Tag Archives: Landscapes

nature, Photography

More Marmots

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I visited the marmot colony a few days ago. It was lovely to be outside.

There’s a nearby bench with a good view of their burrow and if I sit very quietly and as motionlessly as possible, many of them will start coming out into the open.

When they’re not on guard duty – they have to be vigilant about the resident eagles – they usually are in very affectionate pairs. They like to be right next to each other and constantly do a lot of low chatting, too.

This pair found a number of dandelions that someone had set out for them. Marmots love dandelions and will eat the whole plant, including the roots.

This one decided to keep a careful eye on me.

It was a beautifully warm day to watch the marmots and just enjoy the weather.

Happy Sunday.

nature, Photography

Windy Wednesday

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I know it’s supposed to be “Wordless Wednesday,” but when I took these photos the wind definitely had the upper hand over Okanagan Lake.

We had 18C (64F) but with the wind coming straight out of the north there was a bit of a cool edge. I was glad I had my windbreaker.

This section of beach is set aside for dogs. This one was really enjoying his soft frisbee and how far the wind would take it. Doggie heaven for sure!

The azaleas are blooming but the wind was blowing so hard that I had trouble getting a click.

A few metres away from the lake it was much warmer and the wind was much tamer. Spring does have its quirks but it’s beautiful nonetheless.

Happy Wednesday.

Reblogs

Beach Walk

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Beach Walk This is a view of the beach just north of Kalaloch. I really liked the misty headlands in the background, and the beach walkers made it …

Beach Walk

I love the composition of this beautiful beach picture from Allan J Jones. This is near Kalaloch, Washington, which isn’t too far from Vancouver Island. This is a beach where I could very happily just sit and watch the rollers. Thanks for posting it, Allan.

nature, Photography

More Busy Birds

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It’s a busy time of year for birds. They’re migrating, or nesting, or getting ready to nest. I’ve noticed that many of the mallard ducks have paired up.

This couple seemed quite content until another male tried to interrupt. That action caused the female to fly away.

A bit later, I saw her surrounded by four males, all trying to get her attention. She took off again; apparently she wasn’t impressed with their behaviour.

I’ve seen this lone coot in the same location for a few days in a row now. Today I realised that her/his partner is already sitting on a well-concealed nest at the water’s edge. Unlike mallards, coots mate for life and share the work of incubating, protecting and raising their young.

I hope to see the amazingly colourful coot chicks – they are orange and red and only turn black when they reach adulthood – in four or five weeks when their parents will begin teaching them how to survive in the water.

Happy Sunday.

nature, Photography

It’s April

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And in keeping with the old saying, April showers …

… and more and more showers (appearing as snow in the mountains) …

… bring May flowers …

… or mid-April flowers, when the arrowleaf balsamroot, also known as the Okanagan sunflower, begins to bloom. They are profuse, have a beautiful scent, and are a perfect spring start!

Happy Saturday.