Okanagan Wildlife and Nature

Why wild horses are in danger - by Jessica A. Tucker - Helium

2009-11-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

Happy November 1,

I just completed another article and wanted to share it with everyone...

Please visit the link to view my newest.

Why wild horses are in danger - by Jessica A. Tucker - Helium

Excerpt from article:

"You notice the ground rumbling under your feet as your stand in the wilds of nature admiring the beautiful mountain scenery. You wonder were this powerful feeling could possibly be coming from. As quickly as you can think about it, the rumble gets closer and louder and even more vibrant through the mass of ground you stand on..."

Have a wonderful month, Jessica

Olympic Torch arrives delayed but safe on Canadian soil | NowPublic News Coverage

2009-10-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

The Olympic Torch has landed in Victoria,BC to begin the ceremonious Torch Relay across Canada to kick-off the 2010 Winter Games!

Olympic Torch arrives delayed but safe on Canadian soil | NowPublic News Coverage

Good Luck to our Canadian Athletes and those visiting from around the world.

Poetry: Forbidden - by Jessica A. Tucker - Helium

2009-10-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween everyone,

I am just going through some paper work and wanted to share a quick note of excitement over one of the poems I have posted at Helium.

Forbidden, has been rated 1 out of 76 in its topic category for almost two weeks solid now! Take a look in my archives or at the link to Forbidden's home at Helium.

May everyone have a safe and candy-filled night of trick-or-treating!

19 Year Old Woman Attacked and Killed by two coyotes...

2009-10-28T09:46:00.001-07:00

Looking through the news during a cup of coffee this morning, I came across this news story of a coyote attack. I really dislike sharing bad news, however this story is one that should be shared.

CBC News reported this morning that a 19 year old singer visiting a national park in Cape Breton has died after being viciously attacked by two coyotes. Rather stange behaviour for a coyote, even two!

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2009/10/28/ns-coyote-attack-died.html

NowPublic

Criminization of the Smoker: Patio Smoking Bans in North America

2009-10-27T13:20:00.001-07:00

“The provincial government is contemplating a smoking ban on restaurant and bar patios and in vehicles carrying minors. New anti-tobacco legislation, expected to be introduced later this fall, would also set new limits on how close people smoking can be to public buildings and curtail tobacco sales in pharmacies…”

Source: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/health/Smoking+patios+banned/2148665/story.html

It should be illegal to smoke with minors in the car, on patios of public areas and around or in public buildings. But smokers are still people. Let’s not outcast them completely especially, with the frigid temperatures of a cold Canadian winter strongly rolling in.

As patio smoking bans pop up all over North America smokers form into huddles in butt littered parking lots, which is really not a pretty site for business owners attempting to attract new customers. If this ban is to be enforced properly and business mindedly, establishments should be reimbursed for having to provide outside smoking areas for smokers to light up. What will we do when all these smokers start coming down with pneumonia?

If a person wants to smoke in this day and age, they need to respect the large majority of people out there that choose not to smoke for many smart reasons and really, just don’t like it.

In regards to the legalities of lighting up on public patios, maybe it is time to think about the legalities of production, trafficking and usage of this deadly drug that masquerades as a commercialized pack of cigarettes available from the corner store. Maybe it is time to think about considering tobacco within the laws of such drugs as cocaine or heroin, although much less of a stimulant still just as addictive. How much money is spent on heath care each year for tobacco and smoking relating illnesses?

This is not to say that the criminalization of tobacco use and its distribution will deter the addicting smoker from smoking, but maybe it would deter children and non smokers from starting…

In conclusion… why not just quit smoking.

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/health/Smoking+patios+banned/2148665/story.html

NowPublic

Vaccine Side Effects Reported in Japan, 2 days ago

2009-10-26T16:46:00.001-07:00

I am not attempting to deter anyone from getting this vaccine, those will compromised immune systems or those who work in health care, schools, or public places may want to get it. If an individual wants the shot they should. However, for the 51% of Canadians (according to CTV News this evening) and myself that do not want this immunization, I have provided a link to the Japan Times Online where an article headlined, H1N1 vaccine side effects reported, stating:

“…Seven of the 22,000 medical workers vaccinated against H1N1 swine flu have developed side effects, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry said…Four of the seven developed serious side effects, including vomiting and diminished consciousness, but all are recovering, the ministry said. The other three complained of minor symptoms, such as developing hives…”

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20091025a7.html

Like I said, please do not take my interest in the ‘thumbs down’ attitude of the available vaccination for the H1N1 virus as anything but my personal opinion…

NowPublic

H1N1 Vaccinations begin in Canada this morning...

