My alarm went off early this morning, and I groaned, not wanting to get up. It was a cozy fall morning, and my bed was warm and inviting. But after yesterday’s birding adventures, I was determined to push through, get up for sunrise, and catch the birds waking up at the Colwood Bird Estuary.
Though I missed the sunrise, I managed to get there early enough for some incredible sights. As I drove across the bridge toward the sanctuary, the first bird I spotted was a Kingfisher, perched on a power line, waiting to fish. I’ve always wanted to photograph a Kingfisher, and finally—finally—I had the chance!
Other photographers at the estuary were all focused on some bird sunning itself on a distant island (we’ll get to that later), but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the Kingfisher. I quickly parked, grabbed my camera, and ran back to the bridge. With a few quick snaps, I got my shots—one even with the Kingfisher in action. It felt like such a triumph, and I hadn’t even officially started my morning.
The Kingfisher’s colors were captivating, with its bright blue feathers glistening in the morning light and a clean white chest standing out against the dull power line. Kingfishers are known for their sharp vision and remarkable fishing skills, often sitting patiently before diving headfirst into the water to catch small fish or aquatic insects. Their fishing technique is mesmerizing—once they spot their prey, they hover momentarily before plunging into the water with incredible precision. Watching this Kingfisher poised to strike felt like witnessing a perfectly orchestrated dance of nature.
With the Kingfisher flying off, I turned my attention to the estuary itself, where birds were waking up and enjoying their breakfast. The first bird I captured was a Black Oystercatcher. The dreamy background in those photo below made the moment even more special.
I stood there, captivated by the Black Oystercatchers as they went about their morning fishing routine. Their striking black feathers contrasted beautifully with their bright red bills, making them impossible to miss as they moved along the shore. I watched as they skillfully foraged for their breakfast, probing the sand and rocks with precision. They were constantly chattering to each other, as if sharing secrets of where to find the best meal. It was incredible to witness their coordinated efforts, and I felt lucky to be part of their peaceful morning ritual.
As I moved along the shore, I couldn’t help but notice the variety of seagulls flying and foraging nearby. Many of them had brown feathers, likely juveniles transitioning into their adult plumage. They mingled with the more familiar adults, their sharp calls filling the air as they searched for food. It was fascinating to see the different stages of their development, from the mottled browns to the crisp whites and greys of the older gulls, all part of the vibrant ecosystem of the shoreline.
Spotting the Hooded Merganser couple was a true highlight of the morning. Their striking appearance is always captivating—the male with his bold black and white crest, and the female with her elegant, rusty-brown head. They glided gracefully across the water, occasionally diving for their breakfast. Watching them move in sync was mesmerizing, as they seamlessly alternated between feeding and quietly floating together. It felt like I had stumbled upon a serene, intimate moment in their day.
Then I finally turned my focus to the large bird that all the other photographers were watching. To my surprise, it was a Turkey Vulture, sunning itself and soaking in the morning rays.
Turkey Vultures are often seen sunning themselves in the early morning, and today was no exception. They spread their large wings wide, soaking up the sun’s rays. This behavior helps them regulate their body temperature after the cooler night, and it’s also believed to aid in drying out their feathers and even killing off bacteria that might have accumulated. Watching this vulture bask in the sunlight, its wings stretched out majestically, was a reminder of the unique ways birds adapt to their environment.
As I watched the Turkey Vulture sunning itself, it seemed to take a moment to pose for the photographers gathered on the beach, almost as if it knew how majestic it looked. With its wings spread wide and head held high, it appeared completely unbothered by the attention, standing there like a regal figure. It was as if the vulture was fully aware of its grand presence and wanted to make sure we all got the perfect shot before it went about its day.
