March 2021

Sidney’s life could be characterized as “in a downward spiral”. Fortunately, this was not a metaphor.

Vancouver, Washington

A California scrub-jay in the Washington wind

Vancouver, Washington

Lupines have a talent for catching raindrops and putting them on display.

Vancouver, Washington

A coypu is like and not like a beaver, and vice versa.

Vancouver, Washington

Lichens are a mix of fungus and algae that grow together for mutual benefit. Lovely!

Vancouver, Washington

Ruby-crowned kinglet. The crown is invisible. Seriously.

Vancouver, Washington

This right here is about all we got for snakes ’round these parts.

Garter snake

Vancouver, Washington

It’s a bee! It’s a fly! It’s a bee-fly!

This is a Bombylius major (“B. major” for short). It is a fly, but it closely resembles — and mimics — a bumblebee. It is a pollinator, using its proboscis to transfer pollen.

I hope it has a small, somber relative called “B. minor”.

Vancouver, Washington

White-breasted nuthatch

Vancouver, Washington

Moss reduces air pollution by absorbing pollutants. It looks cool, too.

Vancouver, Washington

Jack and Barbara take their evening constitutional.

Mallards

Vancouver, Washington