Great Grey Owl outing

Club members joined resident Susan Maclennan for two Saturdays looking for wildlife including great grey owls, north of Cochrane. After meeting at Weedon Hall, the groups headed north towards the historic Bottrel Store (est. 1901). Moose were observed and photographed en route amongst frosted trees. Beverly Guthrie, the new owner of the historic general store briefed the groups on its history as a community hub, temporary jail, liquor store, post office and movie theatre!

Today you can visit the coffee shop, buy essentials such as milk, beer, gas, Saturday sourdough, and stay at the campground. There is even live music on Sunday afternoons. After coffee, the groups headed west to Winchell Lake, and a looped back to Grande Valley Road. Beautiful Clydesdales were photographed, and the first group made a stop for fast action equine photography.

Lunch was served at the Water Valley Saloon, with lots of wildlife to observe inside. The second Saturday group headed back out after lunch to one more location, and spotted a great grey flying up into the trees. Everyone got beautiful posing shots as the majestic owl blended into the poplar forest. The owl then flew along the fence line and hunted a vole for its audience to document with their cameras. What an amazing experience! Patience, observation, sharing ideas and information, and friendship are the joy of camera club outings!