The World Through Our Lens
Bob and I could not overlook the cacophonous racket overhead when a large flock of Lesser Snow Geese flew by. As we took the circuitous route around the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, one section of the trail seemed to parallel the flight path of the Geese across Westham Island. Read more
Before Bob and I barely got underway at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, we were shocked to see so much bird life populating the surface and banks of the first water channel along the walking trail. Numerous pairs of Hooded Merganser ducks plied the calm waters adjacent to the East Dyke. Read more
As Bob and I approached the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island, it was necessary to wend our way along Westham Island Road and Robertson Road before branching off onto the narrow lane that leads to the entrance of the reserve. A glittering channel of water paralleled the lane, and providing a pop of colour on its surface were two Common Merganser ducks. Read more
Coming from the subzero temperatures at home in Ontario to the warmer climes of coastal British Columbia, Bob and I expected to see an assortment of duck species when birdwatching at the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, but the unexpected sighting of numerous Spotted Towhees caught us totally off guard. Eastern Towhees are seen in Ontario during spring, summer and fall. As we soon learned, Spotted Towhees winter on Vancouver Island and temperate areas along B.C.’s western coast. Read more
As Bob and I rounded the trail that borders West Field at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, we could not believe our eyes. In a wide channel in the midst of a slough were several groupings of very impressive ducks: Northern Shoveler Ducks, to be exact. We had never seen this species of duck before but there was no mistaking this Northern Shoveler Duck with its over-sized bill. Read more
Even before Bob and I pulled into the parking lot at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, there was no doubt that we were in for some fantastic birdwatching. On the approach, paralleling the road, was a channel where Great Blue Herons and Common Mergansers were leisurely passing the afternoon. Our walkabout began along East Dyke, but we soon branched off onto a trail that meandered alongside a series of very large ponds. That is where we became enthralled with a flock of Northern Pintail Ducks. Read more
After a morning well spent at Boundary Bay Regional Park in the Delta region south of Vancouver, Bob and I made our way towards another popular birdwatching location still situated on the Fraser River estuary, the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. While progressing in that northwesterly direction, we had to pass through an extensive array of farm fields, and in one such field, Bob and I spotted a number of Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) scavenging for remnants of grain. Read more
As Bob and I completed the trail that leads to Centennial Beach Cafe, we heard a raucous in a treetop right above our heads. A sole juvenile Bald Eagle sat perched there at rest, whereas only one week earlier, according to regular visitors, about 200 Bald Eagles were seen in Boundary Bay Regional Park and environs. Read more
On a trip to British Columbia, Bob and I scheduled a hike at Boundary Bay Regional Park in the Delta and Tsawwassen regions south of Vancouver. Due to the effects of time change, on the first morning of the trip, Bob and I found ourselves awake bright and early, so hit the trails at the north end of the conservation area by 8 a.m. We were pleased to spot, right off, a bevy of Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) tucked into a sheltered cove on the west side of Boundary Bay. Read more