: To participate in the Canadian Wildlife Federations Walk for Wildlife & raise money to help support species at risk in Canada. Find my donation page here Preface: I am almost 2 weeks late on posting this update and I apologize (I have been pretty diligent about posting a picture a day to help track the walk on my tumblr page though on a positive note!). The third week of my walk for wildlife found me with a little less snow, and more of a spring time feeling. The week started out with a great opportunity to catch some glances at some bison. Though these were tame, and not "wild", but one can only hope to catch these creatures as such when they have been removed from the prairie landscape. Every time I see them I think how amazing it would be to catch the sight these creatures out free on the landscape, like I do with so much of our other native wildlife. This weeks walks were made special since on the Tuesday of this week it was also Earth Day! I wrote a special day only post about it here. It was great to get out, walk and enjoy nature at its finest on such a celebrated say. I got to see so much that day! I thoroughly enjoyed walking down on the river bank, and seeing a new part of the Qu'Appelle River. Much of the week was spent along the river as possible as each day felt more like spring. I started seeing more and more water life as the ducks were coming back in more and more numbers. Life along the river was waking up more each time I took my walk down by it. The sound of the water in the river, and the splashing, were very comforting to hear. I also got the very pleasant surprise of finding some fresh and fuzzy willow buds! One of the signs that spring is truly in full season mode, and I was very glad to have found them. They are probably one of my favorite things to find in the spring, and I love taking the sight of them in since they are only here for a short while. They are spring only occurrence, and one I love seeing every spring. Another sign of spring during that week was that we finally got our first true Spring Rain. No snow occurred with it. Just grey clouds, humid air, and the gentle drops of cool spring rain. To me, this was Mother Nature's way of saying Spring is truly here. I enjoyed it so much that I actually put on my rubber boots, and took some time to go and explore while the rain fell. At the end of the week while spending time in an area of the river that I know, but haven't spent time down for a while, I found something else I love to see. A busy beaver at work. Beavers are one of my favorite water mammals, and water engineers. I find them to be very cute, and the work they do on trees & building water structures to be very impressive. The patterns that are left by their chew marks on trees is always something I stop to take in. If I could have a table with wood accents of beaver chew marks I would.
The weather was dreary all week with heavy grey clouds. This, however, was something I enjoyed. The clouds give the landscape such character, and I know they bring rain that is going to turn the landscape from yellow & brown, to green & bright. Welcome back Spring! I look foreword to spending the few short weeks I get to spend with you, and your awakening of the landscape. Welcome out of the transition period, and into your own full beauty. The Challenge: Walk everyday from April 6 to May 22, and capture nature & wildlife looking excellent. The Reason: To participate in the Canadian Wildlife Federations Walk for Wildlife & raise money to help support species at risk in Canada. Find my donation page here Preface: I am almost 2 weeks late on posting this update and I apologize (I have been pretty diligent about posting a picture a day to help track the walk on my tumblr page though on a positive note!). The second week of my walk for wildlife went beautifully. Though it started off with some snow left from the previous week it gave me a sunset on that first day that I couldn't help but fall in love with on the way home. After that the week was a bit nicer, and the beginning of the week started off with some very gorgeous setting sun moments in the valley that I spent watching the whitetail deer explore the valley hills. Then just as quickly as the warming sun, and the feel of spring's warmth came in it disappeared again mid-week. In true Saskatchewan spring fashion Mother Nature gave us a reminder of the type of precipitation we were leaving behind. The middle of April brought us some wet snow, however with the temperatures still warm it wasn't that bad. While exploring new places I was blessed with the chance to get see some Sandhill Cranes that were bedded down to wait out the snow and weather. A faithful reminder from powers at be that taking the road less traveled is always rewarding. They looked amazing, but as I tried to inch closer and closer they eventually decided to pack up and fly to a new spot. In truth, the snow looked quite pretty on the landscape. That may be due to my knowledge of knowing it was not here to stay. The week progressively got warmer after that. The last bit of ice in sloughs, and ditches, was melting away and water was running even faster. Things were looking nice and warm again in the sun setting light. As the week ended of course Mother Nature had the last laugh, as again she dropped a pile of snow on us. This snow was not as friendly as the previous snow. This snow dropped with force, and came down with the force of winter's storm. It buried the landscape, and reminded us all of the season we were trying desperately to leave behind. I can only hope that this is the last storm of this kind, and with the fact we are now coming into the last two weeks of April that I hope Mother Nature thinks the same thing.
The Challenge: Walk everyday from April 6 to May 22, and capture nature & wildlife looking excellent. The Reason: To participate in the Canadian Wildlife Federations Walk for Wildlife & raise money to help support species at risk in Canada. Find my donation page here Preface: I am almost 2 weeks late on posting this update and I apologize (I have been pretty diligent about posting a picture a day to help track the walk on my tumblr page though on a positive note!). The first week is all wrapped up, and I will say it has been an amazing one. It was fantastic to get out, and be able to watch spring blow into the valley bright & warm. I got to see water running off the landscape while the snow disappeared with beautiful Canadian Geese were flying above. An all round perfect way to spend my April welcoming in spring. Each day I was out more snow was gone, and the river began to open up more and more. The sunlight warmed the valley bottom, and brought out some very friendly deer. The first day of my walk I was stunned to see all the geese & deer that I did see moving around that day. It was a beautifully warm day, and I guess everything was as excited to get moving in the spring sun as I was. As days of the week passed I was impressed by how much the valley had changed in such a short time. When spring comes in, she comes in fast! I couldn't resist myself and decided to play in some o the running water I had found... though it may have been a smarter option to do this in my rubber boots rather than the hiking shoes I was wearing. There are two things that always strike me as the most beautiful things of spring:
This has been one of the most rewarding challenges I have done in a long time. It has helped me in so many ways, and all these reasons have to do with getting out daily with nature. To take in these sites every day is to watch as nature "changes". As a rule I do spend a lot of time out in nature, but I haven't spent such consistent time out in nature during a seasonal change quite like this. I suppose that is the one benefit to being done school. I can't wait to spend many more days out in nature like this year round. Spring is such an amazing time of year. All the rebirth on the landscape, and the rebirth that occurs within myself. It is such a positive time of year. This week was no exception to that rule. Each day was amazing, and I was lucky enough not to experience a truly dreary day till the end of the week. But the rain that falls on the landscape in spring is so refreshing.
Everything about spring makes my soul soar with excitement. It makes my soul feel as free as the birds enjoying breeze. |
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