Nature watching has been bountiful in the last few days. In addition to the just posted toads in amplexus and the dipper chicks, some things seen were:
A Cliff Swallow peeking out of its nest;
A marmot contemplating (“You disparaged my vanity on your previous posting, but when I’m not sleeping, eating, or mating, I really am a contemplative fellow.”);
Goslings following their parents;
A Painted Turtle lazing in the Lake (The rest of us must wait for summer.);
An early season dragonfly perching (possibly a female Spiny Baskettail);
A close view of a Barrow’s Goldeneye Duck revealing its iridescent head;
A Black Bear grazing on dandelions (It did not like being watched.);
Nothing beat a coyote impudently walking with its back to the traffic flow, which stopped on the road and pooped.
Alistair, I saw your giant moth!!!!!! I live in Maple Ridge BC. It was so big I thought it was a bat. It couldn’t find its way out of our deck. Scared me so bad I came to look it up and saw your post.
Tanya, impressive, isn’t it? (She is referring to my 2012 posting one BIG moth.)
Thoroughly enjoyed the pictures. Brings back memories of our cottage in the Laurentians of Quebec. Thank you.