After days cooped up during post-surgery recovery, my soul craved the freedom and fresh air only nature could provide. I decided it was time to pack my gear, leave the island, and answer nature’s call. As the ferry cut through the water, the sky burst into hues of pink, orange, and yellow, painting a scene so breathtaking it felt like a glimpse of heaven. I stood there, captivated, letting the colors wash over me. In that moment, my mind began to settle, the weight lifting away. Nature has a way of grounding me like nothing else—a reminder that sometimes, all we need is a moment to stand still and take it all in.
Once I reached the mainland, my first stop was Boundary Bay Regional Park. I’d been here before, but this was the first time I truly explored. Boundary Bay Regional Park is a hidden gem for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Known for its rich coastal ecosystems, the park offers expansive marshlands, mudflats, and open skies, attracting a diverse array of shorebirds, ducks, and geese. Walking along the raised pathways, you’re surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, with countless birds feeding, flying, and resting in their natural habitat. It’s a place where you can lose track of time, fully immersed in the beauty and serenity that only a landscape like Boundary Bay can offer.
Then I saw the first shore-bird to photograph. A Long-billed Dowitcher. Long-billed Dowitchers are fascinating shorebirds, easily recognizable by their distinctive, needle-like bills that they use to probe mudflats and shallow waters for food. Their feeding style, often described as “sewing machine” motions, is mesmerizing to watch as they move rhythmically through the marsh. With their warm brown feathers and gentle presence, these birds bring a unique charm to coastal habitats, and spotting a group of them at work is a true delight for any bird enthusiast.
Long-billed Dowitchers are impressively resilient, perfectly adapted to the chill of coastal waters. They can often be seen standing right in the water, even in colder seasons, resting on one leg with their heads tucked into their backs—using their own feathers as a cozy pillow. This behavior not only keeps them warm but also helps them blend into their surroundings, showing just how remarkable these little shorebirds are at navigating the challenges of their environment.
As I sat there mesmerized by the three Long-billed Dowitchers standing in perfect formation, I noticed the quiet disconnect of those passing by. Most were preoccupied on their phones, chatting with companions, or focused on their dogs—unaware of the incredible scene right in front of them. The dowitchers, meanwhile, seemed to tune out our presence entirely, aware yet undisturbed by the bustle around them. It was as if they existed in their own peaceful world, a reminder of the beauty that often goes unnoticed in our hurried lives.
As I continued down the path, I had to hold in my excitement when I saw my favorite bird, the Greater Yellowlegs elegantly wading in the shallow waters. The Greater Yellowlegs is a striking shorebird, named for its tall, vibrant yellow legs, which contrast with its subtle, mottled gray and white plumage. This coloring, surprisingly well-suited for marsh and shoreline habitats, allows them to blend seamlessly into the dappled light and shadow of the wetland, making it easier to spot prey and avoid predators.
Known for their elegance and agility, these beautiful birds have a unique, high-pitched call and are often seen wading gracefully through shallow waters, hunting small fish and insects. Their long legs not only help them navigate deeper waters but also make them a distinct and captivating sight along the shore. The Greater Yellowlegs faces increasing challenges as its wetland habitats shrink, putting this remarkable bird at risk. Seeing them in the wild, I couldn't help but marvel at their resilience and persistence—living their lives with quiet strength despite the obstacles they face. Each graceful step through the marsh felt like a testament to their adaptability and determination to survive in a changing world. Witnessing these endangered birds firsthand was a humbling reminder of the beauty we stand to lose and the importance of protecting their delicate ecosystems.
Next, I turned my attention to the thousands of Brant Geese that were at the park. Out on the water, a whole array of ducks mingled with Canada geese and, for the first time, I saw Brant Geese in person! Their unique black-and-white coloring, with dark heads and necks contrasted by lighter bodies, gives them a striking, almost tuxedo-like appearance and looked like feathered Oreo cookies from afar.
The Brant Geese make a vital stop at Boundary Bay during their long migration, resting and refueling on the nutrient-rich marsh grasses and eelgrass that line the bay. In the marsh, they’re often seen huddling together, honking softly as they graze, and keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. These geese are social travelers and are known to form strong family bonds, often migrating in close-knit groups that stay together year after year.
