[EXPLORE] The Meadow: Winter

The Meadow is an endless source of exploring all year round. Snake hunting in the summer, caterpillars in the fall, cocoons to explore in the spring, and abandoned nests to admire in the winter...and that's just skimming the surface!

We entered the meadow via the trail across from the Catholic Church. Within minutes, we had our first discovery - a beautiful nest. It's such a treat to study up close the intricate weavings of a birds nest, nestled in it's original branch. To see the way it's been connected to the tree, and the use of twigs, moss, mud is amazing. True little carpenters.

The view from the bridge that crosses the creek changes with each season. In the winter, the tall grasses are flattened, the skunk cabbage is hibernating and the berry bushes are baren. The water is crystal clear allowing for beautiful reflections of the flooded forest. We found several more nests perched on the bare branches of the salmon berry bushes along this section of the trail before entering the meadow.

I find the meadow appears even more massive in the winter. Perhaps it's the lack of tall grasses that shape the trail and fields. This is a great time of year to study the meadow floor in search of owl pellets and rodent holes. The bank along the trail ditch is filled with garter snake burrows, that will be filled with snakes this summer.

We are so lucky to have this beautiful property so easily accessible all year round.

[FAMILY] No-Nah-La

We have a new, somewhat peculiar, friend of the family. She has blue hair, purple skin and a pink tail...and only Chloe can see her. Meet No-Nah-La the Mermaid. Chloe has been chatting about (and to) her all day and wanted to see if No-Nah-La had left her any treasures at the beach. So off we went in search of mermaid gifts.

We found many beautiful pieces of sea glass from No-Nah-La's stash that she left us and lots of pretty clam shells from her supper.

We also had a nice view of 'Mermaid Island' where No-Nah-La and her family live. Their favourite beach on their island is called 'Blue Water'.

I really hope she makes the trek over to our island again soon, and perhaps gives me a hand with Chloe's Mermaid Birthday Party coming up!!

[FAMILY] Walking On Water

Living on our coast is a lesson in extremes. We love to brag that you can bask in the sun on the beach, then travel to the mountains for an evening ski. The same goes for our winters - it's either freezing, or mild with terrential rain. Last week was no exception. As I type this, it's pouring on our skylights, our path to our home is a mudpit and new life is springing up everywhere I look.

A stark contrast to last weekend - day after day of dry, freezing weather resulted in hours of play on Josephine Lake. The local watershed was a beautiful spot to spend our morning, with Mount Gardner in the background. The ice was crystal clear in areas - it was like walking on glass.

We noticed on our drive later that same afternoon, that every little pond or lake we passed, had evidence of ice skate blades. We have very few of these days on our coast, so you need to make use of it quick before everything melts and spring rushes in.

[LIVING LAB] Northwestern Alligator Lizard

Is it just me, or do you think hot, temperate, tropical destinations when you envision where a lizard would live (in other words, the opposite of here). While, apparently that is not so, as we have our own species of lizard right here on Bowen Island. Allow me to introduce (or re-introduce) to you, the Northwestern Alligator Lizard.

I remember having these little guys in our cliff side garden, when we lived in Queen Charlotte Heights, and have sneaked a peak at a few since moving back here, as they are pretty private, and scurry away from their basking rock as soon as they sense you near. So never have I had a chance to really look at one up close and study their behaviours...

...until now! A couple weeks ago, my friend Tia, discovered one of these little characters in her living room! We are guessing him/her and it's siblings, ventured out of hibernation when the temperatures warmed and when they suddenly dropped again, these poor little critters were left exposed to the elements. We were lucky enough to save two.

And so starts our 2014 Living Lab - HOORAY!!!!!!

We got a nice, fresh, clear plastic bin from the Irly Bird, cut a hole in the top and covered it with cheesecloth. We then filled it with dirt, lichen, moss, sticks and stones from Cape Roger Curtis, which is the perfect environment for them to live in (and where we've seen them in the past). We added a cave, by turning a plastic bath toy on it's side and filling the bottom with dirt, and the outside top and sides with moss. The smooth, flat stones are slices of slate that we scavenged, and the branch is from an arbutus tree.

We added some water by using the lid of a spice jar and filling the base with smooth aquarium stones so it's not too deep. We researched Northern Alligator Lizards in captivity and learned that they eat crickets...and yup, they were correct. Watching this little guy hunt, and chomp down on an insect of this size, is pretty cool to watch.

We have also noted, that he uses his tongue to smell his surroundings, much like a snake. In fact, his body and movements are very snake like. He slithers his way through his habitat - so cool! We will let this little guy go, once the temperature is steadily warmer. Until then, we will continue to document and share his progression with you.

To learn more about the reptiles that call Beautiful British Columbia their home, visit bcreptiles.ca

[CHICKENS] Hello Handsome

We've been ruffling some feathers in our coop. Meet 'Ruby' our beautiful Light Sussex rooster. He came free with a dozen eggs from our local farm...gotta love living in the country!

Our neighbour's cat has taken quite an interest in our hens and has started stocking and trying to attack them. So to save our hens (and the cat) from being injured, we decided to add a 'man' to the flock. So far the girls have been less than enthused and have been downright mean to him - especially my little fire ball, Blacky, who seems to feel she's the cock of the walk.

Well girlies, get used to it as there will be four more gals joining our family this spring. So excited to be raising some little fluff bums again. Now if only I can convince my husband that ducks are a good idea...

Left to Right: Blue Cochin, Amerecauna, Welsummer, Buff Brahma

Once everyone is laying, this will be the array of colours we can expect. So excited...it's like Easter every day!