Victoria, BC - Part 6

24 June, 2026

Clover Point

     We started our day at Clover Point, as we often do when in Victoria, to see if anything new had arrived overnight.

      I don't remember seeing this sign before, although I am sure it was there on previous visits.

     The Trans Canada Trail stretches all the way across our vast land from Victoria, British Columbia to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, west to east, and to Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories in the far north. We have set foot on it in various places throughout this glorious country of ours. 

     Gumplants (genus Grindelia) were commonly seen along the coast.

     Miriam has a far better eye then I for symmetry and compositional perfection in everyday objects and she took in the simple beauty of pebbles on the shore.

     People often walk their dogs along the beach and this furry friend was tireless in pursuit of a ball tossed in the water.

     We saw Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) every day, and heard their high-pitched, piping notes as they came in for a landing, and never tired of it even for a moment. 

     They are fabulous birds, made all the more significant since we know we will never see them at home. It is the signature bird of Clover Point for me.

     Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) seems equally at home on saltwater or fresh.

    The appearance of Fairy Fan-Flower (Scaevola aemula) is as appealing as the name.

     Small White (Pieris rapae) floated on the wind but seldom came to rest; but at least one individual posed for a portrait.

     We sometimes need to pinch ourselves to remind us that Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is common along the coast of Vancouver Island.

     Once every several years a forlorn stray appears on Lake Ontario and the birding community descends into a frenzy!

     This odd formation is Three-ribbed Kelp (Cymathaere triplicata); totally new to me.

     It has a discoidal holdfast enabling it to grow on rocks.

Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary

     

     Whenever we have visited Victoria, this location has been one of our favourite spots. It was very active with a wide variety of different taxa.

     We were quickly greeted by a Pacific Forktail (Ischnura cervula), one of many damselflies flying and hunting.

     Several House Finches (Harmorhous mexicanus) were present. Damselflies have nothing to fear from this seed and fruit eater.

     We had not seen many Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) so we were delighted to see this individual quietly passing the time.

     At one time there were as many as four Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephala) riding the thermals, both adult and juvenile.

     Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) presented well.

     The cattail marshes at Swan Lake are exceptionally rich in Marsh Wrens (Cistothorus palustris) and we saw and heard several males.

     An Eight-spotted Skimmer (Libellula forensis) joined the parade of odenates.

     Ocean Spray (Holodiscus discolor) looks like a finely crocheted Christmas tree ornament - or should that be the other way around?

     At the beginning of our trip Lorquin's Admiral (Limentis lorquini) was a new species of butterfly for us, but it was becoming commonplace - pleasingly so.

     An American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) remained motionless and silent.

    Woe betide any hapless insect that gets too close.

    Rose Spirea (Spiraea douglassi) bloomed prolifically.

     A Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilo rutulus) posed beautifully on Greater Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza).

     

     Water Fern (Azolla filiculoides) coated the water liberally in places.

     Bluets (genus Enallagma) are difficult to segregate as to species without having the insect in the hand.

     Repeat views of western species we do not see at home were greatly enjoyed.

Pacific Forktail

Blue Dasher

     A solitary Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) surveyed the scene from atop a lofty perch.

     Here is an unidentified damselfly depositing eggs.

     Beewolves (genus Philanthus) are solitary wasps that prey on bees; hence their name.

     A Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) serenaded from on high.

     Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) is found across Canada.

     Large Bindweed (Calystegia silvatica) is similarly well established.

     Osoberry (Oemleria cerasiformis) was a new plant for me.

     A Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) was singing on and off, but when we spotted him he was not especially visible.

     Not long before we had arrived at Swan Lake we had passed a place that looked suitable for lunch, and our stomachs were telling us that it was time to eat.

     The establishment was lovely, the food excellent, but once again the service was abominable. We waited almost an hour to be served two wraps. If we are back that way again the Six Mile Pub will not be on our agenda.

Esquimalt Lagoon

     It was pretty quiet here and the bird life not prolific. It is usually a spot where one is guaranteed to find Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) and we were not disappointed.

     Here is a fledged youngster begging from a still tolerant parent.

     European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) was common.

     There were scores, if not hundreds of Rock Doves (Columba livia), totally at ease among humans, knowing that doting grandmothers will bring their grandchildren - and food!

Oak Bay

     We returned home late afternoon and already the local Columbian Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) were meandering around the neighbourhood, making themselves right at home.

    At that moment, in that corner of Vancouver Island, all seemed well with the world.