Forgetmenot Pond and Area May 15, 2026

The plan for today had been earmarked since a way back when!  Well, in fact, no plan was necessary, it was just necessary to keep the day open to venture out to Forgetmenot Pond since May 15th is the date the gate opens each year. I arrived shortly before 8:00am to see the gate still closed with a dozen or so vehicles and trailers lined up. That was no doubt due to it being a Friday off a long weekend and the first day the campground was open. Instead of getting in the line, I used the time to go to the Beaver Ponds and have a stroll around. About twenty minutes later, I heard traffic so headed back to my vehicle. This was my view as I drove past the open gate down the long winding road to The Pond.   

Along the way I saw eight wild Mustangs, four together in one field and the other four in another field.  These are four of the eight. The first two photos are from one field, the third photo from the next field.  In the second photo, I will make a wild guess that she is expecting a baby sometime soon.  

One other vehicle pulled into the Pond's parking lot just ahead of me.  After donning my new Nordic jacket, a hat and gloves then grabbing my gear, I was off to see what I could see.  This was a wonderful looking, inviting tease!  There was only me and the other lady who was off in another area.  

There were no clear crisp reflections due to the slight breeze yet the view still took hold of my heart!

Nihahi Ridge with very little snow. When I left the Pond area and hiked along the trail, I met two guys who came along running. We chatted, their plan was to trail run Nihahi Ridge and then the Canyon.  I found early this evening, they had success.  

at times the breeze subsided long enough to capture reflections

leaving Forgetmenot Pond behind to explore along the Little Elbow Trail

Spotted Sandpiper

White-throated Sparrow

two  different species of Yellow-rumped Warblers

a few photos of the gorgeous views 

By the time I drove away from the area, so many others were already in the midst of or on their way there to create their own new memories. For days the new memories will be fresh then eventually they will become a bit faded but never faded so much that I will forget about my time at Forgetmenot Pond.   

Global Big Day May 9, 2026

For Global Big Day I visited none other than The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. Many other participants picked this place too, with lots opting for the very early start along with me. A beautiful day to be was evident as I rounded the corner aiming for the main trail.  

What also was evident was the swath of destruction caused by the wind storm that came through a few weeks ago while I was in Norway.  That wind storm left The Sanctuary more wide open, being able to see more and also hear more.  The Parks People cleared the debris off the trails and are still working to clean up the area.  

more evidence of a gorgeous day to be had

With today being all about the birds, of course I had to capture a photo of a Black-capped Chickadee which is the official bird of Calgary. I am not sure if its other leg is tucked up underneath or if this is the one-legged Chickadee that I was told about that resides here.  

Before truly getting into this Global Big Day, I wanted to check in on the Inglewood Bald Eagles. To get there, I had to cross this bridge.  I feel like I am taking my life in my hands when the Canada Goose is guarding the bridge.  This morning a Male Mallard was part of the guard.  Whew!  I made it across unscathed!  

When I arrived at the best location to see far across the River to the Bald Eagle's Nest, this is what I saw.  One adult was perched on the nest. I saw another Adult further down river sitting in a tree.  I watched for awhile but no little ones were to be seen.  

What little ones I did see though were half a dozen Goslings with their parents.  

Birding today was so much fun, chatting with the usual other birders I see here and also meeting new people. We shared what we saw, showed some photos, chatted about where we were from and also talked about our travels.  Between all the chats, I managed to still capture many photos.  I am sharing only a few.

three male Mallards

male & female Common Mergansers

 Yellow-rumped Warbler

White-crowned Sparrow

Red-winged Blackbird

Robin

Tree Swallow

male House Finch

I saw many other species and captured many more special seconds in time yet wishing to keep this post under control I opted to share just the few photos.  What I also want to share is that I did one more lap around the back of The Sanctuary to check in one more time on the Bald Eagle's nest.  This time this is what I saw!  My heart melted and my smile grew even wider!  I will be back another time to see if there could be a sibling. Best wishes little one! May you thrive and live your best life!

nature's beauty May 8, 2026

It's been nice enough to leave the windows open at night. If you choose to go that route, there is a price to pay. Yesterday morning it was at 3:48am, this morning it was 3:21am when Mother Nature's alarm clock went off, the Robins began to sing! There is beauty in their songs but not at that hour of the morning! I laid and listened!  

In addition to the new Eaglets at Carburn Park, I found out there was something else new there! This morning I went to investigate for myself, I will get to that a little later, for now the sight I wanted to see was Mom Bald Eagle and her two Eaglets. While walking there I got distracted! The golden hour was in full bloom, the reflections amazing! 

When I arrived up on the ridge and zoomed in across the pathway and far across the river to the tree top, this is what I saw.  This is full on zoom with a tiny bit of cropping.  I tried my best to balance myself against the chain link fence and rest my camera on top.  

one Eaglet is stretching its wings

Mom watching her Eaglets with much pride no doubt!

I was happy to have timed it right to see the Eaglets.  They are up and moving for only a few minutes at a time.  Once they settled back down, it was time to move on.  I had no idea where the other new sight to see was so I wandered all over enjoying everything else while on the search.

beauty in the flying precision of two White Pelicans

It took dozens of tries to finally get a photograph of this Yellow-rumped Warbler where I could see the yellow crown.  It took patience, lots of it, yet worth the time. There is much detail in nature's beauty, I don't know if this is a male or female, or what subspecies it is. 

a Beaver glistening in the morning light

There is no doubt with identifying a Song Sparrow!  

This male Common Merganser swan by while his lady friend was settled on the edge of a log.  I noticed the water droplet hanging from its bill when I checked the photo for crispness right after snapping it.  It was when I got home and looked closer that I saw the drop of water shows up in the reflection.  You can find beauty even in the tiniest of things if you look for it!  

a sleeping Red-necked Grebe

this depicts the beauty of a day with no wind

All the while, while walking, I was looking for that something else which was new! As I was about ready to call it a day by the time I arrived at the far south end of the Park, I finally found what I was looking for. There were three Goslings with their parents exploring amongst the rocks along the river's edge.  Just like the Eaglets, they represent new beginnings, hope, life.

As I aimed for my vehicle, I passed by the pond one more time to still see a lovely reflection yet in a whole different light.  There is beauty in nature so matter how you see it yet you need to be out there amongst it. Let it soothe your soul or heal your heart, it will be there for you no matter what!  

Note: The painting at the top of the post was created using this photo (from April 30th) as a reference.