This native orchid appears in our local woods around the time the salmonberry blooms. Often found in small pockets in mature forests, this little beauty has a heady perfume. Its striking appearance draws us in for closer inspection. This plant is becoming more rare throughout it’s range because people pick them - so please refrain, … Continue reading Flowers of the Forest: Fairyslipper (Calypso bulbosa)
"With the arrival of the Black-headed Grosbeak, the summer cast for our valley is just about complete," advises John Tschopp, of one of his favourite birds. "With this bird, looks and song correspond. With most other birds, only one or the other is outstanding."
Dave Steers picked this for his Photo of the Week contribution, of a hummingbird taking off. He said the image was the result of blind luck - he'd been taking pictures of the hummingbird perched atop a tree, guarding the hummingbird feeder over his head, when the bird launched just as Dave pushed the … Continue reading Photo of the Week: Dave Steers
One of the first native flowers to emerge after the snow melts around Pemberton is the chocolate lily (Fritillaria lanceolata). This springtime beauty is found in grassy meadows, bluffs, and open forests. Anyone who has been biking with me at this time of year has experienced multiple and sudden (sometimes dangerous?) stops when I first … Continue reading Flowers of the Forest: Chocolate Lilies
Snake-watcher, Dr Leslie Anthony, has been sighting lots of snakes in Pemberton this month. We repost this "heads-up" from his Instagram account (which is pretty cool.) The elusive, completely harmless but preternaturally beautiful rubber boa is emerging from winter dens. These ancient creatures live 50+ years but only have a few babies—much like turtles—so killing … Continue reading Snakewatch: Swerve for Rubber Boas!
It is spring in the town of Pemberton. Snow has melted, the grass is turning green and trees are about to bud. The daylight hours are getting longer and people are shedding layers of winter wear. It is a whole different story just a few miles north on the Pemberton Meadows Road. Every winter as … Continue reading Seasonal Observations: 5 Signs of Spring in the Upper Pemberton Meadows
An update from John Tschopp: Spring is here. Wherever you are in our valley, you can see and hear the Trumpeter Swans on their way North. The Pemberton valley seems to be a popular stop for them. Last year's potato fields, some fallow grain fields present a tasty snack along the way. What a flying … Continue reading BirdWatch: Trumpeter Swans
I promised back in January that we would tap Veronica Woodruff's amazing knowledge and passion for wetlands critters... Here she shares her enthusiasm for the arrival of the Pacific Chorus Frog. I have been anxiously awaiting the annual glee club convergence of the Pacific Chorus Frog. One of the random things I have been keeping … Continue reading Critter Watch: Pacific Chorus Frog
This is my first bird identification. I have 'sighted' a northern flicker. I'm inordinately excited. It's exciting to have a name for this strange bird that appeared in my yard, because somehow, the ability to name it brings me into closer relationship and community with my backyard, just like knowing the name of my server … Continue reading Seasonal Observations: Northern Flicker
A sign that we live in healthy habitat, I imagine, is the following update from our Ornithology Expert, John Tschopp: One does not have to climb mountains or ford rivers to do some fine birding. The traffic circle in downtown Pemberton can produce exciting birds. The three pictures below were taken on March 1st - the Crossbills … Continue reading BirdWatch: Red Crossbills at the Roundabout
The Wellness Almanac 