Dear Canimites,
Spring doubles its efforts to green the landscape, while flocks of white-crowned sparrows hurry northward, dogged by kestrels intent on a meal.
In the still dark of the night, a thousand frogs accompany the yearning call of the loons, the flute-like sound of diving snipe overhead providing accent.
Of dogs and sheep
Jean Robertson’s Shiloh Shepherd earned top honours at a recent confirmation show in Enumclaw, Washington.
Cedar was declared an International Champion by the judges, and top female in the competition. She is an energetic 73 pound three-year-old, living the life of a much loved family farm dog on the spread of Jean and her husband, Cliff Robertson, at the end of Tripp Road.
“She has a sweet disposition”, Jean says, “the gentlest soul of any dog I’ve ever met.”
Jean says she hopes to receive a second Shiloh this July, a male from Ontario.
Adding background music to our conversation about dogs was the couple’s flock of Scottish black face sheep. If you’ve driven the back country of Ireland, you’ve already seen these critters standing on the road calmly blocking traffic.
Jean described them as an exceptionally hardy breed. Her 19 ewes were all giving birth to twins, and so far, none had needed assistance.
The couple’s focus is the sale of breeding stock. They have shipped to four provinces, including Newfoundland. They also sell the high quality wool, used for spinning tweeds, and a few lambs are kept for meat sales.
Jean and Cliff moved to the Cariboo from Chilliwack three years ago, but have been raising sheep for 21 years. If you’re interested, give Jean a call at 250-397-0262.
More trout arriving
Bobbs Lake will receive 10,000 kokanee fry this spring and 10,000 rainbow fry of the Pennask variety in the fall.
Greenlee Lake gets 3,500 rainbow yearlings this spring from the Blackwater River stock.
Howard Lake will get a double dose this fall - 13,000 rainbow fry of the Dragon variety, and 5,000 Pennask rainbow fry.
The Pennask trout are mainly insectivores, foraging in mid-depths of deep open water on benthic organisms such as chironomid pupae. Most active at dusk, they have a reputation for being very aggressive, renowned for their fighting and jumping once hooked.
The Blackwater River trout are piscivore, hunting the shallower water for larger prey, such as dragon fly nymphs, snails, and non-salmonid fish. They are more active in the daytime than other strains. Their aggressive shallow water foraging makes them easier to target.
Find out more about the trout varieties and the stocking program on the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC website at www.gofishbc.com.
Bits and bites
• It looks like Doug McGregor was first in with his dock this year. The process involved a bit of strong pushing, and the judicious use of rollers lubricated with the humour of a helping friend.
• Vicky Shirran will have Canim grass-fed beef for sale this summer. Call her at 250-397-2602.
• Hummingbird feeders are being hung in anticipation. Remember the wee creatures have evolved a tongue suited to the low sugar concentration of nectar. “Beefing up” your first batch of sugar water makes it difficult for them. One part sugar to four parts water is recommended by bird expert David Sibley.
• The community club is again sponsoring a team to walk in the upcoming Relay for Life in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Mark June 9 on your calendars, and contact Sheila Hart at 250-397-2645 for details.
That’s all for now. Until next time, here’s wishing you many blessings.