Shovelling Up A Storm

Northern Shoveller

The Northern Shoveller is quite a unique bird. We stumbled upon these ones in Beacon Hill Park.

They were keeping company with some Mallards, Wigeons, and Mergansers.

 

The park is home to so many beautiful birds. We are very humbled and honoured to be able to stop in and enjoy their presence. 

Myrtle Warbler

Myrtle Warbler

 

Another great find at Beacon Hill Park. We stumbled upon a few of them behind the petting zoo.

 

The Warbler family varies on Vancouver Island and they each have their own unique characteristics.

 

This one has a very sharp look to it and the yellow compliments the grey and whites.

The King and Queen of Beacon Hill Park

Bald Eagle

Pair Of Bald Eagles

Pair Of Bald Eagles

Lauren and I were lucky to stumble upon this scene in Beacon Hill Park. We first picked up on one of them swooping down for something in the SEW (South East woods).

 

We decided to take a walk back to the "Eagle Tree" to see if they were both home. One of them was sitting alone on a branch and then the other one dropped in to keep it company.

 

Looks like they are enjoying a nice date night and keeping the crows busy. 

The Barred Strikes Back

 

Barred Owl

 

This Barred Owl was sitting peacefully minding it's own business when I took this photo. Unfortunately, when I went to switch over to Video mode it was swarmed by a murder of crows who have all been nesting around the SEW (South East Woods).

 

We followed as they chased the Owl from tree to tree. Unfortunately for the crows, the Barred stood it's ground and scared them all away. 

Video Highlights

What a delight. The first video features two baby hummingbirds who have recently taken off with there mother. We were lucky enough to watch them grow up before taking off. I will post pictures soon of the Mom sitting beside the nest waiting for her last offspring to take off with her and the other little one.

 

The second and third video feature a mother sitting on her nest with two other babies who are only a couple of days old. If you thought hummingbirds were small you should see what there offspring look like at only a couple of days old! 

The Barred Owl Of Beacon Hill Park

Barred Owl

Big shout out goes to Cheryl for helping us spot this Owl while out hiking at Beacon Hill Park. We could hear the Owl calling but we had a difficult time spotting it.

 

Luckily, Cheryl knows it very well and lead us on a great adventure to take these photo's. We also shared some stories and had a wonderful time walking together through the forest. 

More... Baby Hummingbird Shots!

Nest/Two Baby Hummingbirds

Nest/Two Baby Hummingbirds

Nest/Two Baby Hummingbirds

Blessed

Photo Taken At Beacon Hill Park

Some times you just have to stand back and admire what Mother Earth has blessed us with while we inhabit this planet. There is lots in this world to appreciate and it is our duty to take care of things and give back to her.

 

Take a minute to sit back and think about how much your grateful for and don't be shy to express the love and admiration for everything around you. 

Small, Medium, Large

Red Eared Slider Turtles

These are a couple of Red Eared Slider Turtles. They were chilling in Beacon Hill Park and sun bathing like it was their job. The title says it all, enjoy.

Smallest Of The Small

Adult Hummingbird Feeding Two Babies

Baby Hummingbirds

 

Baby Hummingbirds

 

A Hummingbird feeding two baby Hummingbirds. I was lucky to stumble upon this scene with Lauren. We are very grateful and honoured for the experience.

Northern Shoveler

Northern Shoveler/ Great Blue Heron

 

Northern Shoveler

 

I also took these shots at Somenos Marsh. This bird has a unique beak which you can be sure it got its name from. I wasn't able to get any close ups but I watched with admiration from the board walk. 

Tree Swallow

Tree Swallow

Tree Swallow

Tree Swallow

Tree Swallow

We stopped at Somenos Marsh in Duncan to grab these shots. These are beautiful birds that put on an incredible flight show. They are fast and they do not usually stop to take a break that often. They have a beautiful blue shine to them with a snowy white chest. 

Eagle

Juvenile Bald Eagle

 

Juvenile Bald Eagle

I spotted this Juvenile Bald Eagle in Courtenay while hiking along the Riverway Heritage Walk. It was perched about 15 feet or so above my head. I didn't have to do to much work with my lense to capture this majestic creature.

 

We were staying at the Old House Village Hotel and Spa. Hopefully we will be back to visit some day. Unfortunately our car lit on fire while on the way back to Victoria from this trip. We both made it away just fine. I feel like this fella may have been looking out for us that day. 

Rufous Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbird

 Rufous Hummingbird

 Rufous Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbird

Took these shots at Elk Lake - Beaver Lake walking trails. This was the first time I was able to see a Rufous out on a hike. I made it out with some nice photo's too. Very territorial birds.