Monthly Archives: May 2020

May goulash

  This is a largish collection of images from May, none of which has had a posting of its own. The House Finch is a colourful western bird that has now spread across the continent. The Killdeer arrives from the … Continue reading

Posted in birds, mammals | 2 Comments

Hummingbird moth

  The hummingbird moth has been billed by Nature Canada as one of Canada’s coolest creatures. Although a moth, it is out during the daytime when it sips nectar by hovering over flowers like a tiny hummingbird. Somewhat uncommon, I … Continue reading

Posted in bugs | 8 Comments

Striped coralroot

  The striped coralroot is a wild orchid that is both uncommon and widespread. Favouring the deep forest floor that little sunlight reaches, it obtains its energy, not as a result of photosynthesis, but through fungi. Indeed, the plant lacks … Continue reading

Posted in wildflowers | 3 Comments

Grazing grizzlies

  The grizzly bear has a fearsome reputation as a predator. It is earned: the bear is strong and combative. But, while it is a carnivore, most of its time is spent eating plants, often just grazing.  A grizzly sow … Continue reading

Posted in mammals | 4 Comments

Two courtship displays

  I watched two courtship displays of birds this morning. One was obvious; the other was subtle. A courtship display is a behaviour in which an animal (often a male) attempts to attract a mate. The courtship display of the … Continue reading

Posted in birds, commentary | 1 Comment

Marmot suckles

  The pups of the Yellow-bellied Marmot are now out of the burrow.  But, they are still firmly bonded with mommy. Here one pup suckles.  

Posted in mammals | 1 Comment

Beauteous deceit

  So far, I have photographed six species of wild orchids in Kokanee Creek Park. Always the first to bloom is the beautiful fairy slipper. It has two varieties, eastern and western; the Park gets each. As with all flowers, … Continue reading

Posted in bugs, wildflowers | 4 Comments

Hummers three

  We are a few weeks into the hummingbird season. It started slowly with the arrival of male Rufous Hummingbirds. Then some female Rufous arrived. Now are added the Calliope and Black-chinned. Sometimes they share a feeder, sometimes they fight … Continue reading

Posted in birds | 9 Comments

Owl’s nest

  The Great Horned Owl is billed as widespread and common throughout North America. But, just try to find one: it has camouflage colouring, it is primarily active at night; it nests unobtrusively high in trees. My favourite observing location … Continue reading

Posted in birds | 4 Comments

Flash your gorget

  The hummingbird’s gorget is iridescent: See it at one angle to the sun and it is dark, twisted to another angle and it glows brilliantly. A male Rufous Hummingbird twists its head and flashes its gorget.  

Posted in birds | 4 Comments