It’s starting to feel like spring .,,
… not visible yet, but it’s in the air.
Happy weekend.
Awakening
Tag Archives: Spring
Sightings
Although on a recent walk it was still only 5C (41F) out, it was beautifully sunny and the cold wind we have been experiencing rather consistently had stopped.
Okanagan Lake was flat, calm and lovely.
The koi in the fish pond are awake and moving, if a little sluggish.
It definitely feels like spring, even if it’s still a bit coolish.
Happy International Women’s Day.
Busy Birds
I recently saw this pair of mallard ducks in a small pond. They were alone and seemingly investigating the edge of the shore, possibly looking for a good nesting site.
Seeing them pair off and start looking for nesting spots is a very good sign of spring.
A nicely hidden space among the long grasses from last summer might do very nicely for a little family.
Going forward I’ll be keeping out an eye out for them. I hope they find a nice, secure spot.
Happy Monday.
Whither Weather
Many of us are getting this …
and this …
when we would rather be having a little of this …
and a bit of that …
Unfortunately, we have to be patient.
Of Lions, Lambs and Leap Years
An uncommon intersection is occurring today: a leap year, a lion-like in-coming March and, I hope, an out-going lamb-like March.
The last time we had a February 29 was in 2020, and I hope there isn’t a repeat of what was shortly to follow, of what had actually already started. I was still in the Northwest Territories then, and I took this picture of children having immense fun playing on a giant pile of snow that had been pushed up by road-clearing vehicles. None of us knew it then, but they were coming up to having their fun seriously curtailed. March was arriving like a lamb, but Covid’s hobnailed boots were about to teach us a thing or two. Fortunately however, we are past that.
Herewith are some lion-like March starts:
Some lamb-like March departures – I like the lambs more, don’t you?
And last but not least:
More often than not, March has done its lion- like best but has meekly disappeared by the time April arrives. Although we need a coolish, slower spring in order to facilitate our continued drought recovery – and to mitigate forest fires, too – there’s no reason why some sun and blue skies can’t be a part of that.
Happy Leap Year. It’s much better than the last one.
Turning Weather
Well, it’s February and officially still winter, so I guess Mr. Cold feels like it has a job to complete.
After several days of inaccurate predictions, Environment Canada finally got it right. Our temperature dipped, snowy rain started to fall and it felt quite cold after our streak of warmish, springy days.
I was surprised to spot these icicles hanging from a willow tree next to the lake; it seems the wind had whipped the water up and it had frozen there, creating these solid striations. Although the wind had died off by the time I went walking, it was definitely cold. My ears and nose tingling from the frost, I enjoyed getting inside again.
Happy Wednesday.
Bird Colour
Western bluebirds are such a fabulous shade of blue. Like robins, they are members of the thrush family and love to eat insects and berries.
Most of them migrate from points further south to the Okanagan Valley to nest but some overwinter, as well. I was very surprised to see the one above so early, but it may be that he stays all year. In any case, I was happy to get a picture of this colourful and very cute bird.
Happy Tuesday.
Spring You Say?
Yes, cautious agreement. There are some subtle signs of spring beginning to happen. The angle of the sun, bird behaviour, wind direction and temperature are all conspiring to create a springy sort of feeling here.
We have reached steady double digits – 10°C or more (50F) – and the sun really feels warm.
The rhododendrons are greening up by the day and really nudging the sense that we’re getting closer to spring and further from winter.
Of course, there will be lots more rain. We’re supposed to get some tomorrow, and given where we’ve lately been with the drought monster, some coolish rain isn’t a bad thing.
Happy Saturday.
Spring Birds
Over the last few days I’ve noticed that the ducks and geese are beginning to prepare for new little ones.
The geese mate for life but something about their recent behaviour tells me that they’re becoming expectant; perhaps they’re waiting for the double-digit warm weather so that they can build nests and raise their young.
At this point, the coots just seem to be eating; of course, many of them will soon be migrating to their nesting grounds.
And then we have the mallard duck crew. They’re pairing up too. Here’s a short video showing how quickly they come running and flying toward us for a quinoa snack.
Happy Thursday.
Another Sunny Friday
We had bright sun on Friday and more indications that spring is on its way. Certainly it’s much closer than not!
I think we might soon have some buds.
But while we’re waiting for some spring leaves, clear blue skies and warmer temperatures are very welcome.
Lots to look forward to.
Happy Saturday
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