Smile

While I've not done any rigorous content analysis of bird images posted online, I'm guessing that the most photographed birds are ducks. One reason is that, in North America, they occupy ponds in most parks and they are not particularly camera shy. But I suspect an even greater reason for their popularity is that they always seem to be smiling. Even a duck that might be considered homely like this Muscovy, wears such a pleasant expression on its face that it's a pleasure to look at. Makes me think I'll have to remember to smile more often.

Selkirk Waters

This view is from the eastern bank of the Gorge looking towards the city and the Inner Harbour. Beyond the Bay Street or Point Ellice Bridge can be seen the condo development known as Dockside Green. The brightly colored condos on the right are called the Railyards.

Today is the annual national holiday of our southern neighbors in the United States of America and I send them my best wishes for a happy holiday.

Deep Purple

Night magic.

War Correspondent...

...is something I'll never be. I spent considerable time yesterday taking pictures aboard the HMCS Nanaimo, and more time today trying to find a single photo that was usable and expressive of yesterday's Canada Day festivities, without any success. So, here is a photo from last week of two of this province's most important symbols, without all the messy Canada Day crowds. On the left, our Legislative Assembly Buildings, and on the right, a totem pole. Pax vobiscum, tillicum!

Dragonflies

Today is our annual national holiday, called Canada Day. But before I leave the microcosm of Durrance Lake behind and go downtown to check out all the festive activities, here are two photos of dragonflies near that lake. I've always admired dragonflies for the silent precision of their flight and their ability to hover. I confess also to a fondness for any insect that is NOT interested in me and dragonflies are suitably stand-offish. In fact it is quite difficult to get close to them because of those big eyes and their shy nature. Until I looked them up in Wikipedia I didn't realize what an incredible variety of dragonflies there are, and I have no hope of specific identification of these two.

The top photo was taken by my daughter, Fern Long, and I am responsible for the one below.