After spending a peaceful morning at the estuary, I decided to head to the seashore in Victoria to see if I could finally photograph one of my “bucket list” birds—the elusive Harlequin Ducks. I’ve been wanting to capture them for ages, and after what felt like a disappointing hunt along the shore, I finally spotted them—a Harlequin couple! They were fast movers, constantly diving, which made it challenging to get a solid shot, but just seeing them was enough to make my heart race.
Harlequin Ducks are fascinating birds that are more commonly found along rocky coastlines rather than in parks and ponds. One key reason they prefer the seashore is their unique adaptation to turbulent, fast-moving waters. These ducks are excellent swimmers, often diving into the crashing surf to forage for food like small crustaceans, mollusks, and insects found along the rocky seabed. Their ability to navigate strong currents and waves makes coastal habitats ideal for them, whereas calm ponds and park settings don’t offer the same feeding opportunities or environmental conditions they thrive in.
As I continued along the shore, I heard some squeaky calls that I initially thought belonged to Dunlins. But, to my surprise, I realized they were Surfbirds and Black Turnstones! I had never even heard of these birds before, let alone seen them. It was such an incredible discovery, and I felt so lucky to witness them for the first time.
Surfbirds are perfectly suited for the rocky coastlines they call home. They thrive along the shore, foraging among the rocks and tidal pools for small crustaceans, mollusks, and other marine invertebrates. The ever-changing tides provide them with an abundance of food, and their sturdy legs and strong bills allow them to navigate and feed in these harsh, wave-battered environments. What amazed me the most was how well they blended into their surroundings—I didn’t even notice them at first! It wasn’t until they started squawking while I was photographing another bird that I spotted them. Their incredible camouflage in the rocky landscape made the encounter even more special.
Next was the Black Turnstones. Black Turnstones are masters of blending in with their rocky coastal environment. These small, stocky birds forage along the shore, using their sharp bills to flip over rocks and debris in search of insects, crustaceans, and other marine life hidden beneath. Their dark plumage allows them to almost disappear against the rocks, making them incredibly hard to spot. In fact, I didn’t even realize they were there until I heard their distinctive squawking while I was focused on photographing another bird. It was only then that I noticed these perfectly camouflaged birds darting about, busy with their morning hunt.
I stood there on the seashore, surrounded by a variety of seabirds, and as I photographed them, I watched in awe. These incredible wild creatures were completely immersed in their morning routine—focused on their breakfast and chatting with each other as if nothing else mattered. In that moment, the world melted away. My mind was quiet, and all that existed were the birds, the ocean, and me. It was an unbelievable feeling—one of pure connection and peace with the natural world around me.
To round off my adventure, the last bird I photographed was a majestic Great Blue Heron, standing tall among the kelp. There’s something so calming about watching these graceful creatures in their natural habitat.
Great Blue Herons are often seen standing in kelp beds along the shoreline, patiently waiting for their next meal. The kelp provides perfect camouflage, helping them stay hidden from their prey—small fish and marine creatures that swim among the seaweed. Despite standing in the chilly seawater, these herons are unfazed. Their long legs keep most of their body out of the water, and their thick plumage provides insulation against the cold, allowing them to hunt efficiently even in cooler coastal environments.
As I stood there on the shore, capturing its image, it was as if the heron knew I was watching. In a moment of quiet connection, it turned to face me, offering the perfect pose for a portrait. It was a striking encounter, and one that felt almost intentional, as if the heron wanted to be seen.
As I sat there, surrounded by nature, I took a moment to quietly thank the birds for letting me into their world. It’s these simple moments—watching them enjoy their food, spend time with their mates, and go about their daily routines—that remind me how much magic is all around us. We often take it for granted, but it’s incredible how refreshing it can be to pause and appreciate these everyday encounters with wildlife. I set out this morning to refresh my soul and quiet my mind, and I ended up making these beautiful connections with the animals that live among us. It was a morning full of unexpected discoveries and gentle reminders to enjoy the little things in life—food, friends, and the peaceful rhythm of nature.
Outstanding adventure---a real eye-opener!