Special Note: While most of you know I do the typing and photography for our blog, it is truly a joint effort between Meriam and me. She is constantly on the lookout for new and interesting things (and ways) to photograph. She also provides great insight in her editorial role, especially as it comes to providing “feeling” in the content (otherwise they would all sound like a business proposal.)

As we have mentioned before, this is our third trip to Alaska. On this return trip, we had made plans to take an alternate route home (on our other two trips we returned via the West Coast and the Mountain States respectively). This alternate plan was changed somewhat as we had to divert around the wildfires in British Columbia, Northwestern Alberta, and the Western US. What we encountered on this diversion were the two very interesting, and pretty, provinces of Eastern Alberta and Southern Saskatchewan.

In the town of Moose Jaw (really, this is the town’s name), Saskatchewan we took a short diversion to visit the Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre. The Burrowing Owl is also known as the Short Eared Owl, the Evening Owl, the Marsh/Bog/Swamp Owl, Flat Faced Owl or the Moose Hawk. Whatever he is called, this diminutive owl (they are only about a foot tall) is found on all continents except Antarctica and Australia. Despite its wide range, it is one of North America’s rarest owls. But, the most unusual feature of these little guys is their nesting habits. They burrow in the ground to make their nest, typically holes made by other creatures including by gophers, prairie dogs, and rabbits.

From Moose Jaw, we began our rush (at 55 mph) home, typically driving about 450 miles a day. However, we did take the time to visit several waterfowl refuges in North Dakota. While most of the birds migrate through these refuges in spring and fall, we did see a number of “resident” birds. One can easily imagine how these preserves attract tens of thousands of birds. People on TripAdvisor report how the skies in October are literally “filled with birds”.

Throughout parts of Albert and Saskatchewan, we would encounter groups (often 6 or more) small “barns” such as these. Most of these barns are dilapidated and appear to be no longer used. We are curious as to what they were used for (perhaps crop storage or animal protection from the elements.)

In Alberta and Saskatchewan, we passed hundreds of crop fields, all appearing to be “manicured”. All were dry-land farmed. However, there is obviously plenty of rain as each field had one or more “tanks” full of water.

On the hand of a volunteer, you can see how small the burrowing owl really is.

It was feeding time when we arrived. The Centre is funded by contributions and run by volunteers. Each owl is fed one mouse daily.

How cute is this guy?

After feeding, this little guy sat on his perch and screeched for more!

Birds of a feather flock together!

Notice the adult goose in the middle checking on his/her goslings trailing behind.

A small portion of this one preserve.

A map depicting many of our National Wildlife Refuges in the US. Note the abundance of refuges locations in North Dakota (click on the map for an expanded view).