Impressive, spectacular, stunning, amazing .... bird

The Great Gray Owl is such a spectacular and unique-looking bird. I did the long drive NW of the city again yesterday afternoon and, as you might guess, I was rewarded with some nice opportunities. Now , of course, I have so many photos that are very similar to have to go through, and I'm just not getting time. This owl sat on this fence post for almost an hour. I suspect it was rather tired, as occasionally its eyes would close and I really thought it was going to be there for even longer. I finally arrived back home around 10:00 p.m.! I had arranged to meet friends, Cathy and Terry up there, which always makes it more fun. We drove to Water Valley for a very late lunch and had great food at The Aspen Cafe & Gallery. The owner and staff are so pleasant and the food is delicious. I had a slice of tomato and bacon quiche and very tasty lentil soup. I was told that they will have a website up and running very soon.

"Visitors turning west on Highway 579 from Highway 22 will travel but a few kilometers to the community of Water Valley. About 45 minutes northwest of Calgary, this community is a gateway to the Foothills, greeting visitors like a smile on a neighbour's face.

For many residents and weekenders, Water Valley is a refuge from the hectic pace of the city. A broad cross-section of people call Water Valley home. Writers, artists, musicians, filmmakers, retirees, and commuters live on acreages or in one of the several sub-divisions in the area along with the long-time ranchers and farmers." Taken from the Water Valley website.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Grey_Owl

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Gray_Owl/id