[wbraun]

I saw a few of these on Nighthawk Rd near Keremeos earlier in the summer while I was chasing the Sage Thrasher. This one was taken in Alberta's Badlands a few days ago.

http://m6.i.pbase.com/o9/84/837684/1/15 ... 8_4876.jpg

[LoganLalonde]

Very beautiful shot Willi!
In my opinion it is a perfect photo; the lighting is perfect, the background color is perfect, and I especially love the moss on the rock. I also like the bush in the background for a subtle effect.
The quality is crisp, and you can even see the color in the bird's eye!

Great job!

P.S. Just for talk, did you get any Chestnut-collared/McCown's Longspurs or Baird's Sparrows when you travelled? Those (three) species are on my "to get" list.

[wbraun]

Just for talk, did you get any Chestnut-collared/McCown's Longspurs or Baird's Sparrows when you travelled? Those (three) species are on my "to get" list.

Hi Logan,
Thanks for the nice comments. Chestnut-collared Longspurs are plentiful and relatively easy to photograph (see below). McCown's are more difficult to find. I saw two through binoculars but I still don't have a decent photo of one. Same with the Brewer's Sparrow, also heard and seen in the grasslands just north of Brooks. Will be heading to Grassland National Park for a few days.
All three of these species are there. Perhaps I will get lucky.

[LoganLalonde]

Thank you for commenting on my comments! I am hoping to take a birding trip next June with my family to southern Alberta to grab some grassland endemics and some pot-hole shorebirds too. I hope I can get some shots even half as good as you!

Great CC Longspur picture. Keep them coming!

[Isaac]

Awesome shots, Willi!