nature, Photography

Marmot Stirrings

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Yesterday I saw a marmot! Definitely an excellent sign of spring as these members of the squirrel family only emerge from hibernation when it’s warm enough.

But … I only saw one. Maybe the advance marmot checking out the weather?

This individual is part of a large colony of yellow-bellied marmots who live under the breakwater boulders at the edge of the lake. As long as you don’t get too close, they’re happy to let humans observe them as much as they like.

Marmots are the largest and heaviest members of the squirrel family but behave quite differently. Not only do they hibernate and live together in large colonies, they also are very affectionate with each other, even going to the extent of sharing their food.

Although this was a lone sighting, it was great to see him and recognise what he portends!

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

Three Lake Views

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We have warmed up substantially and the cold wind and intermittent wet snow flurries have been replaced by more comfortable temperatures, overcast with sunny breaks and drizzle.

I like the look of these cloud striations.

Okanagan Lake is much calmer, the shoreline ice pans have melted and somehow, it’s starting to feel spring-like.

The overcast and drizzle definitely haven’t dampened that sense. Spring showers bring May flowers? Could be, although it’s technically not spring yet.

Through the cloud and drizzle we have had some sunny breaks, and those feel very, very nice. The black spots you can see in the foreground of the picture above is a large group of coots. They overwinter here and another good springish sign is that I think most of them are getting ready to leave although a few will stay to nest.

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

Heritage Oak

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This is one of the heritage oaks that have been planted in Penticton’s Memorial Park. There are several others, all of which are about 10 – 30 years older than this one, making them approximately 110-130.

The plaque says “This oak tree was planted on July 1, 1937 to commemorate the coronation of George VI. It was presented to Penticton by the Royal Gardeners London.”

All of the trees in this park are very carefully tended and cared for by the city; they all display vaccination tags, especially the lone elm tree. As you may know, Dutch elm disease has been ravaging these incredibly lovely shade trees.

Elm tree (photo courtesy of P. Altini)

Happy Sunday.

nature, Photography

February 21’s Friday Fleurday

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I saw some buds on the ash tree saplings lining one of the city streets! I unfortunately didn’t have any kind of photographic device with me in order to post a picture here, but these little buds were a wonderful sight to see!

Azaleas

In that spirit, I’m posting some spring flower pictures from last year; I hope they brighten your spirits and help you to forget for a bit about the cold, the wet, the snow, and the wind.

Periwinkle
Narcissi
Cyclamen

Happy Friday!

Reblogs

Reblog: Something I really think Americans should read, or, maybe more importantly, everyone else

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Sorry to dwell on the unpleasant, but we are witnessing existential threats to the world order, cataclysmic changes when one consider that the …

Something I really think Americans should read, or, maybe more importantly, everyone else

Here is an important post from Jane Fritz at Robby Robin’s Journey. She has reprinted an opinion piece from Andrew Coyne, a columnist for the Globe and Mail. Please click the link above to read the post in its entirety.

Sometimes, life is like that.