Tuesday, November 07, 2023

Vancouver Island - Part 4

 11 September, 2023
Clover Point, Victoria, BC

     As was our custom every day when in Victoria, we started our day with a visit to Clover Point, that little promontory of tranquility and exquisite wildlife on the edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.


     The Trans Canada Trail begins there, wending its way across our vast land until kissing the Atlantic Ocean in Newfoundland, at the opposing end of the country, crossing the Rockies, wending its way across the prairies, through Ontario and the rarified air of francophone Québec, speeding through the Maritime Provinces, finally arriving at its terminus in St. John's Newfoundland.


     We are blessed to live in this diverse and interesting country, where people from all around the world have made their home.
     A juvenile Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni) shared the rocky shore with Glaucous-winged (Larus glaucescens) and California Gulls (Larus californicus).


     The breeding season has ended for Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola), but it is still a distinctive and charming bird in its muted winter attire.


     Tiny, frenetic Wester Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) were constantly bursting up from the rocks, only to settle again after making a couple of spectacular circuits of the cove. Here they are, dwarfed by an American Crow (Corvus brachyrynchos caurinus), an opportunistic resident of coastal British Columbia.


     A Pacific Harbour Seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) cruised up and down the inshore waters, popping its head up only briefly to snatch a breath.


     Two Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) posed like well-behaved schoolchildren.


     I am assuming that anyone who reads my blog is a lover of nature, so you will understand the sheer exhilaration of sharing the morning with these lively flocks of Western Sandpipers.


     We were constantly entertained by their antics.
      Selwyn is possessed by insatiable curiosity and in turning over rocks found many Yellow Shore Crabs (Hemigrapsus oregonensis), enchanting little creatures that typically live under rocks in intertidal zones.



     This small crab attains a maximum carapace size of 25 - 34 cm with females being bigger than males. They are common on Vancouver Island and despite their name name exhibit a wide range of colouration.



     Just one more picture of a Western Sandpiper, I promise.


     How can I resist?
     Selwyn and Miriam, diligently searching among the tide pools, found this Aggregating Anemone (Anthopteura elegantissima) which squirted water at them in retaliation for being disturbed.


     Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris) is a beautiful little flower, and it warms the heart to see them taking advantage of little patches of suitable soil to brighten up the littoral landscape.


     A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) found floating wrack a convenient perch from which to launch its lightning attack on unsuspecting fish.


Chinese Cemetery and Harling Point, Victoria, BC

     Each time that we have visited Victoria, Miriam and I have made it out to Harling Point; this time we were happy to have Victoria and Selwyn with us to add perspective to the location.



      It seemed entirely appropriate that a stand of glorious California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) greeted us as we passed through the gate.


     The view across the water was lovely.


     A distant Common Murre (Uria aalge) refused to come any closer despite our pleas!


     There seems to be hardly a stretch of coastline on Vancouver Island that does not harbour a few Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) - on the Great Lakes we dance a jig at one sighting in five years!


     Surfbird (Calidris virgata) is the most unusual of the calidrine sandpipers, having the bill of a plover, and the chunkiness of one too. It was a great pleasure to come across it on several occasions.


     Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) became such a firm favourite of Selwyn's I might petition for its renaming. Selwyn's Oystercatcher has a nice ring to it, don't you think? No baggage of slave-owning or other undesirable features to engender controversy either.


     Perhaps the two above are pondering the issue!
     Here are a couple more pictures of this enigmatic species.



     A lone pleasure craft scudded by, perhaps piloted by a fellow who called in sick to the office this morning!


     A platoon of cormorants sped over the water, far too distant to identify as to species, however.


     You may have to take my word for it that the following distant bird is a Rhinoceros Auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata).


     A Glaucous-winged Gull was actively searching among the Bull Kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) for tasty treats.


     This one is about to have a seafood breakfast.


     While we might think only of Savannah Sparrows as inhabitants of grasslands in southern Ontario, as befits their name, the subspecies brooksi is quite at home in the salt marshes of Vancouver Island.


     American Crow is always on the lookout for an easy meal.


     As we made our way back to the car we passed a house with hummingbird feeders and blossoms that attracted Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna), and we spent a pleasant half hour in their company, even chatting to the homeowner who was pleased to share her success with four Ontarians.




     It was lunch time so we headed back to Helm's Inn where we had food in the fridge, and then left to go to.......

