The weekend before last, Shelley and I spent some time wandering around the paths and gardens of Royal Roads and Hatley Castles. We started with Charlies Trail that runs from the Galloping Goose trail along Colwood Creek to the ocean. There were water striders on the creek:
And Purple Martins around some bird houses on the pier. Based on the coloring, I think this is a juvenile.
There were also some shorebirds. I think this is a Short-billed Dowitcher (endangered) since it was by the ocean, whereas Long-billed Dowitchers are usually by freshwater. Contrary to their names, their bills are similar lengths and don't help tell them apart.
And here's a Least Sandpiper. The bird recognition and auto-focus in my latest camera definitely helps with birds that don't sit still. It isn't perfect, but if you take multiple shots, usually it'll get one right.
This Chestnut-backed Chickadee was in the willows by one of the ponds. Another one that never sat still!
I had the telephoto lens on for the birds, but it actually works quite well for butterflies and other insects because you can stay further away and not spook them. This is a Woodland Skipper (common). Skippers are butterflies, but they look like a cross with a moth.
There were lots of flowers, although perhaps a little past the peak. I think this is a Princess flower.
There were several peacocks around. Someone told us there were baby peacocks but we didn't see them. And the male didn't display for us.
There were some nice reflections in the Japanese garden ponds.
After wandering around for a couple of hours, I ran home on the Galloping Goose trail. It's only about 15 km but I added a few extra detours to make it 20 (not to mention a stop at Crust bakery for my favorite raisin spiral).
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