Friday, December 21, 2012

More than 7 Swans-a-Swimming and Bear Feet

I published my previous post at 12:12 on 12.12.12.  It looks like I had that all planned, however once I noticed I had 12 birds in my collage photo, and realized the date, I also noticed the time and didn't have to wait long to make it all synchronized!

Now in recognition of the Winter Solstice, I present a few recent photos and a video.

We have had a blizzard type snow storm which caused some excitement, however the snow has melted away.  Definitely winter, though.

Here's the hummingbird still coming for a drink ~ notice white snow in background.  When I refilled the container, I inadvertently placed the little perches off centre, causing the hummingbird to lean over.  I have since rectified the problem!


A few days before the snow arrived, the temperatures had dropped below 0C which offered the opportunity to see tracks frozen in the sand near where the river meets the sea.

There were numerous tracks, but the eye-popping ones were these unmistakable bear tracks... and bears love salmon!

Yikes, you can bet I looked over my shoulder after spotting them.  There were also raccoon prints, and other small animal prints.

Before the track spotting, I enjoyed watching the Trumpeter Swans, eagles, myriads of ducks and other birds on that cold but sunny day.


A video of serenity turning into a squabble ~ perhaps a process for determining which ones were going to be chosen for the 'seven swans-a swimming' contest. ;)




Here's to the Winter Solstice and the start of longer days and shorter nights.




17 comments:

  1. Bears aren't cuddly? Oh! Dear! I still believe in Santa.
    have a good Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Teddy bears may be cuddly ~ the real ones, not so much, unless you're another bear, of course ;) It's always good to believe in Santa ~ Sending you Happy Christmas wishes as well.

      Delete
  2. Not everyone can say they have bear prints in the garden - aren't you the lucky one. Hope you have a merry little Christmas, and thanks for sharing such lovely pictures of your wildlife.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thankfully the bear prints weren't in the garden, otherwise I'd have been housebound for the rest of my life ;) The prints were down beside the river estuary, which is close enough :) I'm pleased you enjoy my photos and all the best to you and yours this Christmas season.

      Delete
  3. I did a double take at the mention and picture of bear tracks! Have you seen any there before, or indeed any bears?
    I also can't get used to you having hummingbirds there as I always think of them as a sort of tropical bird!
    Flighty xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Flighty ~ I have seen traces of bears before here, but never such distinct prints frozen in the ground. I have seen a fair number of bears, usually while I am driving. We have resident hummmingbirds from what I understand, so they must be acclimatized somewhat. They are such tiny things. The other day I was refilling a suet cake cage, and I was only about 2 feet away for the tiny creature that continued to feed while I was there!

      Delete
  4. My - I don't think I would like to come across bear prints - maybe best to carry a spare salmon as a peace offering ;)

    I had assumed the humming birds would have moved to warmer climates. I wonder where they find natural nectar in those conditions.

    Best wishes for a Merry Christmas to you and yours Glo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi John ~ It was quite exciting to see the bear prints, but I'm glad that the actual bear had disappeared before I got there. I imagine that there are a lot of animals around the river edge at various times. Perhaps hanging onto a salmon might entice the bear to come closer...I think I'll stick to carrying my camera. ;) An interesting site here about hummingbirds on Vancouver Island.

      Thanks for the Christmas wishes and the same to you :)

      Delete
  5. a humming bird in the snow just seems almost surreal! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was quite the sight indeed. For now the snow has disappeared...but the hummingbird is sticking around :)

      Delete
  6. Bear prints????? BEAR PRINTS??????? OMG......I'm soooooooooooo jealous....I'm turning a dark shade of green!!! Just imagine if it crept up on you...

    Oh God....I love those sea eagles and humming birds, your blog is such a treat for me, I get to see creatures I've never seen before.
    I LOVE those swans!
    Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy prosperous New Year.xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your comment made me laugh out loud! I was pretty excited myself, but I think you are even more so :) I'm so pleased you enjoy my photography, especially of creatures you wouldn't normally see. I am encouraged to continue and find even more to share :)

      Thanks for your kind comment and all the best to you and yours as well!

      Delete
  7. Merry Christmas my dear to you and yours from me and mine xxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Denise :) All the best to you and your family!

      Delete
  8. Hurray for longer days! Your photos are fantastic, Glo. I kind of like the feeder with off-center perches -- the birds look cute leaning over like that. But probably not good for their necks... Very happy that you did not have a bear on your tracks! Is it possible to get a shot of them going after salmon, or would that be too dangerous?

    Happy Christmas to you and your family, Glo. Your talents have made me smile many a time this year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nikki ~ Thanks for your encouraging comments about my photos. Poor little hummingbird, LOL, at least he has a long beak to reach, and also a long tongue which I have yet to get a photo of. Yes, seeing bear prints was a close enough encounter for me. People do take photos of bears catching the salmon, but I'm not that brave! I'm sure the bears are intent on fishing and may not be concerned about photographers, but I'll leave that to others!

      Thanks for your kind comment re my creative efforts :) I have enjoyed the fun. Merry Christmas to you and yours, too, Nikki!

      Delete
  9. Eagles and hummers and bears, oh my! I had no idea that hummingbirds would hang around through cold weather like that. Doesn't their sugar water just freeze over?

    ReplyDelete