Nature Challenge

Today was Day 18 out of 30 days spending a minimum of 30 minutes per day in nature. Every day when I head out I wonder if I'm going to find anything new to take photos of and every day I do! Unfortunately there is much I'm not able to photograph, such as the various birds, as they don't sit still long enough for me to find them in my lens and take their picture. If there's a knack to it I don't know what it is.

I've had many encounters with rabbits and deer, chipmunks and racoons and wild turkeys, and now I've had two sightings of Mr. (or Mrs.) Wile E. Coyote! Very exciting!!

These photos are from two days ago - I was wandering through a thicketed area when I saw movement to my left. I stopped to have a look and spied the coyote. He glared at me a couple of times but most of his attention was involved with diving head first into gopher holes. It was quite comical as it would leap up in the air and then it's entire head would disappear in the hole.

Taking a dive!

I'm watching you watching me!

I don't know what he found but he was successful as I noticed him chewing after one of his dives...chipmunk? mouse?

I made so sudden moves (I really didn't move at all!!) just clicked the camera a few times. He made no move toward me or me to him. Duh! I wasn't afraid - he didn't seem very big though of course I'm sure his teeth are very sharp. Believe me when I say I walk quietly and carry a BIG stick!

Eventually he wandered out of view and I made a big detour to stay out of his way. That was Monday.

Today, just minutes after talking to a fellow whose dog was off-leash (the dog was large and the owner said in all of his years walking through the area he'd never seen a coyote so he wasn't worried) I saw a coyote AGAIN!!  He was trotting along a path to my left; he saw me but just kept trotting along at the same pace. Again I took a detour as the last thing I want to do is surprise or startle or frighten him into attacking.

Both times after the coyote moved off I saw/heard deer moving away from the area. Today I saw just the hindquarters of a deer bound away as the coyote got a little too close for comfort.

Needless to say this 30 day challenge has become much more than I thought it would. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the daily changes in the forests and meadows. One day I sat and watched a threatened species of bird - "bank swallows" skim just over the surface of the water scooping up their weight in insects. I was in awe of their ability to fly continuously without landing. Their homes are little burrows in the grassy overhang at river's edge carved out by their bills, feet and wings. Amazing creatures. I have since read that they rarely land.

I've been getting lots of great comments on facebook - I'm glad that so many people still appreciate what nature has to offer. It's fascinating as it never stays the same and the inter-connectedness between birds, animals, fish, environment and plants/trees is complex and magical.

Just 12 more days to go!

Money Monday

As the month is young I don't really have much to report about my budget except I'm a bit behind in my two new goals. My charitable donations are right on track with another donation to kids' cancer of $50. Where I am behind is in my Christmas gift buying/creating. I bought a gift in January and also in February and then I stalled. I need to get crocheting and carving more but it's hard this time of year as I prefer to be outside. Today being a rainy day I will get into the workshop. I brought home a good strong tree branch yesterday to use as a walking stick but it needs a little work. I hope to get that completed today but it's a gift for myself  :)

Other than that it's business as usual - I transferred $400 into savings and have divided my misc budget into 4 equal amounts to get me through May. Extra expenses this month include my truck license plate sticker and one night in an Airbnb in Dublin. I will also be checking out flyers for sales on hiking duds. I think I'm in pretty good shape there though, perhaps some socks or hiking shorts.

Lately I've mentioned "forest bathing" and how getting out into nature is good for stress and overall well being. And then I found this!

"Want to feel healthier, happier and more peaceful? Add a daily dose of nature to your routine.

Most of us spend too much time in front of screens and too little time outdoors. It’s time to fall (back) in love with nature!

This May, the David Suzuki Foundation is challenging you and people around the world to join the 30×30 Challenge by spending 30 minutes a day in nature for 30 days. Our goal is simple: to reconnect human beings with nature for the sake of their health and mental well-being.

Join us in taking the 30×30 Nature Challenge, so we can reap nature’s benefits together. See you outside!"  Found on the David Suzuki website. David Suzuki is a high profile Canadian scientist.
So I'm going to give it a try. 30 minutes is easy...everyday will be harder. Yesterday I spent about 2 hours in the forest and even though it was cool and cloudy it was very enjoyable. Here are a few photos...

Gradually the colour green is taking over.

I wonder which way to prevailing winds blow?

Looked for deer but didn't spot any. Just bunnies, a heron and crows
mobbing a hawk.

This is part of my "running trail."

So inviting!

Mallard duck

A tree sculpture!

Hope your Monday isn't TOO manic :)

The Relatives have left/I hope Spring sticks around!!

Lots of laughs, and some tears too. Thus endeth another memorable family get together. Not sure if I'll get out to PEI this year but it is a possibility.  I'll be back earlier than usual from my trip to Ireland (mid-September) so there would still be some lovely weather out east...probably... I could fly and get there is about 2-3 hours instead of driving for 20!

Just a few of us - my brother Gord, my seester Lannie, my
brother-in-law Jim and ME! 

My handy brother-in-law installed a new furnace thermostat in my condo :) the old one was stuck at 19c which I didn't mind but with summer coming I would like the option of using the A/C :|  He also pumped up my bicycle tires with a handy gadget he plugs into the lighter in his truck. I need one of those handy gadgets but I need to know what it's called! I don't think they'll know what I mean if I go into Canadian Tire and ask for a "handy gadget!"

The first time on my bike my butt was oh-so-sore but the second time it wasn't so bad. Maybe if my butt gets really toughened up it'll be smaller - HAH! 

I've been getting lots of walks in too in Kilally Meadows. Our weather has been extraordinarily nice these past few days. I ran into lots of wildlife - a male white-tailed deer leapt across the path in front of me on Sunday. I tracked it for awhile but couldn't get a photo, though got some good shots of a blue heron. Yesterday I saw (and photographed) a female deer and a rabbit. I also saw a snake and a chipmunk. Spring weather brings everyone out, including the flowers!

Blue Heron

I call this "one of these things is not like the other!"

No leaves on the trees yet but everything else is greening up. 

I don't recognize these flowers at all! 

BUUNY!!

Female white-tailed deer. She doesn't have white
chicklet teeth - it's just a wee twig!

Lannie - is this the pointed-leaf plantain?

 I wish this weather would stay forever but see rain and cooler weather in the forecast. Today is a cycling day - going to enjoy it to the fullest while I can :)

How's the weather where you are??