Trick or Treat!

Bumper Crop!

Apparently in this part of the world the rains came at just the right time to bring out a massive crop of wild mushrooms. I've been checking in the woods for a few weeks now but was overwhelmed when I went to Thetis Lake Park yesterday. There are mushrooms all over the place - in fact if you leave the main pathways it is difficult to walk without crushing some underfoot. Not only are there many mushrooms but there are many varieties. I photographed at least a dozen different kinds yesterday in many colors, shapes and sizes. The lovely little sulphur-colored ones above are just a hint of the riches that are scattered throughout the forest right now. I'm heading out to Pkols (Mount Douglas Park) today to see if there are others out there. I hereby declare that for the rest of the week this blog will be devoted to fungi.

Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis)

When Fern and I were out at Goldstream Park last week I was pleased to spy this little fellow, a Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis), hopping around in the undergrowth and fallen logs while he searched for the little insects that are his diet. Another new species to add to my life-list! It's wonderful that no matter how often I go out into the forest I almost always see something new and interesting or some new facet of an old friend. Later this week when I've had a chance to edit the video, I'll share a Hooded Merganser mating dance I saw for the first time this week, though I've enjoyed these birds' winter company for more than a few years.

I Couldn't Resist

I know, I know, another sunset picture. Hasn't the world had enough?? But no, when you have a camera in hand and the sky is such an amazing palette of colors you have to, don't you? I do. - Fern

Parkade

Most of the time no one pays much attention to these places but I find them to be interesting in their economy of line and symmetry. - Fern