Category Archives: Photography

nature, Photography

Busy Bees

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I saw this huge bumblebee searching for nectar in a rhododendron bloom. I had never seen one this large before; it was at least 20mm (0.8 inch) if not more. I wondered how it could possibly fly with that bulky, very heavy body. Although bees do not fly in defiance of the rules of aviation, it sure can seem like it!

After some research, I found that this is a Nevada bumblebee; it is common from Alaska and British Columbia to as far south as California and as far west as New Mexico.

Here is a picture of a more average-sized bumble bee; it was foraging next to the huge Nevada bumblebee and looked like a mini-cooper next to a semi-truck! I’m much more used to seeing these smaller ones, but whether large, small, honeybee or bumblebee, they are extremely important to the heath and welfare of so many of Earth’s plants.

Vive les abeilles! 🐝

nature, Photography

May 15’s Friday Fleurday

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Here is a sample of some of the spring glories we have right now.

Very pink rhododendrons.
An azalea and rhododendron cascade.
Fragrant lilac.
Snowball hydrangeas …
… and again in detail.
A rain washed peony.
And a chorus of irises.

In Canada, the long Victoria Day weekend is about to start; please enjoy your camping or barbecuing or whatever you might have planned. For everyone else, have a good regular weekend and don’t forget to enjoy the flowers. 💐

nature, Photography

Bobbin’ Robins

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As I was taking a walk a few days ago, I heard the distinct call of an agitated robin. Then I noticed a recently fledged one, hopping madly ahead of me and calling desperately for mom.

As soon as Little One saw her, (s)he stopped calling and began looking for worms or bugs. Mom continued to nonchalantly hop ahead. As soon as Little One lost sight again though, the calling started once more and only ended when mom came into view. Poor Little One then gave up and begged to be fed. It’s so hard learning how to find something to eat!

Mom is on the right, mostly hidden by foliage but with one eye visible.

Nature is a demanding taskmaster since mom basically ignored Little One’s signals.

Sorry Little One, you have to learn to feed yourself.

It was clear that mom expected Little One to forage on her/his own. There was acknowledgment from mom, but no food!

Robin parents have to be very tough, but I have no doubt that this young one will soon figure out to copy mom and learn the best spots for fat worms.

Happy Thursday.

nature, Photography

Evening Ramble

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We had a heavy, late afternoon shower followed by clearing skies and the fresh scent of spring grass, leaves and flowers.

As everything began to dry off, the sun started to set behind the mountains.

Meanwhile, I found some freshly washed western azaleas to admire …

… blooming profusely with their relatives …

… the rhododendrons.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Raindrop Roses

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Alberta’s provincial flower, the lovely pink wild rose, has started to bloom.

Our recent slow rainfall has activated their attractive, gentle scent.

I’ve seen several large bushes loaded with buds, so there will be many more of them over the next couple of weeks.

The beauties of spring continue to emerge; I wish I could slow it down a little.

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

Water Views

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The swollen creeks and rivers are sending a lot of water into the lakes.

At present this creek looks like a river; it’s moving swiftly and delivering a lot of snow melt to Okanagan Lake. Normally it’s just a very somnolent trickle.

All that water from the many creeks and rivers is elevating the lake’s levels, a wonderful thing after the previous three years of drought conditions. This is leading to amazingly explosive growth …

… everywhere!

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

Oh Deer!

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I saw this deer in our neighbour’s yard across the lane from our deck. Deer often visit his yard; there’s nothing much to eat there but they see it as a safe place for a nap.

Usually they arrive in twos, threes or fours, but this one was alone.

When she heard me talking to my husband she waggled those amazing ears and turned to look at me. She was completely unconcerned, just wondering why I needed to be noisy while she was trying to rest.

Happy Mother’s Day Sunday. 💛

nature, Photography

Bright White Rhododendrons

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The white rhododendrons in one of the city gardens have started to bloom.

Rhododendrons come in many lovely shades but I don’t often see the white ones.

To me, they feel very springy indeed. Fresh and light and tempered by the merest hint of very pale pink, they seem to epitomise the new growing season.

They almost glow in the sun.

Happy rhododendron Saturday.

nature, Photography

May 9’s Friday Fleurday

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British Columbia’s provincial flower is the Pacific dogwood …

… which despite the unflattering name is a gorgeous, spring flowering tree with blooms in pink, pinkish-white, white and greenish white.

The “petals” are actually bracts, a type of leaf that forms around the actual blooms which are the tiny circular clusters in the centre.

Although the Pacific dogwood can be found in various shades of pink or pinkish-white, British Columbia’s official flower is the white one.

Right now the flowers can be seen everywhere here, another of the lovely, blooming trees that are so prolific at this time of year.

Happy Friday.