What's is store? August 16, 2025

Before heading out the door this morning to be "out & about", I had a few things to accomplish first.  One of those things was to lay blobs of paint on paper.  You see, I joined an online group of painters where there is a weekly challenge offered.  You complete the challenge then share your creation with the group.  A random draw takes place at the end of the week and a prize is presented. The challenge this week is to place blobs of paint on paper and then make something of it.  It's called blob art! These are my blobs!  Stay tuned for "what's in store" for them!

I was last at Carburn Park for birding on May 22, 2025.  It was a happening place with spring fling amongst wildlife in full swing.  Fast forward to today and this is my first time back there since May 22nd.  I was so curious as to "what's in store" for me on this visit.  I knew I would not be photographing birds, that will come once I can carry my big camera again.  It would be time to watch and listen to the birds and admire the scenery.  

I aimed for the trail beside the river where I very quickly found out, this would not be a morning to be standing around.  The bugs were bad!  I did stop long enough to take a photo with my iPhone and then quickly moved along.   

I could not resist admiring the early morning shades and reflections.  

With all the rain Calgary had this summer, not only has it created ideal conditions for bugs to thrive but it's also been a breeding ground for mushrooms.  This one appeared to be on steroids, it was humungous.  I needed to get out of the woods and away from water to where I could walk free from bug swatting.

Further along the paved path, out in the open, I had a view across the river to where two Bald Eagles were perched on trees.  I could tell one was as adult and the other a juvenile.  I spoke with one of the guys who frequents the Park and he told me there are two juvenile Bald Eagles in the area.  I wonder which adults they belong to!  

It was much too warm to be wearing the long sleeves but they protected my arms from being bitten by bugs.  Green was the colour of the day and I blended in.  The moisture over the past couple of months made the park look like a lush rainforest, so healthy, alive and vibrant.

I have no  bird photos to share.  I did use Merlin to record what I was hearing so I could share what I did see.  These are just four of the many birds I did see.  Migration has started and as the days pass, fewer and fewer will be hanging out in the local parks.  Reports say this year's migration from Alberta to the south started early due to the unusual weather we have been experiencing.

Glad you stayed tuned! This was "what's in store" for those blobs of paint.  I am in my happy place when I am painting and I am also in my happy place anytime I am in the mountains.  I shared this with the others in the group.  I enjoyed seeing what the rest of the group had to share so far. I am already looking forward to "what's in store" for the next challenge.    

I made the most of my first visit back to Carburn Park and there will be many more down the road.  I look forward to late summer and early autumn days down there and to "what's in store" for me during those future visits.