Vancouver Island - Part 2

08 September, 2023 

Clover Point - Goldstream Provincial Park -  Somenos Marsh

Clover Point, Victoria, BC

     We checked at Clover Point to see what might have changed since we had stopped by the day before.

     What a thoroughly gorgeous spot this is.

     Who in their right mind would not look forward to starting their day here?

     A Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni) would perhaps agree with us, although breakfast was on its mind more than scenic appreciation.

     In my experience Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) is one of the emblematic birds of Clover Point, and it was not long before we found one.

     Selwyn was quite taken with them, and I have to agree that oystercatchers are an extremely interesting family. Unfortunately we have no chance of seeing them in Ontario, but it certainly makes a trip to the coasts exciting.

     There were always large aggregations of California Gulls (Larus californicus) and Glaucous-winged Gulls (Larus glaucescens) loafing on the shore.

     We were excited to see otters emerging from the sea to gambol on the rocks. Initially, I thought they were Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris) but an examination of their attenuated shape clearly revealed them to be North American River Otters (Lontra canadensis).

     I had always associated River Otters with fresh water, which hitherto was the only habitat where I had observed them, but they are at home in coastal salt waters, feeding on crabs.

     They entertained us for several minutes.

Goldstream Provincial Park, Langford, BC

     Goldstream is a wonderful place to visit, with vestiges of magnificent temperate old growth forest, and nature on display at every turn.

     A Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) was content to catch a few rays and survey the world below, all the while scanning for lunch, no doubt.

     There were Blackberry (genus Rubus) bushes all around, overflowing with fruit, and this leaf with its ornamentation of water drops looked exceptionally appealing.

     We came upon a sunny clearing, where several birds teased us with momentary glimpses, perniciously concealing themselves behind leaves that were bigger than they were.

Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata)

Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla)

     A Sooty Fox Sparrow (Passerella unalaschcensis) is a species unique to the northwest and I always look forward to seeing it.

     It is an exceptionally attractive bird in my estimation.

     You would think that the snag below would have harboured a few woodpeckers, or nuthatches, or creepers, but even with four pairs of eyes scanning its surface, nary a bird was revealed.

     This common flower fly (genus Syrphus) was exceptionally attractive, I thought.

     Never one to decline a challenge or resist temptation, Selwyn was drawn like iron filings to a magnet, to this hollow stump.

     I think there is a special pathway in his brain devoted to the eternal re-creation of a mischievous childhood!

     He almost pitched forward in a headlong,  unceremonious trajectory to the ground, but quickly caught himself and proceeded with aplomb.

     Victory was shortly his. How smug he looked in the face of Victoria's remonstrations!

     He had earned his gesture of triumph.

     In the meantime, Victoria proved that there is no limit to the way that a wife can roll her eyes!

     Was this lady's shirt worn in honour of Selwyn do you think?

     Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) is always a delight, especially when one is far from home.

     The view across the water near the Visitors Centre is quite glorious.

     Bee Flies (family Bombyliidae) are difficult to narrow down to species.

     If I am not mistaken, the insect below is a type of Short-horned Grasshopper (family Acrididae).

     Whenever I come across ants I am reminded of one of the greatest of all biologists, E.O. Wilson, and wish that he were still with us to impart his particular brand of wisdom.

Wood, Mound and Field Ants (genus Formica)

     Our views of Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) were always through the gloom of the Pacific rainforest foliage, adding an atmospheric quality to the experience, but mitigating against good photographs.

     Spiders' webs are veritable paradigms of matchless construction, while simultaneously evoking great beauty. This one is probably the work of an Orbweaver (family Araneidae).

     Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) has found its way to the west, even onto Vancouver Island, and was commonly seen.

     Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) comes in various forms, most of which are identifiable subspecies, but much taxonomic refinement awaits the ultimate designation of Oregon Junco, which for the present is simply known as part of the "Oregon group”, without benefit of a subspecific epithet. (For a good discussion of this form, see Rick Wright (2019).

     It is a very attractive little bird and kept us company while we ate lunch in the picnic area. 

Somenos Marsh, Duncan, BC

     When we left Goldstream Park we decided to drive up to Somenos Marsh since we were already half way there.

     The first bird we saw, one of very few as it turned out, was a Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus).

     The west has been exceedingly dry this year, catastrophically so in some areas where destructive wildfires continue to burn, and the marsh contained not a drop of water, nor the waterfowl that might be associated with it.

     Rose Spirea (Spiraea douglasii) provided a welcome splash of colour among the greens and browns.

     A couple of Audubon's Warblers (Setophaga auduboni) seemed not to have been unduly affected by the drought, and were finding food without difficulty.

     We found the pattern on this leaf particularly appealing, but despite my best efforts I have been unable to identify it, nor the seed that is resting on it.

     A small flock of Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) were feeding on berries, and flycatching too. They were mainly juveniles, but a couple of adult chaperones were there as well.

     It had been a great day, but we had to work for our birds - not necessarily a bad thing. We piled into the car and headed back to Victoria to wash up and get ready for dinner.

      Let's see what tomorrow brings.