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site and Fisgard Lighthouse, Colwood, BC



     Whenever we have visited Fort Rodd one of the first birds to be seen, often in the parking area is Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus).


     True to form it showed up early, although on this occasion we had to wait until we were past the gate, having paid our admission.
     It was followed up in short order by a Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens).


     A White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) was perched on a fence.


     Puget Sound Gumweed (Grindelia integrifolia) was a joy to behold.


     Grasshoppers are far beyond my field of expertise but I am fairly sure this handsome specimen is Camnula pellucida.


     There was in general a paucity of birds at this location, but a gaggle of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) imparted a degree of warm familiarity.


     A White-crowned Sparrow looked askance at us as we made ready to leave.


Esquimalt Lagoon, Colwood, BC

     It is a very short distance from Fort Rodd to Esquimalt Lagoon, at times an excellent location for a wide range of species.


     As soon as we disembarked from the car we were greeted by Long-billed Dowitchers (Limnodromus scolopaceus) feeding in their characteristic sewing machine fashion.



     A small flock of Western Sandpipers appeared skittish, settling in one location briefly, and then bursting into the air.


     Victoria and I were intently watching them while Miriam and Selwyn did a little beachcombing, and suddenly they exploded in front us, as a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) knifed though the air, intent on a kill. It was an unsuccessful assault, but the reason for the shorebirds' nervousness was apparent.
     The gulls stayed on a sandbar and seemed not to be subject to attack as far as we could see.


     Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) was common, often hanging around vehicles, no doubt vigilant for crumbs discarded by humans snacking at the water's edge.

Brewer's Blackbird (♀)

Brewer's Blackbird ♂

     A Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) no doubt also hoped for a morsel or two.


     It was time to leave to return to the Helms Inn to relax a little before dinner.
     We ate at The Spaghetti Factory, where Miriam had penne with chicken and I chose Seafood Alfredo. Both were delicious. I didn't record what Selwyn and Victoria had but I know they were happy with their selection.
     We walked back "home" filled with the unique satisfaction that derives from good birding with good friends. There is no better feeling, of that you may be sure.
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

66 comments:

  1. Hi David,
    The Sandpipers are so cute. I like the tiny legs they have!
    Malva is a beautiful flower. I love to see the hummingbirds. They are so pretty too.
    Hugs and kisses, Marit

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  2. What a pleasure to read, David, that you all had a great time in Victoria, British Columbia. I specifically found this place on the map. It's so far from me. I liked the photos of the oystercatcher (Hematopus bachmani) and the chestnut tit (Poecile rufescens). I have never seen such a beautiful tit.

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    1. It is very tempting to answer that, Nadezda, but I will control myself!

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  3. Hi David - thank you for the happy memories of my few trips down to Victoria and around that area. It is as you say a stunning location - and amazing to remember about 200 years ago or less it hadn't been explored that much - well the interior ... such an interesting country, coastline with its wildlife. Loved this - thank you ... Seafood Alfredo would suit me too ... cheers Hilary

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  4. ...David, you saw so many wonderful things, but the Fisgard Lighthouse is among my favorites. Thanks for taking me along to see the sights.

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  5. Hari OM
    Well, you may guess that I thrilled a bit with all these water birds recorded so well in your/Marion's lens... but the scenery sings as well! YAM xx

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  6. Such a beautiful place! I don't think I have ever seen a black oystercatcher here...why is it called oystercatcher? They are good at catching oysters?

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    1. They have a flat bill that they use to great effect in prying open oysters - their principal source of food.

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  7. I can see why you return here, David. Those sandpipers are fabulous and I would have been taking plenty of photos of them too! (Years ago, in the film days, my photographer friend Wally Parshall used to say "film is cheap. Going back is expensive." Well, now with digital, you don't have to worry about film -- but going back is more expensive than ever so overshoot to your heart's content! That crow looks a bit the worse for wear! So many remarkable creatures -- and the scenery and that lighthouse are terrific!

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  8. in the deep south of usa we called those tiny crabs, fiddlers. they are fun to watch as the scamper in and out of their tiny holes. I love the photo of the seafood platter and the one under it with the fiddler in the beak for breakfast. I have never seen a Anemone. now I have. the humming birds are gorgeous. I love nature, bodies of water, large or small, trees, rocks, hills, flats. nature with as few humans around as possible.

