I sometimes whimsically characterize kootenay-lake.ca as a website that treats bears, bugs, birds, and beaches. So, why not use that list as the theme for a posting? Alas, the only beach I show here is underwater, but it will have to do. These eight pictures were all taken within the last ten days.
This mother bear had cubs nearby, but they stayed hidden while I watched.
The Pale Swallowtail is a western butterfly common to southern BC.
Although there are many insects in my yard, I rarely see a Soldier Fly (Oxycera sp.).
This Bald–faced Hornet posed for a portrait. And yes, this is definitely the lassie you do not want to annoy.
This Spotted Sandpiper was patrolling what a few weeks ago would have been beach.
A Willow Flycatcher waits on a perch to fly out to catch insects in flight.
This female Rufous Hummingbird looks like a sword on wings.
The male Black–chinned Hummingbird is still around, but likely to leave for the mountains soon.
We’ve all been waiting to see the Willow FLycatcher and I am not disappointed. Thank you. I have a Black chinned Hummingbird here as well and appreciate him very much.
There is something very strange looking to dirk & me about this bear’s face. Any thoughts?
Thanks
Karen
Karen, Others have also commented (that is the weirdest looking bear I have ever seen! It seems to have had an avante garde haircut at some Paris salon). Below is a side view of the head. It seems that the head itself has very short fur while that on the neck and body is much longer. So a head-on shot such as above makes it seem to have a brush-cut. Who knows?
Thanks, Alistair, glad I’m not the only one who was surprised by the bruin’s look!