Sunny! Snowy!

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On this morning I went in search of what snow there is left in the city.  From various locations close to home, I could see some snow up on Nose Hill so made that my objective. I tried to pair that with catching the sunrise but I was a little lax getting out the door which made me late. Yet, I caught the afterglow as I started walking up the Hill.  

Where does the trail lead?

I followed it to find out! 

Along the way, I found snow formations!  

This was a hard crust of snow.

Along the way, I found a flock of crows!

This crow is calling out orders to its crew.

Along the way, I found a Northern Shrike!

See that bill?  This is a tiny bird of prey! 

I like following trails that have much to offer!

Many other sights were spotted along the way.  

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After my last post where I shared about the sketchbook I made from an old book, I returned to the basement to see what other books I had taking up space on the shelf.  This book was also one my Mother had.  It was published in 1924.  While doing homework on making sketchbooks from old books, I learned the paper that was made back then was great for applying watercolour paint to without it soaking through. That is the case even though the paper is thinner than today's watercolour paper.  Soooo.....

.....I flipped through the book and found this page! It's about a buttercup and a violet wondering whether they should go outside in the cold and snow and wind!  It is a sunny day and spring is in the air.  So.....

.....I carefully removed the page then painted a violet and a buttercup with watercolour!  

This is the back of the page! The paint does not show through nor did the paper ripple.  I am finding out that painting on old pages is a big thing in the artist community.  Even making new paper look like old pages is a popular pastime. 

I like the size of this story book!

I will work some magic with the cover, binding and pages!

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With the sun out along with a little snow still on the ground, I wandered around Carburn Park to see if the wildlife would be enjoying the conditions as much as I knew I would. It was a happening place on this morning. Between the geese, the ducks, the birds, the deer, the people, and of course the Bald Eagles, there was loads of entertainment.  Here are four of my favourite photos.

male and female Common Goldeneye 

male Common Merganser

male Redhead

The Carburn Bald Eagles were both very, very busy collecting material to build their nest.

I like when the sun shines on snowy days!

It brings out the best in everything and everyone!