Category Archives: nature

nature, Photography

Winter Ptarmigan

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The winter ptarmigan (the “p” is silent) can be very difficult to see, especially in low light.

Apart from the small dark beak and eyes, they are incredibly white. I have at times mistaken them for lumps of snow, especially when they are on the roads; groups of them will land there.

Completely adapted to their environment, they are white in the winter and a mottled brown in the summer. How many ptarmigan do you see in the photo?

nature, Photography

Subarctic Cold

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After a very temperate autumn, especially for the north, we have been whacked by a sudden cold front that will deepen as we head into December.

In less than a month, I will be heading to warmer temperatures in the Okanagan Valley for the winter break.

Although this weather produces an extremely clear air quality and beautifully bright daylight, I am already looking forward to more warmth.

nature, Reblogs

Rose Brave

5 Comments

During my last trip home to the Okanagan I found a number of roses still bravely blooming in Penticton’s public rose garden. It was very overcast with occasional misty rain and a very sharp wind.

November 4, 2021

Some were faring better than others, but I was surprised at how resilient they were.

Given how hard-hit British Columbia has been by heat waves, forest fires, floods and landslides, all in less than five months, we may all need to become much more resilient than we have been.