JOURNAL 201 Hi-jacked by Joe Part II Mar. 31 - Last Oct., Joe, my photographer buddy from Comox kidnapped me from Buttertubs Marsh and dragged me to Victoria. I wasn't too upset at missing a bunch of chores. In fact, I was quite ecstatic when we discovered a Gray-crowned Rosy Finch at Clover Point. Today was another one of those "hi-jacked by Joe days." Unfortunately, there weren't any exciting discoveries to report, but it eventually became a very fine day for a little spring photgraphy. Our objectives were quite modest: Tufted Duck in the sunshine at King's Pond, nesting Great Blue Herons at Beacon Hill Park, Rock Sandpiper at Clover Point, Rock Wren at Island View, and Sky Larks at the bulb fields. There were only a few problems. It was cloudy and cool all morning, the Tufted Duck was sleeping on our first visit, and the two rocks (Sandpiper and Wren) were no-shows. After working our way from Beacon Hill Park, Clover Point, Cattle Point, King's Pond, and Island View, the sun finally broke through as we were having lunch at the Roost near the airport. That was perfect for our Sky Lark visit at the bulb fields. As expected, we did find about 10 Sky Larks, but getting close was another matter. However, we persisted, and I quite satisfied with a couple reasonably good record shots. Knowing we weren't likely to do any better, we decided to visit the Tufted Duck again at King's Pond, and return to Beacon Hill for some sunny shots of the Herons. Before I continue, we saw our first Savannah Sparrow of the year at Island View, and enjoyed distant views of a Northern Harrier working the grassy field beside the daffodils. Back at King's Pond we were greeted by a sarcastic comment by one of the locals, but we ignored her and focussed on Tufty who was just waking from his beauty sleep towards the middle of the pond. He proceeded with a vigorous session of preening and gradually drifted close to camera range. He looked handsome in the sunlight with the purplish tinge showing on his dark cheeks. After a few distant shots, I pulled out the hen scratch and pandemonium broke loose as Mallards, Ring-neckeds, Lesser Scaups, Buffleheads, and one Tufted Duck came flying in. I kept the shutter clicking but even unerexposing at 0.7, the white flanks of Tufty were blown out in most of the photos. The few successful shots were with Tufty's flanks parallel with the sunlight so the light wasn't directly reflected. No, I'm not complaining, after all, I finally got to photograph Tufty in the sun. My favorite shot was Tufty taking a shower. With Tufty taken care of, it was time to revisit one of the largest heron rookeries on the Island. At Beacon Hill park, the sun was from the west so we had to take our photos from the street. The lighting was excellent and there were plenty of herons to photograph. There was also one Bald Eagle sitting right amongst the nests checking everything out for future references. Finally the eagle flew, scattering the herons everywhere, but they quickly returned. I kept hoping that someone would invite us to the penthouse of the apartment building, but that never happened. After the herons, we checked Clover Point again, but there were people all around including on the rocks on both sides of the point. We knew it was time to head home. Joe was happy and so was I. It was a full day, and we got a few good pictures. If you haven't seen the Tufted Duck yet, don't wait too long. Somewhere, there might be a female Tufted waitng for Tufty. The Beacon Hill rookery is always worth of a visit, and the Sky Larks in song shouldn't be missed. I have tried many a time for Sky Lark photos without much success. Today was probably my best day, but even without getting good photos, they are always fun to visit. The Sky Larks were a challenge to locate once they landed, but we got lucky a few times. The closest we could ever get was about 35 feet. Joe thought the best technique was to use a blind. Last year when I visited the rookery, it was very windy and the lighting was poor. I'm glad we returned when the sun was out. It's always fascinating to see the herons in action - flying, landing, collecting nesting material, and rearranging and placing the sticks on the nest. I might just have to return when the young are hatched. Up, up, and awayyyyy! It's time to rearrange a few sticks and get the nest ready. This looks better over here. Just collecting another stick for the nest. King's Pond is a photographer's delight for close-up duck photos. The Mallards, Ring-neckeds, Buffleheads, Lesser Scaups, Wood Ducks, and Tufted Duck have been partially domesticated and don't mind people. Last year's Redhead also came close, but the Northern Shovelers tend to be shy. As usual, the Tufted Duck was a joy to observe. He was perky and cooperative at the right time. This was my third visit, and I'd go again if I had the chance. Just so you don't get the impression that I'm only interested in the Tufted Duck. The female lesser Scaup was looking quite attractive as well. The male Lesser Scaup tried to steal the show by giving me his best swan impersonation. Not bad. What a difference a little sunshine makes. The colours are so much brighter. The Shovelers kept their distance, but I couldn't leave without at least one picture. After all, it was the Shoveler that lauched my interest in birds 4 years ago. Hey, look who's coming to life! Talk about making a grand entrance. Finally seeing Tufty in the sunlight made the trip really worthwhile. Just one last smile for the audience in case we don't see you again. Thanks for the memories! 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