blues

yellows

beaver, beaver, beaver!

I can't really convey quite how excited I am about my first beaver encounter....

Look at the webbed feet!!.... and the lovely big tale. I was actually climbing down a bank on my usual walk to get a closer look at the eagles nest because I could hear the chicks calling inside when I noticed this.....

Just under the tree was a beavers lodge. Two beavers came out to see who I was and swam around in circles keeping an eye on me as I took snaps. I could hear little grunts and moans from the lodge where the babies were. I didn't want to stress them out so I left after a wee while but I could have stayed for ages. They reminded me of seals with their human-like sounds and curiosity.


































Here are some beaver facts....

They are the second-largest rodent in the world (after the capybara).
Females are as large as or larger than males of the same age, which is uncommon among mammals.
The American beaver's preferred food is the water-lily.
Beaver furs were used to make clothing and top-hats. Much of the early exploration of North America was driven by the quest for this animal's fur. Native peoples and early settlers also ate this animal's meat.
The beavers cover their lodges late every autumn with fresh mud which freezes when the frost sets in. The mud becomes almost as hard as stone, so that neither wolves nor coyotes can get in.

More can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beavers


I think Beavers are great.

(I am aware that this is becoming a wildlife blog...I will try harder to include some more art next time...)

camouflaged beasties in the woods

birdies in the blossom

Little finches enjoying the new friut blossom.

the lobster boil

Cape Bretoners love their Lobster Boils. The local fishermen get about an 8 week window to put their creels out and everyone goes crazy for the fresh lobster. You will drive past houses with 10 - 15 cars outside and know that there is a lobster boil going on. Its a real family get together (and the families are pretty big around here).




A hot and salty death to the lobsters......




The first batch.......about 50.......

This amount was cooked 3 times over...........

...enough for 4-6 per person. I just managed 1.

The first sitting. I have never seen so many dead lobsters in my life. Lobster is served with lobster in case you were wondering, sometimes vinegar or butter is added too.

warm colours & cold weather comforts

I thought as the last few posts have been monochrome I should add some colour. This was last nights burning sunset from my front door.


Spring has only just sprung here and there is still a fair nip in the wind from the north. The daffodils have not bloomed and the frog spawn is yet to hatch. On the grey cold days I have taken comfort in the following things....





Chopping radishes with heart shapes






Eating soup made and delivered to my door by one of my students...very tasty and a teaching first....(and I should think, last)

wearing orange striped woolen socks bought from an old lady in Cheticamp