Yellow-fronted bumbles have been plentiful this year in our garden. A treasure for sure. #bee#garden#nature#insects

This has been a super year for cherries. We have had our fill, the birds have had their fill, and this little one came several times to get his /her fill. The look on the racoons face was enough to make me forgive them for stealing our grapes in the fall. My husband makes wine from those grapes😀

Hope if you are in the area you will pop in to the McMillan Gallery and see these amazing artists who have come together to Celebrate the Mt. Arrowsmith Biosphere's 25th Anniversary. The "10 Amazing Places" as chosen by the Biosphere's residence are shown in many different forms of art.

This nest has been active for many years and this year is no exception. Access is limited but we took a chance and headed out inspite of winds being a bit strong. Confirmed there are two eaglets in the nest and the male was guarding. We didn't stay long- winds picking up #eagles#nest#nature#wildlife

Me stating the obvious, bees are important and for some time I have been focusing on wild bees. These were taken in my area and the diversity of species and the plants they prefer has been an interesting journey to observe. 1st two yellow fronted BB - 3rd Cellophane bee- 4rth wool carder #bee#flower

Red-breasted sapsuckers are such a striking woodpecker. Today I saw the parents actively feeding their chicks in the nest. What I didn't know was that these birds also have fecal sacks. I only thought song birds did. Its a bad day you don't learn something😀 #birds#woodpeckers#feeding#fecalsac#nature

Canadian-based The Metals Company (@themetalsco.bsky.social) is pushing to mine the deep sea. Canada must double-down to #StopDeepSeaMining and oppose the Mining Code that would open oceans to irreversible damage. @greenpeaceca.bsky.social Add your name: act.gp/3ZXB5ll

This Hermit Thrush visited our campsite every day for the 4 days we were there. Always around the same time. The funny thing was at night it was the Swainson's Thrush that would serenade us as the night descended upon us. We were just thrilled to have these two illusive birds close by. #birds#thrush

The parents were gently feeding the newly hatched chick which was able to swim and tuck itself under the parents wing...such a little miracle! #loon#chick#lake#birds#nature#feeding#lake#BC#vancouverisland

This loon chick is only a few hours old. I didn't think the chick would hatch before we left the lake, but the last evening I found the parents feeding the chick in a quieter part of the bay. The video is a bit choppy as it was windy , but it shows the parents with their chick #loon#chick#feeding

One of the joys of summer is watching the Anna's in our garden. The hard part is getting through dinner without interruption when they come by to feed on the salvia. My camera is always beside. Always worth the effort. #birds#hummingbirds#garden#feeding#birdsflying#nature#wildlife

The eaglets are growing quickly and have pretty good appetites. I have never seen two that are so well behaved. The younger one waited patiently while the older one was fed. The older one was well behaved watching the younger one being fed. The mother fed them both calmly and gently. #eagles#eaglets

Just back from camping. The loons are active on the lake, with the protecting the nest mode. I find their feathers patterns are exquisite and I will post a video later of their iconic call. I am always hopeful that one day I will see their babies. #birds #loons#lake#nesting

We saw two Screech owls at the Central Walbran this week. We are trying to collect data on them to prevent logging of the "Old Growth Forest" in that area. With our wet spring we figure it is too late to get good numbers but will try later in summer #screechowls#oldgrowthforest#birds#owls

We are observing a blue heron colony in our area. They are vulnerable to development so we are keeping our eye on them They leave the nest area to fish in the marina. This heron flew close to where we were standing. Down the hatch, nothing too much but food is food #birds#nature@wildlife#herons#fish

Here is the video of the Adrena Astragali lone bee pollinator of Death Camas. So happy to have found it again this year as it is a very tiny mining bee and locating it in a field can be tricky. #bee#pollinator#Garryoakecosystem#plants

Last night I went looking for the Adrena Astragali, the lone bee pollinator of Death Camus.( Garry Oak Eco System) Last year I found it at the beginning of May but everything is later this year. It was there!!!! and now I can share how beautiful it is. #bees#insects#plants#polliators#nature

