2008-05-05

This and that

This is the little bird that is nesting in the house outside my apartment. I think it is a sparrow of some kind, but isn't it cute?


So, I finally made it to the Muttart Conservatory here in Edmonton! In the 29 years of my adulthood, I have lived in Edmonton three time for a total of 16 years. Oh, that must be someone else, I am not that old! The years I didn't live here, I visited at least 4 times a year, probably more often.

I am pretty sure the Muttart is about 30 years old, but may only be 25, I can't seem to find anything on the date it was built. So, I say finally! I have planned visits only to wind up doing other things. The Muttart is closed for renovations - for the next ten months. I knew that before we went though, we only went so I could get photos for tomorrows WWC. In the meantime, here are some extra shots taken from the river valley.

This is a gazebo at the Muttart. I imagine in summer it is very pretty.

This Magpie is sitting on the sign that tells you about the really ugly Peace Dove that sits above the hill from the Muttart.


This is the dome of the Legislature building across the river.


This is called Canada Place and yes, it is pink! (Sorry no website) The black glass structure in front on the left is called the Shaw Conference Centre and is built down over the hill toward the river. On a bank that is notorious for sliding. As it is still there 30 some years later, I guess they did a pretty good job.

This is the Hotel Macdonald. I love this building, it was built in 1915 and is so elegant. There was an unfortunate addition built in the 50's on the other side and Edmontonians took to calling the whole thing "the Mac & the Box it came in". The box was torn down in the 80's thank God! It is the Fairmont chain now, but originally this was one of the CN Rail Hotels that are strung across our country.


So, that was my Sunday morning, then I had to go to work.

Take care all.

14 comments:

Leah J. Utas said...

I think it's a female house sparrow. Fine shot of her. Excellent pic of the magpie, too.

I agree about the Hotel Macdonald.

Hilary said...

Great shots, Reb. Those birds especially, since they don't usually hold still. ;)

You sure have chosen some beautiful architecture to photograph. Looking forward to tomorrow's WWC.

Frank Baron said...

Seems like a very nice Sunday indeed. I hear ya about those banks. They're slippery all right - allatime sliding off with my money with those stupid charges of theirs--Say what? BUILT on a slippery bank?

Oh.

Well then.

Nevermind.

:)

Jay said...

Thanks for the trip around town. I love it when people get pics of their town and post them.

My neighbor set up a little bird feeder for a while. It didn't take long until the squirrels made a mess of things and then the ducks would spend their whole day just hanging out there to fee on the birdseed that the squirrels spilled all over the place. And of course the ducks crapped all over the patio too. So she threw the bird feeder in the dumpster. haha

the Bag Lady said...

Great photos, Reb. I, too, love the Hotel MacDonald. It's such a grand building.
Looking forward to your WWC tomorrow.

Reb said...

Leah thanks. They usually are moving so much you just can't get a shot of them, but she was just sitting there that day waiting for me.

Hilary, I thought for sure that Magpie was going to fly as soon as I brought the camera up, but I am glad he stayed a minute. Thanks.

Frank, yeah I know :)

Jay, that's funny! Our manager won't let feeders, because then we get pigeons and mice cleaning up under them. She thinks the mice will get into the bldg and well, who wants pigeon droppings on their cars?

Sis, it was one of the first bldgs the city decided was "heritage" worthy - so glad of that!

Tink said...

I love the magpie shot! The building in that last shot is HUGE. All I can think is, can you imagine how hard it must be to clean the place?

Reb said...

Thanks Tink. It is beautifully decorated inside too.

Jo said...

Wonderful photos, Reb...I'm glad you had a nice Sunday outing! The magpie is so beautiful!!! It looks like it's dressed for a fancy dinner :)

I also love your birdhouse...cute that it has a "pool" ;)

Reb said...

Jo, thanks. The bird house is actually built to look like an old granary. They all used to say "Alberta Wheat Pool"...or just "Pool" on the sides and the town name.

gary rith said...

hey, great tour!
Maybe it is a wren in the birdhouse--we had a wren family move in last spring to one of our houses like that one, ordinary little brown bird, but what a beautiful SONG! So cheerful!

Reb said...

Thanks Gary, I am going to have to get a bird book one day. It has a lovely song and if it is a quite day, you can actually hear the babies looking for meals.

Dawn said...

If I ever return to Canada I am going to be able to find my way round Edmonton no trouble at all.

The Hotel MacDonald looks fabulous. I'm going to stay there!

Reb said...

Dawn, the Mac is fabulous and has great views of the river valley.