Spring is in the air ...

David and I took some time away from the homestead this month to go and visit family in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. Wonderful visits, one and all. When we left here it was still winter; although waning. Upon our return however; it's a different story. Spring! The pussy willows are coming out, the Red Winged Blackbirds are back en mass and the snow is fast disappearing. Our first dandelion opened her bright yellow petals on the spring equinox. Robins and Cedar Waxwings grace the meadow once again and all's right with the world. Vinny reminds me to mention the return of the bluebirds as well! Here are some photos from my walkabout the day after our return. Thought you might enjoy a bit of a wander with me...

Coyote

Saturday morning. Vincent spotted a four legged at the far end of the meadow. The three of us picked up binoculars and cameras and spent the next hour or so enjoying the beauty and the hunting skill of this female coyote.

She steps her way lightly over the crust of the snow, stopping, listening intently for activity under the snow; then the pounce. There is the lightest lift off and precision and force in her landing. Front paws breaking through the crust of snow. Another pounce of front legs and snout. Deeper into the snow. She is patient and still. All we can see of her at this point is her torso, hind legs and tail as she waits for the unfortunate vole under the snow. These first few photos show our girl, after the hunt; enjoying the fruits of her labour.

And off she goes. In search of another bite.

Across the creek and in amongst the willows. . .

Onward ever onward.

Moose on the meadow and some frosty mornings

It's been pretty spectacular weather for the last week or so. Frosty mornings and sunny days. The combination of frost and sunshine makes for some very enjoyable photography. And we've had some lovely close-up visits from our resident moose. As always, when a critter shows up ~ everything else we're doing comes to an abrupt halt while we get out our cameras and click and whir! Visits from our local wildlife are major entertainment around here. Four legged visitors are much more common than visitors of the two legged variety. Every season has it's beauty ~ we are enjoying our winter immensely. Still, this time of year we begin to look forward to spring and the return of our sweet and colourful feathered friends!