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  9. Great photos of the birds in British Columbia. The Hummingbirds are the cutest. The lighthouse is beautiful too David. Seafood Alfredo is also a favourite of mine.

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  10. Les bécasseaux sont très mignons!
    Les petits crabes sont très jolis aussi, et il y'a même des colibris!
    Bonne journée

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  11. You write so beautifully about the birds and the places you love to visit. I appreciate seeing it through your loving eyes.

    Love,
    Janie

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  12. Yes, I would think anyone who follows your blog would be a nature lover, for sure! ;) This was another wonderful post. Thanks so much.

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  13. I knew sandpipers were small, but they really are compared to the Crow.

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  14. A wonderful place to visit and see all those lovely birds. Great narrative, David and thanks for sharing your love of nature with us.

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  15. I saw this post late last night after a long and challenging evening. I decided to save reading it as a treat for this morning. And a treat it is. Thank you all so very much. It is some hours till dawn but I am already smiling.

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  16. Very interesting that every morning we were reminded that we were at Mile "0" of the Trans Canada Trail. The black oystercatcher is no doubt my favorite as witnessed by my exclamation " I can go home now" when ever I see one. Miriam took very good photos of the Anna's hummingbird. Will the bird be renamed because of "Anna" ? Our 3rd( or 4th ?) attempt at the Spaghetti Factory was successful !

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  17. Esa diversidad de tu tierra, es lo que despierta el interés de conocerla.
    Un abrazo.

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  18. What a wonderful day you had, David. A great array of birds, good company, fine scenery, and the weather looks as if it was favourable too - and not forgetting a satisfying meal at the end of it.

    I'm curious to know - has anyone claimed to have walked the Trans Canada Trail from end to end? I see that it is nearly 25,000 km long!

    Best wishes to you both - - - Richard

    PS - just found the answer to my question. Someone named Dianne Whelan has done it in a mere six years!

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    1. Hi Richard: I am quite sure I am never going to walk it end to end but I have walked bits of it in British Columbia, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Price Edward Island.

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  19. I enjoyed reading about your trip from those tiny crabs to the beautiful hummingbird.

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  20. Querido David vuestra tierra es maravillosa, muchas gracias por compartirlo. Las fotos son preciosas. Un enorme abrazo para ti y para Miriam

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  21. Wonderful pictures as always. I think my favorite is the Chestnut-backed Chickadee. Terrific little bird!

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  22. Pretty little hummingbirds, and a heron!

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  23. Buenas noches David!
    Ave Bird, Ave Mother Nature! this post is an ode to nature, your country is undoubtedly beautiful. It is a glory to walk with you through such a wonderful place. It is a vast, majestic and diverse region that must be preserved 💜🤍💜🤍💜🤍
    Greetings hasta Canada, lucky friends!

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  24. Oh goodness, I shall have to catch up with your previous posts about this trip! It sounds wonderful if this day is any indication.

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  25. Hello David,
    The lagoon is a beautiful area, there are motifs everywhere, great holiday report, you can tell how much fun you had.
    Greetings Frank

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  26. What a really beautiful place to visit and see many of the creatures...those poppies are wonderful.

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  27. Great set of pictures (as ever!). I suspect that I will be able to identify about 10% of the birds I see in the next few weeks if this post is anything to go by!!! What fun.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  28. Hi David,
    A pity Vancouver Island is far away from where I live, so a visit is unfortunately very unlikely. When I see the variety of wildlife and the beauty of the surroundings it certainly is an area worth visiting. For birdlovers it must be an absolute pleasure.
    As to your previous post I have to say that it is amazing and shocking at the same time to see that people are polluting their own nest, leaving such a mess behind. It happens everywhere, in every country.
    Greetings, Kees

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    1. Trash and the continuing disregard for the environment are especially disturbing since we know we are doing it and we understand the consequences, but we show no inclination to stop. There are people who read my blog who refuse to take even the smallest measures to prevent at least some of the pollution, and in the process set an example for others.

