A Stormy Evening with Urban Wildlife: Connection, Portraits, and a Moment to Remember - March 19, 2025

The wind howled outside my window, rattling the panes as cold rain threatened to drive me into hibernation for the evening. It had been a long day at work, and every part of me wanted to stay bundled up inside, sipping something warm. But nature was calling. And when nature calls, I listen.

Determined to capture some wildlife portraits, I layered up, braced against the chill, and made my way to a nearby urban park. The storm had swept the pathways clear of most people, leaving a quiet, windblown stillness in its wake. But despite the cold, the park was alive.

First on my list was Indy, the Indian Runner Duck—an abandoned domestic duck who now calls this park home. At first, I didn’t see him. But then, across the pond, there he was.

The moment he spotted us, he made a beeline over, flanked by his mallard companions. His iridescent green and teal feathers shimmered against the dull grey sky, a striking contrast to the muted tones of the stormy day. He paused, curious, as if checking to see if I had any treats. But when he realized all I wanted was his portrait, he lost interest and waddled off to the people offering birdseed. Fair enough, Indy.

Not far from the pond, I was greeted by two familiar faces—Goldie and Blondie, two grey squirrels who have a soft spot for peanuts. They posed beautifully for me, tails twitching in anticipation. Their fluffy coats seemed extra thick today, bracing against the winter air. Every time they grabbed a peanut and scurried off to bury it or nibble on it, I couldn’t help but smile. They know exactly how to work the camera—and the humans.

Goldie

Grey squirrels, like Blondie and Goldie, are clever foragers with sharp memories, often burying nuts and retrieving them later—even under layers of snow or fallen leaves. Their bushy tails act as both a balancing tool and a cozy blanket, wrapping around them for warmth on chilly days. Ever curious and quick to adapt, they’ve mastered the art of charming humans for an extra treat! 

Blondie

With my squirrel friends entertained, I set off in search of the lesser scaup ducks. Lesser Scaup ducks are expert divers, spending more time underwater than on the surface as they forage for food. Their striking golden eyes and intricate feather patterns make them a stunning sight, especially when they glide effortlessly between the mallards, their more familiar park companions.

But I was patient. I moved further down the pond, away from the bustling mallards, hoping they’d come closer. And sure enough, one flew in, followed by others.

I managed to capture some in-flight shots as they landed—a moment of grace against the dark water.

As I observed, I noticed something different about one of them. Its coloring wasn’t quite like the others, and I suspect it was a juvenile from last year. The patterns and markings on these ducks are stunning, a blend of soft browns, inky blacks, and streaks of white. Watching them dive and bob between the mallards was mesmerizing.

Between wildlife portraits, I turned my camera toward the early signs of spring. Hyacinths, daffodils, and Victoria’s famous pink cherry blossoms had begun to bloom, their delicate petals defying the stormy sky.

Did You Know? Victoria, BC, is home to thousands of Yoshino and Kanzan cherry trees, many of which were gifted from Japan in the 1930s and 1950s. These delicate pink blooms transform the city into a springtime wonderland, typically peaking in March and April.

"No matter the weather, nature is always there—waiting to be noticed, waiting to be appreciated. Take the time to explore your own neighborhood, and you’ll discover that even the smallest moments with wildlife can bring the greatest joy."

Then, as I rounded the bend, I found the true rulers of the park—Great Blue Herons. At least thirty of them, all hunkered down against the wind, their long necks tucked in, their feathers fluffed up. This local park is a Great Blue Heron nesting ground and in mid to late April, the park will be filled with the noise of heron babies. I can't wait!

Did You Know? Great Blue Herons hunker down during cold, windy days by tucking in their long necks and fluffing up their feathers to conserve body heat. Their specialized downy underlayer acts like an insulator, trapping warmth even in harsh conditions. You might spot them standing still with their heads tucked close to their bodies—this energy-saving posture helps them endure stormy weather while waiting for calmer conditions to hunt!

 Even in the cold, one took time to preen, carefully tending to each feather as if the storm was nothing more than an inconvenience.

Even in the cold, one took time to preen, carefully tending to each feather as if the storm was nothing more than an inconvenience.

And then came a moment I will never forget. My favorite squirrel, Soot—a dark chocolate-brown beauty—appeared, drawn to the scent of peanuts. But this time was different. As I held out a peanut, she reached out, her tiny paws gently touching my fingers. Slowly, she took the peanut and nibbled while still holding onto my hand.

It was an incredible moment of trust. She let me stroke her soft face, her fur silky beneath my fingertips. I have never fed a squirrel from my hand before, and I know I’ll carry this moment with me forever. A small, fleeting connection that spoke volumes about the relationship we can build with urban wildlife when we approach them with kindness.

What started as a battle between staying in and braving the storm turned into an hour of deep connection with nature. From Indy’s curious gaze to the playful squirrels, the breathtaking lesser scaup, and the quiet presence of the herons, I was reminded once again why I love living here.

Urban wildlife is everywhere, waiting to be noticed, waiting to be appreciated. And today, despite the cold and wind, I was grateful for every moment spent in their presence.