It's Down!

One major branch of our Russian Olive in B. C. came down in a windstorm a few weeks ago. As you can see, it's the branch we were all sitting in!
It fell against our Blue Spruce and the top 5 feet broke off. We hired someone to take it down, cut it into firewood and make chips of the small stuff. He will also cut down a major portion of the part that's left, because of some cracks in the highest branches. It's sad, I always loved that tree, but we knew it couldn't last forever. The tree cutter felt it was worth leaving the main trunk to grow again. He said he'd never seen a Russian Olive that big.

My macro in my new camera is definately not as good as the old Konica Minolta. I really lucked out on the old one. This one is fine, but it sure doesn't have the depth that I grew accustomed to. Takes a little of the fun out of taking pictures of bugs.

This Osprey was guarding a nest in Enderby. We could see at least 2 heads in the nest, which was on top of a power line.

This is a Bakers Rack built by Jeff Trickey. It is beautiful, as so much of his work is. He has a blog displaying it, so I recommend checking it out at http://millavenuewoodwork.blogspot.com/

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary Tim and Juanita!
Hope you're having a great day.

Olds College Gardens

Last week we went to the Olds College to see their grounds. They put a lot of effort into their gardens. It was one of the few nice days we'd had, and we really enjoyed it.

A climatis with an extra long stamen.

There was good variety, from a pond to a herb garden, a rose garden, huge old trees, and even a vegetable garden. It wasn't exactly Buchart Gardens, but it was worth seeing.

It is so refreshing to actually be comfortable outside again, to see green, and to enjoy the growth of plants. I love the long days. And to be able to talk with neighbors over the fence, go for walks without putting a coat on. It all seems healing to the soul.

The Zoo

We hadn't been to the Calgary Zoo for 25 years, but we went with Jon, Magan and Jack yesterday. We had a beautiful day weather-wise. We were lucky because we're back into a rainy period again. We really enjoyed it. My one disappointment is that they are redoing the conservatory and the butterfly house so I couldn't get pictures of butterflies. Next year...

I hadn't seen a giraffe for a long time, and I was very amazed at what incredible, but also what handsome animals they are. Africa has got to win the prize for their unique animals.

This koala bear was snoozing, so I couldn't get his face. He did look as fuzzy and cuddly as a teddy bear.

I'm not sure whether this baby monkey was cute or not.

There were peacocks loose all over the zoo mingling among the people. It was nice to see them close up. What incredible tails!

All in all it was an enjoyable day, and we enjoyed seeing the fun that Jack had. He's definately a zoo-lover.

Musical Murderer!

A few days ago a little house wren began to hang around our place. He was hard to spot - he was tiny and a light brown color that blended in. He had a beautiful song that could be heard clearly from a distance.

He started building a nest in several bird houses on the opposite side of the yard from the swallows. We were delighted. We learned that the male wren will start building several nests close together and sing to establish territory and attract a mate. The mate then comes and selects one nest from the several he has started and finishes building it.

It was fun to watch him try to take long sticks into the birdhouse. Sometimes he dropped it, but he worked hard and persistently. He took breaks from his working to sing his melodious song.

Yesterday morning our swallows on the other side of the yard were upset and abandoned their nest. Then I found 2 of their eggs on the ground that had been pecked to kill them. We were puzzled until I read on the internet that house wrens will do this to establish territory (they claim half an acre!) and eliminate competition. We also learned that once house wrens have nested in an area they will return year after year and not allow other birds in their territory.

So we decided the house wrens were not welcome and Mal covered over the entrances to the birdhouses so they couldn't nest. The wren was very puzzled and hopped around looking from all angles, wondering where the entrance could have disapppeared to! Then he gave up. Now both swallows and wren are gone.

This week would have been the week the baby swallows would have hatched. We miss them.

Who would have thought it of a tiny little songbird?