We visited this research center and museum on the island of Shikoku in Japan in April. Loggerhead turtles use the nearby beach for nesting, but unfortunately records of nests have dropped precipitously 
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Category Archives: Nature
Asamushi Aquarium in Aomori Prefecture, Japan
Way back in early April we visited the Asamushi Aquarium during our trip to Japan.
Lots of Fry, Caddisfly Larvae in Byrne Creek
On our morning walk today we spotted salmonid fry of at least two species/sizes, and Yumi also came across a bunch of caddisly larvae.
A mess of caddisfly larvae. Cool!
I love how they build homes for themselves out of bits of woody debris and tiny stones.
Yumi also spotted this dead raptor. Unfortunately it was across a deep pool from us so we couldn’t reach it for closer inspection. It’s not too often that you come across sights like this, for nature’s cleanup crews are fast and efficient.
SFU Ecopsychology Workshop at Lynn Canyon
Had a great day in and around the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre. I participated in a Simon Fraser University workshop on Ecopsychology — Experiential, Nature and Place-Based Learning.
Thanks to instructor Daniella Roze for her thoughtful, grounded training, and great techniques for reconnecting people, and particularly kids, to nature.
While she was not able to arrange for someone from local First Nations to welcome us, we acknowledged traditional lands and the impacts of colonialism.
We had a chance to try basket-weaving and braiding using local plants.
This is the magnificent tree I chose for my individual meditation period. I lay on my back with the tree’s roots cradling my head, and contemplated the crown gently swaying in the breeze.
My thoughts were that viewed horizontally at human level, the tree looked so deeply rooted, mature, strong and still, and yet looking up with my body stretched on the earth, I could see the trunk bending with the wind and the crown dancing youthfully in the breeze.
It was diminishing yet uplifting to think this tree had been here long before I was born, and with good fortune, will be here much longer after I am gone.
Blossoms in Burnaby, BC
Cherishing the blossoms in our townhouse complex in SE Burnaby, BC, for they will soon be gone for another year. . .
Blossoms within blossoms. . .
Koi at Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu, Japan
Attempting the zoom-during-exposure technique despite the bright sunshine 🙂 Couldn’t quite stop down/slow down enough even at the lowest ISO, but still fun.
Birds and Beasts Photographed in Japan
A collection of photos of birds and beasts from our trip to Japan a few weeks ago.
Yes, we’re the sort of folks who can walk along the moat by the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and go “wow, look a soft-shelled turtle!” 
There were lots of these raptors all over the island of Shikoku
Imperial Palace moat
Imperial Palace moat
When I look at this cat I see Toshiro Mifune from the Kurosawa classic film The Seven Samurai.
“Feed me and you won’t feel the edge of my blade!”
Cormorant at Inokashira Park in western Tokyo.
Jungle crows are impressive!
A, er, cocky little owl 🙂
Japanese Snow Monkeys
While driving a remote mountain road in Japan’s northern Aomori Prefecture in early April we ran across this group of snow monkeys. I’ll throw in a heron for good measure. . .
Aomori Snow Road
A few weeks ago while in Japan we borrowed Yumi’s parents’ car and drove out to the mountains to check out the snow road. I think this was April 6. It did not fail to impress .
Walking Family Dogs in Rice Fields in Aomori, Japan
Walking the family dogs in the rice fields in Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan a couple of weeks ago.
Jun, the little female, was new to the family and a bit uncertain about going for long walks far from her new home, but quickly warmed to the activity.
She got a tad freaked out a couple of times, and needed some reassurance, and Eito, the older dog, wondered why the heck she was getting special treatment.Â
Walking rain, sleet, snow, or sunshine!
Rewarded with a rainbow
We saw a few of these raptors soaring over the fields and forests. Got this shot at max zoom with my pocket Canon SX730HS.