Quote of the Week

by Leslie Cox; Sunday; November 24, 2024

There is no question that climate change is happening; the only
arguable point is what part humans are playing in it.

~ David Attenborough

On the heels of two bomb cyclones…only two days apart…that hit Vancouver Island and BC this last week, this quote from David Attenborough is very appropriate. The question is: why are we not recognizing our part in the changing climate and doing as much as we can to ease the burden we are placing on our planet?

This giant Pacific octopus appeared on the Ocean Networks Canada video camera which is set on the sea floor off Bamfield on Vancouver Island’s west coast. It was clinging to rocks and coral as it was buffeted by the currents whipped up by the bomb cyclone on Wednesday, November 20th.

Kate Moran, president of the organization based at the University of Victoria, says the shallow waters off Bamfield have current speeds which typically increase to a high of 60 centimetres per second over a twelve hour period. However, during the bomb cyclone, the currents were changing direction rapidly and cycling between speeds of 15 and 200 centimetres per second. At the same time, waves reached heights of 10 metres in the area which created immense pressure and a “dramatic environment” for the octopus.

Teaser Tuesday

by Leslie Cox; Tuesday; November 18, 2024

An unexpected visitor at the back door. This is Leptoglossus occidentalis, better known as a western conifer seed bug.

Spotting a few of them around the garden lately and judging by how close this one was to the backdoor, they are looking for accommodation indoors for the duration of the winter months.

Did you know?

by Leslie Cox; Monday; November 18, 2024

Did you know…

…that a fruit fly was the first living organism to go into outer space?

In 1947 a fruit fly was intentionally put in a US military rocket and sent beyond the atmosphere to test the potential impact of cosmic radiation on astronauts. True fact.