More eagle interaction. Some days are busier than others. This particular day the eagles were interacting as much with one another as they were with the midshipman fish. Made for fun acrobatics. The eagles were soaring and playing in the wind. #birds#eagles#flight#midshipman#nature#wildlife

Sometimes when the eagles fly in tandem they lock talons, it can be for mating or sometimes aggression. Not sure why these two did but it took place right above me. Many birds were feeding on Midshipman fish. This will usually last about 2 wks #Eagles#birdsinflight#midshipman#nature#wildlife#nature

The Midshipman have arrived and the eagles are getting lots of fishing in. The eagle's often land on a rock nearby jump on them or cruise overhead spotting them then dive. The fish sing (vibrate) when searching for a mate. #nature#eagle#birdsofprey#fishing#birdsinflight#midshipman

The oyster catchers were in good numbers on the island. While Kayaking we were able to watch them fly in with their gregarious calls. #wildlife#birds#mitlenatchisland#Salishsea

I was away on a most beautiful island in the Salish Sea. Once a year our team of 3 get to volunteer on this island and do data collection and remove invasive species etc. It is truly a wonderful experience. I will be posting some of the pictures over the next little while. #nature#salishsea#island

There is always something to see at this park and today amongst other birds there was a beautiful Bewick's wren. What I loved about this encounter was believe it or not , his display of his back side😀 What a beautiful 'behind"...look at those feathers...Amammaazing. #birds#spring#nature#wildlife

Yesterday I visited a place where I know the Sooty Grouse hang out. I heard it in the forest and because they are so well camouflaged I didn't think I would have much hope....but I was wrong. It flew to a tree right in front of me....eureka!!! A male periodically drumming. #bird#nature#wildlife

This red-breasted nuthatch had two doors into the nest. Talk about busy, up and down, up and down. Such a wee little bird yet so strong and determined to make not one but two holes into the nest. The hole has been 4 days of constant work.. remarkable!!!! #birds#spring#nest#forest#wildlife#nature

Well you REALLY know it's spring when nest building starts. It's very exciting to see but stay away or watching from a distance as the birds are very sensitive and protective. This is a bushtit nest where both male and female assist in building the nest. (male left) #birds#nesting#wildlife#nature#

The rain has finally let up. We were so happy to have it~~~ but now we are happy for a bit of sunshine. This image is a bit of both...the droplet was from the evening rain and the sun came out in the morning...ooooo spring is on its way #macro#droplet#spring#plants#garden

Nest building is always fun to see. This little pine siskin was hidden behind a cedar until it finally figured it was safe to show off its beautiful nesting materials. Lucky for me I was there.#birds#nesting#forest#vancouverisland#spring

Cathedral Grove is an old growth forest that has been set aside on Vancouver Island for visitors to see the majesty of these amazing trees. Yes the park is cleaned up with trails and walk ways to keep the underbrush safe from trampling however, it's still exceptional.#Vancouverisland#oldgrowthforest

More images of the brant geese in their busy feeding frenzy. #birds#brant#Vancouverisland#birdsinflight

The abundance of Brant geese this year has been amazing. 2400 reported at one site. I have never seen so many. They stop over in our area to feed before heading up to their nesting grounds in the arctic We actually have a festival in their honour #brant#birds#birdsinflight#VancouverIsland

More pictures from the herring run. The sun was tricky (noon) lots of wind but these will give you an idea for the excitement. I love watching the immatures especially battling it out for branch space, fish, and attention from parents. #herringspawn#vancouverisland#eagles#nature#wildlife#fishing

Well the herring run is happening and keeping track of the boats, the fish, + the wildlife makes for quite a busy time. This couple, (eagles) would head out fishing together, come back in together, play (the vertical) picture is showing that. #birdsinflight#herringrun#raptors#eagles#vancouverisland

