Birds

The most common birds around here are Hooded Mergansers (above) and Buffleheads (below)

The females are much less flashy. Here's a pair of Buffleheads lost in the reflections.

This female Hooded Merganser was catching crabs. The crabs put up a fight, so it takes some work before they can swallow it.

There are also Common Mergansers around. From a distance they can look like the female Hooded, but up closer they're different.

Of course, there are also gulls, and Black Oystercatchers, Canada Geese, and Anna's Hummingbirds

I've also been seeing a Cooper's Hawk around. I wonder if it's one of the ones that was around last summer. At one point it looked like it was building a nest, but maybe it gave up as I haven't seen it back at that spot.

It might be spring here in Victoria, but there's still snow on the Olympic mountains.

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Recent Photos

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

This Oriental Paperbush is another very early bloomer.

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

The crocuses are just starting

And some kind of iris.

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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.

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

Showing off for the ladies.

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

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

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

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

Pests or not, I always enjoy seeing the 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.

And just as bizarre to have flowers blooming year round.

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

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A Painted Sky

Lost
On a painted sky
Where the clouds are hung
For the poet's eye

There
On a distant shore
By the wings of dreams
Through an open door

- Be, Jonathan Livingston Seagull soundtrack, Neil Diamond

I know I already wrapped up our Mexico trip but technically these photos weren't taken in Mexico but on our flight home. As usual I had a window seat and my camera handy. Often there's not a lot to see but this time I was lucky and there were interesting clouds and views and a colorful sunset. I took almost 500 photographs over about an hour and a half.

At first it was "just" cloudscapes.

There were a few views of the ground. I bet there are some crocodiles in this lake/swamp/lagoon.

Comparing to Google maps satellite view, this it the North-east corner of the Yucatan. With the sunset starting.

Once the color started, there was lots to photograph.

These ones look a bit like the ocean to me.

Finally, the light started to go.

AI thinks this is part of New Orleans.

I hope that wasn't too much of an overdose of sunset clouds.

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