February is the shortest month but it sure has been taking its sweet time in passing. Perhaps, it because I measure my days by the number of photos I take, and that hasn't been very productive of late. However, as the saying goes, "the memory card is half full, not half empty." Did I get that right? Oh well, close enough. In the meantime, the moss isn't really growing on camera. I've still managed a few rainy day shots and even a couple of sunny day shots, and there have been many other chores and activities to tend to.
Feb. 8 - I had a fine eye-level view of the juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk at the rest stop above Buckley Bay. It was raining and maybe a little too far away, but everything else was ok - like there was enough light, the Red-tailed cooperated, and I was enjoying a relaxing day.
Meet Dee-Dee
I've mentioned Dee-Dee a few times. Now you get to meet her. Okay, I don't know if she's female or male but the name is fitting isn't it? As usual, Dee-Dee heard me in the carport and flew right over asking politely for some peanuts which I keep handy in the car. She was a bit confused when I pulled out my camera instead. She retreated several times inside her tree. Eventually, she decided that if she cooperated she would get her peanut quicker. A couple of quick pictures, and we were both happy.
The Best Laid Plans ...
It was a gorgeous sunny morning - rich blue sky, snow-capped peaks, Red-Tailed Hawks and Bald Eagles on every tree. A perfect day for photography. I was heading for Campbell River. My plan was to make my birding stops on the way back instead of on the way up. I did make a quick stop in Courtenay and Comox, and I was glad I did because, shortly after, the blue sky disappeared, and it rained most of the way home.
I wanted to check the walkway at Comox harbour for Western Grebes or Red-throated Loons. The only bird close by was a female Red-breasted Merganser. There were a few Long-tailed Ducks in the distance but not much else.
I'd never stopped at Lewis Park before, but somehow it beckoned, and I pulled in. I spotted Jack L. leaning over the railing by the river bank with his camera. When i got there, he called "mink." I peered into the shadows and sure enough, there was a mink about 20 feet away. It was too dark for me so I continued upstream where 4 Trumpeters were preening on the river bank. I've always meant to take more trumpeter photos. Now was my chance.
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Feb. 19 - Another rainy day, but I had to go visit Bob at the Galloping Moon Gallery in Lake Cowichan. I dreaded the thought of driving the "broken windshield" highway after recently replacing my original. Thank goodness the speed limit had been reduced to 80 (it's usually 100). By the way, the Ministry of Highways did cover the deductible. Anyway, no rocks this time, and gas was $0.90 It was still raining when we got to Duncan, and after a Starbucks break, we decided to check Art Mann Park for the Ruddy Ducks. Fortunately, I got stuck in the wrong lane and had to swing down to the waste water treatment facility. That was a turn for the better.
There were lots of gulls and ducks as usual, but nothing unusual. After standing in the rain for 5 minutes, we decided to leave. One last look - a Glaucous Gull landed right in front of me. I would get to take a few pictures after all.
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Feb. 20 - Port Alberni - Sunny and warm in Parksville. Cold sleet in Port Alberni.
I almost froze taking a picture of the juvenile Surf Scoter as the bitterly cold wind whipped up the Alberni Canal.
Feb. 22 - A few sunny breaks as I headed for Qualicum. Of course, the sun disappeared as I tried to take a few pictures of the Common Goldeneyes.
The female wasn't the least concerned as I set up my tripod and camera. She was obviousy preoccupied with whatever she was feasting on.
Meanwhile, the male kept his distance and continued to drift further away but not before a couple of photos.
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