Month: March 2009 Page 2 of 4

Today’s photo is going to need an explanation. (Click on the pic to see a larger image on my Flickr site) You’ll have to take my word for it when I tell you that the birds you see flying around (they are the black specks floating around the top of the photo) are Great Blue Herons. They’ve established a rookery in the park near our home.

Their long-established rookery used to be in Beacon Hill Park in Victoria until a bald eagle destroyed it last year. Local birders were concerned that they wouldn’t re-establish it anywhere in the area, but then they showed up in our park. Last year, there were only a handful of nests. Now there appear to be dozens.

Today, I was out walking and I happened to look up to see about 35 birds flying above me. While I grabbed my camera, they circled, then settled into the trees. It was an amazing sight. They have a huge wingspan and float effortlessly into the trees. When they move from branch to branch, they spread their wings and just move over to the next branch. They seem to defy gravity.

Unfortunately, I have a small camera, with a short lens. So the beauty that I was watching today was for my eyes only. If you get a chance to watch these remarkable birds in your area, take the opportunity. You’ll enjoy it.

Here’s a link to a Wikipedia page about the herons, if you want to read some more about them.

A reflecting puddle in a ditch in North Saanich
Originally uploaded by Dave Traynor

Today’s photo is another shot from my miniature series, although this shot was taken in North Saanich today. A series of culverts ferry water down the roadway. Occasionally, the flowing water gathers in a small pool This one was just a few inches across. The small rocks and twigs stacked up beside the pool and the stones under the water create a nice mix of textures. And the sky reflecting off the surface creates more depth.

I’m not sure this picture is finished yet but I’m about done for tonight, so I’ll post this now. (Click on the photo to see a larger version on my Flickr site.)

Moon setting over Victoria
Originally uploaded by Dave Traynor

With apologies to Ansel Adams, who once saw the moon rise over Hernandez, New Mexico, I saw the moon setting over Victoria the other morning from my bedroom window and I couldn’t resist shooting my own version. (Click on the pic to see a larger version on my Flickr site.)

I always like it when the sun rises just as the moon sets. But my favourite time of the year is late summer, when we get those enormous harvest moons poking up on the horizon, just as the sun sets in the west. It’s magical.

Did you know that the moon is part of one of the world’s most-viewed optical illusions? The next time you see a large moon rising in the east, when it looks so large, hold up your hand and measure the size of the moon. It’s usually about the size of your thumbnail, or a dime. Then try it again when it’s directly overhead and it looks so much smaller. You’ll be surprised to find out that it’s actually the same size. There’s something about its proximity to the horizon that makes it seem larger. I used to think the view was magnified by the atmosphere but I was wrong. It’s just an illusion.

UPDATE – Here’s the link to the Wikipedia article about the moon illusion

Dawn’s first light
Originally uploaded by Dave Traynor

Today is St. Patrick’s Day, when people around the world celebrate the Irish saint, who is best known for creating green beer. I wanted to pay tribute myself, so I found a photo with a bit of green in it. There are lots of other colours here too, thanks to the effect of the sunlight on the camera. An interesting effect and one that I’m sure St. Patrick would have approved of.

Heading home on the high road
Originally uploaded by Dave Traynor

The view outside is mesmerizing, even if the window in the plane is a bit dirty. I came home to Victoria today from Regina, wrapping up a quick, three-day visit to Regina for my Mom’s 87th birthday.

I had hoped for a clear day as I headed west across the prairies and over the mountains but the weather wasn’t co-operating. I’m still kicking myself for leaving my camera in the overhead bin on the trip out. The views of the mountains were the best I’d ever seen. Too bad you couldn’t see them. On this trip, the clouds were out most of the way, although they did break for a bit when I shot this picture. I’m not sure what the big lake is down below, but it certainly is large. I think we were heading over Alberta, just before the foothills at this point.

One travel-related note. If you’re flying out of Regina, be prepared to be subjected to the most thorough security in Canada. I’m not sure why but the staff there are zealous in their efforts. I have to pass certain items through by hand each time I travel and while I don’t get many questions elsewhere, in Regina, I get a thorough questioning, then a full search of all my carry-on stuff. It happens every time – and I’m not the only one. So be sure you’re following all the rules around the sizes of your toiletries, etc., when you fly out of that airport. The people are polite – but very strict.

These are most of the people I spent the past weekend with in Regina. We were there to celebrate my Mom’s 87th birthday. Unfortunately, my sister Janice is seated just to my right and I didn’t get her in this image, which is pieced together from 3 shots.