I love how a dusting of snow or glaze of ice gives everyday objects more character.
Monthly Archives: December 2021
Snowy Byrne Creek Walk in Burnaby, BC
Following the morning’s sledding adventure in Ron McLean Park in SE Burnaby, BC, we went for a Byrne Creek Ravine Park loop.
South Burnaby Snow Sparks Sledding Fun
The snow over the last few days in Burnaby, BC, has turned the park next door into a tobogganing mecca. My young-at-heart partner Yumi loves to take a few runs, and I love the opportunity for some action photography.
Here are a few shots from today and yesterday.
Both days Bald Eagles soared overhead, perhaps wondering what all those crazy people were up to . . . : – )
I don’t get to wear my Sorel Bear boots that often 🙂
Sora and Midori Wish all Pets a Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas from Midori the Turtle and Sora the Cat.
They wish all pets out there a wonderful holiday, and hope that all animals in foster care or up for adoption find loving forever homes!
Christmas Eve Morning Walk on Byrne Creek in Burnaby
Christmas Eve morning walk in Byrne Creek Ravine Park in Burnaby, BC.
It was even snowing, which is uncommon around here. Didn’t catch any snowflakes on my tongue, but I gave it a try! 
.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
Evaluating Nikon D300 – Sell or Keep?
My first DSLR was a Nikon D300 that I bought on April 16, 2008. I haven’t used it much for many years.
It’s a tank of a camera, built to last. At just 12MP but with a great sensor it’s certainly good enough for web work and prints up to around 11 X 14″.
I have a couple of newer Nikons, so I was wondering what it may be worth if I were to sell it.
A bit of research on eBay Canada shows prices for D300 bodies average out to around C$250. Perhaps I’ll just keep it for the memories.
A key spec that buyers like to know is the shutter count, as these cameras are rated as being good for up to around 150,000 shots.
This one is at 55,000.
Cuddling Cat Turning the Solstice Corner
I think one of the most wonderful sounds is when Sora the Cat comes to bed and cuddles after her 5:00 am breakfast. She waits for me to lift a corner of the comforter, and then she slides in and curls up in the crook of my arm.
After she fidgets for a minute I feel her relax, and she gives a wee, whistling sigh of contentment that melts my heart every time.
Â
We snooze together for about another hour, and then she grumbles when the alarm goes off :-).
Â
Wishing everyone a lovely sleep as we turn the solstice corner. . .
Twilight Walk on Byrne Creek
I wasn’t expecting to see much on a dark, rainy pre-dinner walk on Byrne Creek in SE Burnaby, BC, but came across a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, a Golden-crowned Sparrow, and a Varied Thrush.
ISO 6,400 in the twilight.
UPDATE: iNaturalist is saying Golden-crowned Kinglet, not Sparrow for the second photo. I thought it looked different. If confirmed, this would be a first for me!
UPDATE 2: Yes, Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Varied Thrush
Kingfisher, Jay, Heron on Byrne Creek
I heard a Belted Kingfisher on my Byrne Creek walk today, and tracked it down in the spawning habitat. It was shy, but eventually I got a few shots. Also a Great Blue Heron in nearly the exact same spot that I’ve seen it for days, and a couple of Steller’s Jays.
Belted Kingfisher
Great Blue Heron
Byrne Creek Ravine Birds in Burnaby, BC
A few birds shot today during our patrol for spawning salmon on Byrne Creek in SE Burnaby, BC. We didn’t see any salmon, alive or dead, so it was nice to find a few feathered friends. . .
Bewick’s Wren with some sort of grub
Same wren with what looks like a lady beetle
Common Goldeneye in the sediment trap/pond
Steller’s Jay
