21, 23, 24 July

21 July 

eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S92095402

weather:  6 am 10C wind W2, 10:30 am 19C wind NW 16

tide:   9 am 0.8m, rising

23 July

eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S92185300

weather:  6:30 am 15C wind SW 3, 11 am 20C wind E 13, cloudy

tide:  9 am  1.7m, falling

24 July

eBird data : https://ebird.org/checklist/S92233830

weather:  6:30 am 14C wind SW 2, 11 am 22  wind NNE 11

tide:  9 am 2.4m, falling

Three days of young birds and fine morning light.  I never was that much of a morning person--I think my early career as a musician rendered me at least somewhat nocturnal, but my early walks here and in Victoria have brought me to an awareness of the wonders of early light, regardless of season.   I find myself stopping, often, now to take in small wonders brought by the summer light.




The merganser family has shrunk from eight to five, but the remaining ducklings are growing well.


Momma merganser continues to guard while the kids have their nap.

The eldest of the flock seems to be becoming something of a show-off.


The quail have become a sizeable covey.



The snow is all but gone from the Arrowsmith massif.


The river is lower and slower as the snowmelt diminishes.


Great blue herons are quite common here, but I've never managed a photo quite like this:


...got his landing struts down?

There was a charming little willow flycatcher this morning.  Usually they're quite flighty but this  little character was cooperative.


It looks as though we're heading into a hot spell, again.  All the more reason to head out early.


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