Visiting and BioBlitzing

Part showboat, part eager naturalist.  Not sure of the split, percentage-wise.

I offer a wee little post today, with two main events.  The first was a short but sweet visit with our friend Simon, who was in Halifax oh-so-briefly for work.  We managed to hang out with him twice, which isn't bad!  Other than just being a super-fun guest, Simon came bearing gifts, such as an early birthday present for Linden: a "slime alien", that sticks momentarily to surfaces when thrown with enough force.  Naturally, this inspired more hilarity and hi-jinx than you'd ever think possible.

Simon films the slime alien in slo-mo...

... then the boys watch the results with rapt attention and enjoyment...

... then everyone eats popsicles to celebrate! Life is never dull when visiting with Simon.

The second group of photos comes from the BioBlitz events that were happening this past weekend. As the website states: "Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and the joy of scientific discovery... become a “citizen scientist” and work alongside conservationists and specialists in a national inventory of Canadian species".  Sounds right up our alley, don't you think? This was a simultaneous country-wide event, though we (of course) took part in the Halifax-based activities.  If you follow that link I provided, you can find the four of us in a group shot from a Blue Mountain Birch Cove event!

Juniper, bio-blitzing hardcore. 

Though there was tonnes going on, we signed up for two guided walks:  a "trees" walk at Point Pleasant Park, and a "Fungus" walk at Blue Mountain Birch Cove.  I was too busy listening and learning to take pictures on the tree walk, and basically just spent the entire fungus walk wandering around with Juniper and taking pictures of... you guessed it... fungus.  We barely even listened to the guide, which was kind of the whole point.  It's just... it's such a fun treasure hunt to find mushrooms hidden in the forest, and then try to capture them!  I now have a mighty fine collection, let me assure you, which I'm certain you'll be subjected to very soon.  For instance, just look at this cute little specimen!

There are so many more to come. 

Anyway, besides the walks, there were also interactive/information booths set up, where we came away with a bunch of swag, mostly in the form of informative nature posters.  These are now displayed prominently throughout the house.  Come visit, and learn all about various different plant and animal species! 

Juniper poses with an owl (meant to pretend it is there in real life, of course!)...

... and Linden with a little fox.  Tell me you don't see the similarities!

Learning about scat.  Enthralling, as you can see.

Clark and Linden went on their own adventure while Juniper and I immersed ourselves in fungus.

Finally, two random shots to close: 

Juniper has decided she wants to properly learn how to type.  Why?  She is going to revive juniperandlinden.org into her own personal blog space.  Watch out, world! We'll keep you posted.

Blue jay in the back yard.

See you next week!