Call it a practice run

It had been a while since we visited Surrey Lake, and I remembered large flocks of waterfowl, an eagles' nest, with chicks, a forest walk with wildlife trees, wildflowers. I changed the lens on the camera, cleaned out some beach sand (how it gets inside is a mystery!) and made sure the battery was full, then joined the walkers around the lake.

The loop trail is about 1.5 kilometres long, and I took my time, taking photos as I went. I couldn't see the lake from the trail this time; rushes and cat-tails have grown up all along the shore, 6 feet and more tall. A couple of unofficial side trails snaked through the barrier; disappointing, because all the birds were on the far side, where there are no weekend dog walkers. I took photos of some yellow irises growing among the rushes.

And an eagle was home, standing guard above the nest. No chicks were visible, but I got photos of the eagle, and then of a crow dive-bombing him.

And so it went, through meadow, wetlands, forest, and back to the parking lot. Where I discovered that I'd left the camera on the aquarium setting, ready for low light and algae-tinted water. All the photos were too washed out to be rescued.

At the edge of the parking lot, in the shade, the light was at aquarium levels; at least I have something besides a sunburn to show for my afternoon.

Pacific ninebark, Physocarpus capitatus, in bud. The flowers are white; a few petals are showing.

Dame's rocket, Hesperis matronalis, on the bank of the creek.

And I'll try again, soon. But not on a weekend. And with the camera on the proper setting. I hope.