Dec. 28 - A window of sunshine is a window of opportunity, not just for some fresh spring air, but also for a little photography. After a morning of torrential rain, blue sky miraculously appeared. I decided to make a break for San Malo and Qualicum.
San Malo was tranquil enough to lull me to sleep. The usual ducks were in the water. I checked the bushes for a wayward warbler or a surprise sparrow, but only roused a few Song and Fox Sparrows. On my way back to the car, a lone Bufflehead landed ahead of me. Shielded by a stump, I was able approach closely for a couple of pictures. Finally, it noticed me and decided to paddle back to the flock. THE WIGEON WADDLE - enroute (the long way) to San Malo, I stopped at Fairwinds. I found the Wigeons ready to do a little dancing. Guess who was leading the line dance? Yes, the flambuoyant Eurasian - 2 steps left, 1 step back ... After San Malo, it was off to Qualicum. It was 2:30 pm and I was disappointed to see most of the beach was already in shade because of the bluff across the road. The only sunshine was right at the south end where I found a few Black and Surf Scoters. The female Black Scoter seemed to be the shy one. It always stayed behind the male. They were diving for shellfish close to shore. The male Black Scoter was the leader and came the closest to shore. The male wasn't shy. It knew where the best food was and swam in for a close-up. Eventually, the female Surf Scoter decided to join the group near the beach. The male Surf Scoter was already there. DEC. 31 - THE LAST TWITCH After seeing the Red Phalaropes that Agnes posted from Whiffin Spit, my day was decided as soon as I got up. By 10:30 am I was on the outward side of Whiffin Spit when a rogue wave washed over my knees, filling my gumboots with Pacific brine. I was surprised at how warm the water felt, or was I just so engrossed with the Red Phalaropes to notice? It was interesting that as I stood on the shore taking pictures, the Phalaropes seemed to come closer, staying within 20 to 30 feet. I wonder if there is a feeling of safety as their predators would stay away? Despite the reasonable light, the rapid and erratic movements of the Phalaropes and the mini-surf made them extremely difficult to photograph. Out of about 170 clicks, only a handful were in focus. Next time I'll shoot at a faster speed. As I was shooting the Phalaropes, a flock of Black Turnstones worked their way towards me. I did a quick survey looking for a Ruddy Turnstone. Disappointed, I was about to refocus on the Phalaropes when a pair of yellow legs caught my attention. Surprise! A Rock Sandpiper. It shouted "Happy New Year!" to me. I have been looking for a Rock Sandpiper for the last 2 months. When I least expected it, there it was. Thank you, Bird God(s). This is the last picture of the year. It was an amazing way to end the year - 2 photo wish birds for the price of one! Once again, I wish you all a wonderful NEW YEAR. addendum - a picture from the files for comparison ... NANAIMO - BACKYARD WILDBIRD & NATURE STORE SAVE-ON FOODS (WOODGROVE) SAVE-ON FOODS (COUNTRY CLUB) CHAPTERS FALCONER BOOKS COLE'S PORT ALBERNI - CLOCKTOWER GALLERY COURTENAY - GRAHAM'S JEWELLERS SAVE-ON FOODS SIDNEY - VICTORIAN BIRD HOUSE COMOX - BLUE HERON BOOKS BOWSER - LIGHTHOUSE GIFTS DEEP BAY - SAANICH - WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED VICTORIA - BOLEN BOOKS MUNRO'S CAMPBELL RIVER - CAMPBELL RIVER MUSEUM BOOK BONANZA SAVE-ON FOODS DUNCAN - VOLUME 1 BOOKSTORE CHEMAINUS - LITTLE SHOP OF NOVELS LADYSMITH - SALAMANDER BOOKS NANOOSE - SCHOONER COVE MARINA SOOKE - SOOKE HARBOUR HOUSE
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