This morning, Baylee and I set out with no clear plan, just the desire to explore and see what the day would bring. Our spontaneous adventures have a way of uncovering the unexpected, and today was no exception.
Our first surprise came early in the morning, as we spotted an Osprey perched high atop a tree, silhouetted against the bright, hazy sky. The light made it difficult to capture a sharp image, but the experience of seeing this majestic bird up there, so far away, was enough to make the moment special. I snapped a few shots, knowing they wouldn't be perfect but still thrilled to have captured an Osprey.
As I attempted to get closer from a different angle, I accidentally spooked another Osprey perched lower down on a path behind where the first one was sitting. It took off, flying directly in front of me, and I managed to capture a shot mid-flight. In that moment, I couldn't help but wonder what these Ospreys thought of me—a curious human with a camera invading their space. But as I reflected, I realized they were simply living their lives, not overly concerned with my presence.
On the way back to the car, another heartwarming scene unfolded. I came across a pair of crow parents feeding their very noisy and needy baby. It was a beautiful reminder of how wildlife, too, takes care of their families. The scene left me in awe of the care and dedication these crows showed to their little one.
As we continued to explore the neighborhood, hoping to spot more wildlife, we came across a bunny. At first, it seemed ready to dash away, but when I softly said, "Wait, can I get a picture?" it paused, almost as if posing for the camera. I couldn't help but wonder what was going through its mind in that moment, its expression full of quiet curiosity. I managed to capture the shot from the car—a perfect little addition to our morning adventure.
Our final stop was Outterbridge Park in Saanich, a true gem teeming with life. The first creature we encountered was a hummingbird. I only spotted him against the blue sky because of his distinctive little chirp—an incredible sight that I was lucky to photograph.
This hummingbird is likely a Rufous Hummingbird, known for its vibrant orange-red plumage and incredible agility. These tiny birds are fascinating in many ways. Despite their small size, they are one of the most aggressive hummingbird species, often defending their territory fiercely from intruders. They have an incredibly high metabolism, which requires them to eat almost constantly, consuming up to twice their body weight in nectar each day.
Their wings beat at an astonishing 50-80 times per second, enabling them to hover in place and even fly backward—a rare ability in the bird world. These hummingbirds are also known for their long migrations, with some traveling over 3,000 miles from their breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest to their wintering sites in Mexico. Spotting one in the park is a reminder of the incredible journeys these little birds undertake and the vibrant life that teems within the seemingly quiet corners of nature.
Not long after, I found myself snapping shots of a Chestnut-backed Chickadee. The Chestnut-backed Chickadee is a charming little bird with a rich chestnut-brown back, sides, and a distinctive black cap and bib. These birds are a common sight in the coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest, where they thrive in dense woodlands and thickets. What makes the Chestnut-backed Chickadee particularly interesting is its adaptability and foraging behavior. These birds are known for their acrobatics, often hanging upside down from branches as they search for insects, seeds, and berries. Unlike many other bird species, chickadees do not migrate long distances; instead, they store food in hidden caches to help them survive the winter months. They have an incredible memory that allows them to relocate these hidden food stashes even months later. Social by nature, Chestnut-backed Chickadees often travel in small flocks, frequently joining mixed-species groups in the winter to increase their chances of finding food and spotting predators. Their distinctive "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call not only gives them their name but also serves as a complex communication system, varying in intensity to signal different levels of threat. Spotting one in Outterbridge Park is a delight, as these lively birds bring a sense of energy and curiosity to any woodland setting.
A sneaky squirrel also made an appearance. As I stood there, camera in hand, a sudden thud caught my attention—a nut had just landed at my feet. I looked up to see a squirrel perched high in the tree, its head poking around the trunk to see where its lost snack had gone. For a moment, I could almost read the confusion on its little face, as if it was thinking, "Wait, where did it go? I was sure I had it!" The way he cautiously peeked around the tree, trying to figure out what had just happened, was both amusing and endearing. It was one of those spontaneous, unscripted moments in nature that make these adventures so memorable.
As we wrapped up our morning, I took a few last photos of the flowers in the park. The outing had been a complete success.
Baylee, as always, was the perfect companion, sniffing and exploring to her heart’s content. This adventure has done more than just fill my camera with images; it’s helped heal my mind and soul. I’m incredibly grateful for every moment and every bit of wildlife I encounter on these outings. Until the next adventure!
"Every moment spent photographing nature with my best friend Baylee is a gift—an incredible experience that fills me with gratitude and reminds me daily of the simple joys in life."
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