Here are some things I’ve seen recently while out for a ramble.
The cute little marmot pups born about six to eight weeks ago are now big enough to come outside of their burrows.
They’re very fluffy, very small and very adorable.
Then I passed a pretty view …
… and another.
Happy Monday.
Lace-leaf maples start their spring with red, lacy leaves that over about the first two months appear to be more autumnish than springy.
Gradually, though, these leaves become a type of russet-green that signals their transition to the full green of spring.
This lace-leaf is about half-way between red and green.
I took the above photo in November, 2024. The lace-leaf in the earlier photos is pictured here in its fire-engine red, autumn garb. Isn’t it spectacular? From this peak, it gradually becomes more and more purple before losing its shrivelled leaves almost completely by February.
This photo from a couple of days ago shows an even more complete transformation to green. Its beautiful cascading shape and incredible colour changes would make it a lovely addition to any garden.
Happy Sunday.
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! 🐝
Here is a sample of some of the spring glories we have right now.
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. 💐
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!
Nature is a demanding taskmaster since mom basically ignored Little One’s signals.
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.
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.
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.
I’ve been so indecisive when it comes to travel this year. So many places I’d love to go, but still quite a lot going on at home. I finally made the …
Jo’s Monday walk : Italica
I hope you enjoy this very interesting travel/history piece from Jo at Still Restlessjo. Please click the link above to enjoy a tour with Jo through the ancient Roman city of Italia.
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.
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. 💛
In the Net! - Pictures and Stories of Life 