Featured Contributors

Philippe Widling is a professional nature photographer whose work Rob McKay is a Calgary-based professional nature photographer who has been widely published in magazines, newspapers, calendars, also provides several mainstream photography services such as fashion, postcards, books and on web pages around the world. agricultural, architectural, commercial, executive portraiture and stock.

He is the contributor This issue marks Rob’s of the impromptu and first featured article for us. candid interview (page In Champions of the Sky 18) with Bragg Creek (page 35) he showcases residents, Tim Mitchell some of his spectacular and Pat Cardinal, two action raptor photography locally-renowned “singing and explains his ongoing cowboys.” passion for birds of prey.

As a keen photographer In his popular Birds of of K-Country and all of Prey workshops, Rob

Photograph by Derya Kahraman its surrounding regions, effectively teaches the Philippe works out of Calgary, but he is also a frequent world traveller, specific avian photography techniques required to capture which has allowed him to build up a substantial road-trip gallery the unique beauty of these fantastic birds. You can view the viewable at www.pwidling-photography.com, along with a multitude full list of available workshops and book your reservation at: of his past galleries. www.robmckayphotography.com Philippe is available for assignments both locally and worldwide: email Contact Rob at: [email protected] – (403) 700 1264 or visit Viewpoint him at [email protected] or find stock images at www.designpics.com www.robmckayphotography.com for DSLR workshops details and his blog. A Seasonal Perspective of Bragg Creek and Kananaskis In addition to being our resident photographer, Gilles Korent, a nature and wildlife Based in Redwood Meadows just east Dr. Robert Berdan also regularly contributes photographer based in Calgary, is the of Bragg Creek, Chris Martin has been a to other publications such as Photo Life, contributor of this issue's enchanting Every featured contributor since our second issue. It’s winter time in Bragg Creek and Kananaskis – the skies are blue, the air crisp, and the sun is shining on all that glorious white snow. This is one of the best times of year to get out and take in everything that this amazing area has to offer: skiing, sledding, ice skating, hockey, hiking and even riding! Get active and bring a smile to everyone’s face, even our four- legged friends!

Outdoor Nature Photographer and Canadian Picture Tells a Story article, titled A Living His passion for the natural world is reflected Geographic, and serves as assistant professor Watercolour, on page 48. in his photographic pursuits, favouring at the University of Calgary. He runs his own intimate portraits of Bragg Creek wildlife and His impressive wildlife photographs effectively multimedia business, Science & Art, offering the majestic drama of the Rocky Mountains. portray the unique personalities of each royalty-free CDs, prints, photography and subject in their natural environment, and are Chris’ wildlife photography and dramatic video services, computer training and website a testament to his patience, precision and Rocky Mountain landscapes are found development. For this issue, Robert provided dedication to the art of photography. in personal collections, businesses and photography for the informative article, The magazines across North America. He is Bragg Creek Opportunity, on page 24. Gilles works primarily in the Calgary area and throughout the foothills of , allowing available for group or individual workshops,

Robert runs practical workshops and one-on-one Gerry Ambury him to combine photography and his passion commissioned shoots and commercial training for all skill levels throughout the year, for the outdoors. photography. ______covering a wide variety of wildlife, flora and fauna Prints are available via Branded Visuals subject matter. Contact him directly regarding his A selection of his prints is available at the Main photograph: Smith-Dorrien Creek, heavily Branded Visuals Wildlife Gallery in Bragg Wildlife Gallery in Bragg Creek or his website. upcoming workshops and online courses. iced during the winter months, with Mount Black Prince Creek or via his website. www.canadiannaturephotographer.com www.christophermartinphotography.com in the background. Inset: a couple of wild horses sharing [email protected] – (403) 247 2457 www.wildlife-expressions.com [email protected] – (403) 880 2411 a lighthearted moment. Robert Berdan 8 9 Kananaskis is constantly evolving in step with the everchanging external developments. (right) was initially a string of separate lakes along the , which were joined together in 1950 with the damming of the river. Located between Goat Range and the Three Sisters ridge at an elevation of 1,720 metres, it is fed by multiple waterways, including Bryant Creek, Turbulent Creek, Currie Creek and Smuts Creek.

