But now no more...

Drove my mom to the library today to get some books.  Afterwards we went to Terra Nova for a walk.

After learning about the passing of my friend, I just can't stop thinking about it.  I kept thinking that this is all just a bad joke or a dream, but then I would realize it's the truth and I need to accept that.  I would then think about her family and friends, and how happy they probably were when they know she was going back home early for Christmas, but now no more.

My friend loved all forms of life and was very passionate about conservation and sustainability.  She was definitely someone who was going to make positive impacts in others' lives, but now no more.

My friend, now no more.

My heart now also goes out to the families of the victims of the Newtown shooting.  The world is feeling very grim lately.

Strolling in Terra Nova and seeing a lifer - Greater White-fronted Geese

Today, I drove my father to work so my mother and I could use the car to run errands, e.g. buy groceries, etc. Afterwards, we went to Terra Nova for a stroll.

Reflection on the slough

Biking to West Dyke Trail

Here are some of the things I encountered while out biking at West Dyke Trail.

Red-eared Slider, one of the many in the ditch.

Proximity to Finn Slough

Today I just realized how close Finn Slough is to where I live. Life is certainly going to be interesting from now on.

Really like the sign and the writings.

I rode my bike to here, so it was a bit awkward to bring it across the bridge. Maybe I will remember to bring a lock next time. This time, I didn't cross the bridge. [I always hesitate when crossing the unsecured wood boards.]

Arrival of Olympus E-620 & its first trip to the dyke...

My Olympus E-620 arrived at 10:43 this morning safe and sound. I looked out my window ever so often hoping to see the delivery truck, and when it pulled up, I was almost out the door ready to greet the delivery gentleman!

The unboxing photos. This is the 2 lenses kit.

In the afternoon, I brought both cameras to the dyke to test them out. But wanting to get familiar with the new camera quicker, all photos below were taken with it.

Bald Eagle drama

The predicted bad weather seemed to be delayed by an afternoon. Well, it hailed for a few minutes in the afternoon but later it stopped and gave me the chance to enjoy outside before being couped indoors for a week or so. Argh!

Still pretty gray and cloudy.

I did not see much wildlife until I passed the golf course and saw this juvenile Bald Eagle. It may be a fourth year bird according to this article (PDF).

And this young bird has a prey - I think a bird, but it was hard to see what kind) under its talons!

Every Sunny Weekend Should Be Canada/US Hockey Game...

...that way, I can always enjoy my bike ride in peace while other people can stay indoors and watch their game. A win-win situation really.

Actually, I watched parts of the game until the beginning of the third period. That was when I headed outside for a bike ride.

The lack of people allowed me to fool around and take this photo while riding the bike at the same time.

I didn't see much until I got to the Terra Nova Sharing Farm again. This is a female Northern Harrier.

Langley's Nicomekl River & RNPH again!

After my work in Langley ended earlier than expected, I decided to walk around and check out the nearby parks. But maybe because I was in the mood to hurry back to Richmond or something, the parks were not too appealing.

Nicomekl River, but I must be upstream because it certainly doesn't look what Wanderin' Weeta had described.

Then I headed back to Richmond. I decided to get off a couple of stops before my "home" stop and went to Terra Nova and slowly walked back home. And guess who I saw again!?

Yep, the Ring-necked Pheasant was out again and was also saw by three people.

Some announcements & enjoying the blue cloudless day

What is going on with me lately, you may ask. Well, yesterday I received an HP Photosmart D5460 Printer as a winning prize from a photo contest I submitted to. But seeing how I already have two printers (one becomes a fax machine and one is currently in use), I may sell it and use that money to go towards buying a DSLR for myself. So if you're interested, let me know. Otherwise, I might turn it into a photo printer (which it is) and start to print some of my photos.

In addition, the Ontario job that I applied/phone-interviewed for went through, and so I'll be spending 4+ months in Carden, Ontario in the summer - which I am quite excited and nervous about since this will be actually my first time away from home for an extended period of time (interning and working in Taiwan doesn't really count). But I am also excited to be a part of an important program and the opportunity to see other parts of Canada and its wildlife.

But that's not for another two months, so I need to stop worrying (about food, housing, laundry, travel, etc) and enjoy the nice weather we have today.

Beautiful cloudless blue sky.

Snow Geese at Terra Nova Natural Area.

More Snow Geese at Terra Nova Rural Park.

I feel calm and peaceful everytime I come here.

Mr. Gadwall, as well as American Wigeons, a Scaup, and some Hooded Mergansers were found in the slough.

Flowering Crocuses.

Nice view.

Heard and then saw these two Bald Eagles. Then they flew back to the nest.

One Bald Eagle was inside and one was outside the nest. Then suddenly the eagle outside the nest took off - leaving me with a dark dark photo because I didn't have time to change the settings. But thanks to the wonderful computer technology, I was able to clean it up and produce the image above. Not bad at all, if I say so myself.

That's all for today. Cheers!

365 days ago (2009-02-16) ...
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Photographic Post: Great Birding Day on X'mas Eve

I biked out to the dyke just after noon.

A gorgeous day.

Mrs. Mallard (and Mr. Mallard - not in the picture) crossing the trail.

One of the many Great Blue Herons I saw today.

Close by was a proud-looking juvenile.

While biking past the observation deck, an accipiter swooped by and landed on the tree. I think it's a Cooper's Hawk.


Another Great Blue Heron waiting for food.

A Song Sparrow perched quietly on a stick caught my attention. So peaceful.

Someone has kindly set up a suet feeder along the trail for the birds to enjoy and for picture-takes like me to capture the enjoyment.

Not a completely clear sky, but at least there's sunshine.

I don't think I have yet taken any squirrel photos yet this season. Well, today presented a perfect chance when this super-cute Grey Squirrel was feeding on hawthorn berries.

Awwww...

Love its paws...so cute!

Finally reaching Terra Nova slough and enjoying the view.

Beautiful sky-watching day.

View along the Fraser River

Another GBH on Fraser River.

Then it was time for me to turn back and head on home.

Quiet a peaceful view. There's a half Moon in the center of the picture.

Biking through these trees with a magical feel.

Another GBH.


Saw a Short-eared Owl in the distance. (Just earlier I think I saw the same owl harassed by a gang of crows - there were many crows today for some reason.)

I decided to continue biking and go to Williams Road.

Along the way I saw a juvenile Bald Eagle harassed by many crows.

Reaching Williams Road, I saw a Northern Harrier perched just a couple of meters away from the trail. I got too excited and braked the front tire and that almost caused me to fall off my bike. I stabilized my bike but twisted my ankle during that time (Edit: The ankle feels fine now).

Pictures of the Northern Harrier perching silently.

Then it took off suddenly, leaving me with this poor image.

Then it was time for me to really go home now. I saw the juvenile eagle flying off too.

Half Moon shot. Pretty.

That's my great birding story on 2009 Christmas Eve.

Feliz Navidad and Hauoli Makahiki Hou!!

365 days ago (2008-12-24) - Orchid Island - Part 2.
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