Rainbow Weather

The Arctic flow has moved on and we have returned to more seasonal temperatures, although it's still hovering around 0 C at night. A rainbow beckoned me down to the beach, and then off I went to my favorite wildlife viewing location.  (click on photos to enlarge)

Whoops! I splooshed along the trail ~

above, poised for flight ~

vista ahead ~

under the bridge, in the mist ~

and in the distance....

Trumpeter swans! the first I've seen this year.

Swans on one side and a Great Blue Heron, seemingly unsociable, on the other.

Along with the myriad of ducks,  the heads of a few sea lions were seen drifting through the waves as well!

It was a most invigorating afternoon!

Not knowing then, that later on in the evening, my vehicle would slip on black ice, nearly sending me into the ditch!  After a few terrifying moments of losing control and slithering from one side of the road to the other, my vehicle righted itself and I made it home OK.  Luckily no other cars were on the road, otherwise it might well have been a different story.  I am most grateful.  

Frozen Still

I have just replied to the comments on my previous post, thank you :)  We are still experiencing the Arctic Front (Arctic Back and Sides, also ;))  The wind chill took us down to -16C which is more like the northern climes than here.  However, since I am retired, the problems with travelling to and from work, plus dealing with related issues involving students, parents etc. are alleviated.  Also last year I bought new winter boots and a new heavy duty snow shovel, which weren't needed then, but have been well used recently.  The following photos were taken from the front room window, the kitchen window and through the deck doors.  Warmer temps (+8C and rain) are forecast for the weekend. Here's a poem I wrote to sum it up.

First Impressions

Candle Glow

More Eagles, Harlequin Ducks, and other sea birds

Today I was back at my favourite place where the river meets the sea because the sun was shining. More sea birds and signs of seasonal change.  Also I was watching where I stepped, as there were many fungi in amongst the grass and moss.

I hope this isn’t getting to be too much of a muchness, but I thoroughly enjoy being in this location taking photos ~ each time it is amazing.

Today, along with the usual sea birds, I was happy to see a log full of Harlequin Ducks. I found the link very interesting and informative and hope you do, too!

On this panoramic collage, the eagle in the centre photo is perched on the pole nearest the sea on the bottom panorama. There is another bald eagle on the shore ... next to a seagull. I guess when there is an abundance of salmon in the sea, there is no need for an eagle to chomp on a seagull!

Watch the video at full screen - sea birds provide their own sound track, along with the odd small plane overhead!

To everything, there is a season ...

Eagles, Seagulls and Scenery

Before meeting my son and brother for supper yesterday, we stopped to take photos at various scenic locations. While we were in the park a couple of bald eagles flew low overhead. One, apparently, had caught a seagull in mid-air. The 'result' landed headless on the grass close by, while the eagles perched in the trees keeping watch.

Oh, dear!

These seagulls may be contemplating the merits and potential hazards of taking a turn in the park ~ not to appear heartless, but doesn't there seem to be one missing in the space second from the left? 

Later we visited some viewpoints and enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine, another opportunity for photos / panoramas.

There were a few splashes of brightness in the park as a few winter rhodos were coming into bloom.

Earlier in the day, I took this photo of a tree with little ferns growing out of it.





The birthday dinner I was treated to for the second night in a row was delicious as the six of us gathered together and enjoyed each others company. It was a clear night for the 2 hr. drive home, getting back about 11:30 p.m.


Closing off with a few silhouettes of branches reaching out to the beautiful sky ~