Sunday, February 01, 2026

Recent Photos

Canada Geese & reflections

Winter in Victoria is green from all the rain. As opposed to the almost black and white of Saskatchewan winter.

moss

raindrops

Of course, there are still some bare bushes and trees here too.

raindrops

The worst we've had so far this winter is some frost.

frost on leaves

frost on moss

Which led to some interesting sunrise reflections off the melting frost (on a park bench)

melting frost bokeh

During one of the warm spells, this Cross Orbweaver emerged and built a web. When I took the photos it was just getting started. Often, by the time they're this size (full grown) they've lost a leg or two but this one seemed to be in good shape.

Cross Orbweaver

Cross Orbweaver

Cross Orbweaver

This was probably another orbweaver but I didn't see the actual spider.

raindrops on spiderweb

Witch Hazel is one of the first trees to flower in January. The flowers are rather unusual and they stand out because they emerge long before the leaves.

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel

This Oriental Paperbush is another very early bloomer.

Oriental Paperbush

Of course, the Christmas Roses (Hellebore) are out.

Christmas Roses (Hellebore)

The crocuses are just starting

Crocus

And some kind of iris.

Iris

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Monday, January 12, 2026

Recent Photos

It seems like there are more Hooded Mergansers around this winter. They tend to swim away when they see you looking at them but a few were more cooperative.

Hooded Merganser (male)

The females are less flashy, but still have a good crest.

Hooded Merganser (female)

Showing off for the ladies.

Hooded Merganser (male)

They spend a lot of time diving, especially just when you're about to photograph them!

Hooded Merganser diving

With the short winter days, I see the sunrise, if it's not too cloudy to see the sun at all!

Hooded Mergansers

sunrise on the harbor

sunrise on the harbor

There are a few other birds around, like House Finches and Dark-eyed Juncos.

House Finch

Dark-eyed Junco

And, of course, the gulls and bright eyed crows.

gull

crows

Pests or not, I always enjoy seeing the deer.

deer

When I saw this photo on the computer, I was amused to see what looks like a mosquito. For someone from Saskatchewan, it's surprising to find insects around in the middle of winter.

Pinkgill mushroom ?

And just as bizarre to have flowers blooming year round.

Firethorn ?

A batch of photos wouldn't be complete without a few attempts at abstracts.

bare branches

reflections

sunrise reflections

See all the photos in this batch