Black farm cat

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. This year, 2017, there will be no Count for Nanton. The person who organized this annual Count for seven years is no longer able to do it and, most unfortunately, no one else has stepped forward to take over. Mike, you did a wonderful job, which was greatly appreciated! Feel so sad, as this was my favourite Count each year and basically was my Christmas. Mike's parents have been amazing, always having some kind of breakfast ready for us and then, at the end of the day, preparing a delicious supper for everyone to thoroughly enjoy, while catching up with fellow birders and adding all the bird lists together. A truly delightful family. I absolutely love the area my small group of friends covered each year - in the SW quadrant of the Count circle - and I will miss this so much. Many of my favourite winter photos have been taken in this area on these Counts.

The Count for 2016 was held on 30 December. 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.

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. Including farm cats!

On the 2015 Count, the highlight for me was seeing Pine Grosbeaks nice and close. The 2016 Count, I think the highlights were the stunning winter scenery, and a Great Horned Owl.

I absolutely love this area SW of Nanton! Some of these back roads 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. The 2016 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!

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.

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! It's going to feel very different this year (2017), not seeing any of you, but I hope you know how much everyone appreciates all the enjoyment you have given to each and every birder the last few years.