Monday, March 30, 2009

Trumpeter Swans on Interior Lake

The Trumpeter Swans arrived about three weeks ago. They are part of the Pacific Coast population, and every year they spend several weeks in the interior of B.C. resting and feeding before they fly to their northern summer breeding grounds. It is an exciting time of the year in which we have an opportunity to observe and enjoy these beautiful birds.
As soon as they come out of the water, they shake themselves and begin preening.
Sometimes their head and neck feathers are stained, "a result of feeding in areas rich in iron salts" Hinterland Who's Who.

The photo in my previous post shows the lake and the swans and geese on the ice.

To view or join

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Rascally Squirrels

This rascally squirrel has found the perfect place to sit and wait for a certain other rascally squirrel to quit hogging the seeds scattered on the ground.

Her chattering friend eventually climbed onto a branch for a bit of a rest, all the while keeping a close eye on that little patch of property below.


Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Birch Trees in the Snow

The Birch tree is one of my favourite trees. These photos were taken on a sunlit morning about two weeks ago.

"We have nothing to fear and a great deal to learn from trees, that vigorous and pacific tribe which without stint produces strengthening essences for us, soothing balms, and in whose gracious company we spend so many cool, silent and intimate hours." ~ Marcel Proust, Pleasures and Regrets, 1896

Monday, March 23, 2009

Common Redpoll

Carduelis flammea

Common Redpoll male, perched on clothesline

We have had the redpolls here since January. They like the shelled sunflower seeds and the suet cakes, as well as the birch tree seeds. One interesting fact is that they have throat pouches for temporarily storing seeds. Sometimes they will fill their pouches and then fly to a more sheltered spot to eat.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

A mule deer quietly browsing on the hillside.

I am very fortunate to live in an area where I have a chance to see these beautiful gentle creatures moving naturally through the forest.




Monday, March 16, 2009

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

On the Forest Path

We've been seeing the deer quite often lately. I didn't have much of a chance to take pictures though in this instance.
One minute they were standing there, then the next minute they had quickly gone down the path and into the forest.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Bald Eagle Perched in a Poplar Tree Near the Bridge

This is one of the Bald Eagle's favourite spots where he sits and watches and waits. I stopped on the way home yesterday to take this picture.

It is shaping up to be another very cold day here. -28C (-18.4F) at 8:00 a.m. We are usually beginning to see some warmer temperatures, and there have been a few nice days already, but now we are back to the extreme cold.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Deer on the Hill

This lone mule deer, spotted on the hillside yesterday morning, stood quite still, listening intently. Perhaps she heard the neighbour's dogs or maybe she was just trying to locate her mates. We had seen two other deer here earlier.
After a short interval of time, she cautiously began to make her way toward the adjoining property.
Then changed direction and headed down the hill instead.
Her gait was unhurried as she carefully and quietly moved between the trees.

Monday, March 2, 2009

The Clever Crow


The Crow and the Pitcher


A Crow, half dead by thirst, came upon a Pitcher which had once been full of water; but when the Crow put its beak into the mouth of the Pitcher, he found that only very little water was left in it, and that he could not reach far enough down to get at it. He tried, and he tried, but at last had to give up in despair. Then a thought came to him, and he took a pebble and dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. [The Crow dropped pebble after pebble into the Pitcher until] at last, at last, he saw the water mount up near him, and after casting a few more pebbles he was able to quench his thirst and save his life. Little by little does the trick.

Aesop's Fables

Sunday, March 1, 2009

The 1st of March

Morning:
Temperature: -6C (21.2F)
The sun is not quite breaking through the clouds yet, but it's there. The wind is calm; the woods are quiet.

************

I wonder if the sap is stirring yet,
If wintry birds are dreaming of a mate,
If frozen snowdrops feel as yet the sun
And crocus fires are kindling one by one:
Sing robin, sing;
I still am sore in doubt concerning Spring.


~ Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)