Brad Pajot The Spray River drains the lake and empties into the at Canmore, about 10 kilometres downstream.

Now a popular recreation area lying within Kananaskis Provincial Park, Spray Lakes is a favourite destination spot for locals and visitors alike, widely renowned as one of the most beautiful locations in the Rockies.

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This spread, counter-clockwise from top right: the obvious appeal of the Spray Lakes Reservoir; Elbow Falls’ beauty (next two photographs) is as abundant in winter as in other seasons; with the entire mountain blanketed in thick snow, Banded Peak lives up to its name; a White-tail Deer dramatically silhouetted Andrew Kulin by a glowing peach sky; greenery Devin Featherstone breaking through the snow heralds the beginning of spring; the instantly- recognizable Canada Goose; adding some festive cheer. Chris Martin Gerry Ambury Connie Singer Chris Martin Freda Montague 10 11 Because of its picturesque location, Bragg Creek is the ideal base for enjoying the great outdoors. The Bragg Creek Community Centre, located in the heart of the hamlet, is a convenient resource for the residents of both Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows, as well as an accurate reflection of the vibrant community spirit. The Bragg Creek Community Association operates year-round activities such as hockey, ice skating, tennis and fitness training, to name a few. Ken Johnson John Kearsley Joanne Bennett Karen McConnell

The outdoor rink, located directly beside the Community Centre, doubles as a basketball court and general activity area, including a skateboard park, during the rest of the year. The

organized hockey league offers Tyke, Novice, Atom and Bantam Christine Robertson divisions in this most Canadian of sports, played just as hockey was meant to be played: in a gorgeous, natural outdoor setting!

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Opposite page: ice clings to surface elements in spectacular fashion on Galatea Creek.

This page, clockwise from above: when you gotta go, you gotta go ... even if you’re a squirrel; a recent snowfall dusts a couple of White-tail Deer; Canada’s favourite sport played on Bragg

Creek’s popular outdoor rink; see no evil, hear no evil, speak no Joanne Bennett 12 evil; experimenting with the effects of cold snow and hot coals. 13 Common throughout the upper reaches of North America, the Great Grey Owl is also found in Finland and northern Asia. With the largest facial disc of any raptor, its lack of ear tufts and extreme height, it is truly a sight to behold! Adults have a grey face, bright yellow eyes, and live near open areas in dense coniferous forests. Not being nest-builders, they opt to use other large birds’ nests or trees with broken tops and large cavities instead.

Nesting usually occurs from March to May, with the average clutch size producing four eggs. After 30 days of incubation, brooding lasts another two to three weeks before the young begin to jump, or fall, from the nest. Connie Singer Even after they begin flying, the offspring may remain nearby for many more months.

While Great Grey Owls are numerous globally, the 100 birds remaining in the Sierra Nevada mountains are listed under the California Endangered Species Act. ______Opposite page from top: a Varied Thrush takes cover; a curious Least Weasel emerges after a heavy snowfall; enjoying a nice cold drink ... of snow; a mirror image of Kananaskis. This page: Rocky Mountain Sheep and Great Grey Owls are abundant throughout K-Country. Chris Martin Emma Garforth-Bles Gilles Korent Gerry Ambury Gilles Korent 14 15 Connie Singer Chad Beegan Clive Cordery

Although we may feel that the Rocky Mountains are synonymous with and unique to Alberta, the entire range runs 4,830 kilometres from northern British Columbia

down through the U.S. to its southernmost Kailie Sykes point in northern New Mexico.

It is believed that this spectacular mountain range was formed by an extensive period of mountain-building that occurred sometime between 35 and 80 million years ago. Robert Berdan Today, the resulting peaks and valleys provide dramatic backdrops for numerous outdoor activities and seemingly infinite vantage points, confirming why the Rockies are a true natural wonder of the world. ______

This page: the view of Elpoca Mountain from Pocaterra ski trail.

Opposite spread, from top: the quintessential Rocky Mountain vista; the luscious green valley contrasts dramatically with the snow-capped mountains; a broken, mysterious cabin on Fawn 16 Hills Drive; the foothills from Highway 22. 17