Peter and I were sitting in the back yard last evening, (it is warm in Kelowna around 30 oC) and we kept hearing a tap, tap, tap…I traced it to a tree in the forest with an orange X on it–slated for removal because of the pine beetle infestation that is devastating BC’c forests! I ran inside to find the binoculars. And what I saw through those double lens was this gorgeous fella: a pileated woodpecker. Since the extinction of the Ivory-billed woodpecker, this is the largest woodpecker that exists in N. America. I believe this to be a male because its “mustache” appears to have some red in it, the female’s is solid black. I ran inside and grabbed my camera, ran to the top slope of our back yard ( in bare feet) and hopped the fence. I am never happier than creeping through he forest, studying other creatures ( I really should chuck it all in and become my teenage dream: a National Geographic photographer). I watched this guy and he was adorable–stopping to scratch his little head with one foot as he clung to the tree with the other. I am always touched by how alike we humans are to all of earth’s creatures. We only look different on the outside. My only battle wound is a gash across my right leg–presumably happened during the fence hopping.
I am off to my class today–I need to go get ready, but I was too excited about my woodpecker to ignore my blog this morning.
Yesterday, Tabs, Pip and I went to the beach–a lovely day–I love the Okanagan, it is still summer here–Mist stayed home with her friend Ashley and they had tons of fun calling up people in their classes and acting very silly.
I am behind with my thesis work as I have been so busy with the darling children. So, I am devoting Sunday morning to finishing my thesis plan and self-directed studies class plan.
Wha…I don’t want to go to school today! But I am going to get a wee break from it all at lunch when I borrow John’s office to relax in–one needs to escape for a moment when spending an entire day on campus.
Sandra
Great picture of the woodpecker. I see one in our yard every so often. They really are big!
Hope your class is goes well.
Melissa Mix Hart
Thanks Mom!
BTW, I am writing this on my lunch break in KK’s office. Nice place you have here JK–the sun is shining through he window…oh and about that 1/2 finished bottle of diet coke on your desk–sorry, I just had to finish it! jk
John's pic of the day
awesome pic!
and you could have helped yourself to a full cold bottle of dc in my little bar fridge under the printer.