Victoria, BC, doesn’t get snow that often, and it’s unusualy to have snow stick for days, if not weeks! During our Covid-safe vacation last week, we walked four to six hours a day, and it was wonderful getting to shoot the wintry conditions. Will be posting lots of wildlife photos in the next few days, too. . .
I love how a dusting of snow or glaze of ice gives everyday objects more character.
Following the morning’s sledding adventure in Ron McLean Park in SE Burnaby, BC, we went for a Byrne Creek Ravine Park loop.
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 🙂
It was even snowing, which is uncommon around here. Didn’t catch any snowflakes on my tongue, but I gave it a try! 
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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
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
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
I spotted two of my favourite species of wee birds today at the Historic Stewart Farm in south Surrey, BC.
Brown Creeper
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
There were a few Common Loons in the river near the Historic Stewart Farm in south Surrey, BC, today.
