Life in the Backyard

The rain clouds parted and the sun shone through so I could mow down the dandelion patch in my backyard.  I still think a grazing black bear would make things more interesting.

As I mowed, I noticed an increased presence of insects and birds.  A goldfinch was feeding at one of the feeders.  It would fly from the feeder to a nearby willow tree and sing its sweet songs from the upper branches.  

A little house wren sat at the top of the old rotting tree stump.  It was checking out the holes left by a pileated woodpecker.  In the early spring, a pair of tree swallows used the largest hole for a nest.  The wren appeared to be checking out the hole for the same reason.  As I came closer to the stump it flew up into the willow.  The finch and the wren took turns singing their songs.

The blue jays frequented the tray feeder for a supply of nuts and the robins were busy looking for worms in the wet clay soil.  In addition to the bird activity, the butterflies were busy.  Some of the flowers that I planted have opened up and they seem to be a favorite for the swallowtails.  They flitted from blossom to blossom; resting at times on a warm rock.

I took a break and was going in to the house when I noticed a strange bug.  The antennae were longer than the entire bug's body.   As I looked at it, I wondered how it could actually fly.

Blue damsel flies were flying everywhere.  I was hoping they were going to take care of the mosquitoes that left bulging welts on my leg.

The grass got mowed and the cup of coffee on the deck was enjoyed.  The sun's rays shone down all afternoon but there are large dark clouds building up in the west.  Here comes the rain again.

 

Who's got an ark?

Well, it has been quite the day.  The last 1.5 hours of my shift at work was spent listening to news reports and staying on the alert to implement 'in place sheltering'.  

At about 2:30pm a tornado warning was issued.  The sky was filled with churning dark clouds.  The rain and hail came down in sheets.  The areas that got hit the worst were to the west of the facility.  When the warning ended, I left for home.

It rained during the entire drive.  I checked the rain gauge on my way up the back step.  There was already 2cms of rain from when I left this morning and it was still going hard.  At the back door, a small drift of hailstones was left.  I could tell it came down hard.  There were little craters left in the soft soil that I used to fill my garden beds.

I waited for the lightning to let up before going out to survey the damage.  The rain was not letting up.  There were already 3 full rain barrels and the 4th was overflowing; creating a lake at the corner of my house.  I had to pump the water from the barrel to the dry creek bed that I created in the front yard.  A hose is now attached to the spigot so it will self drain overnight.
 
At 7pm this evening there was almost 3cms of rain and it was still raining.  Water was standing everywhere.  It was no longer being absorbed.  Each of the bowls that I created around the new plants in the front yard were filled with water.

At 10pm it finally stopped raining.  The difference in pavement temperature and air temperature was creating a fog to rise from the road surface.  I checked the water barrel and it was draining nicely.  I don't think I'll need to access the water in the other 3 for quite awhile.  
The backyard was under water as well.  I took a few photos so I could remember where the low spots were.  I'll either put some plants in that will love the moisture in those areas or build it up so the water will drain away.

I hunkered down this evening in front of the wood stove after I checked the forecast.  There is more rain to come so I figured that if I was going to 'float away' this evening, I may as well be cozy doing it.  Who's got an ark?

Road Trip! - The Lone Wolf

Even though I could 'bearly' contain my excitement over all the bear sightings on the road trip, there were more forest creatures that greeted us.

A couple of beautiful mule deer were enjoying the fresh grass along the ditch.  All told, there were more than 24 deer seen on the trip.  

We were making a pit stop at a campground west of Nordegg.  Just before the turn off, a great blue heron circled a roadside pond.  

When we hit the road again, we stopped at Landslide Lake.  Many small grey and yellow birds filled the branches of the trees along the trail.  They occupied the lower branches so it was easy to see them.  Their songs filled the forest.  I tried to photograph them so I could ID them back home but they were too quick for me.  It was not too difficult to find out that they were Yellow Rumped Warblers.

At the Mistaya River Canyon parking lot a couple of ravens were perched on the boulders waiting for a hand out from anyone with a snack.  I noticed one of them as I opened the truck door.  When I closed the door, it was gone.  I didn't see it because it was on the pavement directly behind me.

On the shore of the Mistaya River, a couple of chipmunks scurried along the branches.  In the blink of an eye, they were gone; hiding in nests below the pine and spruce trees.

