You are presumed to be honest and responsible without evidence to the contrary beyond a reasonable doubt… on the balance of probablilties you are justified by 51 % likelyhood.
Ostriches are raised for meat, feathers and eggs and are commercial. However these bunch of hostages in the news of late were going away from that and we’re used for tourism. Coming endeared to some keepers. Wouldn’t have been, if it was just for meat.
Avian flu
This is a very serious condition that affects foul and gets into people it can be fatal to people and the closer they are the bigger population areas and more of a risk.
The cull that was ordered by the authorities has been stayed and there may be a presentation between the parties at the Supreme Court of Canada and there is a controversy over testing the remaining birds, 300 out of a possible 450 that had contacted the avian flu and are under scrutiny.
H5N1
The virus involved is H5N1, and could be a particularly concern at the start of the flu season and respiratory illness that could accompany it.
Rivers pickup our rain and deliver it back to our seas and in the interim they water crops and they mitigate carbon and they mitigate phosphorus and all sorts of things that are being brought to the surface and give us a good environment.
The Nicola Valley Community Farmers Market is a vibrant hub for local agriculture and artisanal goods, typically held weekly during the warmer months. It brings together farmers, craftspeople, and community members, fostering connections and promoting the benefits of eating local. Visitors can find a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and unique food items, offering a delightful experience filled with the rich flavors and talents of the Nicola Valley region. The market also often features live music, workshops, and family-friendly activities, making it a cherished gathering place that supports local economy and sustainability.
October’s night sky offers two excellent meteor showers and the best view of a giant ringed planet. Here are three worthy activities to look for this month:
Orionid Meteor Shower
1. The Orionid Meteor Shower ☄️| What & Why It’s Special | How & When to See It ||—|—|| What’s Special: The Orionids are the remnants of Comet 1P/Halley—yes, that Halley’s Comet! This makes them particularly notable. They are known for being fast and bright, occasionally producing brilliant, long-lasting trails (persistent trains) in the atmosphere. | Peak: The night of October 21–22. || Worthy of Seeing: Although it’s a modest shower (up to 10-20 meteors per hour), the link to one of history’s most famous comets makes it a must-see. The meteors are quick, adding excitement to the viewing. | Best Time: After midnight and before dawn on October 22. The radiant (where the meteors appear to originate) is highest in the sky just before sunrise. || | Viewing Conditions: Excellent in 2025 because the peak occurs near the New Moon (Oct 21), meaning minimal moonlight interference for the darkest skies. Look anywhere in the sky, but the shower radiates from the constellation Orion.
Draconid Meteor Shower
|2. The Draconid Meteor Shower 🐉| What & Why It’s Special | How & When to See It ||—|—|| What’s Special: The Draconids are debris from Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner. Unlike most showers, their radiant point is highest in the sky in the evening, making them a great option for early night watchers and kids. Most years, it’s a minor shower (around 5-10 per hour), but it’s famous for periodic outbursts that have delivered meteor storms (hundreds or thousands per hour) in the past. | Peak: The evening of October 8. || Worthy of Seeing: The possibility of an unpredictable outburst is the main draw. Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner was recently at perihelion in March 2025, which might increase the chance of a better-than-average display. | Best Time: Soon after dusk and before midnight on October 8. ||
| Viewing Conditions: Unfavorable due to a very bright Full Moon (Oct 6) that will significantly wash out fainter meteors. You’ll need to face away from the Moon or use a building/tree to block its light to have the best chance. The radiant is in the constellation Draco (the Dragon). |
Saturn
3. Planet Saturn 🪐| What & Why It’s Special | How & When to See It ||—|—|| What’s Special: Saturn, the beautiful ringed gas giant, reached its brightest and closest point to Earth (opposition) in late September 2025, meaning it remains a spectacular object throughout October. | Peak: Visible all month long in the night sky. || Worthy of Seeing: Saturn is one of the most stunning celestial bodies, even through a small telescope. Its distinct, massive ring system makes it instantly recognizable and a favorite for amateur astronomers. | Best Time: Saturn is visible almost all night long in October. Look for it to rise in the east/southeast around sunset. || | Viewing Conditions: You can easily spot Saturn as a steady, bright yellowish “star” visible to the naked eye. To see its rings, you will need a small telescope. You can also observe it passing near the Moon in the first week of October: on October 5, the Moon passes close to Saturn. |
Mallard ducks are the most prevalent around our place, our neck of the woods here in Merritt, British Columbia. We love our Mallard ducks.
The local naturalist club will begin their regular weekend fall and winter schedule on the 18th. Their meetings are generally most months on the third Thursday at 7:00 at the Nicola Valley institute of technology, top of the hill Belshaw Avenue in Merritt.
The moon in September is 2 days away from maximum.
Photo KDG, September 5th Circa 22:30 hrs.
So, we’ve had a planetary alignment all September and August. There was a maximum of six planets lined up, the one’s missing of the eight eight were Mercury at times. Who is the messenger? God of antiquity and Mars the God of war in antiquity. So , So for your information, whether or not people are trying to be in sync with the universe or antiquity or the gods. The United States defense department just changed their name back to the war department, the next time I see Mercury I’ll ask about it.
Omens passe
Mystical stuff is interesting, this full blood moon that’s coming up is pretty significant and considering the planetary alignment going along with it and last night I saw a deer with a mane. Now is nowhere near a unicorn but it struck me as being a spiritual instrument in somebody’s mind. We know some cultures. We don’t know them all but it seems to be in tune with the Earth and the solar system and the Sun and everything is an interesting distraction to some and the stabilizing virtue to many others it would seem. Good luck after the blood moon on the 7th.