Eagles

Throughout February & March I was constantly on the lookout for Bald Eagles during my day trips in and around the Comox Valley. Following are the results of my searches.

 

 

  

 This one is a juvenile - I was told - because it still had spotting on its chest and the adult bald eagles don't acquire their magnificent white crowning feathers until the birds are about 4-5 years old.

This group were on the Lazo Bay boat ramp, awaiting fish spoils from the boats that had been out catching Herring & Salmon

 

 

What magnificent creatures they are!  I never tired of seeking them out and observing their graceful flight.

 

Joining in with Our World Tuesday

Wild Bird Wednesday and
Skywatch Friday

(and grateful thanks to the faithful hosts of such blog sites, who give us the opportunity to more widely share our images and experiences)

BC's Parliament

Parliament Buildings in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

 

 

Joining in the fun at James' Weekend Reflection

 

Easter blessings

 

Kingfisher

 

The morning before I flew out of Comox bound for Australia once again, I took a stroll down to the Marina and was absolutely thrilled to spot this (female, I think) Belted Kingfisher.

 

here, better showing off the rust-coloured markings

What a treat!

 

Linking up with Wild Bird Wednesday - thank you Stewart!

Herring Run

I'm told that, once a year Herring come into the shores of Vancouver Island's east coast to spawn, resulting in this amazing transformation of the sea colour to emerald green.

(Sadly, strong winds and no tripod resulted in this far from good shot, but at least you can get an idea of the colour! - and yes, I will get rid of that date imprint!)

 

Of course the seagulls arrived in their multitudes too, to capitalise on the opportunity

of food (the fishing boats provide a feast at this time!)

 

 2 days later with calmer conditions

Below you can see the sea lions waving flippers above the water's surface:  I am informed that, in doing so, their flippers absorb warmth from the sun and so regulate their body temperature - amazing!

and here are scores more sea lions doing just that

A keen photographer!

Joining up with Our World Tuesday,

thanking the team for hosting

and also praying for those around the world impacted by terrorist activities.



Golden snow

As the sun set over the Beaufort Ranges, I spotted this reflection in the window of an adjacent condominium

 

Joining in the fun with James' Weekend Reflection

Unsettled skies

Above the calm waters in Comox, unsettled clouds created a scene of their own

 

For other sky scenes from around the world, visit

Skywatch Friday

Comox in Winter

While Adelaide, South Australia, was sweltering in temperatures above 40C, it began snowing in Comox the day after I arrived and continued for about a week.

Following are some of the scenes that "filled up my senses" for the ensuing 2 months.

My love for this part of our world has become firmly entrenched in my life

so I ask your forgiveness if I become repetitive with either the images or descriptions!

 

 The view over the Comox estuary looking towards Goose Spit

 

From Comox Harbour, adjacent to the Marina - again looking towards Goose Spit, but closer

 

 A sturdy Palm showing its resilience!

 

Within the residential part of Comox at dusk 

 Comox Marina

 

 I've had no success in identifying this bird, so would be most grateful if someone can do so!

Near Portuguese Joe's fish outlet 

On the banks of the Marina 

 A beautiful Robin enjoying the warmth of sunshine

Looking across the Marina Park towards the Beaufort Ranges 

Logs washed up on the shores of the Harbour 

 

A Blue Heron near the Marina's banks

 

 

I hope you have enjoyed a taste of the Comox Valley - there'll be more in coming weeks.

Linking up with the fascinating site Our World Tuesday and thanking our hosts

 

Bubbles

While out on a walk last month in Comox, I spotted these bubbles . . .

and here's the same shot treated with Picasa's Auto Contrast option . . .

 The snow and ice began to melt

 

. . .  and in nearby woods I saw this funghi on a tree wearing a crystal crown!

 



Joining in the fun at Macro Monday 2,

with thanks to Gemma for hosting.

Little Qualicum Falls

Some of the many things that delight me about Vancouver Island include its abundance of water, trees and parks.  My Canadian friend took me to Little Qualicum Falls and the following shots encapsulate that outing.

 

 

Linking up with James' Weekend Reflection

 

Wishing fellow bloggers a wonderful weekend, but also praying for the folk in Northern New South Wales and Queensland, Australia, whose lives have been dramatically disrupted by Cyclone Debbie.

Comox Marina

 

Arrived back in Australia 2 days ago after wrenching myself away from spectacular Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada where I've spent the past two months.

 

Above is a shot taken at the Comox Harbour Marina a couple of weeks ago.

The island has apparently just experienced its coldest winter in 40 years, and the wettest March in 10 years.  During my stay it snowed for about 9 days - I was in my element; even shovelling snow from the driveway didn't dampen my enthusiasm!  (Usually living in what has been described as "the driest State on the driest Continent", snow is a novelty!!)

 

 

The colourful access to Comox Fisherman's Wharf

 

Here you can see the water is still frozen

 

This walkway skirts the marina and is a great place to take in the beauty of the Beaufort Ranges (which on this day were not visible due to cloud cover).

 

I look forward to playing "catch-up" by visiting a number of fellow bloggers' pages in the coming weeks, as well as sharing more images from my recent travels.

 

Joining in the fun at Skywatch Friday with thanks to Yogi for hosting.