Driving down to the canyon, I noticed a large nest at the very top of a spruce tree.  Little heads seemed to appear in the top of the nest.  I had the binoculars along so on the trek back home we stopped to have a closer look.  

An adult osprey could be seen a distance away from the nest.  With the binoculars we were able to confirm that there were babies in the nest.

Our road trip was a last minute decision and I'm glad we decided to go.  The day was incredible.  As my son and I were headed down the highway toward home, I said to him that the perfect ending would be to see a majestic bald eagle.  Well, the ending was even better.

As we were leaving the wilderness area, we noticed a black spot in the ditch.  We both thought that it was another bear.  As we got closer, we realized that the spot was not a bear.  A lone black wolf stood at the edge of the forest.  It's eyes met ours and it stared directly at us as we drove by as if saying goodby.  My son and I were in awe.  We turned around, but the wolf had retreated to the trees once more.  I had never seen a live wolf and to have it step out as we were leaving will be a moment that I will remember for a long time.

Road Trip! - It was a 'Beary' Exciting Day

Bear #2 spotted at 1:30pm

I've gone years without seeing a bear.   I saw a black bear in 1967 and then had a real drought.  The next sighting was not until 2011 when I saw two of them on the same trip. 

This trip was different.  We caught the first sight of one shortly after leaving Rocky Mountain House.  My son noticed it lumbering across the highway in the distance.  That brief glimpse created a bit of excitement.  I could go home saying that I saw a bear.  Little did I know...

Bear #2 was spotted in a steep ditch.  The top of its head would pop up now and again as it grazed on the dandelion buffet in the ditch; stems sticking out from either side of its snout.

Bear #3 spotted at 4:30pm

 #3 was a bear on a mission.  It was wandering along the top of a bank.  As we watched, it did not stop for anything.  It walked right over top the young trees that were in its way; bending them to the ground.  At the time, I wondered what that bear would have done if the tree didn't bend.  It was amazing to witness this behavior. 

Bear #4 spotted at 4:45pm

 Bear #4 was seen fifteen minutes later.  It must have been the supper hour for them as this one grazed the ditch as well.  I noticed a small 'dimple' at the top of his head so I knew this was not a bear we had seen on the way into David Thompson country.  #4 paid no attention to the vehicles pulled over on the highway.  It kept grazing and moving up the slope.  Our vehicle was parked  about ten feet away at the closest point so I got a close up view of those big, brown bear eyes.

Bear #5 spotted at 5:00pm

Bear #5 and #6 were spotted together as a pair.  One crossed the highway in front of us and as the second one tried crossing, a vehicle came from the opposite direction.  Instead of allowing the bear to cross safely, the driver laid on the horn without stopping; scaring it back into the ditch.  

When that vehicle passed by, the bear tried once more to cross.  It took its time; checking out the rumble strip on the center line.  There was a tasty morsel in one of them.

Bear #6 spotted at 5:00pm

Bear #6 enjoyed the dandelion patch until Bear #5 made it safely across the road.  At one point, the dandelion greens got stuck in its teeth.  It used a paw to loosen them.

It was an amazing experience to see so many bears on a short day trip.  This definitely made up for all the years that I traveled through that area 'bearless'.  I was so excited by the sightings that I could 'bearly' stay seated in the truck!

Road Trip! - Flora

The ditches along the David Thompson highway are carpeted in yellow; especially west of Nordegg.  The dandelions are creating a tasty buffet for the black bears in the area.  I must admit, the yellow blooms did look lovely against the many shades of green in the forest.  When the dandelions are in my lawn, I'm afraid I cannot say the same thing.

My first glimpse of more spring wildflowers occurred at Landslide Lake.  There were bunches of Three-flowered Avens.  The tiny pink flowers grew amidst the tall green grass. 

I found a patch of them with wild geraniums alongside the walking trail. 




 
On the north side of a large boulder, some delicate Northern Bog Violets were hiding from the sun.  The purple and bright green contrasted beautifully against the grey rock.  It is amazing how such fragile flowers can grow in that hard, rocky soil.




The wild strawberry plants were in bloom.  Field chickweed blossoms were interspersed with them.  The fireweed plants were only about 8 inches tall and still growing.  There are abundant so there will be a sea of purple when they are in finally in bloom.

 

From Landslide Lake, we traveled to the Mistaya River Canyon.  There is a bit of a downhill hike to get to the gorge.  On the mossy banks beside the trail, the Calypso Orchids were in bloom.  Numerous patches of them could be seen all the way to the bottom.  Their delicate little flowers added a punch of color to moss carpet.

