Category Archives: nature

nature, Photography

In the Duck Zone

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During the summer our resident mallard duck flock scatters all over the parks, beaches and gardens. They can be found almost anywhere, especially if there’s a bit of water nearby.

Skaha Lake beach, July

When the sun starts to shine and the days become warmer, they quickly abandon their over-wintering spot in Penticton Creek. Right now, only a few can be found there.

Penticton Creek, August

But when it gets colder, they will occupy “Duck Creek” once more, and lots of people – including the city – will make sure they have enough to eat to generate the calories they will need to make it to spring.

February dinner time.

Have a duckie day!

nature, Photography

Flower Power

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Right now we have beautiful hydrangeas blooming everywhere. They are very sensitive to soil conditions which is why we can find a wide variety of stunningly attractive colours.

This blue and light yellow is caused by a higher aluminum content in the soil.
A lower aluminum content will tend to cause pink flowers.
Red hydrangeas aren’t common, but their gorgeous colour is caused by exposure to iron.
I’ve never tried this, but apparently, adding coffee grounds to the soil will cause hydrangeas to become a deeper blue as this allows the plant to better access aluminum.
The ever-lovely white hydrangea. These aren’t affected by soil pH; they maintain their creamy colour no matter the conditions.

Have a flower power day.