On the Wild Side

Male Northern Flicker

One of the bird species living here year round.  This handsome fellow came into the garden area one evening to search for grubs or ants in the soil. 

  

Cottonwood Seed Fluff

There is a large cottonwood tree growing just a short walk from the house, and this past week it released its seed fluff into the air.  Some of it settled on the ground directly below the tree making it seem as if it had snowed. This is a beautiful deciduous tree of the genus: populus that is native to this region of the province, and it can usually be found growing near lakes and rivers. 

Saskatoon berries developing

Paintbrush

Wild Rabbit

We see the wild rabbit every second day or so when he comes out of the forest to have a meal of clover.  I'm happy to say that he hasn't tried the lettuce yet.  He is very cautious, preferring to remain near the trees where he can easily dash to safety. 

Weather today: rain showers (an immense boost for the garden)

The Wild Columbine are in bloom wherever I look, either in the forest or in the garden where some of them have conveniently settled.  Monsieur Bunny seems to be getting bolder and bolder as he playfully hops or runs near the edges of the yard and across the driveway.  R.H. (Rufous Hummingbird) has declared the garden part of his territory and is fearless in defending it.  The False Solomon's-Seal is another woodland plant that has come into bloom recently.  It prefers somewhat shaded areas.

 

Wild Columbine (buttercup family)

Flowers:  attracts hummingbirds and bees

Wild Rabbit (Hare?)

Rufous Hummingbird

False Solomon's-Seal (lily family)

Flowers: very fragrant and showy

Springtime Scenery

I'm discovering more and more new growth whenever I go walking in the surrounding wood.  The wild clematis are about to bloom, and the delicate looking fairybells that grow in the shade of other plants are unfolding as well.  The various shades of green below the mountain are a sight to behold while at the very top in the wind and cold some snow remains.  On our drive yesterday, we observed a yearling moose browsing close to the road within a fenced piece of land.  It absolutely made our day!  If you look closely at the photo, you will see that his antlers are just beginning to develop.

Please click on the photos for better viewing 

  

Wild Clematis

tiny Fairybells

Male Moose

View of Sinkut Mountain

Rufus Hummingbird

Geranium ready for repotting

On a recent trip to Sun Peaks, B.C.

Deer on hillside making a run for the trees.  The bear must have been
nearby.  The deer and bear were often seen together.

This Black Bear came out to graze at the same time
every morning and evening.

Returning from a walk,
we saw this cute chipmunk eating dandelion seed.

The ground squirrels were very entertaining,
and we could observe them through the windows.

Today's Flowers

In the Garden

The first Sweet Peas are about to blossom, and the Geraniums, too, are in bud.

This is one of the original plants that I brought inside last fall and overwintered.

This wary little chipmunk sits here almost every morning. He knows I am taking his picture and at the first chance scampers away.

July 1st

Happy Canada Day!

Special thoughts and wishes for Canadians who are abroad.