In September, I did a 7-day Photo Challenge. In October, I was nominated to do a 7-day Nature Photo Challenge. As I’d mentioned in the previous photo post, I do not have a good camera, so please forgive the lack of quality. Photos were taken in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. No filters were used.

7-Day Nature Photo Challenge Photos

Crab Apples

Crab Apples

This photo was taken on Oct. 3, the last mild and beautiful day we had before the killer frosts and snow came.

Blue Spruce

Blue Spruce

Blue spruce with pine cones falling. There is a particular squirrel that has been busy the last few weeks collecting these for winter stores. Photo taken Oct. 3.

Our Squirrel

Our Squirrel

“Our” squirrel has been busy gathering pine cones and other goodies for the winter and stashing them in various places. I caught the curious little guy on camera on Oct. 5.

Squirrel Collage

Squirrel Collage

The bottom two photos show two of the caches the squirrel has been building up. One is in the crotch of the tree; the other is at the base of a different tree’s trunk.

Rare October Flower

Rare October Flower

There were still some flowers on Edmonton’s decorative bushes on Oct. 3.

Young Seagull

Young Seagull

This young seagull caught my attention because of his spotted head and beautiful tail feathers. As you might imagine, he’s hovering around hoping to get some food handouts.

Roses in Snow

Roses in Snow

These roses were still in bloom when they were caught unaware by the sudden plunge in temperatures from a high of +15°C (59F) on Oct. 3 to a low of -5°C (23F) on Oct. 6, with accumulating snow beginning on Oct. 7 and continuing through the Thanksgiving weekend. Photo taken Oct. 9.

Additional Photographs

Wildflowers Overlooking Hawrelak Park

Wildflowers Overlooking Hawrelak Park

“Wildflowers Overlooking Hawrelak Park” was taken in July 2013. Hawrelak Park is the site of the annual Heritage Festival.

Hares in Spring, Summer, and Fall

Hares in Spring, Summer, and Fall

“Hares in Spring, Summer, and Fall.” The brown hare behind the chain link fence is a young one (photo taken Sept. 12). I saw him while driving in the lane, so I stopped the car and rolled down the passenger window to take the picture. He’s very aware I’ve stopped moving, and he’s trying not to be seen, pressing himself low into the grass, motionless. If he doesn’t move, he won’t draw attention. I might think he’s a landform and move on.