Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch: the Hummingbirds are Back!

I came back from a wonderful visit out east to find that things were starting to green up at home. I had just put up my hummingbird feeders hoping to see a hummingbird in a week or so but the first hummingbird visited the next day. I like to think that the little hummingbird was here last year and that he “knew” there would be food here. I am glad I put the feeder up early.

The Hummingbirds are back!

It was sunny and warm today and there were at least five turtles out basking in the sun and a Yellow-bellied Marmot looking for fresh young plants to eat. His den is between the highway and a busy road – I hope he stays off the road! A Spotted Towhee has taken up residence near my feeder and is cleaning up whatever the Juncos have not eaten. Towhees have such beautiful red eyes.

sunning on a plank

Greeting the sun

Out finding young plants to eat

Awake for the spring

Fresh and vibrant green – new Alder leaves

Spring in the Kootenays features all the shades of young green that you can imagine. These young alder leaves are just a hint of the colour to come. There is still snow on the mountains but winter is just a memory. Spring is well entrenched now.

all writing and photos copyright Joanne Siderius, 2013