Calgary Zoo 2

I don't usually post two bright flower photos in one batch, but today I NEED them, LOL! The wind is blowing harder this evening and the snow is blowing and drifting. After a two-hour walk this afternoon with a friend, in temperatures of -21C, -36C with windchill (-36F, -32.8F), I'm still trying to warm up, four hours later : ). Two pairs of "long-johns", a pair of polar fleece pants, thick sweater and a fleece jacket just don't seem to be enough, despite central heating - brrr.....! Must try and think happy thoughts of the warm, humid Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo and all the gorgeous flowers that are growing there.

Needed a nice bright flower photo to upload today! It is -21C (-36C with windchill) windy with blowing snow. Converted, that is -36F, with windchill of -32.8F. I don't plan on going ANYWHERE tomorrow and maybe not even Tuesday! I was out with a friend for a two-hour walk this afternoon - what WERE we thinking, LOL?!

I was fascinated by these dead artichokes at the Calgary Zoo, hanging against the recently fallen snow. Makes a change from owls, chickadees and ice!

A splash of brilliant red in the Arid Room, Conservatory, Calgary Zoo.

Another colour of Primula, seen growing in the Butterfly House at the Calgary Zoo's Conservatory. Can't wait for the butterflies to emerge after the winter.

A different Orchid seen in the Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo.

Another animal at the Calgary Zoo that I am relieved to have never seen in the wild! We do get Cougars very occasionally in the local parks. In fact, two or three years ago, one was caught just one street away from me! They stalk a person and they do kill or do a great deal of damage to a human being. Large and very powerful!

This was the second time I have been lucky enough to have one of the Bald Eagles at the Calgary Zoo take a "bath" in the tiny stream near where I was standing. After it's long bath ritual, it came over to the fence and I could have reached out and touched it - didn't think that would be a wise thing to do!

This guy/gal was resting (what else do they ever do, anyway, LOL?) in its aquarium in the Creatures of the Night building at the Calgary Zoo. The scales on the throat and head are pointed, as are the scales on the sides of the body. When threatened, the Dragon opens its mouth and flares out its throat.