This photo of Silver Maple leaves on a small, spindly tree at Bowness Park, was taken on a walk yesterday. These were almost the only leaves on this tree, on one of the top branches, and they were blowing in the wind. Nearby, there is a second small Silver Maple tree (probably a hybrid) and some of its leaves were turning red. I now make an annual "pilgrimage" (LOL) to see these red leaves, as Calgary is not a city of Maples, unlike cities to our east, so red leaves are unusual and oh, so welcome!

LOL, I heard both the "s" word and the "f" word on TV this morning. SNOW FLURRIES maybe this weekend!!!

Had an enjoyable and, as always, tiring (for me, anyway) day botanizing part of Erik Butters' ranchlands, northwest of Calgary. Erik's land is in the Benchlands area. Two of the four of us who went (i.e. the two fungi fanatics - sorry, Doug, guess I should use that description just for myself as you are the one who has all the serious knowledge, and I just take pretty pictures, LOL) agreed that this area would be amazing to revisit around August next year, especially if it is a wet year. Thanks to Erik for giving up hours of his precious time for us today, showing us around his beautiful land. We appreciated so much being given the opportunity to explore this private property - and the cups of tea afterwards really hit the spot!

A handful of us spent the morning walking on the Ranch property belonging to Erik Butters, out past Cochrane, NW of the city. The plants that were growing there were recorded, as were the birds that were seen or heard. The photo that I uploaded after this one shows what Erik's land is like - rolling, open hills covered in wildflowers and areas of woodland. There were quite a lot of Death Camas growing, shown in this photo. So enjoyable to explore a beautiful place like this. Around noon, Erik and his partner provided a great BBQ for us and for the people who had joined us from elsewhere. The food was delicious! Thank you so much, both of you!

I seem to remember that the mushroom season had come to an end, when friend Doug came across these on a walk on Erik Butters' ranchland (NW of the city) at the end of September. I was so excited to see a mushroom at that time, though compared to other mushrooms I have seen and photographed, this was far from the best, LOL.

This large puffball was growing out in the open, near a trail we were walking along on Erik Butters' ranchland on 28th September. Doug, hope you don't mind, but I've taken the ID you suggested on your photostream, with thanks. Calvatia bovista 'Pestle-shaped Puffball' (?).

A handful of us spent the morning walking on the Ranch property belonging to Erik Butters, out past Cochrane, NW of the city. The plants that were growing there were recorded, as were the birds that were seen or heard. This photo shows what Erik's land is like - rolling, open hills covered in wildflowers and areas of woodland, with the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Around noon, Erik and his partner provided a great BBQ for us and for the people who had joined us from elsewhere. The food was delicious! Thank you so much, both of you!

What you can see when you look close : ) This tiny patch of orange lichen was growing on a rock at Erik Butters' ranchland, in Benchlands, north west of Calgary.