17 July 2008

salvinia (water fern)



Salvinia is a true fern, adapted for a floating lifestyle. Needs full light. Works well in ponds or tanks. It is not considered 'frost-hardy'; however, it does seem likely that this plant could over-winter outdoors in very sheltered areas here in the G.V.R.D. of southwest B.C.
Salvinia is an aggressive invasive species wherever released into the wild in warm-weather regions, including Washington State. Never release non-native plants or animals into the wild, even via your toilet or kitchen sink. Makes great garden mulch, so if you have excess, use around your roses.
The hanging roots trail 5 to 8 cm below the water, making an excellent habitat for fish fry and fresh water shrimp. Salvinia can reduce algae growth by blocking light at the water surface and using up nutrients in the water.
Floating plants can help contain jumping fish, especially at the margins.

15 July 2008

beer tab snares duck at Trout Lake

Please cut up and dispose of beverage tabs properly. Birds and 
small mammals are often snared and die in these things.
Images taken by C.J.W. Vos at Trout Lake, Vancouver, BC.


new friends

corydoras reticulatus and corydoras melanistus (id tenative)
ghost shrimp w/ eggs
bumblebee shrimp
red cherry shrimp

spring and summer 08

^^spring flowers
^^baby chickadee comes inside to investigate
^^clivia
^^zebra finch babies at 9 and 11 days

^^same babes at 20 and 22 days