Not the norm...

Last week, work took me to the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. And whilst there wasn't too much time for natural history I did manage a few bits and bobs.

A security light left on each night attracted a variety of moths, including the North American version of Eyed Hawkmoth, known as One-eyed Sphinx Smerinthus cerisyi.

Other similar species included a Buff Arches look-alike known as Lettered Habrosyne Habrosyne scripta, (and following the rather annoying American trend where the Generic name becomes the second part of the English name.)

Other moths seen, I have no idea....

The longhorn beetle Spruce Sawyer Monochamus scutellatus was seen on a couple of occasions. Check out those antennae!!

For me this year the highlights were the mammals. I saw several new species including American Pika and American Beaver. However the winner (after 5 visits in 4 years) was finally catching up with Grizzlies. Four bears seen in 30 mins. First a lone bear, swiftly followed by a mother and two cubs!