Fall's Arrived

Black Bear Cub passes through

Wed Sep 22nd

Timber laden barge

Thu Sep 23rd

Skeins of honking Canada Geese are now in evidence as they ready to migrate to their wintering grounds.  At one time they would head off to southern USA.  These days they may not get as far if they find food and suitable habitat on route, especially around urban environments.   

The Acers around the house are starting to take on an orange hue but have not yet reached that fiery red so typical of the species.  Their related large leaf Maple and other deciduous trees are beginning to turn,  some leaves already dropping though this is more to do with the summer drought.  Current temperatures remain mild, though there is a definite chill first thing in the morning and evenings. During the day in the sun, it remains pleasantly warm. 

North American Robins, the size of a UK Thrush but with a red or orange breast and Northern Flickers, a member of the woodpecker family, are gorging on the Rowan berries up behind the house.  It's a North American variety (Sorbus sitchensis), different to the European offering, which is regarded as an invasive species.  The American Beautyberry (Callicarpa Americana) with mauve or purple berries is also popular with the smaller birds.

The change in weather is now bringing more cloud and some stunning sunrises.  We occasionally get the reflected beauty of sunsets on the mainland mountains but as the sun sets behind us we don't get to see the direct sunset.  The last few days have also benefited from the full moon on the 20th which has shone across West Howe Sound.  

Bears are now increasingly active during the day as they try to eat and drink as much as possible to gain weight in readiness for hibernation.  A phase called hyperphagia - excessive eating and drinking.  

A lone young bear made its way up through our drive yesterday morning.  Either separated from its mother or a 2020 cub, as they tend to stay with their mothers for around eighteen months.

It was about 0922 and Fred was upstairs in the office and I was in the living room.  All three of us disappointingly unaware of its presence.  It was picked up on the security camera and I happened to check the recordings.  Alerts, which I thought were on but proved not to be, are now definitely working.

Fred took Jack down to Hopkins Landing this morning and the three local River Otters were back swimming  around just off the beach.

As Fred was playing tennis for most of the afternoon, I spent some time in the workshop, reorganizing the layout and creating more space.  I am hoping the spares for some of the kit I bought will arrive next week and I can finish setting it all up.

This afternoon was warm though breezy so I had a leisurely stroll down to Hopkins Landing.  Not many people about.  On the way back a Black Tailed Deer was grazing close to the ferry terminal entrance. 

A cyclist on an electric bike came tearing down the road and clearly not looking further than their front wheel, headed for the deer.    The deer, seeing the incoming rider, walked a few paces away avoiding a collision and nonchalantly carried on grazing.  As cars started zooming out of the terminal, the deer and accomplice which had been hidden around the corner trotted off across the road to the side of Langdale Creek.  Car drivers, who were looking no further than the hood of their vehicles, slowed or stopped to let them cross.

And finally ......

A new apex predator has been discovered in British Columbia, following the discovery of a dead grizzly bear.   A forensic necropsy of the female grizzly determined she had been killed by a mountain goat!  More here.