nature, Photography

Sunday Strolling

35 Comments

Often, when sun arrives in the Okanagan Valley in December or January, it’s accompanied by cooler temperatures. At -3C (27F) it was definitely chilly compared to what we had just had the day before with 6C (43F), but having the clear weather was still nice.

There was a cloudless sky although the wind was coming out of the north and rather brisk.

These two ducks definitely weren’t bothered, though. They had found themselves a nicely protected spot where the wind wasn’t much of an issue.

I surprised this overwintering robin from his spot among a number of other robins in their home inside a dense thicket next to the trail. They’re rarely seen – usually only heard – in winter but very occasionally I’ll see one.

The last leg of my walk took me along one of the downtown’s main streets as the light began to fade and shoppers decided to start heading home. I headed home, too, where I found some hot chocolate.

Happy Sunday.

35 thoughts on “Sunday Strolling”

  4. A good winter outing Lynette and your new camera seems to be working well for you. Having spent so much time in Vancouver/Victoria over the past few years, I hear you on the double edged sword of clear skies in winter. The sunshine always winds in my mind. Happy Sunday. Allan

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Allan. As long as it doesn’t get too cold (like it did in January, 2024) and do damage to the agricultural sector, I agree that it’s such a nice break to get a little sun. The projection is that we’re going to cloud over again and of course the temperature will go up. Yes, you would be familiar with this phenomenon from your time on the coast. Cheers.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you very much, Belinda. It was definitely chilly but nothing like much of the rest of the country and we’re supposed to be warming up later this week. The ducks are always so cute and I somehow scared that robin out of his thicket shelter. I could hear the robins chittering among themselves inside but I wasn’t sure why this one reacted. Cheers.

      Like

      Reply

    1. They sure are, aren’t they? It’s definitely a bit chilly but we’re supposed to be warming up again later this week. It was quite a lot busier further down the street where some of the stores are. I liked the view with the seasonal lights and setting sun in the background. Cheers.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. The downtown section of your town looks quite inviting. It’s been a very intense few days for us with multiple celebrations with family and friends, but we’ll finally get out for a walk today. I hope you have a lovely Sunday, Lynette!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you very much, Tricia. 😊 This is usually such a busy time of year isn’t it but soon you’ll be back to your regular schedule. One end of that street has city hall and the court house so it’s very quiet right now but the other has lots of businesses that seemed to be busy. I liked how the setting sun was blending with the seasonal lights in that scene. Cheers.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Yes, they congregate in numbers of about ten or so in any type of thick bush and then they reinforce it with straw or other nesting type materials. In effect they build themselves a shelter and then huddle together inside for additional warmth. Their little homes are very identifiable and you can also hear them chittering among themselves. They also switch their diets from insects and worms to berries. I’ve often wondered why they don’t migrate but I guess they don’t get cold enough! They’re not the only ones – quite a number of songbirds overwinter as well including finches, song sparrows and juncos. Cheers.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Yes, me too, as long as it’s not -20 and killing off the wine grapes! It seems that most of the country is getting a winter like we used to have before climate change really got going. Yes, the hot chocolate was great. Cheers.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

I'd love to hear what you have to say!