2009-10-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

As H1N1 Vaccinations begin in Canada this morning, I am sure I am not the only person out there who may be slightly skeptical about this mass call for inoculations. Personally, I will not go running out to be the first to get my shots this morning.

I am working on the good old faithful- eat right, drink liquid, take your vitamins and stay away from sick people- sickness prevention plan! We’ll see how it goes…

CBC News provides the full story in this morning’s article, Swine flu immunization underway, found at CBC.Ca.

What are you feelings on this ‘pandemic’ and this nation wide immunization plan? Should we as a society be worried about the long term physical effects of these and other vaccinations, that are available or have been available in the past?

Maybe, if North Americans weren’t pumped up with the newest antibiotics and drugs ever time there is signs of a sniffle in turn making us resistant to most medicines, we wouldn’t be dealing with this mass plight of sickness…

Think about it.

Other Links:

Public Health Agency of Canada- Get the Facts on the H1N1 Virus…
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/index-eng.php

Global Day of Action Against Climate Change

2009-10-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

What did you do for you Global Day of Action against Climate Change? Around the world today, peaceful protests took place to express the need for action to be taken and a larger effort to be made to reduce global warming and climate change, now! Provided in the links below is a collection of my favorite news stories on the events of today from around the world.

In honor of this day, I wanted to repost an article I wrote a couple years ago discussing the “distractions that blind us” from smartly managing climate change and global warming. In light of the fact it was written in 2007, some humor may be slightly out dated but the idea is still pertinent. Seeing and dealing with such important issues as our planets future should be forefront of the entire worlds concerns, not this silly fight that keeps going in circles- this circus act put on for the public. At this time, we need to stop fighting a war that will never be won, stop worrying about who has more oil and gold and step back for a moment to see what has really been going on here! For more of my thoughts on this matter please follow one of the two links provided. This article was first published in November of 2007 at Helium.com
and at Okanagan Wildlife and Nature during the spring of ’09.

In closing, it is wonderful to see that for one day, the world can unite with such purpose. May we hope and pray to what ever god we believe in, that today will create change and let us turn over a new leaf for this planet, if it is not already too late…
Live gently and tread lightly,
Jessica
Okanagan Wildlife and Nature

CNN.com ~ International day of demonstrations on climate change

350.org ~ International Day of Climate Change

GlobalClimateCampaign.org ~ International Demonstrations on Climate Change- December 12, 2009

CTV.ca ~ Day of action urges leaders to stop climate change

Westcoaster.ca ~ Tofino Holds Day Of Action Against Climate Change

http://www.helium.com/users/277591
http://okanaganwildlife.blogspot.com/2009/05/distractions-that-blind-us.html
http://www.helium.com/items/688985-how-can-we-save-the-human-species

Lenny Clouds

2009-10-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

On June 8, 2009 I published a post of photos titled, Strange Clouds in the Afternoon. These photos were taken of strange clouds that had appeared hovering above a mountain top close to my home. Checking my email the other morning, I noticed a picture on my email news of similar shaped, strange clouds, these clouds spotted over Moscow. Immediately I was reminded about this previous post I had done and my curiosity was again sparked. Where else have these saucer like clouds been seen? What causes these perfectly shaped clouds?

Heading straight to Google, I decided first to look for these clouds that had been spotted over Moscow and found a few good sources worth mentioning. This picture provided by The Daily Mail Reporter shows cloud cover with a saucer shaped indent in the clouds rather than a circular saucer cloud. My call is a typical case of weather modification! I also wanted to include this thirty second YouTube Video for its great shots of the same clouds.

The clouds from Moscow were not similar to the ones I had seen though, so I next searched for other sightings of sauces clouds, which uncovered hundreds of different pages. Provided in the following links are the best of the images and pages that I discovered. This great collection of images at Environmental Graffiti shows similar saucer clouds sitting on top of a mountain. Very amazing!
I also came across this great source for images of these clouds from all over the world at the Weather Vortex…

The question answered, Where so these clouds come from…
The best source I could find for information on the cause of these spectacular clouds is Dan’s Wild Wild Science Journal. Kudos to Dan, my questions are finally answered! These particular clouds are known as Lenny’s clouds and are a favorite of weather enthusiasts. Visit Dan’s site for a full explanation of the natural cause of these clouds.

