Sharp-tailed Grouse - not my main photo!

Well, today, 20 January 2017, is certainly an historic day, not just for the US, but for the whole world! I watched every moment of the US Presidential Inauguration, until the luncheon - and then posted my photos for today : ) I was very impressed with everything I saw, especially the classy way in which President Donald Trump and Former President Barak Obama dealt with each other. I wish the new President all the best in his endeavours for the American people, and definitely wish the highly popular Obama family all the very best in their new life. Though I am Canadian, I will miss the Obamas, who set such an inspirational example of love of family and each other. A truly delightful family. Good luck, everyone! Good luck, America! Good luck, World!

Not the best photo, which is why I am not posting it as my main shot today, However, I was just so happy to see any Sharp-tailed Grouse that day, 30 December 2016, and this image gives an idea of the challenge of photographing these beautiful birds. At a different stop, I was lucky enough to get a closer shot of a single Grouse out in the open.

Some years, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the town of Nanton is held late in December. Other years, it ends up being held early January, sometimes delayed because of really bad weather. The Count for 2016 was held on 30 December. Nanton is roughly 98 km / 61 miles S of Calgary.

We drove through such beautiful scenery when we were covering the SW quadrant of the Christmas Bird Count circle that centered on the town of Nanton. A landscape over which the occasional Golden Eagle soars and in which, some years, numerous Sharp-tailed Grouse wander on the ground or perch in trees. Unfortunately, Sharp-tailed Grouse numbers are dwindling in Alberta.

Actually, there are not many chances to take photos of birds on many of these Counts, but those of you who know me well know that I love taking scenic shots, old barns, and anything else beautiful and/or interesting.

Last year, the highlight for me was seeing Pine Grosbeaks nice and close. This Count, I think the highlights were the stunning winter scenery, and a Great Horned Owl. The Sharp-tailed Grouse were also a treat. Exactly like on the Count two years ago (2014), there was a close Grouse just where we pulled into the same farmyard.

I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these backroads are extremely steep and almost look vertical when seen from a distance. Some years, the whole area is white, covered in deep snow, so that you can't tell where the roadside ends and the ditch begins. This Count, it wasn't too bad, thank goodness, though I might have felt differently if I had been one of the two drivers for our group of 7 people (in two cars)!

After driving (being driven, for me, which is always pure luxury) the backroads from about 8:00 a.m. till around 3:30 p.m., we returned to the wonderful home of the Truch family. Not only do Bill and Leah Truch and their son, Mike, always welcome everyone with open arms, they also provide a much-appreciated breakfast snack for us and then, at the end of the day, a delicious supper. Have to say that I love travelling these scenic backroads (though I've never driven them myself), but I also really enjoy getting together with everyone afterwards. This is one of my favourite Bird Counts, and perhaps the most favourite.

Thanks so much for doing all the driving, Tony and Andrew, and thanks, Leah, Bill and Mike for all the effort and time you put into your wonderfully warm welcome! It was another well-organized Count, Mike, as usual - thank you!