Barred Owl

A photo taken indoors and through glass, of an injured Barred Owl at the Medicine River Wildlife Centre on July 24th. We were privileged to be be allowed to explore and botanize the land around the Centre - thanks so much, Carol and Judy! I love the eyes of the Barred owl - like huge, deep, dark pools.

Forgot to add that I was posting my "daily three" very early this morning (around 6:15 a.m. I think), as I was going on a full day botanizing trip to Arethusa Cirque, Kananaskis, today. The little bit I had been able to find on this hike said that it was easy with not all that much elevation. Well, we were standing at 8,000' by the time we had scaled the very steep mountain side. Most of the climb was steeply upwards which meant that if I wanted to take flower photos, it was a case of trying to balance on a steep slope with an almighty drop below (so I took far fewer photos today than I normally would, ha). I am not good at heights, so did my best to avoid looking "down" during the whole climb up. Also not good at any trail that goes upwards instead of along the flat. Lol, I never thought I'd reach the top, but amazingly I did - and, oh, what magnificent views!!! This hike is just north of the Ptarmigan Cirque hike and parts of it were quite similar, except that Arethusa Cirque trail is up, up, up the whole way. Still, the views were simply breath-taking : ) Weather was perfect, no Grizzly Bears appeared, and the company was great. Only six of us went, so it was a nice, small group. Can't remember offhand, but I know we saw one new plant - a tiny blue Gentian with the most exquisite blue flower (but can't remember the name just now). What a way to spend the day! Thanks so much, David, for sharing this new place with us and thanks, too, for the welcome treat of coffee at Highwood House. Just what was needed : )