Deer in the Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan

One of many Qu'Appelle Valley deer.
(Crop from 270 mm) © SB

We saw dozens of deer near Regina, Saskatchewan, yesterday — in the Qu'Appelle Valley east of Craven. First, one group of 11 White-tailed deer, then a handful more, and then larger herds.

The deer were feeding on grasses exposed by the receding snow, and from our distance, they looked well-fed and healthy... But camera lenses can be misleading, and this is said to have been an extremely harsh winter for wildlife.

These White-tailed deer were entertaining to watch — some appeared completely oblivious to us, as we stood on the road above. Others seemed mildly curious, while a few ran away, white tails flagging a warning.

Oddly, though, in running away from the fields, they ran up and across the incline towards us, as if safety meant their usual route through the wooded slopes of the valley sides — even if that meant crossing the road in front of a car. Our car.

I've noticed small flocks of roadside birds do the same: They see the car, swirl up to flee — and as they rise, they turn and fly towards the vehicle, often flying right at or beside it.

Two deer watch from the valley bottom. (Crop from 300mm)  © SB

Distant shot of a group of White-tailed Deer. (From the road, at 200mm)  © SB

What are these? White-tailed Deer (And no, we were not close to them...) 
Location: South side of the Qu'Appelle Valley, east of Craven, Saskatchewan, Canada.   

Photo date: April 2, 2013. 

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Winter Trees: Beauty of Snow and Ice

Late March, and it's still winter on the Prairies. Earlier this evening, I looked out to see huge fluffy snowflakes falling. But there is a beauty to this cold and ice that my warmth-seeking self at times forgets.

Here, a reminder of a day not so long ago when the world glowed — all black and white, in colour.

Down the lane, under ice-tipped trees, winter sparkles.   © SB

What is this? Winter scene, with an arch of hoar-frost coated trees.

Location: Near Muenster, Saskatchewan. 

Photo dates:  February 22, 2013

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First Gopher of the Year: Spring?

We saw our first Richardson's Ground Squirrel, aka prairie gopher, of the year today, looking stunned — or sunbathing? — on a snowbank beside the road.

These gophers hibernate for many, many months... Males apparently wake before females, so perhaps this little fellow was wondering where his mates were.

So, the question of the day: Now that he's awake, does that make it spring? (Please?)

All right, now, I'm awake! Bring on the fun! © SB 

What is this? A Richardson's Ground Squirrel, aka a gopher.   

Location: Near Lumsden, Saskatchewan, Canada. 

Photo dates: March 14, 2013. 

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Prairie Windbreak in Snow-Drifted Winter Field

The weather was changing, a cold front rushing in, temperatures dropping by 20 degrees and wind howling in over the fields. It seemed like a good idea to go for a walk... Why not? Fresh air is always good, with or without frostbitten cheeks, frozen sinuses and fingertips that can no longer feel.

A Prairie windbreak, across the blue-shadowed snow of an open field   © SB

What is this? A windbreak, rows of coniferous and deciduous trees, planted to break the wind, keep the soil, and reduce drifts. (And in certain light, snow is blue, not white, and shadows, deep violet or periwinkle.)

Location: Near Muenster, Saskatchewan, Canada

Photo dates:  February 18, 2013

Winter Scene: Blinded by snow and sunshine, Saskatchewan

White fields, white sky. Even the memory of blue sky fades before this landscape.

If on a prairie winter afternoon, you dropped into this vast expanse of light, could you find the horizon? Find your way home through white air, glare?

If on a winter's afternoon, a traveler... © SB 

What is this? Winter field against a cloudy sky (with, yes, the horizon, about 2/3 of the way down...)  

Location: Near Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Photo date: February 4, 2012. 

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