Tropical Weather?

We have been having some tropical type weather recently, but I am not referring to hot balmy weather exactly, more the torrential rain type. This time of year we often get what is referred to here as the "pineapple express", a wet weather system that comes from Hawaii bring a lot of heavy rain. Usually lasts for a day or two and it is wet! Forget trying to stay dry with boots, raincoat and umbrella--not a chance.

It was just such a day that I choose to make my annual visit to the Bloedel Conservatory.

The light was poor and it was a bit chilly inside for the birds, so if you see the red glow of lights that is from the heat lamps.

Here is an assortment of the small birds that I was able to photograph:

African Superb Starling, and it is a beauty!

 

Budgerigars chatting

... and bottoms up!

 



 

Canary, I think 



 

Cordon Bleu Finch, gorgeous bird

 

Gold-breasted Waxbill

 

Gouldian Finches

 

... how many Gouldian Finches fit in a feeder at one time.. apparently quite a few

 

this may be a canary too, but I am not sure

 

this little bird has found a feather on the ground (from the Cockatoo I think), quite a prize, he flies off to hide it

 

Orange cheeked Waxbills share with Gouldian Finches

 

orange checked wax bill

 

Owl Finch, so cute

 

Red Billed Fire Finch

 



 

Red Ear-striped Waxbill

 

Red throated Parrot Finch

 

Red Winged Laughing Thrush

 

Saffron Finch

 

Star Finch Trio

 

and these last two I am not sure...

 



 

 

Which is your favorite? For me it is a tie between the Cordon Bleu Finch and the Owl Finch.

 

If you live in Vancouver (BC) and have not been to the Bloedel Conservatory lately it is worth a visit.

 



Apparently we have another "weather bomb" (in the form of heavy rain) coming, I think I'll stay indoors this time. At least we don't have to shovel it!

I am still busy on non art projects but should have some paintings to share next week,

 

Thanks for stopping by,

 

happy Whimsy Wednesday,

 

Until next week,

 

Gillian.

 

 

A tropical break?

Tropical break, no not really, I visited the Blodel Conservatory to walk in the warm tropical environment and  to visit with the many colourful birds; it's a great way to add some colour to a dreary winter day.

Here are a few of the pictures I took during my visit.

First here are Ruby and Kiwi, Eclectus parrots. This is a sexually diamorphic parrot species, meaning that the  male and the female differ dramatically in colour and size. The female, Ruby, is bright red and blue and the male, Kiwi,  is a dramatic green colour with patches of red on its sides.

Here is Casey, a Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot, with Monty, a Princess Parrot, in the background.

Casey

Monty

Nelson, below, a Hahn's Dwarf Macaw or a Red Shouldered Macaw, was a bit shy I only saw him once.

Carmen and Maria are Green Winged Macaws, beautiful birds.

Art is a Blue and Gold Macaw.

Rosie is an African Grey Parrot, and was entertaining the visitors with her whistling. 

Last bird pictures for today are both Budgerigars (Budgies), both are male judging from the blue colouring above their beaks, the females have a tan patch rather than blue.

Cheaper than a movie, and warm and entertaining, what better way to spend part of an afternoon?

I have a painting to show you today and also an annoucement.

First the painting, a watercolour, of a man wearing a mask. The picture was taken by friends visiting Venice at Carnival.

Secondly, I now have another blog! It is called GillianOlsonArt and gives more details about my paintings, including size and price. There is also a tab which features sale items. Click the above link to visit.

Happy New Year, best wishes to one and all!

Happy 1st Whimsy Wednesday of 2013, until next week..............