Views of Sequim, the Olympic Peninsula. . .and beyond
The Sequim Granary Building
Although I’ve posted photos of this iconic building in the past, I for one never tire of seeing it against the skyline or as a subject for a painterly approach, which I applied to this edition.
In all seasons, the Granary stands as a symbol of Sequim, its warmth, and its rural roots. May it continue to serve as such for many years to come.
A Bald Eagle Makes a Statement in Front of the Moon
Our national symbol is often seen in many locations but until I discovered this one posing in front of the moon, did I really appreciate it as such.
Although not draped in the flag or singing the national anthem, his presence in this spot, in front of where mankind still chooses to travel, speaks to me about the importance of preserving nature here on earth as well as reaching for the stars.
An American Kestrel at the Dungeness Wildlife Refuge
We all have our favorites, and this beauty is one of mine…
The website at All About Birds states, “North America’s littlest falcon, the American Kestrel packs a predator’s fierce intensity into its small body. It’s one of the most colorful of all raptors: the male’s slate-blue head and wings contrast elegantly with his rusty-red back and tail; the female has the same warm reddish on her wings, back, and tail. Hunting for insects and other small prey in open territory, kestrels perch on wires or poles, or hover facing into the wind, flapping and adjusting their long tails to stay in place.”
And most importantly, “Kestrels are declining in parts of their range; you can help them by putting up nest boxes.”
And this is my plea to you, to do just that if you’re able to do so…please add a nest box and help to save this amazing raptor!
A Juvenile Eagle Appearing to Leap for Joy
One never knows what to expect when visiting the Dungeness Landing, and so it was on this particular day.
We had friends visiting from Tacoma, and while showing them the local birding sites, we counted over 30 eagles at the Landing that day…yes! And because that was and is such a rarity, I think I captured over 3,000 pictures of them with this one being one of my favorites.
To me it signals the joy of spring, warm weather, and new life, and I couldn’t have said it any better than this delightful creature.
Sequim’s Roosevelt Elk Herd
During a cold early morning at the intersection of Holland and Medsker Roads, I was able to photograph four female elk at a close distance as they came up the hill and out of the fog.
Not having seen them in this particular location before, I was quite surprised and a bit worried about their safety in such an open field, but later found that they have been known to graze there in the past, and not to worry about them, but to keep my distance. Although they may appear to be docile and friendly, they are to be respected and avoided, especially at close range.
A Female Otter Transports a Salmon Backstrap to her 3 Pups
Freshwater Bay in Port Angeles is a great spot to indulge the senses in not only the beauty of the peninsula, but in wildlife watching as well.
There we found this particular river otter swimming toward shore with a salmon backstrap in her mouth that she would soon share with her young offspring. Huddled in a rock cave on shore, they poked their heads out occasionally looking for her but when they spotted her, they retreated in anticipation of their grand meal.
Surprisingly, mama, although appearing exhausted, hauled her catch (the remains of a fisherman’s catch I’m sure) into the cave, then quickly went back in the surf to repeat the process.
A Male Peafowl (Peacock) in Beacon Hill Park, Victoria, BC
Victoria is fabulous city and Beacon Hill Park, located in the center of the city, is one of its crown jewels.
In this park you will find any number of peafowl. Yes…male peafowl are referred to as peacocks, and female peafowl are referred to as peahens, but aside from that, these beautiful and people-friendly birds frequent the park, and as you might guess, visitors feed them, which undoubtedly brings them in.
The park is also a haven for herons, eagles, songbirds, waterfowl, human adults needing a break from city traffic and noise, and children seeking a petty zoo experience.
In addition to the above, you’ll find beautiful plants, flowers, trees, and fountains all in close proximity to downtown, Parliament and the BC Museum.
But the big draw for me is the birds. And I’m grateful that this particular one posed for me so beautifully. It’s a BC souvenir that brings me joy whenever I see and share it and I hope you enjoy it as well.