Feb. 1 - The Irresistible Attraction of Boundary Bay - Even though it was dark and overcast, I couldn't pass up another chance to visit Boundary Bay. As we neared the parking area on 72nd, a swooping Short-eared Owl skimmed about 20 meters in front of us. I was glad I was there.

It was the height of frustration to have a pair of Short-eared Owls and several Northern Harriers hunting at close range. With even some filtered afternoon sun there would have been many good photo opportunities, but with the dark, overcast skies, one could only admire the silent beauty of the hunting birds. But just as we were leaving the area, a Short-eared landed in a tree on the golf course not too far from the road. At ISO 3200, f 5.6, and shutter 1/20th of a second, I managed this record shot.

Feb. 2 - Last week at the Courtenay Airpark, my wife spotted a Western Meadowlark. When I was there on Thur., a young gentleman ran up to me and asked if I were a bird expert. I explained that I was a novice but encouraged him to tell me what he saw. He was sure it was a shorebird with a yellow breast, white tail flags, and short legs. I told him about the Western Meadowlark we saw last week. When I proceeded to the area he indicated, I spotted the Western Meadowlark immediately. It didn't stick around too long when it heard the shutter, but I had time to get the proof.

I had stopped at Deep Bay on the way up and had the Spit all to myself for an hour. It was high tide and there were a lot of birds close by. Besides the Longtails, Scaups, Scoters, and other seabirds, there was a Common Loon that passed right in front of me. It cast a few curious glances at me then continued looking for breakfast. Last week I was caught off-guard when a Pacific Loon popped up right in front of me. As it swam away, all I could see was the back of its head, so there was nothing worth photographing.

On the way back, I stopped at Deep Bay again. It was low tide and there were still a lot of birds. The sun would peek occasionally from the clouds but there were no photo opportunities until I was leaving. A cute little female Bufflehead was grooming herself down at the water's edge.

After a couple of distant shots, I eased myself closer and closer. I expected her to swim away anytime, but she was preoccupied with her grooming.

When I got as close as I wanted, I sat and enjoyed her company for about 10 minutes. I was surprised that she tolerated my presence. It was another one of those special moments of reflective and therapeutic communion with the natural world. I wished her well as I prepared to leave and she prepared for a nap.

Earlier a pair of Harlequins swam by. Click, click. I'll get the female next time.

I couldn't leave without at least one Long-tailed picture. It has that puppy dog look doesn't it?

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