I found this wild lavender plant while out for a ramble.
It was scraggly and unkempt looking and growing next to a sage bush, but I could discern its familiar scent well before I saw it. Despite the heat and the smoke, it’s thriving in its little niche.
The Okanagan Valley is home to a flock of wild peafowl; their domesticated ancestors were released a couple of decades ago. Did you know that peacocks are a type of pheasant?
Hey, you’re new!
No one thought they would survive, but they have done much better than expected and are now well established.
Want to join my harem?
I encountered this one while I was out for a walk. The male approached me while two peahens wandered into a nearby yard.
See, I have the greatest of great tails!
He turned his back to me and started vibrating his feathers, or in other words, he was inviting me to, um, assess him. It was quite the display, but I don’t think I’m ready to become part of the peacock cult.
This little deer stopped by our place for a snack.
Does this one taste good?
She looked a little skinny and bedraggled and her face seemed a bit injured. I wondered if she had escaped our huge, nearby fire.
Maybe I’ll try this one.
She didn’t seem upset or perturbed, though.
No, I like the first one better.
There has been an uptick in the number of deer and other animals (apparently, bears as well) we are seeing in the city, probably because of the fires. They are finding refuge wherever they can, but it’s terrible to realise there are many animals who haven’t escaped or are badly injured.