Spring is Finally Here

Spring is finally here!  Apparently, the spring here has been colder than normal, and there has been a fair amount of snow.  In the last week, temperatures have changed dramatically, and we are proud to boast that Osoyoos was the hot spot of Canada today.

For us on the mountain, it has meant that we are not quite into double digits yet, but the warmth of the sun is now sufficient to bring the snow levels down considerably.  This means we are now in roof avalanche season.

Going

Going

Gone

This area is a big migratory path for birds (following the valley through the mountains) and we have had waves of different birds at the feeders.  For a couple of weeks, there were Crossbills everywhere, with the males coloured red and the females yellow.

We now have experienced a week or so of Cassin’s Finches, who are also attractively coloured.

That is a Cassin's Finch male with the Crossbills.

Juncoes and Mountain Chickadees abound, and we think we see Turkey Vultures soaring around.

While we think we are in a desert climate (with the rattlesnakes awakening soon), the greater than average snow pack is causing concern, and we actually will be able to get sandbags in Osoyoos soon to ward against rising waters.  Dam levels are being dropped, and some flooding has occurred already.

Osoyoos actually hit  CBC news with the GIANT ROOT!!!!

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/tree-root-osoyoos-drain-jurassic-1.4594157

With the advent of spring, we took the occasion to walk through downtown Osoyoos.  Spring bulbs are blooming in the waterfront park, and buds are even seen on shrubbery in our yard, despite the remaining foot of snow.

Osoyoos is an interesting winter/spring transition place.  There are loads of RV’s returning to Osoyoos coming from winter destinations like Arizona (western equivalent of Florida).  Winter residents from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario are returning home for the summer.  With the warm weather in Osoyoos, everyone is out walking in shorts and tank tops—they are all anxious for warmer temperatures.  There are some very very interesting vehicles (and people) in town.  I couldn’t resist taking pictures of this van at a motel lot—another occupant had told me the owner did all this work with bathroom caulking.  I think we are in hippy land.

Have a very happy Easter, everyone.