Yearn to Wander

Cascade Mountains to the East

The Cascade Range runs along the Pacific Coast from southern British Columbia to Northern California. Mount Baker, Mount Ranier, and Mount St. Helen are all peaks in this range. Its proximity to the coast and the prevailing winds in much of the area create conditions for the high precipitation along much of the coast. This temperate climate is unique in the world, and provides conditions for unique and very interesting ecosystems.

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge sits at the estuary of the Nisqually River which empties into the south end of Puget Sound.

Long-tailed Duck

Late winter birding on Vancouver Island means a mix of birds that have been around during the winter and others that are migrating in, through, or beyond. It's always an adventure and a pleasure being out in the ever-changing weather and lighting. A few of my favorites in the last couple weeks follow.

Oyster Beds at Ships Point. Low Tide

Fanny Bay oysters are known the world over. At Ship's Point on Vancouver Island, oysters, clams, and mussels can be seen during low tide in Baynes Sound.

Long-tailed Duck

Birding at Deep Bay, a yacht and fishing harbour, frequently means watching Long-tailed ducks. Today was my first view of them: not just one, but a whole family. With their long tail feathers, they aren't hard to identify.