Anna's Humming bird/ no colour manipulation ...nature at its best...bright and cheerful....can't we all use a bit of that these days? #vancouverisland#hummingbirds#birds#nature#wildlife#

In this story one eagle chases another for its catch, #1 eagle drops the herring and in the seconds it takes #2 eagle catches the fish. Please keep in mind it is very windy, so the phenomenal speed and dexterity it took to accomplish this is amazing. #herringrun#eagles#birds#flight#nature#Wildlife

Herring spawning has started mid Vancouver Island. The activity is a bit different this year, a bit quieter on the shore. We shall see how it unfolds in the next few days. The herring run creates much excitement for wildlife and humans!!! #herringrun#eagles#sealions#vancouverisland#fishery#spawning

Brant Geese have arrived mid-Vancouver Island. - spring is here and many organized events revolve around their arrival as they feed for their long journey to their Arctic breeding grounds. Their distinctive calls announce their arrival. #bird#vancouverisland#birdinflight#birdsfeeding#nature#wildlife

Last week I checked out this rookery and there were no herons on site. Yesterday it looked like this. Many herons setting up their nests getting ready for nesting. Much easier to observe before the trees leaf out. Vancouver Island #birds#nature#wildlife#herons#nesting

Today we saw a somewhat unusual site although seems to happening more often in our area. A beaver swimming in the ocean. I am wondering if this wasn't a younger beaver as there was no diving, slapping the tale, just calmly swimming close by. #wildlife #photography #mammals #nature

Sometimes on a dull day when the Anna's Humming Bird turns a certain way you can catch the brilliant colours without the glare of bright sunlight...today, a quiet day for birds in general turned into a special day of Humming Bird beauty! #birds #wildlife #photography #nature #Vancouverisland #colour

I have been following this dark morph red-tailed hawk or sibbling for several years. I always look for it in a tree near my house when coming home. Not often there,not great weather for photography, rainy west coast day, but this beauty didn't disappoint. #vancouverisland#raptor#photography#birds

Today at Little Qualicum Falls, the snow is almost all gone and the mosses are a beautiful lush green. Bits of ice here and there but also saw buds on the evergreen huckleberry. The earth had that beautiful smell of spring on its way! Vancouver island #nature #photography #forest #waterfalls

More and more scientists are joining the ranks of fired federal workers—and fighting back through protests, appeals, and legal challenges.

@owldaily.bsky.social Northern Pygmy Owl Vancouver Island #owl #raptor#wildlife#photography#nature

In the fall the barred owls teach their young how to hunt for fish and crayfish in the creek. There is a lot for them to learn, how to spot and how to avoid getting pinched while eating etc. These shots were taken at dusk, no flash used. Vancouver Island #birds #wildlife #photography #owls #raptors

for those that don't know ...Peter Mansbridge is on Bluesky...great interviews , discussions, he is an icon of Canadian news and worth listening too.. Peter Mansbridge @petermansbridge.bsky.social

I'm not really sure what this is. At first I figured mating, but then a friend, awesome birder said possible territorial dispute so now I'm not sure. This back and forth between the birds went on for over an hour. Things that make you go hmmm?? #birds, #nature, #wildlife, #photography

So today I was observing a kingfisher coughing up a pellet ( as many birds do, owls are the favourite reference) I was able to catch the entire scene because they open and close their beaks several times before they actually eject the pellet. #bird #photography #nature #wildlife

I took this image in the fall. The Pygmy owl's call is pretty distinctive and in some ways haunting. They are about the size of a robin but little terrors and can cause quite a stir in the forest. #owls #birdsofprey #nature #wildlife

I was up at Deep Bay, mid Vancouver Island looking for a ruddy turnstone and a whimbrel...I only found the whimbrel but on the upside I did see some white-winged scoters and long-tailed ducks mingled in with the horned grebes AND sunshine.yippie #birds #vancouverisland #wildlife #nature #photography