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  29. Hello David,
    Beautiful series of photos from your trip.
    I think the seal is very beautiful and also the lively herds of Western Sandpipers.
    The crabs in the hand are fascinating to see.
    The mallow is also very beautiful, it also blooms here.
    A beautiful view over the water with the Harlequin ducks swimming there.
    I think the hummingbirds are beautiful, especially the last photo is perfect.
    Greetings Irma

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  30. Bonjour David, Loved the walk around with you and the family this morning. Great to see so many sea birds, something I rarely see. Also good to see a seal. The little crabs are fascinating but the male sure is tiny compared to the female!! I enjoyed the details of the Chinese cemetery and the lighthouse, always good to read the history of these places.
    I have yet to see an oyster catcher, maybe we will get to see an African Oyster catcher when in Namibia, but it seems they are a threatened species in the area. We just might be lucky when we are at Swakopmund.
    Bonne journée mon ami. Bisous. Diane

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    1. Good with the Oystercatcher, Diane. They are amazing birds.

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  31. Hi David.

    You show so many beautiful things.
    It's wonderful that you experience all this and want to share it with others on your site.
    I always enjoy it.
    Lots of beautiful birds and ducks.
    The Seal is so cute.
    But the Hummingbirds are wonderful.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  32. So much to love about this post, especially the oystercatchers. I’ve never seen them but would love too. Guess we will have to visit Victoria too! Great post, David! The photos are beautiful, Miriam!

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  33. Such a delicious day of bird watching, your photos are magnificent. I loved the interesting side bits about the Chinese Cemetery. All the birds, and hummingbirds actually sitting for a second. Great post, thank you for sharing your trip! Sandi

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  34. Delighted to see you visited this side of the continent! Lots of neat photos, as always. Love the Anna’s Hummingbird. They are here all year and probably in Victoria as well. They are hardy little birds!

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  35. A really wonderful and interesting place. Lots of interesting things to look at.

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  36. Wonderful pictures as always. I got excited to see flowers, as nothing is blooming here now. AND you got pictures of a Hummingbird, that's impressive. They're always so quick. Love seeing the Lighthouse, I always think they're rather romantic. The tiny crabs are kinda cute, even though I doubt I would hold one...Squamish about things that crawl. Looks like you had quite the adventure. I'm surprised to see a cemetery so close to the waters edge. Would think that could be a problem during storms etc.
    Sandy's Space

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  37. So nice to see the West Coast birdies..The Little Yellow Shore crabs are adorable..So tiny.
    The Mallow is beautiful..Selwyns Oystercatcher has a striking bill..Sparrows and Crows are seen everywhere it seems...Love the little Hummers!! I think most of your afternoon birdies were the western version of our birds here in the east....Dinner sounds yummy

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  38. Maravilla de post amigo y más a los que nos gusta la naturaleza . Entrar aquí es disfrutar de ella que solo vemos a través de tus fotos, por eso siempre te doy las gracias David . Me gustó el Ostrero negro y el gorrión de corona blanca.
    Buen miércoles para ti y Miriam.
    Un abrazo.

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  39. The crow and Calidris mauri are in a movie scene.

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  40. What a fantastic birding trip! I love many of these species, which are sometimes found in other parts of the world as well.
    best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  41. I love the biodiversity British Columbia offers.....very nice pictures........Abrazotes, Marcela

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  42. I love seeing these photos of the birdlife in my city. We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful places to explore and observe wildlife.

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  43. Another comment - we walked/cycled a number of sections of the Trans-Canada Trail on our across Canada trip over the summer. It's such a great idea. Also, I just put up a post about the Ecological Reserve at Cape St. Mary's, with its variety of birdlife. Have you visited? You would greatly enjoy it, I think.

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    1. Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province I have not visited, Lorrie, but it is popping up more and more frequently in our conversations so perhaps it can still happen.

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  44. Do I love nature? I suppose so, but in the way a blind man appreciates Rembrandt's self portraits, as a dimly perceived theory rather than a "wholeness". My Father made rather feeble attempts to educate me about the out-of-doors; during the long summer holidays, after my mother had fled his infidelities, he tried to force me to read White's History of Selborne. But I wasn't having any, arguing (mentally) that being the Honorary Secretary of the Airedale Beagles undermined his moral stance. He even insisted I attended one or two of the hunts but I more or less ducked out. Not through any sympathy for hares but from fear of the initiation ceremony which involved the barbaric act of "blooding".

    Rapprochement between him and me was a long time coming (in the late eighties to be exact) but it did happen. I started visiting him during his convalescence prior to his death; in an unnaturally quiet voice he said, "Don't come if it's a burden." I'm not known for observing etiquette but I heard a voice replying "It's no burden" and I realised I truly meant it. A final father-son dialogue but it taught me something about what are presumed to be lost causes.

