When the Sun Calls Louder Than the Migraine - Feb 28, 2026

What do you do when you have a migraine that won’t quit… but the sun is shining?

You go birding — and hope the birds and fresh air will help.

And today… they did.

With Finn and my Aunt in tow, I headed to the Cowichan Bay Estuary and nearby trails. The air was warm, the songs were loud, and the sun wrapped around us like a gentle invitation to slow down.

And the wildlife answered.

Just as we stepped onto the trail, a tiny bird shot between my Aunt and I like a feathered bullet.

A Male Downy Woodpecker.

He landed on a sunlit tree trunk and began playing peekaboo — slipping behind the bark, then popping back out again. Eventually, he paused in the light long enough for me to capture a few candid shots.

He looked so proud. So sharp. So alive. Electric.

Did You Know?

Downy Woodpeckers are North America’s smallest woodpecker — but don’t let the size fool you. Their tongues wrap around the back of their skulls for protection while they drill into trees.

As we paused along the trail, a tiny movement caught my eye, a hummingbird perched in the open, chirping softly instead of zipping past in its usual blur. It sat there, completely still, basking in the warmth of the sun as if soaking in every golden drop of the morning. For a moment, the world felt suspended, no rushing wings, no urgency just this delicate little being choosing rest over motion.

Did You Know?

Hummingbirds often perch in the sun to conserve energy and regulate their body temperature between feeding flights.

Further down the trail, we spotted what we thought were mallards. But tucked among them was a surprise.

Northern Shovelers, one male and three females. One of my favourite ducks. That oversized spoon-shaped bill isn’t just for show.

The male briefly lifted his head from feeding just long enough for a photo. Score.

And one of the females gave me her moment too.

Did You Know?

Northern Shovelers use their wide bills to filter tiny aquatic organisms from the water — like built-in sieves.

High above us, a Robin soaked in the sunshine, singing like it owned the morning.

And then — another unexpected gift.

A Green-winged Teal hiding among Buffleheads.

The moment I pointed it out…It launched.

And just like that — one of my best in-flight shots.

So thank you, little teal.

Did You Know?

Green-winged Teal are one of the smallest dabbling ducks and among the fastest flyers.

Further along a gathering of Red-winged Blackbirds filled the air with sound males flashing their red shoulder patches like badges of confidence.

Did You Know?

Red-winged Blackbirds are fiercely territorial that bold red patch is both a warning and a declaration.

Around them:

Golden-crowned sparrows...

A side-eyeing Dark-eyed Junco...

House sparrows feasting on scattered seeds...

House Sparrows snoozing in the trees...

And another one, itching it's beak. So cute!

It felt like the entire estuary was humming. Alive. Unbothered.

Then came a different kind of encounter. A black-and-cinnamon squirrel. He had a routine. Hop onto the bridge. Snack. Watch me. Retreat to a tree when anyone passed. Return immediately after. We were clearly both studying each other.

Did You Know?

Urban squirrels quickly learn human patterns and adapt their feeding behaviour based on foot traffic.

On the walk back, a hawk circled high above, scanning, patient, powerful. Too far to identify.

But breathtaking nonetheless. A reminder that not everything needs to be captured to be meaningful.

At our next stop, the moment that made my heart jump. A Bald Eagle glided overhead and landed nearby. WOW. It felt like a sign.

A quiet, powerful presence watching over the landscape.

Did You Know?

Bald Eagles often use estuaries like Cowichan Bay as hunting grounds because of abundant fish and waterfowl.

And finally, a Tree Swallow. Teal-blue in the sunlight. While others darted like fighter jets, one sat calmly watching over the park. Still. Present. Glowing.

Did You Know?

Tree Swallows are aerial insect hunters, capable of catching food mid-flight.

On the way back, Finn posed on the boardwalk, soaking in the sun like a seasoned explorer.

What an adventure kitty he’s becoming.

We didn’t go far. We didn’t stay long. Just a few hours. But we slowed down. We wandered.

We soaked in the warmth. And because of that…We saw more. Sometimes healing doesn’t come from staying still. Sometimes it comes from stepping outside even when your head hurts and letting nature carry the weight for a while.

And today…It did.