MMK Photography

Another popular visitor to the suet feeder this time of year is the Dark-eyed Junco. This is an "Oregon" male, not to be confused with a similar Junco known as "Slate-coloured." They blend in well with the trees and it's like a seek-and-find to spot them. I find they are one of the more aggressive little visitors as well. They are quick to vocalize their unhappiness at anyone they must share the feeder with.

What gets me out before sunrise in -20 Celsius temps? Bubbles. I've spent the last three mornings prepping these beauties to catch the first light. The minor fingertip frostbite has been worth it. But then I'm also the person who lives in an RV year round and paddleboards when snow is on the ground and ice is on the lake. You'd think I like the cold (actually, I kinda do!). We might have another morning where conditions are right and then I'll get to editing all the photos. For now, here are some perfect specimens from yesterday.

This lovely Hooded Merganser couple were enjoying a cold water paddle on Christina Creek. If you can stand the cold, it's a great time of year to be a duck. The water, where it's not frozen over, is so calm and the blues are so vibrant. #WildlifeWednesday #waterfowl

What is this strange orb? The moon? A planet? Nope, just what -19 Celsius does to a soap bubble! I've been waiting for this all winter. Time to have fun!

Happy Saturday from this guy. Hope you can make the most of this blast of winter we're finally getting. Mallard male, Christina Lake, BC.

Back to Kalamalka Lake and some of the friendlier wildlife above and below the water. This lake is a 'marl' lake, which contains limestone deposits that, through warming temperatures, create the amazing blue-green colours that show up part of the year.

The birds around here have it pretty good, thanks to my dad who will occassionally throw out some seed to supplement their natural diet. I decided to see who all was enjoying this buffet and set the camera up for a few days while I was away. The quail, who are gathering in very large groups now, are frequenting to feast. On this particular day, another visitor showed up to snack in the background...a beautiful buck! Happy video #wildlifewednesday

With a shift in the weather, the smoke has cleared from our skies and we can breathe again. But right before that happened, I was out with my camera taking advantage of the natural light diffusion the haze created. Pair that with the stunning blues and greens of Kalamalka Lake and you get a mix that's hard to beat. I don't want the smoke back, I just feel I should have been out taking more shots!

Making the best of a stinky situation. Yesterday, in the thick of wildfire smoke, I found a dozy little bee on a Russian sage bush and took its photo in the amazingly filtered light. I wonder if insects are affected by the smoke, as it alters the daylight quite a bit. This one didn't seem in much of a hurry to get anywhere. Happy #WildlifeWednesday

Prayers for rain. In whichever way you speak to the Universe, it may be time to focus on the element that quenches earth and extinguishes fire. While we are not under fire threat, the smoke levels here have reached a point that's reminiscent of the Stickpin fire that had us under evacuation alert a few years ago. The season, and weather, cannot change quick enough. Here's a little liquid eye-candy to help take some of the smoky sting away.

Enjoying a September Saturday in the Arts on 3 Gallery! Needing a new, handwoven bag for the fall season? Or a special pottery mug for you morning coffee? How about a unique glass ring to dress up a cozy sweater? Many of us are back in our offices and an art magnet is a great way to beautify your space. There's so much to look at and love here!

Radish flower. As parts of our gardens are coming to an end with the season, I wanted to share a fun surprise from my radishes which I had let go to seed. Such a unique and pretty little bloom. Glad I got too busy to pick the last of my radishes!

Dragonflies were some of the first winged insects to evolve, some 300 million years ago. Modern dragonflies have wingspans of only two to five inches, but fossil dragonflies have been found with wingspans of up to two feet. [source: smithsonianmag.com] Let's hope 2020 doesn't bring us any of those monster dragonflies! I'm super happy to appreciate the current version and marvel at all their patterns and textures. Happy #wildlifewednesday

I was blessed with a close encounter with Turkey Vultures on the weekend. For the dead deer it was not such a blessing, but these silent beauties took advantage of the opportunity. Say what you will about their looks, but I think they are majestic. Who wouldn't want to soar high on the thermals with a 168 cm wingspan like these birds? Their eyesight must be incredible as well. What surprised me was their shyness. I had to keep a distance while photographing in order to get some shots. They quickly scattered when they saw me. This moment was rare so I'm sharing three images on this #WildlifeWednesday

Snake in the grass. This idiom could apply to so much this year. But I won't blame this little cutie for any of it. #wildlifewednesday

Seriously loving all the jewelry in the gallery this summer! Hard not to treat myself each time I work (not saying I haven't though!).

I saved this ladybug from the pool and gave it my jade plant to recover from the ordeal. It was a great opportunity to pull out my macro for some shots while it dried off. Insects become a whole new experience up close. The wings of a ladybug are folded up and hidden beneath the spotted shell on their back. Amazing.

Pretty mama. The babes ran off to hide as per usual, but mom stuck around to graze. Look at all those bite scabs in the ears. You can see why they flick them around constantly. #WildlifeWednesday

I can still see you, silly. One more baby as we end another week. We are heading into the final weekends that mark summer and I'm sure lots of people will be taking to our great outdoors to recreate. I have seen many individuals being mindful of the experience we're all going through because of the pandemic. I have also seen much too much disheartening behaviour that is hurting others, "summer" communities (that have year-round residents, for those who forget), and our outdoor spaces. It is a stressful time, but that's no excuse to act badly. Please be respectful when out there, local or not. We have far surpassed ever having the same existence as before and it's really time to accept it. Change is inevitable and is happening on so many levels. So, with that note of seriousness, have a safe and happy weekend!

You don't mind a bunch of baby birds on this #wildlifewednesday do you? So many littles still out learning to navigate this big world.

I'm in the Arts on 3 Gallery again today! Lots of fabulous and affordable artistic creations on display. Support local creators

Hopefully this snail doesn't run out of gas before it gets to the weekend. And I hope you don't either!

This bee was literally dragging its body through this thistle bloom to collect pollen while I was watching. I think it was quite successful on its mission, by the looks of all those granules. August is always a busy month for these collectors. I imagine they sense where they are on the timeline of the season.

I was so excited to receive my new notebooks and zippered pouches this week! Perfect gifts for your favourite nature lover (or treating yourself!). All available at Arts on 3 Gallery at the Christina Lake Welcome Centre!

Gotcha! The twins and their mama made an appearance this afternoon and I was able to sneak outside for photo. These little ones have been a challenge for me. They are super alert and still very skittish. That's okay. I've learned to love nature without a camera too. Happy #WildlifeWednesday

Pausing this hectic summer to appreciate the artful curves of my nasturtiums. I remember planting the seeds in a variety of pots and wondering if they'd even get to bloom after the rainy start to the season. They have flourished, and brighten my day with their wild foliage and colourful flowers. They are attacting bees, hummingbirds, and my camera. I think they will become a yearly favourite.