Victoria, BC - Part 7

 25 June, 2026

Thetis Lake Regional Park

     We had visited this park several years ago; why we left it so long to return I am not sure. It is a wonderful spot.

     As might be expected fungi were quite common in the rich rainforest climate of these coastal regions.

Bracket Fungi (Class Agaricomycetes)

     We set out to walk the trail that circumscribes the lake.

     Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) was one of the most frequently seen birds during our visit, yet we thrilled to every sighting.

     White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) was almost as reliable.

     Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) completed the trifecta of the three most observed passerines.

     The trail meandered delightfully.

     The lake was never far from the path.

     We took great delight in magnificent Oregon Oaks (Quercus garryana).

     Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium) bears more than a passing resemblance to holly.

     Broad-leaved Stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium) is related to the Sedum in your garden.

     Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) is characterized by exfoliating bark and its sometimes twisted form. 

     I find it an exceptionally beautiful tree.

     In the way of humans, we seem unable to let nature's beauty thrive on its own, driven by some odd compulsion to mar and disfigure the tree.

     This form of defilement makes me sick if truth be known. And I doubt whether K & J are even still together.

     Water Lilies (family Nymphaecea) in all their various forms and colours are exquisite and command attention.

     It is impossible not to utter exclamations of delight.

     They were most celebrated by the French artist, Claude Monet, but I suspect that many others have tried their hand at delicate water-colour renderings.

    

     In addition to their unsurpassed beauty waterlilies play an important role in regulating the temperature of the water and providing habitat and hiding places for small fish and other denizens of the pond.

     A Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) refused to reveal more than its head above the water.

     The Pacific Northwest supports many native Alumroots (genus Heuchera) that are not extraordinarily flashy, artificially-bred prodigies. Instead, they are charming, understated perennials that provide for native pollinators and contribute to the food web that is the backbone of nature’s ecosystems.

     For us, Salal (Gaultheria shallon) was nothing less than floral enchantment.

     The generic name is derived from Dr. Hugues Jean Gaultier, an early French-Canadian naturalist and explorer. It is attractive in every season of the year.

     Unlike most plants Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) is white and does not contain chlorophyl. 

     Instead of generating food from the energy from sunlight it is parasitic. Since it does not require sunlight to grow it thrives in the darkest corners of dense, dark forests.

     Brambles (genus Rubus) provide food for bears fattening up in preparation for winter hibernation.

     A couple of fellows paddled their canoe around the lake, free from the mundane affairs of life for a couple of hours at least.

     Often confused with other yellow flowers, Common Cat's Ear (Hypochaeris radicata) is both strking and prolific.

     Slender Stinging Nettle (Urtica gracilis) is deluxe caterpillar cuisine for the larvae of many species of butterfly.

     Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) is spectacularly beautiful.

     That scion of west coast botany, Dr. Lewis J. Clark, in a burst of soaring poetic expression described the flower's "white petals crinkled like muslin." Yes, scientists too have their romantic side.

     As common as a red light on a Saturday night, Ocean Spray (Holodiscus discolor) charmed us every time we saw it - and that was daily!

     The ubiquity and the function of moss in these ancient forests is clearly revealed in the following images.

     One feels nothing short of reverential in this environment, connected to all of nature by an umbilical cord stretching back around 390 million years when trees first appeared on Earth.

     And who's to say a House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) does not sense a little of this?

     Pink Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula) is a beautiful West Coast specialist, flowering throughout the summer and ranging from British Columbia to California.

     Large-leaved Avens (Geum macrophyllum) is a characteristic plant in this genus from the North Temperate to Arctic zones.

     Fungi are a mystery to most people, yet fascinating beyond belief. This fine example is found in the genus Fomitopsis.

     We saw Rose Spirea (Spiraea douglasii) almost every day and were always thrilled by it.

     It is found from British Columbia to northern Oregon.

     There was so much more. Organisms new to us defying identification, pictures that were unsatisfactory or downright useless, but the experience was glorious. I know so little, yet learn so much. There is a rare beauty in being absorbed by nature, and the thirst for knowledge continues unabated. The appreciation of beauty and of ecosystems in harmony is the cornerstone of my life. It will be thus until I draw my least breath. 

      In all of this Miriam is my stalwart companion, the best that one could ever have. What a fortunate man I am.

      It was late when we left for lunch and drove to one of our favourite restaurants, My Chosen Inn in Metchosin. 

     Miriam had a hot chicken sandwich with Cesar salad (picture below).

     I had a veggie burger and Cesar salad (no picture).

     And the service was swift, courteous and efficient.

     It would have been a travesty had it been otherwise on a very memorable day.

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.