Friday, November 30, 2012

Wild and Wonderful

As November comes to a close, when it rains down here at sea level, it snows up there at mountain level ~ the first snow.



Today in between rain showers, I skedaddled to my favorite place.  It was windy but mild. The waves were churning up all sorts of succulent morsels, much of it being caught amid the eelgrass, seaweed and whatever else accumulates along the shoreline.


A plethera of pinnipeds ;)

Seagulls were shrieking together over salmon bits and bones.  Can you see the salmon bones?


Eagles everywhere



A myriad of eagles flying overhead:


... perhaps keeping eagle eyes on this youngster. See the white feathers showing through?





 Oops, sorry to interrupt...Keep Calm and Carrion





20 comments:

  1. Glo....I just love the hooligan look of the eagles. Bet you could tame one.
    They are beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They do seem to have that look, don't they? I won't take you up on the bet! ;) I do enjoy seeing them in the wild.

      Delete
  2. A plethera of pinnipeds had me wondering for a moment what they were! Terrific photos of some great wildlife, especially the young eagle. Flighty xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm pleased you enjoyed the photos, Flighty. 'Pinniped'covers the whole gamut of fin or flipper-footed marine mammals, so and it saves me from distinguishing between harbour seals, seals, and sea lions! Harbour seals are spotted, seals have ear holes, and sea lions have ear flaps, but they are all in there together. From a distance, the young eagle was camouflaged well in those rocks. A closer view showed me what it was busy with.

      Delete
  3. That was quite a glare you got from that youngster. I see the seagulls were on clean-up duty. Looks like they are doing a thorough job. This week, as you got your first snow, we got our first more serious rain of the season.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it was quite the fierce looking facial expression, wasn't it? It's interesting to see where all the salmon bones end up. They are strewn across the path, and in the undergrowth, which in turn nourishes the soil. The birds and animals all contribute to the cycle of life, and it is fascinating to watch nature at work.

      I have been hearing about your rain on the weather forecasts here. No snow here, but the ski hills are open now, which for many makes winter worthwhile!

      Delete
  4. Fine photos.. love those eagles. And yes, I could see the bones. They were all over the place around here, too back in October. You make me laugh, Glo. "Carrion" .. now that Kansas song is running through my head. You know the one .. "Carrion, my wayward son..."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Hilary ~ It's great to see Canada from the east and west perspectives of flora and fauna and realize their similarities. Thanks for planting that song in my head ;)

      Delete
  5. Excellent shots as usual Glo - you are so lucky to have so much wildlife on your doorstep.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Elaine ~ yes, it's an amazing area and I do appreciate nature's bounty here. I'm pleased you enjoyed my photos :)

      Delete
  6. I am absolutely green with envy, I have NEVER seen one eagle, never mind a sky full of them. WOW, WOW, and WOW!!!

    You are incredibly lucky to live amongst such beautiful scenery with such stunning wildlife.
    I really enjoyed this, stunning piccies.xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi snowbird ~ So happy that I can provide eagle viewing for you :) I was amazed to see that many eagles in the sky at once. They were soaring so high, but the trees were covered in them as well. It's fascinating to be amongst it all.

      Indeed it is a beautiful area, which I appreciate. So glad you enjoyed my photos.

      Delete
  7. Must be great to have such varied scenery.
    Love the shot of the eagle with wings outstretched - show how big they are and why they can soar so easily.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, John, I enjoy everything about the area and its scenery. The Bald Eagles are huge, with their wing typical wingspan between 1.8 and 2.3 m (5.9 and 7.5 ft). Fascinating creatures!

      Delete
  8. I love the photo of the mountains Glo, they have a magical look about them. I'm sure there must be a fairy castle amongst them :-)

    I also loved the photos of the young eagle, a beautiful creature. 'Keep Calm and Carrion' made me laugh :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello ShySongbird :) So nice to see you and happy to know you enjoyed my photos. Sometimes there is a rosy glow to the snowy mountain when and if the sun dawns! It truly does look magical then ~ I like the idea of the fairy castle :) Not often I take a photo of an eagle on the ground, so I was pleased. I'm glad my wordplay made you laugh ~ :)

      Delete
  9. Beautiful series, this time of year we don't get many breaks from the dull rainy weather, glad you took full advantage. Love the commentary too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great pictures, you took full advantage of a break in the weather. Love the commentary too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Gillian, I am pleased you enjoyed the photos and commentary. Don't want to jinx it, but it is still quite mild for December, isn't it!

      Delete
  11. Oh my, what big strong feet that bird has got!

    ReplyDelete