High and low

 

Things seen higher in the mountains often differ from those seen at the valley bottoms: trees, mammals, birds and flowers, all change with elevation. Here are some examples gleaned from this week’s jaunts.

The Willow Flycatcher seems to prefer the riparian areas of valley bottoms.

The Turkey Vulture prefers to hunt in the open spaces, deciduous forests and farmlands of valley bottoms. The flycatcher and the vulture were both seen in Harrop. 

In winter and early spring, the Varied Thrush can be found at low elevations, but with summertime, it goes higher. This one was singing at about 1400 metres.

Locally, Yellow-bellied Marmots occupy valley bottoms, likely to avoid competition with Hoary Marmots higher up.

As a child, I saw chipmunks around the lakeshore. Now, I only see them at higher elevations. This one was at about 1100 metres. Was it competition that drove them higher?

The Tiger Lily is found in forest clearings around the Lake.

However, you must climb into the montane and subalpine regions to see Bear Grass.

 

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4 Responses to High and low

  1. Lorna Surina says:

    I love the smell of bear grass blossoms and what a great shot that last one is. I swear I can smell it! 🙂

  2. Eric Gisin says:

    Kokanee Glacier Park just published a new trail report. The road is clear but the picture of Kokanee Lake is surrounded by snow. So when was the Bear Grass photo really taken?

  3. Rebecca Schram says:

    This is a wonderful group of photos. I like the one of the varied thrush singing, especially.

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