Start of a heron rookery (aka heronry)

Beacon Hill Park in Victoria BC dates back to the late 1800’s when the area was being settled. It’s close to the Pacific Ocean (Juan de Fuca Strait) and it contains some man made lakes. There are also plenty of big trees in the park – ideal for birds.

The other day I was walking around and heard a real commotion up in this tree. These two, or at least one of them, had just chased away one other. Now they were coming to terms with each other. I expect the area around the tree will get quite odiferous as spring wears on. The great blue heron eats fish, so between these two and their young, there should be lots of guano around.

Lots of fun being out and about at this time of year in Victoria.

Blue Herons roosting

Holland Park bluff walk

Fairly often, I’ll take this walk along the outer edge of Holland Park in Victoria, BC (Wikipedia link). There are a couple of routes, but the best is what I call the lung buster. About half way through, there’s a quick climb up from sea level to the top of the bluff via a mix of stairs and path (about 15-20m elevation). Feels good when you’ve finished and you’ve caught your breath again.

Anyway, the view is always changing. These shots are from the top of the bluff looking south-east on a winter morning.

Bright sky on a cloudy day

And a few minutes later,

Hint of sun above the clouds

Wildlife along the David Foster Walkway in Victoria BC

Several times a week I’ll take a walk around part of the Victoria Harbour. The path I take is called the David Foster Walkway, and it goes from the US ferry terminals downtown, around to Fisherman’s Wharf.

This spring, I started watching a family of otters feed, but one day, I saw these little critters out and about. I guess this racoon family felt rather safe digging for breakfast in the harbour mud. Very cute to see.

Digging for breakfast