Evening Grosbeak female

On 20 May 2017, part of the morning was spent with friends at our mutual friend, Barb's, acreage, SW of Calgary, enjoying the variety of birds that visit her property. Thanks so much, Barb, as always, for letting us visit you. Such a joy to see birds like the handsome male Rose-breasted Grosbeak and the Evening Grosbeaks. The Evening Grosbeak in this photo is a female and, though I prefer not to have a metal fence setting, I thought this was quite a nice pose.

We then drove the various roads SW of the city, as far south as Turner Valley, hoping to see a few birds. Beautiful scenery in the whole area. In Turner Valley, we called in to see another mutual friend and watch the birds that visited her tiny, but beautifully and thoughtfully designed, back deck. Thanks so much for having us, Jackie - and for the most welcome coffee! - especially at such very short notice!

On my way home from this enjoyable day out, I drove a few back roads, looking for any Mountain Bluebirds. Not much luck, though I did see one pair close to their nest box.