I spent hours walking the raised paths, taking photos and soaking in every detail. With my 600mm lens, I did my best to capture these distant scenes. I attempted some video footage, but my tripod wasn’t up for the challenge—note to self: next time, bring the heavy-duty tripod!
I was thrilled by the variety of birds, ticking off several new lifers on my eBird list. Among them was the striking green-winged teal and the beautiful gadwall duck with its rich brown, mottled feathers.
The Green-winged Teal is a beautifully colored duck, easily recognized by the vibrant green streak that sweeps across its eyes and down its wings, contrasting against its chestnut-brown head and speckled body. At the shoreline of the marsh, these small, agile ducks can often be seen dabbling in shallow waters, tipping forward to feed on plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. Their feeding behavior is both charming and efficient as they swiftly sift through the water’s surface, adding a splash of color and life to the peaceful marsh landscape.
Next, the Gadwall is a subtly beautiful duck, with a mix of earthy browns and intricate feather patterns that give it a sophisticated, almost understated elegance. Males have a striking black rump that contrasts with their gray-brown bodies, while females blend seamlessly into the marsh with their mottled, camouflaged coloring. Often spotted near the shoreline, Gadwalls feed by “dabbling,” tipping forward in the water to graze on aquatic plants and algae. Their quiet presence and graceful movements add a serene charm to the marsh, reminding us that beauty can be found in even the most subtle details of nature.
In between all the ducks, there were juvenile seagulls standing watchfully, their soft brown plumage a contrast to the sleek, mature white and gray feathers they would one day wear. These young seagulls seemed curious yet cautious, observing the activity around them with a quiet awareness. Their presence added a layer of innocence to the scene, as they stood among the more experienced marsh residents, perhaps learning the rhythms of the shoreline and the ebb and flow of life along the water.
In the soft morning light of the sunrise, a heron stood in the distance, intently focused on his fishing. His silhouette against the warm glow of dawn was majestic, with his neck stretched out gracefully as he waited for the perfect moment to strike. The quiet patience of his stance, bathed in the gentle hues of pink and orange, was mesmerizing—a scene that perfectly captured the calm and beauty of nature waking with the day.
As I headed back to the car, I noticed another heron fishing nearby. I paused, watching as he snatched something from the water and began making his way back to a small island in the marsh to feast on his catch. He shook his head a few times, trying to subdue the fish, but as you can see from the photo, the fish was still very much alive in the heron’s beak. Watching him catch a sizable fish was a spectacle in itself, I felt a pang of sympathy for the fish but was deeply impressed by the heron’s skill. Capturing that moment was incredible—I felt like lightning had struck inside me, a pure surge of joy and connection with nature. This is why I do what I do—moments like these are what make wildlife photography so powerful and fulfilling.
I spotted another heron standing silently in the water, and as I drew closer, the intricate colors and patterns on his chest came into view. Subtle stripes of warm browns, cool grays, and delicate whites adorned his feathers, creating a natural tapestry that seemed both protective and beautiful. It’s truly astonishing how nature graces each animal with such unique coloring—camouflage and artistry combined, a reminder of nature’s remarkable ability to create beauty in every detail.
Leaving the park, I decided to grab a coffee. As I was driving on the highway, I spotted a bald eagle perched on a lamppost, with a northern harrier hawk a little further down. It felt like they were in a silent standoff.
A Northern Harrier Hawk and a Bald Eagle perched on lampposts along the highway might seem unusual, but it’s a strategic spot for them. High perches offer these raptors an ideal vantage point for scanning the nearby fields and roadsides for prey, such as small mammals or carrion. Roadsides can attract rodents, while traffic sometimes leaves behind an easy meal, drawing opportunistic hunters like these. Sharing the same stretch of lampposts suggests they’re both capitalizing on this prime hunting ground, adapting to human landscapes to find their next meal.
It was only 11 a.m., and my heart was already overflowing with gratitude for the experience. With coffee in hand, I took a break to reflect and plan my next move. Part two of this incredible birding adventure is coming soon, but for now, I can say that my soul feels whole out here, immersed in the world of wildlife photography. I think I may have found my calling…
What a treasure trove of birds in their natural habitat--and beautifully photographed!