A downpour forced us to shorten our stay in the canyon.  I've been there before and knew that there used to be violets growing in rock crevices; in the tiniest bits of soil.  

I guess I will use the fact that I did not see the violets as an excuse to come back again.  I will never tire of visiting this area.  The freshness, the smells, the peacefulness and the beauty draws me back each year; even if it is just a day trip.

Road Trip! - Scenes Along The Way

My son Matt and I hit the road at 7:30am yesterday; headed for David Thompson country.  Both of us watched for that first glimpse of the mountain peaks.

I love that area; always have and always will.  It is simply amazing to be able to drive that highway and see such an abundance of wildlife, wildflowers, greenery and the majestic mountains in the distance.

I've driven this highway many times and it is a new adventure each day.  I have to say that so far, yesterday was outstanding.  There is so much to tell that I have to do it in chapters.  Today it is scenery along the route that we took.

We were traveling to Fish Lake, west of Nordegg for our first pit stop.  The mountains ahead of us were snow covered.  I've never seen them with that much snow at this time of year.  It does however add something to their beauty.

The trees along the roadside created a pallet of varying shades of green.  It was raining in some areas and the water droplets enhanced those greens.  So beautiful!  As we got closer to Fish Lake, a yellow carpet of dandelions covered the ditches; creating a natural buffet for the numerous bears that we saw.

Fish Lake has not changed.  It is still the same peaceful spot that it has been over the years.  We used to camp at this site quite often.  The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and you can fish off the shore.  It's a great place to spend a camping vacation if you are looking for peace and quiet.

There is a nice little hiking trail that meanders along the lake and then loops back into the evergreen forest.  The fresh air and the smell of the wet pine needles is the best aromatherapy ever.




 



After a short visit with cousin Michael who was camping there, Matt and I continued our journey west.  The next stop was Landslide Lake.  A prescribed burn happened there in 2009.  The forest is rejuvenating.  The bark is peeling off the burnt trees.  Young little aspens are shooting out the soil.  


 

 

Wildflowers are creating a colorful carpet.  Dandelions, northern bog violets, purple avens, and field chickweed could be seen alongside the trail.  Fireweed is abundant but is not yet in bloom.

Local aboriginals use the area for a ceremonial ground.  As you walk through the forest you can catch a glimpse of colorful prayer flags tied around tree trunks.  A sweat lodge could be seen in an open area.











 

We left Landslide Lake and continued west to the Mistaya River Canyon.  When you pull into the parking lot, you can hear the power of the water rushing through the canyon.  We were lucky that the rain held off long enough for us to get some great shots of the river.

A previous visitor set up an Inukshuk along the water's edge. The traditional meanings for these untouched stone sculptures is "Someone was here." or "You are on the right path."

I do believe we were on the right path.  It was a long drive for a single day trip but it was so worth it.  Mother Nature did not disappoint and I enjoyed every minute of the adventure.








 

Build It And They Will Come

Build it and they will come.  Yes they will.  I continued working on my yard transformation and noticed numerous frogs hiding under the new plants that I put in a few days ago.  I moved a tree trunk that was being used for edging to contain the mulch and a little frog was hiding underneath the trunk.  It is exciting to see what little things can be done to encourage wildlife into the yard.

In the backyard, a hummingbird was feeding at the oriole feeder.  It buzzed right by head as I was getting water from the rain barrel.  When it came back for round two, it struggled to perch on the feeder hanger.  The metal pipe was too wide and slippery to hold on to.  I fastened a dead spruce tree branch to the feeder pole so there are many perches available to it now.

I took a break to meet a good friend for coffee.  My route into town took me past the duck pond.  It was windy so the water was rough.  Most of the birds were hiding along the shoreline.  I did notice that one of the pairs of geese have little goslings following them around.  It was fun to watch them make their way through the tall grass in the ditch.

A bit further up the road there is a smaller body of water.  A couple of green winged teals were swimming around amidst the duckweed floating on top of it.  That was a first for me.  I've never seen them before.  The coloration on the male was beautiful.

 I'm taking a whole day off from yard duty tomorrow for a road trip.  My camera gear and snacks are packed.  The weather looks not bad.  I'm excited to see some new scenery and am hoping for some great photo ops that I can share.

