Winter Snow

Christmas has come and gone and we're starting a New Year which always makes people wonder what it will bring. After last year with fires, floods, pandemics we're starting this year with more snow and cold than I've seen in a long time. These are photos by a local photographer from a creek (Power's Creek) in Glen Canyon Park in West Kelowna which usually doesn't freeze in the winter here.

Stopping by Woods Snowy Evening Robert Frost Poem Poster
by countrymousestudio

Finding nature where you can

After moving to the city, it became very important to find nature where I could. Fortunately, we moved near a lot that has been difficult for developers to sell because it has a little stream which drains the hill above it.  You can't see the water in the photo but you can see the little green plants still growing even in the snow.

I walk here often but because I usually have my dog with me, I stay on the road to avoid the burrs lurking in the grass.

But today, I decided I needed to get out on my own even though the snow was pretty deep. It was so much fun, I felt like a kid again.


Even the weeds were beautiful

I stopped long enough to notice there was still food left for the birds

and heard the cheerful singing of a little brown bird. It wasn't a sparrow and of course it wouldn't come close enough for a photo but I'd seen this little bird before by the lake.  It flicks it's tail like a wren, and every time I've spotted one, it has been near water.

After reading about the American Waterthrush, I thought I'd identified it but it shouldn't be here through the winter. 

Mind you neither should Red-Winged Blackbirds but one is still visiting our feeder.
This fellow has been staying through the winter for about three years.  I always wonder why some of them don't leave.

Well, that was it for my walk, it was short and not very exotic but very much appreciated.