Please feel free to share any links or comments you have on these spectacular Lenny’s clouds!
It is amazing that Nature’s hand can be so perfect…

Jessica A. Tucker

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1219425/Pictured-The-luminous-halo-shaped-cloud-captured-hovering-Moscow.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPE9Jl16T5c
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/33-creepiest-clouds-on-earth/1515/4
http://www.weathervortex.com/lenticular-clouds.htm
http://wildwildweather.com/forecastblog/2009/02/397/

Coyboy of the Sky

2009-10-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

I recently learned that an uncle who was extremely close to me as a child passed away. I wanted to write something in his honor, as he was a man of words. This poem provided in the link below was the outcome. We miss you dearly!

Lost in Time: A Cowboy of the Sky

He lived his life as a cowboy

Upon a horse misplaced by Father Time.

The musky scent of saddle soap and animals,

Fresh hay and morning are memories still in my mind.

Running freely on, with the wild horses of my dreams

He comes to visit with the sweetness of the summer breeze.

Late at night when the bonfire burns its blazing charm

The smoke of the fire will rise and linger to embody his earthly form.

Tall and slender there he sits, crowned with a broad hat of black

Playing upon the round body of a guitar placed so carefully in his lap.

A smile, no, a grin vibrantly glows firmly upon his face, so happy

He sits there strumming, foot tapping, as he sings to me.

Barn swings, hay bales, saddles and spurs,

The meeting of barn smells and fresh baby foals,

Cow tunes and rock and roll, he provided to me

Through those precious years that molded who I would be.

He believed in living by the stars and the moon

He believed in appreciating the world, but left us too soon.

He is now gone in body and mind, his soul living on for the rest of time

Brightly and strong as he rides on forever as a cowboy of the sky.

by Jessica Tucker
Poems of Time

~Poetry: Faceless~

2009-10-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

Faceless forms graze the planet bare
Round the hours of a clock that never stops.
Ribbons of light string hopelessly along as one
Bulb teases the next down this highway of never end.

Millions upon millions of faces, faceless they exist
Everyday, dying in this fight we fight to survive,
As day by day, faces multiply and consume
More sustenance than we can find.

Faceless, we struggle up this ladder of life
And faceless we fall short to begin all over again
Like a game of Snakes and Ladders,
We shamelessly roll the dice again.

by Jessica A.Tucker
Poems of Time
Golf Tales from the Pro Shop Counter

Red Tipped Leaves?

2009-10-12T14:21:00.000-07:00

On a recent adventure up the hill I came across these leaves that had some how turned a color of bright red, strangely from the tips up.

I found these images today again and am still very curious as to what might have caused this vivid discoloration or if it simply happens naturally.

If you have any thoughts, please feel free to post them below…

Jessica
Poems Of Time
Golf Tales from the Pro Shop Counter

Where I am from...

2009-10-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

Where I am from, the skies glow
With the deepest of hues and the stars
Burn brilliant in the darkest of those...

Please visit the follow link to view the full poem...
Where I am from...

I hope you enjoy the short but sweet,

Jessica
http://www.helium.com/users/277591

Only Hours to Go And a Rocket Hits the Moon...

2009-10-09T00:06:00.000-07:00

So, I am very curious what others think will happen to Earth, if anything, after the rocket and satellite heading for the moon collide with it in a few hours. I wonder if this blast, that’s purpose is to send particles into space that the satellite can then analyze, will have any impact on, for instance the tides maybe. I think the Moon should be left alone. I am very interested to see what happens in the morning, if anything. Please feel free to post your comments as to what you may think will happen. For more pictures and video information on the LCROSS Impact, the Mail Tribune of Southern Oregon offers some excellent links in an article on the collision. While searching for links to share, I also came across the schedule for LCROSS Viewings across North America on NASA's website.

Now, let’s wait for the rocket…

Sweet Dreams, Jessica

A Collection of Summer: Random Images

2009-10-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

-Best Bait for Catching a Rainbow Trout-

2009-09-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

At sunrise on a Sunday, the boat launch buzzes with action as trucks and cars wait patiently for their turn to get a boat in the water and head out to test their luck on the lake. As the sun comes up the fish begin to rise, looking hungrily for the morning hatch of different insects that layer the water. Every fisherman has their secrets as to what works best at which time of year. Some believe in the good old fashion worm and bobber, while others prefer a good selection of lures, spinners, and flies. The best bait to use for rainbow trout fishing varies heavily depending on whether you are heading out for a day on the lake to troll, shore fishing with a spin cast rod or fly rod, or river fishing...

For more information on rainbow trout lures and bait, the Rainbow Trout Lures website was found to be informative...

To view the full article, please click Here

Massive Fire Erupts in the Glen Rosa area of West Kelowna, BC!