 

Open Your Eyes

My ramblings today were from the front yard to the backyard and back; numerous times.  If it wasn't with a wheelbarrow full of gravel it was with a large bag of mulch.  I was laying mulch along side a window wheel and some motion caught my eye.  The poplar and willow fluff has been flying for the past few days.  It has looked like a blizzard.  It was a piece of willow fluff that was moving on the gravel in the window well.  

I went closer for a good look to determine why the fluff was moving.  A little frog was tangled in it.  It was trying to move but it's legs and body were covered in fluff.  

I put the little guy in some rainwater in a pail.  The water rejuvenated it.  I watched as it struggled to free itself from it's bond.  I had to use a couple of sticks to assist.  Once the frog was free, it stretched its legs and swam around the bottom of the pail.  When I was sure that it was okay, I found a nice shady spot under a spruce tree for the remainder of it's recuperation.  As I glanced back, it appeared to be smiling.

Today's adventure ended on a better note than yesterday.  I was mowing the lawn and numerous little frogs were jumping out of the grass as the lawnmower was going through.  I'm certain that a couple of them didn't move fast enough.

This is one reason that I am nature-scaping my yard.  I am making it wildlife friendly; hoping that my choices will entice the frogs, salamanders, bats, birds, etc to stay.  I want the yard to be a safe haven for the little creatures.  When I get finished, I won't have to mow and the frogs won't have to worry about hopping for their lives.

As I worked outside today, a red winged blackbird made numerous visits to the sunflower seed feeder; often scaring the goldfinches away.  Robins were close by looking for worms in the earth that I was turning over.  Tree swallows swooped over the backyard; catching insects for their young that were waiting back in the nest located in the tree stump in the middle of my yard.  It was a great day for watching birds in the yard.  As I observed them I realized that my nature-scaping began years ago with the choice to leave a couple of snags when I took some rotted trees down.  

I noticed butterflies and bees flying from flower to flower.  There are not many blooms open.  In a couple of weeks there should be more on the annuals that I planted.  I'm working on planting more perennials for my insect friends.

I was sitting at the kitchen table this evening.  As I looked out the patio door, I saw a bald eagle fly over the treetops.  It's white head stood out against the blue Alberta sky.  What a glorious sight.

Thinking back over the day's events I came to the conclusion that one does not have to travel far to enjoy forest creatures.  All you have to do is open your eyes and pay attention to your surroundings.

 



 

Three Amigos

I've been working on re-landscaping my yard so by the time evening rolls around, all I want to do is sit outside on the deck.  This means watching the backyard birds flit from the treetops to the feeders instead of hiking the trails.

I had to make a trip into town this morning and some of my forest friends greeted me along the roadside.  The 'three amigos' were making their way through the tall grass in the ditch.  I noticed them quite a distance away so pulled over and stopped.  They kept coming closer to me; glancing in my direction numerous times.

I waited to see if they were going to come right up to my vehicle.  They were almost there when another vehicle came up from behind doing more than what the speed limit actually is on the country roads.  The driver didn't even notice the deer in the ditch.  I shudder to think what would have happened if they would have bolted across the road in front of that car.

The noise from the car scared the trio into the trees but not for long.  I waited and was able to get a close up view of these beauties.  

What  great way to start the day!

Nature-Escape

Everything is green!  I walked my favorite snowshoe trail for the first time since the snow melted.  The forest is thick and green and luscious.  The smells are wonderful.  I wish that I could have enjoyed the smells more but each big breath resulted in mosquitoes up my nose.  There were swarms of them everywhere!  They were immune to Deep Woods OFF and Muskol.  I had to apply bug repellant twice during the excursion.  There were so many of them that I couldn't keep them out of my photographs. 

Walking the Amisk Wuche Trail when the underbrush and trees are all leafy is definitely a different experience from winter when I snowshoe it.  The forest is so thick that you cannot see beyond the edges of the trail. 

The birds were very vocal last night.  There were many flitting from tree top to tree top.  We listened and tried to determine where they were hiding but without binoculars, it was a lost cause. 

The waterfowl and shorebirds were calling as well but each time that we tried to sneak up on them to get a photo, they would swim in the opposite direction or fly away.

Along the shores of the ponds, the dragonflies and damsel flies were busy.  By the end of the summer they may be the size of a bird if they continue feeding at the mosquito buffet.

I'm off work for a week and am nature-scaping my yard but I'm going to try for another nature-escape to give myself a break from my wheelbarrow and that big pile of gravel on my driveway.