The first day of March arrived with a bright, golden sun, filling me with high hopes for an exciting photography adventure. I had my probe lens ready, eager to capture the underwater world and maybe even spot a shorebird or two. But as nature often reminds me, plans don’t always unfold as expected—sometimes, they lead to even greater surprises.
The first sunny day of March arrived like a breath of fresh air. The sky stretched out in a brilliant blue, dotted with soft, fluffy white clouds drifting lazily over the marina. The crisp air carried the promise of spring, with hints of warmth in the breeze and the subtle stirring of new life all around. It was the kind of day that made everything feel alive again.
My first planned stop was a bust, with the area barricaded off. Undeterred, I wandered along the waterfront, taking in the crisp air and glistening waves. That’s when I spotted something wiggling on a private dock in the distance. At first, I wasn’t sure what I was seeing—until I focused my lens and realized it was a river otter!
River otters have incredibly dense fur that helps keep them warm in cold water, but after a swim, they need to dry off to maintain their insulation. Rubbing against surfaces like a boat dock helps them shake off excess water, remove debris, and realign their fur, ensuring it stays waterproof and well-insulated. Sunbathing while doing this also speeds up the drying process, making it a practical and comfortable post-swim routine.
He was completely at ease, rubbing himself all over the dock to dry off after a swim. I watched in awe, delighted by his carefree antics. There he was, in the middle of a bustling city, near a populated boat dock, just living his best otter life. He didn’t seem to care that I was across the water, observing his every adorable move. Moments like this remind me why I’m so passionate about urban wildlife—nature thrives in the most unexpected places, blending seamlessly with the human world.
With a heart still buzzing from my otter encounter, I headed to another wharf, determined to get some underwater shots with my probe lens. However, this proved much more difficult than anticipated. The dock was high above the water, making it nearly impossible to position the camera properly. The manual focus added another layer of challenge—without a way to stabilize and fine-tune the focus, I struggled to get the sharpness I wanted.
This is what I was trying to photograph.
And these are the results that I got.
British Columbia’s coastal waters are rich in nutrients, creating the perfect environment for marine life to thrive—even under wharfs and along ropes left in the water. These submerged surfaces become artificial reefs, attracting a dazzling array of marine organisms like sea anemones, sponges, mussels, and tunicates. Over time, they form vibrant underwater ecosystems, showcasing the incredible adaptability of ocean life in urban environments.
"Nature’s beauty isn’t just found in remote wilderness—it’s woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. If we take a moment to pause, look, and truly observe, we’ll discover that even in the heart of the city, wildlife and wonder are all around us."
Even so, I managed to snap a few shots, and while they weren’t perfect, they were still a step forward in my underwater photography journey. Every challenge teaches me something new, and I know I'll refine my technique over time.
Next, I made my way to a beloved urban duck park, eager to spend time with my feathered friends. The usual mallards greeted me, but I was especially excited to see the male and female wood ducks—their striking colors and inquisitive nature always make them a joy to photograph.
The female wood duck may not have the bold colors of her male counterpart, but her beauty is undeniable. Her feathers are a soft mix of warm browns and grays, accented by delicate white teardrop-shaped patterns around her eyes. Subtle iridescence shimmers on her wings in the right light, revealing hints of blues and purples. Blending perfectly into the dappled water and reeds, she is a master of quiet elegance.
As I scattered some seed, I watched as the wood ducks hesitated, carefully navigating their way through a sea of hungry mallards. Given their smaller size, I didn’t blame them for being cautious. But their curiosity won out, and I was able to capture some wonderful moments of them figuring out how to get their share. There’s something so peaceful about watching ducks interact with their environment—it always grounds me in the moment.
You got seed, lady? LOL.
The wood duck is one of nature’s most dazzling creations, a living splash of color. The male boasts an iridescent green and purple head, bold red eyes, and intricate white markings that frame his face like fine brushstrokes. His chest is a rich chestnut, fading into a golden-speckled belly, while blues and teals shimmer on his wings.
Just before I left, I was able to capture some stunning shots of a pair of Brewer’s blackbirds as they weaved through the sea of ducks, determined to get their share of seed. The male’s glossy black plumage shimmered with iridescent blues and purples in the sunlight, while the female, though more understated, had a soft brown elegance with piercing dark eyes. Watching them navigate the chaos with such confidence was a perfect way to end the day.
My final stop of the day took me to the waterfront, where I focused on tide pools. These miniature marine worlds never fail to amaze me. Peering into the shallow waters, I marveled at the vibrant colors of the sea anemones, their tentacles swaying with the gentle motion of the water.
Tide pool anemones are incredible survivors, thriving in the ever-changing intertidal zone where they endure waves, sun, and shifting tides. The ones I photographed—vibrant green and pink, and another with a soft cream body and pink-tipped tentacles—are living jewels of the shoreline.
Their colors come from symbiotic algae living within them, which help provide energy, while their tentacles are armed with tiny stinging cells to catch passing prey. Despite their delicate appearance, these anemones are remarkably tough, anchoring themselves to rocks and waiting for the tide to return.
It’s incredible how these creatures thrive in the harshest conditions, surviving with just a little bit of water until the tide returns. Their resilience is inspiring, a vivid reminder of the adaptability of life. The tide pools felt like a hidden portal to another world, right in the middle of the city—proof that even in urban spaces, there is an abundance of beauty waiting to be discovered.
As I scanned the water, I spotted a majestic Great Blue Heron standing gracefully on a bed of floating kelp, perfectly at ease in its surroundings. But as a group of snorkelers drifted too close, the heron spread its massive wings and took off, gliding effortlessly across the water.
As I walked away, I noticed another patch of floating kelp and found myself mesmerized by its intricate patterns and rich colors—nature’s own artwork, swaying gently with the tide. Floating kelp beds are vital mini-ecosystems, providing shelter and food for a variety of marine life. Small fish, invertebrates, and crustaceans hide among the fronds, making them prime hunting grounds for shorebirds like herons. Kelp also helps stabilize coastal waters, reducing wave energy and creating calmer areas where marine creatures can thrive. For birds, these floating rafts serve as convenient perches to rest, preen, and scan for their next meal.
Perched high above a golf course, a majestic Bald Eagle sat near a massive nest, surveying her world with keen eyes. Her feathers were fluffed against the breeze, a sign that she was likely guarding her territory. Watching her, I couldn’t help but admire the quiet strength she carried—an unwavering sentinel of the sky, protecting the next generation from her lofty vantage point.
As I wrapped up my adventure, one final sight brought a smile to my face—the crocuses were in full bloom. Their delicate petals, painted in shades of purple and white, swayed gently in the breeze, a clear signal that spring is just around the corner.
With the changing seasons comes an explosion of new life—wildlife babies, fresh blossoms, and longer golden evenings perfect for photography. The thought of what’s to come has me absolutely buzzing with excitement.
This is why I love urban wildlife. It’s all around us, waiting to be appreciated. All we have to do is stop, look, and marvel at the world just outside our door.
The real highlight was the otter drying himself off. That's a once-in-a-life time picture!
Unexpected treasures