Category Archives: Just Because

Blog, Just Because

Easter Fresh

Above, a flashy rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), who was impatiently waiting for me to refill the feeder. If you are curious about our rufous friend, check out the Audubon page. Gorgeous photos and on the lower right, you can listen to them!

And from me, to celebrate Easter Sunday, a photo of lovely scented blooms.Easter Fresh Blooms. Photo © Andrée Fredette

When I was a little girl, Easter was that special time of year when Lent was  finally over, and you could have all the chocolate treats you wanted. Finally!

Also, the snow was usually gone (but not always) and… it was that special season where your mother took you to the store, to buy you  a brand new spring coat and hat. You had to be elegant, going to church on Easter Sunday. I hated the hats, but was very proud of my new coats, each year! And shiny shoes, too. Memories.

Blog, Just Because, Photo Wednesday, Wanderings

Party Hat – Photo Wednesday

On my errand-running trips to “town” (town means Victoria, on Vancouver Island), I sometimes have a little extra time before I have to head back to the BC Ferries parking lot. And when I do, I love to spend those extra minutes at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, in Sidney, BC.

This great little aquarium facility is the equivalent of a quick dive in the ocean. Every visit brings a new surprise. This time, it was Mr. Party Man,  peeking out of a tank…
Little fish at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, Sidney. BC. Photo © Andrée Fredette

I am not sure about the identity of this fish, some sort of sculpin, maybe? When I saw this little guy, I had to get a photo (a bit fuzzy, I used my phone) and capture all that glorious carnival hat thing, that he had going. I assume it’s camouflage. Very jazzy!

Blog, Just Because, Wanderings

Duck Season

Winter time is duck season around Saturna. Duck and other birds spend time around the island, before going back up North… This is a trio of Harlequin ducks males (Histrionicus histrionicus – don’t you love that latin name?), swimming by the rocks.  More info about Harlequin Ducks here.
Harlequin Trio. Photo © Andrée Fredete

Their paddling leaves nice tracks in the water… Just below the tracks, you can see the circular “dive” of a feeding duck.
Duck tracks in the water. Photo © Andrée Fredete

These flashy birds (well, the drakes are flashy anyway) are only around our waters during the winter, and return to mainland rivers and streams to breed and feed during the milder months.

I took the photo at the top of this post, of unexplained ripples and wavelets in the water, because it was intriguing. There were no boats nearby…