Calgary Parklands - Elliston Park


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North America » Canada » Alberta » Calgary
June 25th 2021
Published: August 6th 2021
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Franklin Gull Franklin Gull Franklin Gull

Strutting stroll for nibbly bits
Thirteen walkers met under glorious skies at Elliston Park to enjoy the “cool” day of the coming week. Shining light created vivid pictures in the still water of the pond. A quintet of Brown-headed Ducks serenely paddled across the trees’ reflections. In a side pond, Shovelers steadily scooped up bits, attracting our bird watchers and photographers. Franklin Gulls acted as sentinels, fluttering as our wary footsteps rustled in the dry grass. The many Brown-headed Cowbirds were braver, walking on the stones along the shore.

Flowers were scarce, although we did see a long pink field of Wild Roses. On the Greenway walk, as we gazed at the gentle slopes down to the stream, we spied a coyote that definitely stared at us, even though we were hundreds of yards away. On our way back, we returned to watching birds, vicariously enjoying the drama of their lives.


Additional photos below
Photos: 18, Displayed: 18


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Elliston Pond Elliston Pond
Elliston Pond

Spring growth everywhere
Family of ducks Family of ducks
Family of ducks

Shimmering reflections
Sitting ducks Sitting ducks
Sitting ducks

Don't have to sit on the water!
Elliston Pond wetlandsElliston Pond wetlands
Elliston Pond wetlands

Sinuous extension
Shovelers and a Cowbird Shovelers and a Cowbird
Shovelers and a Cowbird

Mmmm...delicious mud grubs
Stream along the SE Greenway Stream along the SE Greenway
Stream along the SE Greenway

Eco system of plants, animals, birds and insects
Erratics on the Greenway Erratics on the Greenway
Erratics on the Greenway

Ancient history indeed!
Waving grasses Waving grasses
Waving grasses

Nature's patterns


6th August 2021

Urban wildlife
I guess not everyone is happy to see a coyote in town, but in theory it's great to see wildlife within the City boundaries. And I'm glad someone enjoys mud grubs. The ducks can have them.
7th August 2021

Urban Wildlife
If cities are going to be so large, the coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, birds, etc. have a right to live here, too. I prefer to be far away from the predators.

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