Friday Fun, With Coffee! #24

Good morning and Happy Friday everyone! It started off cloudy earlier, but now the sun is shining nicely, although shining through smoke once again. There are around 40 active fires burning in our part of the province right now with a couple around 6,000+ hectares (14,000 to 15,000 acres), one at around 11,500 hectares (28,400 acres) and the largest at 12,700 hectares (31,300 acres).

Although the last two seem large, they certainly are not as large as many we get at times, so we are doing better this year so far. However, it is very dry here, and listed as extreme in the areas where the largest fires are burning. So, those fires could get much larger yet unless rain comes soon.

I call this picnic rock, just seems like a nice spot for a picnic.

Most of the fires are out of control, 5 are under control, 6 are being held (means that they are not growing in size but not considered under control). None are very close to communities which is good. We will be getting some rain on the weekend, then it is back to hot and dry for next week.

It was quite nice sitting on the deck this morning with my coffee and listening to the birds singing happily in the trees. A pair of purple finches, a pair of goldfinches, one chickadee and one nuthatch were at the feeder briefly, though not at the same time. 4 grackles and 2 blue jays also showed up briefly.

Heading along the path to one of my favorite areas along the river.

There were 3 chipmunks coming for their peanuts as well. The chipmunks have begun to show up early in the morning now, so they are back to a more normal summer schedule finally. They definitely got a later start this summer. They are so much fun to watch.

Scooter is at the bottom of the list and gets chased by all the others, but he does not give up easily and will just sit off to the side somewhere and wait his turn. Sometimes he just gets at the peanuts and another chipmunk comes to chase him, he gets back after that chipmunk leaves and another shows up to chase him.

Climbing up the path to a nice flat area covered with pine needles, one of my favorite spots to sit and look out over the river below. Another great picnic spot.

However, he takes advantage of the times the other chipmunks are chasing each other and often ends up with more peanuts than any of the others. He is a smart little critter. I should get more pics of them today. Pics today are from places along the river. I hope you all have a fabulous Friday and God bless!

Steve and Muffin.

©2023 Steve McLeod.