2009-07-18T20:59:00.000-07:00

Around three o’clock this afternoon a forest fire broke out in the Glen Rosa area of West Kelowna, BC, in the vicinity of the Gorman Brothers Lumber Mill. Fire crews have been working in strong force since then to contain this fire that is being driven by thirty kilometer an hour winds and temperatures of up to forty degrees. By eight this evening the fire has grown to over 70 hectares evacuating over three thousand homes and Highway 97 has been closed in both directions in the area. Global BC News reported that this year the Okanagan has seen over half the rain and snow shed as usual.

With dusk now upon the valley, the retardant bombers will be heading home to Penticton for the night resuming containment efforts at day break tomorrow. This fire is being matched to the Okanagan Mountain Park fire of 2003 with chance of becoming extremely worse.
Another fire was reported to have started on the north end of Okanagan Lake in the Vernon area. For the current fire reports evacuation notices and information, please visit Kelowna's Castanet Homepage.

In the list provided are more links to relevant sites that may be of interest…

Vancouver Sun, Kelowna Fire story

CHBC News, Westside Fire Updates

~Pesky Bears~

2009-07-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

Can people live in harmony with bears? What do you think?

See my latest article, Can people live in harmony with Bears, for my feelings on the subject.

*Summer Luv from Okanagan Wildlife*
Jessica

~Poetry: Fireworks~

2009-07-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

Fire exploded in the sky

Igniting a fire in my life.

A new leaf grew and turned in the sun,

Growing from the darkest part of my soul

Into the light exploding in the humid, night sky.

From the dark, warmth of that summer night

Fireworks exploded for days.

The world surrounding, did not matter anymore

As the Booms, Cracks, and snaps of the blasts

echoed across the lake and erupting high in the distance.

The span of time left so much,

While uncovering how to finally move on.

Colours so vivid, light up a sky previously so dull

Reassuringly, welcoming blessings of a fresh new year.

http://www.helium.com/items/1508232-poetry-fireworks

http://www.helium.com/users/277591

Is Tourism Aiding in the Destruction of Wildlife?

2009-06-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

Every time the tourism industry saves another small, North American town from financially going down the drain, so to speak, another species of sensitive wildlife is put at risk of destruction. Whether it is from population growth, increased road traffic, or large recreational facilities, the tourism industry contributes to the destruction of wildlife, one way or another.

Unfortunately, one of the largest effects that the tourism industry has on the destruction of wildlife is the increased interest it has created in the smaller rural areas heavily promoted by tourism in the last few years. Small communities that double in population over the summer months because of weather or other attractions the tourism industry uses to attract visitors are becoming more popular as full time homes for many that only once visited as guests.

Large, undeveloped areas once inhabited by wildlife are torn up for condos and gated communities to house the influx of people. Properties previously used for grazing of farm animals that also where home to many different species of wildlife are being subdivided, developed, and sold off to make room for the increase of human population, pushing animals farther and farther from water and familiar hunting grounds.

With less and less viable water sources in the mountains during the dry, summer months that are so normal of today, wildlife is found to leave the safeness of their treed homes in search of fresh water sources. This search tends to lead them across busy road ways and highways that have subsequently crossed migratory paths of the different species of wildlife of that region, killing thousands of wild animals every year.

Another aspect of tourism that largely contributes to the destruction of wildlife includes some of our oldest sports and past times prominent to North America. Hundreds plus acres are needed to accommodate recreational properties necessary for activities such as skiing or golf. Even with the many facilities already operating, new golf courses and ski hills keeping popping up. Many of these projects promote the environmentally friendly nature of their development and building practices; however, this is seldom the case.

Certain niches of the tourism industry, unfortunately, also promote the destruction of wildlife. These niches include hunting and other destructive hobbies that threaten wildlife and their habitats. Hunting lodges and expeditions top this list, offering guided tours and packages to satisfy the taste of every hunter.

Although the tourism industry is essential to the financial growth of many of these small towns which rely on the income generated by it, nature and wildlife does not need to be destroyed in the process and must be considered foremost in the future.

http://www.helium.com/items/1499613-how-the-tourism-industry-contributes-to-wildlife-destruction

.....wild roses of BC..........

2009-06-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

Best Places to Camp in Western Canada

2009-06-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

With rumbling rivers, beautiful lakes, dense alpine forests, and hot desert areas; Western Canada holds an array of options for every flavor of camper. Depending on the amenities required, desired destination, and length of your trip, a great camping spot can be found.

