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Horsepower

Posted by northernexposuresphotography on March 8, 2012
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Down on the Farm

The Canadian horse is descended from French stock that was sent to Canada in the late 17th century to develop a breeding program in “New France”.

During the 19th century, the breeding of different types of Canadian horses were developed for specific needs.  One type of horse that was required was for farming, hauling heavy loads and other work that required pulling ability.  A well muscled, heavy and calm horse was required and the “draft” horse was developed.  Another horse was required to be light and agile for riding and the “saddle” horse was bred.    Beginning in the late 19th century with the increased mechanization and the development of vehicles and tractors, the need for the draft horse was reduced.  Today, these horses are most often seen in pulling competions and shows, although small numbers are still in use in smaller farms as well as those who prefer to farm with a renewable source of power.   As with the draft horse, the saddle horse has also had its role greatly reduced.  Today, they are primarily observed in equestrian events, horse racing venues and rodeos.  A certain number are used by police forces for crowd control, traditional ceremonies and recreational riding.  Perhaps one of the best known horse venues is the RCMP muscial ride.

Poor Man’s Myna

Posted by northernexposuresphotography on March 1, 2012
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European Starling

   A native bird of Europe and western Asia, the European Starling was introduced to North America in 1890 in New York City.   From the initial small population released of less than one hundred birds, the population estimate of this bird species is now two hundred million in North America.  Their ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats and food sources, from coastal wetlands to alpine regions has allowed for their broad dispersal and establishment.

   They are stocky birds, approximately eight and a half inches long with short tails, triangular wings and long pointed bills.  In summer. the plumage is shiny black, with purple or green sheen, with yellow beaks and reddish legs.  In winter, their plumage is brown and speckled with white, and the bills are dark, as the accompanying photo depicts.  The white spotting is largely reduced in the breeding season, (in early spring and summer), by the white tips on the feathers wearing off.  The European Starling is a noisy bird uttering a wide variety of sounds.  In captivity, they will imitate all types of sounds and speech, which earns them the nickname the “poor man’s myna”.
   A particular trait of this bird, is that during autumn and winter it is highly gregarious with flock sizes of thousands of birds being observed, and often travelling with grackles and blackbirds.