The Great Crocus Caper

The crocus - harbinger of spring....well, summer this year! Dinosaur Provincial Park.

It's a sure sign of spring when the first crocuses emerge. This year, however, it's a sign of summer - and I'm fine with skipping over one season to get to the hot days sooner!
My family regularly visits Dinosaur Provincial Park, and it's a badge of honour to be the one who photographs the first crocus of the year. It always amazes me how one day, the hills can be brown and seemingly barren, then the next, covered with small, purple flowers. 
Of course, on the way to the Park, we usually encounter some critters. Pheasants are a mainstay out this way, and the meadowlarks have been in abundance lately. Every time we drive, the cattle population is booming with new life springing forth. On a previous trip, we even noticed a calf that must have been born minutes before our arrival. The kids especially love watching all the young critters running around.

---

A pheasant running near Patricia, AB.

Another aspect I also enjoy is seeing the uncommon sights - the surprises. As I mentioned in the last post about the bluebirds and eagles, these accidental tourists add an element to the adventure. 
For example, a small lake on the way to Brooks has become a favourite spot for a large group of pelicans. I was able to get fairly close to them, and enjoyed several minutes of watching the large white birds.

---

Pelicans near Brooks, AB.

No matter if you're gathering images of some strange animal, or the mundane, everyday ones, the important thing is to follow the advice I close with during my Tog Tips program on Shaw TV - "the only way you're going to improve is to pick up that camera and shoot!"
'Til the next adventure....

---

Meadowlark near Millicent, AB.