Windy day so calmer waters on the wharf

Today was sunny but extremely windy, which made biking to the dyke quite a workout.

No Franklin. And no lens cap.

It was a sunny Sunday and I headed out to Steveston again to try and see if I can find the Franklin's Gull again.

On my way to Steveston, I stopped at the dock to see if I can spot some eagles.

Then I heard an eagle calling, and so I quickly took out my new lens, opened the lens cap, accidentally dropped it on the ground, and watched it rolled through the cracks onto the platform below.

And there it lays on its new home now. Gosh darn it!!! These squeeze lens caps are always a nightmare of mine, it's so easy to fell off that this is just waiting to happen.

Strong wind = stay indoor

I did not go out today because the wind was way too strong! I did want to go outside at one point in the afternoon, but the rain started to pour as soon as I was getting ready.

Tonight, my parents and I went to a restaurant for hot-pots. As we were heading home, we saw a road sign and its street pole bend to the ground. That's how strong the wind was today.

That's all. Thought it is worth writing about it today.

Enjoy the nice long weekend, everyone, and stay safe!

Edit - Wind Warning from http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/ at 8:23 PM PDT Friday 02 April 2010:

"Winds southwest gusting to 90 km/h over Vancouver Island..Southern Gulf Islands..Sunshine Coast..Metro Vancouver and the southern sections of Howe Sound will ease near midnight.

Winds will rise to southwest gusting to 90 km/h over Fraser Valley - west including Abbotsford this evening.

This is a warning that potentially damaging winds are expected or occurring in these regions. Monitor weather conditions..Listen for updated statements.

An intense low pressure system crossing the south coast is producing strong southwest winds gusting to 90 km/h over most of the south coast regions. The strong winds are expected to ease near midnight as the low moves into the interior. "

366 days ago (2009-04-01) ...
365 days ago (2009-04-02) ...
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Calm after the windstorm & Bike ride to the dyke

Last night's windstorm caused quite a damage throughout the coast, including right outside our apartment where a tree was blown down. Thank goodness it fell on the side without any buildings.

I will miss this big old tree in front of our yard.

The strong wind blew away all the clouds and it was a beautiful afternoon - excellent time for a bike ride.

Along the ditch, the Mallards were swimming and preening and enjoying the nice weather.

Quickest way to dry the feathers.

Continuing with the bike ride, I spotted this Song Sparrow, who situated itself in a thorny position.

Excellent defense - it didn't even bother to fly away as I inch closer for a better focus through all the branches knowing it is safe.

In the Terra Nova Share Farm, I spotted several hawks and harriers and they were all quickly chased by crows dominating the area.

Unknown Accipiter

Then being chased further away from me.

In Terra Nova Slough, I observed my first pair of Northern Shovelers (Anas clypeata) of the year!

Using my TCON-lens, I was able to get some closer pictures (than ever before)!

Female


Male. Love its glossy green head and that out-of-this-world bill!

According to All About Birds, "Northern Shoveler pairs are monogamous, and remain together longer than pairs of other dabbling duck species." Cool fact!

Photographed this Great Blue Heron and its reflection as I biked home.

The Actual Sunset.


Transforming the sunset photo into a Polaroid - using the free Poladroid (Polaroid Image Maker). I like it - very vintage-like!
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