This morning, I woke up early, despite my reluctance, and embarked on a birding adventure in Nanaimo, BC. Fall is such a magical time for birdwatching, and I knew the changing seasons would bring a special kind of beauty to the day. My first stop was a peaceful estuary, where the moment I stepped out of the car, I was greeted by the crisp, fresh air. My mind quieted, and I knew being in nature was exactly what I needed.
The birds were everywhere. I first heard the unmistakable sound of the common raven. Not to be confused with crows—these were larger, magnificent ravens, their glossy black feathers shining in the morning light. I spent some time capturing portraits of these intelligent, playful birds and marveled at their presence.
As I watched the ravens around me, I couldn't help but smile at their playful behavior. They weren't just calling out to one another—they were engaging in what seemed like games, diving and soaring through the air, chasing each other in circles. Their interaction was a reminder that, even in this chaotic world, these intelligent birds still find time to play. It was heartwarming to see such joy and connection in nature, and it left me with a sense of peace and admiration for their cleverness and camaraderie.
Next, I came upon a tree full of Northern Flickers, huddled together as if sharing secrets. As I stood watching, a group of Northern Flickers caught my eye, huddled closely together in the trees. Their striking plumage—warm browns, blacks, and vivid red markings—stood out against the fall backdrop. It was touching to see how they used each other for protection and comfort, sticking together as a group. The way they perched and moved in unison was a reminder of the quiet strength in community, even in the animal world.
Then, high on a tree branch, I spotted a regal Blue Heron, surveying its world. Blue Herons are such elegant creatures, but something about them always looks a little cold, like they could use a cozy sweater!
As I continued through the estuary, a lively group of seagulls caught my attention. They were bathing and feasting on local coho, chattering amongst themselves in a chaotic yet charming way.
Just as I thought I had seen it all, I caught sight of a small flock of common mergansers! As I stood by the riverbank, I watched a group of common merganser ducks gracefully diving and swimming. The vibrant fall colors reflected off the water, adding a breathtaking glow to their sleek bodies as they fished and bathed. It was a mesmerizing sight—these beautiful creatures in harmony with the autumn landscape, creating a perfect moment of nature's beauty.
One seagull caught my eye as it swam alongside the coho salmon in the river, but try as I might, I couldn’t quite capture the salmon jumping. Sometimes, the perfect shot eludes us, but that’s part of the thrill of wildlife photography.
After leaving the estuary, I spotted a pigeon sitting contentedly on a power line near a landfill, all fluffed up and seemingly enjoying its morning. Even in the most unexpected places, there’s beauty to be found.
After the estuary, I headed to another park in Nanaimo to see what I could find. The waves of the ocean greeted me, and I was thrilled to spot some harlequin ducks bobbing in the surf.
Though my photos of them came out blurry (a reminder that nature isn’t always cooperative!), the sight of these beautiful ducks was enough to make my heart skip a beat.
As more people and their dogs began filling the park, I decided it was time to head back. On my way out, I saw another Blue Heron, standing far out in the bay. Even from a distance, its graceful silhouette was breathtaking, and I was able to snap one final portrait.
With the weather turning overcast, I made my way home, reflecting on the wildlife I had encountered and the time spent in nature. While I didn’t get all the photos I had hoped for, this adventure reminded me of the deeper reason I love photography—capturing images is just part of the experience. It’s about pausing, observing, and connecting with the world around me. This day was a beautiful reminder to stop, take in my surroundings, and marvel at the beauty of nature, even when the perfect shot slips away.
Stunning as usual!