    My younger brother has embraced nature wholeheartedly. He has walked Land's End to John O'Groats, from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean via the Pyrenees, and a route that links the gorges of France. But I can't wait to tell him he's been dealing with minnows given that he's ignored the Great White represented by The Trans Canada Trail. Me? I do home to the Tesco Superstore more or less daily. Less than a mile I admit but it's an opportunity for ratiocination.

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    1. Ratiocination? I think I have been doing it all my life and didn’t know it. Especially when doing the dishes it seems.

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  45. Chętnie bym się wybrała na taką wycieczkę! Różnorodność jest niesamowita. Jest co fotografować! Jak już kupię ten dom w Waszym sąsiedztwie i jak będę piekła codziennie dla Was bułeczki, to weźmiecie mnie ze sobą? ;-)

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    1. Every time, Ludmila. We won’t leave home without you!

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  46. Dear David, I was happy to accompany you again on a successful bird watching tour through beautiful Canadian landscapes. You saw many beautiful feathered creatures. I can understand why Selwyn was so enthusiastic about the oystercatchers; I felt the same way in Iceland. With their red beaks and eye rings, they are impressive looking birds. But I also think that Selwyn's Oystercatcher sounds better than Traude's Oystercatcher, and Selwyn is definitely better when it comes to bird expertise. I would certainly have held out for a long time with the hummingbirds - sorry, but they are and remain my favorite birds, even if I also appreciate many other bird species. The biggest surprise was the tiny crabs - I have never seen such small yet adult crabs. At this size they are clearly suitable as food for many birds. It was nice that the Pacific Harbor Seal showed up at least briefly.
    Warm November greetings from Austria!
    Traude
    🍂🍃🍁🍃 🍂
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/11/ausflug-auf-den-harzberg-im-august-ein.htm

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  47. Hello David :=)
    Gosh I am really late visiting, but not through any fault of my own I sure you. It always amazes me how many birds you encounter on your outings which are always beautifully photographed by Miriam, and such a pleasure to see as I would never see most of these species where I live. Of the smaller birds, the White-crowned Sparrow and the Savannah Sparrow caught my attention, but perhaps I have a soft spot for the smaller birds, I liked the unusual capture of the Western Sandpipers walking in single file, with the Crow looking on. Anna's Hummingbirds were a gorgeous sighting and capture. It is so pleasant to talk to strangers who are also nature lovers and take care of these beautiful birds. The tiny crabs were a great find and not one yellow one amongst them. Of the medium sized birds I enjoyed seeing the Black Oyster Catcher and the Harlequin Duck. Lovely landscapes with shore birds and the Lagoon photo is beautiful. The Fisgard Lighthouse is interesting, I'm a big fan of all lighthouses, and it reminded me of a large book about Portuguese Lighthouses which used to belong to my late husband. Eva was browsing inside a bookshop for something to give her father for Christmas. and this book caught her attention. The salesman who wrapped it for her said with a smug smile, "so your father is interested in Lighthouses is he," To which Eva replied "My father is interested in everything."
    Thank you for another fascinating outing enriched by the company of your friends-
    Hugs and xxxxxx
    Sonjia.

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  48. What a wonderful day you all had! Those Oystercatchers are very striking--I can see why Selwyn is so taken with them. I enjoyed tagging along and seeing the sights of your day. Thank you.

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  49. I haven't been down to the beach for a few weeks, and these photos are inspiring me to go. Sandpipers are always such a pleasure to see, and to watch them along the water's edge. Vancouver Island looks like a beautiful place to visit. Hope you're having a great week. hugs-Erika

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  50. Great bird pictures and beautiful landscapes. I am amazed at how much you see and photograph in a single day.

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  51. We were in Victoria at the same time!

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  52. Hi David,
    Fantastic part 4 !
    Lovely words and photos of the landscape.
    But the birds....wow, so many Western Sandpipers, lovely!
    And the Selwyn's Oystercatcher :-)
    And stunning Hummingbirds.....
    Big hug from the Netherlands
    and say hello to Miriam.
    Maria

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  53. A fascinating place.
    Beautiful lighthouse and fantastic birds.
    Thank you for this beautiful virtual tour that I gave through your photos.

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  54. Siempre es un placer pasear con vosotros, yo soy amante de la naturaleza y todo me gusta. Gracias y abrazos.

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