Provincially run camp grounds and RV parks provide campers with several different levels of services from dry camping facilities with no services, for those seeking the rustic experience to fully-serviced, beautifully maintained camps perfect for families or those insist on a hot shower and bathroom facilities and the end of the day. Provincial camps are typical of Western Canada and have become so popular in the last few years, that most sites must be reserved up to a year in advance to get your favorite spot for the long weekends or holidays. More information about our provincial campgrounds and RV parks can be found at the sites listed at the end of the article.

Privately owned campgrounds are also a common choice for campers visiting Western Canada. These types of camping areas are more commonly found near cities or towns and close to shopping, entertainment, beaches, golf and/or the convenience of city life. Again, fully-serviced sites are the norm in such facilities and sometimes may provide laundry facilities, swimming pools, daycare services, children’s play areas, cable or satellite television, and wireless internet.

For the more adventurous or those looking for the barebones, backcountry Canadian camping experience so to speak, hectares upon hectares of beautiful camping spots can be found hidden away in the valleys and mountains of Western Canada. These spots are better discovered by suggestion, luck or exploration. Due to fires restrictions during our summer months and the dryness of our timber, forest floor, and grasses; campers must be selective in their choice of spots though. Strong winds are known to blaze up unexpectedly in the afternoons, feeding even the smallest of sparks that may escape into one of these dry places.

No matter where you go camping, wild animals and pests can be, well, pests. Food and goods that bears, cougars, raccoons, birds, mice, and other pesky animals may be attracted to should be properly stored and out of reach. Garbage should be kept in a sealed container away from your sleeping area, and the ‘what you take in with you, you take out with you’ rule should always apply in the great outdoors, no matter where you decide to stay. Wherever you decide to spend your camping trip in Western Canada, you are pretty much guaranteed to have at least one or two encounters with some sort of wildlife, a few days of great memories and a wonderful camping experience.

BCAdventure.com
Discover Camping
GoRVing
Safe Boating Guide
Fire Bans
Dinosaur Park

~Images of the Day~

2009-06-19T20:58:00.001-07:00

~Coyote Encounter... The Humorous Story of a Working Dog~

2009-06-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

For the majority of my time as a dog owner in the rural mountainous areas of British Columbia, I have always been concerned about coyotes stealing my dogs away in the middle of the night. A common soundtrack to my outdoor evenings, as dusk begins to approach, is the eerie song of the coyotes hanging in the air. Yips, yaps and squeals came be heard in the distance. Occasionally if you're lucky, you can catch two or three different packs communicating back and forth to each other.

These wild, canine-type animals love to torment house pets and farm animals and have always seemed particularly fond of my dogs. On a regular basis, one single mama takes her tour through our property to entice the dogs. She will proudly glide past; just close enough to leave her smell and then find a moment where she can make herself visible, driving the dogs into a barking frenzy. This became a nightly ritual for her and the dogs.

Taking my Black Lab/ Mastiff out for a run the other night, we ran into a rather amusing situation when we came across one of these animals. We had already made the turn home, when my dog started acting more strangely than I had ever seen him before. He was dancing in circles, nose to the sky, and making the oddest noises, noises that I never would have thought he was capable of making. After getting his attention again, he calmed down and I thought we were again on our way again. Further down the old logging road though, he bolted off into the brush covered creek bed and up the mountainside after some smell that had caught his attention.

Due to the dense bush cover, I could only hear the rustling of an animal but could not see my dog. A moment later, the movement of two animals could be heard taking off through the brush and then I saw a flash of black. There was my dog- hard on the heels of a little coyote. He was on guard, as he dutifully chased the animal away up the hill. As soon as I called him name and told him to stop, he quickly turned and came back to my side. Commending him for listening and protecting, we continued on our way home without any more trouble. It was the funniest wild animal situation I have encountered in quite awhile and I was surprised by the outcome of it.

Really though, coyotes are not a threat to larger house dogs. However, considering the common size of a coyote, a smaller dog should definitely be protected from these sneaky little animals.
So now, I feel rather silly about my fears of the coyotes taking my dogs off for dinner and underestimating how dogs will take care of themselves and their owners, more than we think.

Why are trout the best freshwater fish to fish for?

2009-06-11T20:23:00.007-07:00

My latest article complete... And it is all about my opinion on trout- and fishing for trout believe it or not, a little astray from my writing norms but I enjoyed writing about one of my favorite pasttimes. If your interested in the fish that reside in the Okanagan, give it a read. Just click the title above and it will take you right to it.

Thanks for visiting and continuing to read,

~Jessica~

Tales from the Pro Shop Counter

Jessica Tucker