back to the basics

Since returning from last week's trip to Victoria, British Columbia, I took one day off to unwind then settled back into the basics of living life in Calgary.  Being only one hour ahead of the west coast, there's no jet lag to deal with so getting back on track happens right away.  I already got back to walking, birding, painting, lunching, crocusing and knitting.  My initial intention was to leave knitting by the wayside until the end of the year when autumn then winter arrives and I would be spending more time back inside.  I am managing to find a little time to keep knitting in the mix.

  

knitting

With bears now coming out of hibernation, it's time to be vigilant when "out & about" in their territory.  There is no need for keeping your eyes peeled with this bear!  It measures about ten inches tall, is soft and cuddly, has no claws nor a growl.  This is my latest knitting project.  I had planned to donate it, but I have become attached to it!  Instead of using the called for stuffing stuff to stuff it. I used left over yarn from other projects.  I just started knitting a playmate for it which I will share here once it is complete. 

painting

The number of times I have seen a Pileated Woodpecker this birding season, surprises me.  This is the latest, I saw it at The Sanctuary on Monday.  It was pecking away on the log when I spotted it not long after arriving.  It was still there two hours later when I walked by again.  I have been eyeing my Pileated Woodpecker photos over the past while thinking I would like to paint one but it was this most recent photo that called out to me.  

Since returning from Victoria, I also painted this Anna's Hummingbird!  The number of this species that I saw while away surprised me!  I looked at all the Hummingbird photos I took, but there were none that were clear enough where the wings were open and the sun was casting the bright colours.  I found a tutorial and used the photo from it as a reference.  I will paint another but will use one of my photos as the reference.  

birding

Oh my gosh, spring is here and love is in the air, not only between the ducks and birds but between me and birding!  I am seeing lots of recent arrivals and that brings sheer joy.   On this visit to The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, I captured so many photos, for the sake of not overloading this blog post, I picked out my three favourites.  

male Common Goldeneye

Savannah Sparrow

Tree Swallow

crocusing

I thought it best to get out there crocus hunting before their season passes. The last time I went was just over a week ago.  What a difference a week makes.  I was surprised to see how many there were at Hanson Ranch.  They were there by the thousands!  It appears to be a crocus boom this year.  I did not take thousands of photos but I did take hundreds.  I picked out my favourites, then picked favourites from the favourites then I picked my three favourites from that group of favourites!  

birding

Heavens to Betsy!  What a walk at Creekside!  Between the creeks, the ponds, the swamps, the birding was fulfilling to the brim!  There is more ground to cover there, I will have to go back another time.  The many distractions on this visit kept my distance covered very short.  I had a challenge staying focused on one sight or one sound.  I did my best and enjoyed the experience.  I am sharing three photos even though there are lots of others that pop out at me.

Merlin 

female & male Horned Grebe

male Red-winged Blackbird

It's been busy times being back to the basics!