Updated Snowy View From Our Balcony

So far we’ve had 11 cm of snow accumulate on our balcony in SE Burnaby since it began falling again yesterday morning. I know that’s not much compared to many other places, but it’s unusual for our neck of the woods.

snowy burnaby


Snow donut ready for balcony picnic


Careful on the Byrne Creek ravine trails — those trees look awfully heavy with snow

Super Birding Day at Reifel Sanctuary

Yumi and I went to the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary today, and saw tons of birds, including a couple of eagles up close. I left my DSLRs at home, the better to enjoy walking with my lovely wife, but ended up taking 458 photos with my wee Canon 520HS pocket cam!


Male Wood Duck


Male Wood Duck with a couple of females vying for attention


Female Wood Ducks duking it out


The Sandhill Cranes have become very accustomed to people over the last several years.


Crane feather closeup


They can be rather intimidating!


Love those curls!


Chickadees are bold and accustomed to hand feeding


This eagle was on the viewing tower and strangely unafraid of people


It sat there with lots of people coming up and down the tower


Red-Winged Blackbird


This American Coot appeared to be ill


Another bold eagle that allowed people to get within meters of it


Heron in the fading light


More lovely curls


Splashdown!

Reifel Bird Sanctuary
The end

Burnaby Lake Birding Walk

Yumi and I joined birder George Clulow’s bird and nature walk today at Burnaby Lake, one of the City of Burnaby Parks Department nature tours.

The day began moody and grey, but by the time the three hours were up, the sun had broken out and skies were blue. We are so fortunate to have this gem of a park right in the middle of our city.

I left the DSLRs and big lenses at home, bringing a pair of binoculars and learning as much from George as possible, for he’s a fount of knowledge about birds and the natural world.

All these shots taken with my wee pocket Canon SD520HS.

Burnaby Lake

Forest Walks Rejuvenate Muscles, Mind

A brisk afternoon below-freezing walk in Byrne woods in SE #Burnaby does wonders to rejuvenate one’s stiff muscles and overtaxed mind.

Byrne woods Burnaby

Nature in general, and forests in particular, are my lifeline. They alleviate general blahs, stiff muscles from sitting too much at the desk, brain stupor from too much office work, and more. Get the blood pumping, muscles moving, and it’s amazing how much better you feel.

We are so fortunate to have this wonderful ravine park just out the back gate to our townhouse complex.

Streamkeeping, sustainability, community, business, photography, books, and animals, with occasional forays into social commentary. Text and Photos © Paul Cipywnyk