Walking After Dinner

Now that the days are growing longer, we have been out in the evenings again and there is something so magical about dusk isn't there? - Fern

Sign of Spring

Well, the sunshine is still a little weak but here's sign of spring as welcome as spring flowers, Victoria's own famed One Man Band, Dave Harris. Warm sunny holiday weather on Good Friday brought crowds of Victorians out to stroll on the causeway and enjoy the entertainment provided by our resident buskers, artists and crafts people.

Goldeneyes

Greetings all on this Easter weekend. While awaiting the ferry on Galiano Island I was pleased to see this group of Goldeneye Ducks (Bucephala clangula). I have seen a couple of individual Goldeneyes this year in Victoria but not a group like this. This group is a male, on the far right, and a group of females. That bulbous swelling of the head above the eyes gives them their Latin name, "Bucephala", which means "ox-headed". And from this photo it is easy to see why they are commonly called Goldeneyes.

Diving Buffs

Recently I saw some Bufflehead Ducks diving for breakfast very near the shore. The water was particularly clear that day and the male duck's bright orange legs were clearly visible working to keep him submerged. I always enjoy watching these little ducks dive - they are so buoyant that they have to jump up a little before they dive and work very hard to stay under the water. As soon as they stop paddling they pop up like corks. The video below will give you some idea of their diving prowess.

The Gulf Islands

The Gulf Islands are an archipelago formed by many small islands that lie between south-eastern Vancouver Island and the Canadian and American mainland. There is a good map and an article on Wikipedia that you can read by clicking HERE. The scene above is typical Gulf Islands scenery. The small islet in the foreground is part of Pender Island.