A few shots from my travels around Vancouver today.
This wee arachnid managed to hang on to the side of the car for several kilometers and several stops. I finally took pity and eased it off and into some grass.
Sad to come across what was likely a window-strike goldfinch. It was so pretty I was tempted to take it home, but I’m no taxidermist. I moved it into some shrubbery.
I ran across several of these modified signs in a Vancouver ‘hood today. Seeing as they must have been tagged years ago, it’s interesting that city crews haven’t removed the additions : -).
Yumi and I headed out to Boundary Bay in Delta, BC, today. We parked at the end of 72nd, and walked along the dyke a couple of kilometers west of 72nd, back, and a click or so east, and back.
There were lots of Northern Harriers today, among other birds, including a short-eared owl.
Today was my last day in Los Angeles at the end of a one-week visit to see my sister and her family. I’ll gradually add previous days to this blog as I have time, but here are a few shots from Manhattan Beach where I spent a couple of hours before my flight at LAX.
This sea lion was following a group of surfers near the pier. This was no one-off — the lion repeatedly rode the waves and swam back out for more.
After sitting at the computer for most of the day, I squeezed in a quick walk down Byrne Creek Ravine Park in SE Burnaby, and back up Southridge Drive late this afternoon.
Thanks to the Richmond Review for running one of my heron photos in its Jan. 2, 2015, edition. You can see it in the Richmond Review eEditions online. Click the Jan. 2 issue, and go to page 3.
I spent nearly four hours “shooting” birds and scenic views in Fraser Foreshore Park in Burnaby, BC, this afternoon. I got thoroughly chilled but the shots were worth it. Here are a couple to get this post going.
In my experience, herons usually appear completely disinterested in people. I did not call attention to myself in any way to get this shot. Walking around the tree a couple of times attempting to get an unobstructed view likely piqued its interest.
There were several Stellar’s Jays feeding from stumps where people had left seeds. These shy birds can be hard to photograph, but as I stood silently for over an hour in the same spot, they gradually became more comfortable with my presence.
What I just wrote brought me up short. “These shy birds…” Huh?
I have also experienced them being very aggressive in seeking food, when camping in the BC interior, so I’m not sure why the Jekyll and Hyde personality shifts.
We tape the entire Kohaku Red (Women) vs White (Men) NHK song extravaganza to our PVR, and watch it at our leisure over the course of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. It’s always a bit over the top, a tish maudlin, and with few actually gripping or moving performances, but it’s a fun way to stay somewhat in touch with contemporary Japanese music and culture.
The food is great. Sushi, sashimi, chawan mushi, and a couple of bottles of choice nihonshu (sake) shared with friends.
Ringing the temple bell at midnight at Tozenji in nearby Coquitlam is always fun, too. Out with the old, in with the new.
Returning home at a crazy hour and cooking and eating toshi koshi soba for long life and prosperity.
Here’s Yumi’s Japanese-Canadian fusion tableau in our foyer:
