After a long day of work, I felt my soul calling me to the shore. The anniversary of several family members' passing had left my mind heavy, and I knew that being in nature would offer me the solace I needed. I’d heard that Brant Geese had landed on southern Vancouver Island, so I set out with a mission: to find and photograph them before the limited sunlight disappeared.
The sky was thick with clouds, and the air carried a damp chill, but I braved the conditions anyway. There's something deeply healing about watching wildlife endure and thrive despite the elements. Their resilience inspires me to carry on, no matter how gray the world may feel.
When I arrived at the beach, I was pleasantly surprised to find the tide out, revealing compact sand that made walking easy. As I ventured closer to the water, my goal became clear: photograph the Brant Geese. To my delight, I not only succeeded but was greeted by so much more.
The shoreline was alive with harmony:
Grebes diving gracefully beneath the surface.
Red-breasted Mergansers fishing with precision.
A majestic Great Blue Heron, still as a statue, waiting patiently for its next catch.
Bufflehead Ducks bobbing on the gentle waves.
And the dazzling Goldeneye Ducks, their striking plumage shining even under the overcast sky.
Each bird seemed perfectly in tune with its surroundings, a reminder of the quiet beauty that nature provides, even on the gloomiest days.
Diving Mergansers: Dinner for Two
The first birds to catch my eye were a pair of female Red-breasted Mergansers, skillfully fishing in the shallow waters. Their sleek bodies disappeared beneath the surface with practiced precision, only to emerge moments later with small fish clasped tightly in their beaks
Each successful dive was followed by a quick shake of their feathers before they eagerly repeated the process.
I couldn’t help but smile as I watched them work in perfect harmony, seemingly enjoying both their meal and each other's company. It was a reminder of the small joys that come from simply being present with a loved one.
Great Blue Heron: A Study in Patience
Further down the beach, a majestic Great Blue Heron stood silently in the shallows, as still as a statue. Its long neck coiled ever so slightly, poised for action. The bird’s patience was mesmerizing; it seemed unfazed by the world around it, entirely focused on the water below.
Suddenly, with a swift jab of its sharp beak, it pierced the surface, emerging with its prize—a wriggling fish. The heron’s quiet grace and precision never fail to amaze me, a true master of its craft.
Grebes: Graceful Divers
Not far from the heron, I spotted a small group of Grebes gliding effortlessly across the water’s surface. They moved with a delicate elegance, almost as if they were skating on the waves. Then, without warning, they disappeared beneath the surface, leaving only a ripple behind.
Moments later, they popped back up, their beaks holding tiny morsels of food. Watching their graceful dives felt like observing an underwater ballet, a display of both beauty and purpose.
Bufflehead Ducks: Pops of Playfulness
The Bufflehead Ducks added a playful energy to the scene. Their petite, rounded bodies bobbed on the gentle waves like little corks, their striking black-and-white plumage catching what little light the overcast day offered. They didn’t seem too concerned with fishing like the mergansers or grebes; instead, they appeared content simply riding the waves, occasionally dipping their heads beneath the water to see what might be hiding below. Their carefree demeanor was infectious, reminding me to let go of worries and embrace the moment.
Goldeneye Ducks: Shimmering Elegance
Then, as if to cap off the experience, I spotted a group of Goldeneye Ducks. Their shimmering, golden eyes stood out even in the dim light, as did the males’ brilliant green-black heads and bright white sides.
They swam together in a loose cluster, occasionally diving beneath the water’s surface. Their movements were deliberate, their presence regal. Seeing these stunning birds up close felt like a rare gift—a reminder of how nature can surprise and enchant us when we least expect it.
Brant Geese: The Guests of Honor
Finally, the stars of the evening made their appearance: the Brant Geese. These compact, dark-feathered geese huddled along the shoreline, quietly grazing and chatting among themselves.
Their soft, murmuring calls added a calming rhythm to the scene. Though their appearance might seem understated compared to some of the flashier birds I’d seen, there was something grounding about their presence. They felt like a reminder of home—familiar, steady, and comforting.
But my journey wasn’t without its challenges. As I walked along the beach, the clams in the sand seemed determined to add their own chaotic flair. With every step, they fired jets of water, catching me off guard. At first, I laughed at their audacity. But as I focused on photographing the birds, I found myself getting hit numerous times. By the time I returned to my car, my pants, boots, and jacket were soaked through. Little clam monsters! Despite their rudeness, they added a layer of humor to my adventure—nature's way of keeping me humble, I suppose.
As I made my way along the shore, I couldn’t help but notice the subtle signs of life etched into the beach itself. A kelp root ball lay tangled in the sand, like nature’s sculpture washed ashore.
Nearby, my attention was drawn to the intricate patterns left by barnacles on a weathered rock. The delicate, circular imprints told the story of a life once lived, clinging to the stone amidst the ebb and flow of the tide. Each tiny mark was a reminder of how even the smallest creatures leave their trace on the world, shaping it in their unique way. It struck me how incredible nature is—how it creates beauty not only in the grand displays of wildlife but also in the quiet, unassuming remnants it leaves behind. The barnacle's story, etched into the rock, felt like a timeless testament to the persistence and artistry of the natural world.
Next, I noticed some bird footprints crisscrossed the compact sand, their delicate shapes hinting at the unseen comings and goings of the shoreline’s inhabitants. These small details reminded me that every inch of the beach tells its own story, one of resilience and connection in a constantly shifting world.
Though the light was fading and the sky never cleared, my time on the beach reminded me of the interconnectedness of life. Watching the birds coexist peacefully in their shared habitat was a balm for my heavy heart. They didn’t compete or clash—they simply lived in harmony, resilient and beautiful. It’s a lesson I carry with me: even in moments of grief, there is space for joy, connection, and the surprising ways nature can lift us.
As I drove home, damp but content, I felt gratitude for the shoreline, the wildlife, and even the mischievous clams. They gave me exactly what I needed: a reminder to keep going and to find peace in the little things.
Wonderful to see the Revenge of the Clams! It certainly keeps you humble.