I built a sunning box for our slider Midori so she can be safely left out on the balcony for periods of basking, which is essential to turtle health. Choco the Cat got into the action, too, but didn’t last too long in the heat.
Note: While we love Midori, and have cared for her for 24 years, we do NOT recommend turtles as pets. Some reasons here in a post on my old blog.
I was the event photographer at the Edmonds City Fair again this year. I took over 2,000 shots and have winnowed those down to just over 200 in this Flickr album.
We enjoyed the butterfly festival at Campbell Valley Regional Park. Great job Metro Vancouver parks staff!
Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver booth — I sit on their board of directors
And I’m guessing this pond occupant nearby is invasive? : -)
Chipmunk cuteness
This frog had its territory in the pond and hung out in the exact same spot for hours despite all the people enjoying the festival
Furry poop on a trail.
I had a meeting in Victoria, BC, today, and enjoyed the BC Ferries ride there and back.
Super dynamic presentation on marine wildlife by Rachel, who I believe is from Parks Canada
And coming home in the evening:
Yumi and I did a loop in Lynn Canyon Park on the north shore. We love these trails!
The suspension bridge
Checking for aquatic invertebrates, AKA bugs
Yumi and I filled the car with recyclables and headed off to the amazing Burnaby Eco-Centre. We do this about once a month after we’ve accumulated enough stuff to make it worthwhile.
Heading back on the road, it occurred to us that we should take advantage of our free Canada Parks 150 Pass and visit the Ft. Langley National Historic Site. Off we went!
We had a super time! We hadn’t visited in many years, and it was great fun wandering around checking out all the displays, and to top it off we got to watch a musket demonstration.
Those poor, innocent, berries stood no chance in Fraser Foreshore Park in Burnaby today. . . Merciless, she was. . .
Yumi and I headed down to the cute town of Steveston, BC, today. We walked the waterfront, checked out the upgraded town museum (great history on early Japanese settlement/WWII internment), and enjoyed the Gulf of Georgia Cannery.
Wow, huge additions to the displays in the cannery. If you haven’t been there in a few years, you have to check it out. Good stuff.
Came across this shriveled-up butterfly sitting on a hot asphalt path on my walk today. I carried it over to a water fountain, got some water into the palm of my hand, and wet it down a bit. It began crawling all over me. After it gave me a few kisses on the cheek, I placed it on the shady side of a tree.
UPDATE: A biologist friend notes it’s more likely it had recently emerged and the wings were not completely filled out yet. Oh, well, I still like my story. . . 😉
Yumi and I did a complete circuit of Deer Lake this morning before it got too hot. Lots of wildlife and great views!
We came across this immature heron on the road near the rookery, so Yumi gently herded it back into the bush beneath the nesting area.
Relatively safe and sound. . .
Northern Flicker
Waxwing
Waxwing
