I started my Sunday with a lazy vibe, planning to let the morning slide by. But by the time I got dressed and peeked outside, I was greeted by a stunningly blue sky, fluffy white clouds, and a radiant sun. So much for the 85% chance of rain! Inspired by my Aunt's mention of swans in a farmer's field along the highway the day before, I decided to grab my camera and take a chance.
"On a lazy sunny Sunday, there’s no better way to spend the day than stepping into nature’s gallery, where every moment with wildlife is a masterpiece waiting to be captured."
Our first stop was Martindale Flats. While a "wrong turn" took us down a long country road, fate had its own plans. Suddenly, I screamed with excitement—there they were: a bald eagle pair perched atop a towering pine tree. I quickly pulled over, heart racing, and jumped out of the car with my camera in hand.
The eagles were majestic, completely unbothered by my presence. I snapped away, feeling their watchful energy. There's something about bald eagles that captivates me—they remind me to rise above life's little worries and embrace a higher perspective.
Energized by the encounter, I continued my search. Eventually, I found the swans. About 30 of them were gracefully swimming in a flooded field. Other photographers were already there, their lenses trained on the birds. The field itself was a muddy mess, so I decided to leave the swans in peace and explore another nearby country road. That decision turned out to be perfect. Not long after, I stumbled upon a family of Trumpeter Swans—two adults and two juveniles—close to the road. I kept my distance but managed to capture beautiful portraits of these magnificent birds.
Baby Trumpeter Swans, known as cygnets, are grey because their downy feathers provide natural camouflage, helping them blend into their surroundings and avoid predators. As they grow, their feathers gradually lighten. By the time they are about one year old, they begin to develop their iconic white plumage, fully transitioning to their elegant white color by the age of two. This process symbolizes their maturity and readiness to join the adult swans in flight and survival.
Trumpeter Swans often stop in farmers' fields during migration because these areas provide abundant food sources such as leftover grains, grasses, and aquatic plants in flooded fields. The fertile land and standing water offer a perfect resting and feeding spot for these large birds to refuel on their journey. Their presence in Central Saanich is a reminder of the critical role agricultural and wetland areas play in supporting migratory bird species.
Next, we turned onto another country road and were greeted by the sight of large birds flying overhead. They landed in a nearby field, and curiosity pulled us closer. To my absolute amazement, I discovered not one, not two, but three new species I'd never photographed before! Among the geese in the field were Snow Geese, Cackling Geese (which look like mini Canadian Geese), and Greater White-Fronted Geese. I was floored.
Greater White-Fronted Geese are opportunistic feeders, and a farmer’s field filled with decaying cabbages in muddy water is a buffet for these birds. They are known to forage on a variety of vegetation, including roots, stems, and leaves, especially in agricultural areas. The decaying cabbages provide an easy and nutrient-rich food source, while the muddy water offers a safe environment for them to feed and rest. These fields are ideal stopovers during migration, allowing the geese to refuel and regain energy for the next leg of their journey.
Snow Geese had been on my wish list for months, and to find them alongside two other new species was nothing short of incredible. Snow Geese often stop in farmers’ fields during migration to forage on leftover crops, grasses, and any decaying vegetation. A field with muddy water and decaying plants provides a perfect resting and feeding ground, offering both food and safety.
Their coloring varies depending on their age and feeding habits. Adult Snow Geese are typically pure white with black wingtips, but some may have orange-brown staining on their heads from feeding in muddy areas rich in iron or tannins.
Younger Snow Geese, known as juveniles, display a mix of grey and white plumage, gradually transitioning to the clean white of adults as they mature. This diversity in coloration makes spotting these birds a fascinating experience.
Cackling Geese look like smaller versions of Canada Geese because they were once considered the same species. However, in 2004, scientists recognized them as a separate species due to differences in size, vocalizations, and habitat preferences. There were hundreds of them!
Cackling Geese are significantly smaller, with a shorter neck, stubbier bill, and a more compact body compared to the Canada Goose. Their resemblance to Canada Geese is due to their shared evolutionary lineage, but these adaptations likely help them thrive in their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra, where smaller size and compact features may be advantageous for conserving heat and energy. Spotting them among larger geese adds a fun challenge to any birding adventure!
The symphony of honks and calls from the geese was mesmerizing—a soundscape of nature's harmony.
As if the day couldn’t get any better, my Aunt spotted small birds darting across the road and into the ditch. Killdeer! These fast-moving, camouflaged little birds were tricky to photograph, but staying in the car allowed me to get closer without disturbing them too much. I managed to snap a few shots, marveling at their speed and stealth.
Killdeer, while commonly associated with shorelines, are highly adaptable birds that thrive in open habitats like farmers' fields. These fields often mimic their natural preferences with bare ground, short vegetation, and muddy patches, providing ideal conditions for foraging. They feed on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates found in the soil or waterlogged areas of the fields. The abundance of food and open space for spotting predators make these fields a suitable alternative to their usual shoreline habitats.
On our way back, a cheeky white-crowned sparrow couple perched among blackberry thorns caught my attention. The male seemed particularly curious, giving me a direct, almost playful stare. I couldn't help but laugh at their choice of seating—nature’s little comedians.
White-crowned Sparrows may choose to perch on blackberry bushes, despite their thorns, because these bushes offer several advantages. The dense and thorny structure provides excellent protection from predators, giving the sparrow a safe vantage point to rest and survey its surroundings. Additionally, blackberry bushes often host an abundance of insects and seeds, serving as a convenient food source. For the sparrow, the benefits of safety and sustenance outweigh the inconvenience of the prickly perch, showcasing its adaptability in finding suitable resting spots.
As we neared home, the day came full circle. On the same country road where the adventure began, I spotted a solo bald eagle perched high on a pine tree, surveying its world. It turned to look directly at me as I took a photo. In that moment, time seemed to stand still. We connected. It was a reminder that urban wildlife is all around us, living in harmony with the world we often overlook.
Even though I had developed a headache during the birding adventure—most likely from squinting under the bright sun and the strain of holding up my heavy lens—I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of renewal by the end of the day. The connection I felt with the wildlife around me far outweighed any physical discomfort. In such a short distance from home, I was reminded of the incredible diversity of urban wildlife that thrives all around us, often unnoticed.
What amazes me most is how these creatures coexist with us, asking for nothing in return. They adapt to our presence, finding ways to live in harmony with the world we’ve shaped. It’s humbling to witness their resilience and beauty firsthand, a reminder that nature has its own quiet strength and grace.
This day was unforgettable—every moment filled with awe, discovery, and immense gratitude for the natural world. It’s a gift to step into their world, even for a brief moment, and to be reminded of the healing power and wonder that nature holds for us all.
Spectacular as always
Looks like a wonderful day!