Saturday Walk

Black Turnstones on the beach.

I love birds and attempt to bird watch whenever I can.  They look good, they sound good, and there are so many wonderful varieties in the world. 

Today we went to the breakwater for a stroll, between the raindrops.  It was lovely out there - no wind to speak of, clear water (the better to watch the sea life), and not too cold.  Besides the apparently healthy kelp beds, sea lions feasting, fish jumping, and sunfish and starfish sightings, I also spotted a few birds hanging around on the shoreline.  At first I thought they might be black oystercatchers, but upon closer inspection I realized they didn't have the signature red feet and beaks; they also had a bit of white on the underside of their wings and tail feathers which the oystercatchers do not; and besides, they weren't as large as the black oystercatchers I'd seen on Hornby Island.  However, their call resembled the oystercatchers as they flew off.  And so I was determined to figure out what kind of bird they were when I got home.  I took this photo with my iPhone before they managed to fly away.

It is not a good photo by any means, but it did serve as a reminder to their colouring and size when I looked up my copy of the Stokes Field Guide to Birds.  I believe they might be Black Turnstones.  I will have to remember to bring my real camera with me next time.  Who knows, maybe one day I'll become a wild bird photographer!

Saturday Walk

Between the raindrops, Peter and I went for a lovely long walk on Saturday.  We were prepared for a walk in the rain, but it did not rain on us!  There was rain all around, and before we made the return trip (after tea and cookies with Frank and Mary Jane), it poured.

Anyway, it was a lovely day for a walk in the park.  And I found this gorgeous rose standing proudly.  Love roses, I do.

Saturday September 3rd

BluesFest arrives in Victoria - we start our Saturday walkabout here.

... and check out the Classic Wooden Boat show in the Inner Harbour. I think 50 to 70 feet would be enough for me. LOL

The walkabout takes us to Beacon Hill Park for the lunch picnic where we devour half a small watermelon each. Judith is still wearing her wonderful Hornby Island birthday t-shirt.

In the evening, we end up at Clover Point again watching the waves caress the rocks.

And wait for the sunset. A beautiful day.

Another relaxing and satisfying sunset at Clover Point.

Thursday June 23rd

I love this city. It really is a beautiful place with many wonderful little gems to discover. Thursday's weather was absolutely magnificent so I convinced Peter to go for a walk in the evening. One of the highlights of the walk was this handsome building on the edge of Beacon Hill Park.
We both really liked the architecture of the place ... and this is only what we saw from the back alley! After wondering around the side we came to the front entrance. It is a very well taken care of Heritage Building that used to be a school and was converted to an apartment building. Here is Peter trying to get in - he's actually looking at the original built-in wood burning stove in the front hall (presumably not working). Lovely and quiet even though the building sits right on Douglas Street, no doubt due to the surrounding old trees and large hedge out front.

On our stroll to/from from this lovely old apartment building - we meandered our way through Beacon Hill Park (aka 'our backyard'). Even though it was a warm sunny evening, it was quiet and we almost had the place to ourselves. Except for the peacocks, of course! This one put on a lovely display for us, spreading his feathers in full show, and then he proceeded to turn around and around. I don't think I'd ever seen the back end of the display before.

And then there were the baby ducks! And the heron, the crochet skirted sign post, ... and the scenery. Sigh.

Saturdays

Presidents Weekend Walk

Ecosystems

Spring is in the air.... We had a nice walk in the forest this weekend. Judith found some subject matter for shooting, and I found some time to catch my breath watching her do magic through the lens.