An Old Friend

Rufous Hummingbird

 

We took a trip out to Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park recently to see if we would run in to an old friend of ours. Last year around pretty much the same time we had our first Rufous sighting of the season here. Since reading some posts and having already seen a few of our own this year we decided to go back to the same spot and see if it was there. It didn't take long for us to hear it buzzing around our heads and moving at lightning speed. They are very bright little buggers and very fun to observe. 

Cedar Hill Golf Course

Cedar Hill Golf Course

Attached is a map of Cedar Hill Golf Course. Cedar Hill Golf Course is located in Saanich, B.C. with a 3.5 km trail that loops around the course. It is about a 5 - 10 minute drive from Victoria, B.C.

This nice trail is a great place to go for walk and see lots of wonderful nature. The broad range of birds that show up here make it an awesome walking loop. King's Pond is located at the Northern end of the trail and is an excellent location to see a variety of ducks. 

**Please click the picture above if you would like a quick link to Google Maps**



Hat Trick

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

I received a telephoto lens I bought online today so I thought I would give it a test run. We took a trip out to Martindale Flats in Saanich. We saw the first Hawk up on a power line and the second one on the way back from the Flats at Elk Lake. The last one we saw was on a light standard over top of the highway coming back in to town. Not a bad day at all and great results from testing out the new scope. We also saw a few juvenile and adult Bald Eagles at Martindale.

Vote For Canada's National Bird!

To place your vote please click the link below:

http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/nationalbird/default.asp

 

I came across a post from Canadian Geographic on my twitter feed today. When I clicked to investigate I came across the National Bird Project. They are looking to choose a bird to represent our nation by the end of 2017. I am a Toronto Blue Jays fan so it was hard not to pick the Blue Jay.

 

 

Sooooo... I decided to choose the Snowy Owl. While most if not all Canadians complain about the winter and how we would rather live down South, these residents call the Arctic Tundra home and would make most of us look like babies. They show us that our nation is built off of unique personal strengths and that despite the adversity, life will find a way to blossom even in the toughest places to survive.

 



 

Snowy Owl (Photo taken at the N.W.P.R. located in Duncan, B.C.)

 

Feel free to follow me on Twitter. Attached is a link below:

 

https://twitter.com/TheNDLee

Swan Lake

Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary

 

Attached is a map of Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. Swan Lake is located in Saanich, B.C. conveniently located right beside the Saanich Municipal Hall. If you live in Victoria, B.C. it is a 10 - 15 minute drive.

 

This place is home to all kinds of wonderful wildlife. Marine Birds, Raptors, Song Birds, etc. Depending on the time of year who knows what you might come across. Some of my favorite sightings have included: Common Yellowthroat, Barred Owl, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Pied-billed Grebe, Wood Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, etc.

 

The trail takes you around Swan Lake, over a board walk, through a couple fields, and also through a few wooded areas. The trail can also be used to access Christmas Tree Hill (an elevated view area) which is close by.

**Please click the picture above if you would like a quick link to Google Maps**

Witty's Lagoon

Witty's Lagoon Regional Park

 

 

Attached is a map of Witty's Lagoon Regional Park. Witty's is located in Metchosin, B.C. which is about a half hour to forty five minute drive from Victoria, B.C. This place is home to all kinds of wonderful life. A river, waterfall, and a large lagoon which connects to the ocean.

 

The route marked with the orange/red colour is the trail you would take to your left when you are just getting started on the path. It is a more wooded route which consists of nice views of the lagoon and ocean. I would say this trail is probably the more bumpy of the two with a few ups and downs. Keep your eyes peeled for all kinds of wildlife/birds. (Pileated Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Osprey, Hawks, etc.)

 

The route marked with the yellow colour is the trail you would take if you are looking to get to the ocean. This trail crosses a bridge near a waterfall at the beginning of the path. You descend down through the forest until your reach the flats and beyond that lies the ocean. Lots of marine birds can be spotted here throughout the year. Winter is especially a good time to check it out. Also, the flats give you a great view which you can almost certainly see a couple of raptors patrolling over head. (Mergansers, Western Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, etc.)

**Please click the picture above if you would like a quick link to Google Maps**

Wizard Of The Wind

American Kestrel

 

We took a trip over to Saanich to walk around the Cedar Hill Golf Course. We knew a head of time that the Kestrel had been spotted in the area and were hopeful we would cross paths. We are very happy and grateful to come across such a beautiful sight. Props to Lauren for taking this awesome photo. One of my favorites for sure.