The morning started at Esquimalt Lagoon, where I captured some amazing shots of birds basking in the calm, reflective waters. Feeling accomplished, I decided to extend the adventure to Island View Beach, hoping to photograph some of the smaller avian residents. After a bit of patience and scanning, I was rewarded with a beautiful shot of a female golden-crowned sparrow. Though that was my only success at the beach, the morning still felt promising, and I wasn’t ready to call it a day.
Driving through nearby farm fields, I spotted a group of swans in the distance. They were so far away that I almost didn’t stop, but something told me to give it a shot. As I crept closer, they sensed my presence and, with a graceful lift, took to the skies. I managed to snap a photo mid-flight, capturing their elegant departure.
The farm roads were full of surprises. A majestic bald eagle caught my eye, perched high atop a distant tree. I found a spot to pull over, snapped a quick photo, and marveled at its regal stance. Feeling uplifted, I started heading back—but just as I was about to leave, I heard the unmistakable call of another bald eagle.
I pulled into another farmer's road, hoping to find the source of the call. At first, I couldn’t see him. Then, in my rearview mirror, I spotted him perched atop a telephone pole. Quietly, I crept out of my car to get closer, my camera ready. He was magnificent, and I managed to get some incredible shots before he spread his wings and soared off.
"There’s something incredibly electrifying about seeing an eagle in the wild. Their presence speaks to me of resilience and patience, as if they carry the wisdom of the skies in their powerful wings. Every encounter leaves my heart racing and my soul deeply inspired."
The road, however, had one more surprise in store. Another eagle, this time sitting on a field (didn't get a good shot of him, though), caught my attention. I grabbed a few photos from my car window, only to have my Aunt point out a second eagle perched on a fence post nearby. Double the majesty!
While we were still marveling at the eagles, I noticed a man with a camera pointed in a different direction. Curious, we approached him to ask what he’d been photographing. He explained that two eagles had just attempted (and missed) taking down a Canada goose, sending the flock scattering. Then, as an afterthought, he asked, “Did you see the kestrel on the wire?”
A kestrel! My eyes shot up, and there he was, sitting proudly on the telephone wire. Before he flew off, I managed to get a quick photo—another gem for the day’s collection. Kestrels are often found near farmers' fields because these open habitats provide ideal hunting grounds. They prey on small rodents, insects, and birds, which are abundant in agricultural areas. The fields offer clear sightlines for spotting prey, and kestrels are known to perch on telephone wires, poles, or fence posts to scan the ground below before diving in for a meal. Their presence is a natural form of pest control, making them beneficial to the farming ecosystem.
As if the morning hadn’t been magical enough, the adventure ended in the most unexpected of places: the drive-thru line for an iced matcha. While waiting for my order, a hummingbird appeared, perched at the top of a small tree as if surveying its domain. With a quick adjustment, I managed to photograph this tiny king of the moment. It even seemed like the hummingbird knew I was taking its photo—just look at the side-eye it gave me!
"Hummingbirds always remind me of my mom. She loved them and had such an affinity for their delicate beauty. Every time I see one, it feels like she's visiting me, her spirit carried in the flutter of tiny wings and the shimmer of their feathers. Despite their tiny size, I find them incredibly resilient, and that strength makes me feel even closer to her, as if she’s reminding me to stay strong too."
AMAZING photos!!!
Fabulous pictures,as usual!