Cozy home

In an underground parking garage at Deer Lake, a crow was just leaving when I parked. When I returned an hour later, he passed me again at the door, coming in this time. I grabbed the camera and went hunting for a nest.

Found it!

It's a good set-up; no wind, no rain, no squirrels, a solid base, and plenty of insulation to add to the nest itself. And good, non-rainy perches for her mate.

Keeping an eye on me.

I walked around and around, trying to get a good angle, always keeping one eye on that guarding crow; at the least sign of irritation, I was prepared to duck and run. But neither he nor his mate on the nest seemed perturbed. They knew I couldn't have climbed up to the nest.

Two beady eyes on me.

And now all they needed was some peace and quiet. I took my camera and came home.

Laconic

Because I can't do wordless.

Deer Lake, Burnaby, on a sunny Sunday afternoon

And white water lilies.

Mallard ma and teens

Among the lily pads on Deer Lake.

The youngsters' feathers are half-grown, so that they have patterned upper backs, fuzzy middle backs, and the beginnings of pattern by the tail.

Lesson for today: little boys on the dock just might have something good to eat. Look hungry, kids!

Suddenly, the wall

I've run out of steam. Too tired to blog, too tired to edit photos. Here's one of the reasons why:

Top of the world, Deer Lake Park

Now I'm going to stumble off to bed.

Water lilies

Deer Lake, Burnaby:

It's been too long ...

Since we visited these favourite spots.

Deer Lake, Burnaby, spring of 2006. We used to come here often, to see the ducks or to visit the Art Gallery. Or both.

Minnekhada Park, 2006. Laurie knew the park and took me once. We always meant to go back, but never did. Too far away on the far side of Port Coquitlam, too much traffic. I saw a mallard here, trying to swallow a small frog, who very strongly disapproved of the plan. The duck won, eventually.

Bridge dividing artificial pool from the Fraser River. New Westminster, November 2006. A freezing cold day. We still drop in occasionally, if the weather is good.

At least two of these places are still within reach. I think I'll pencil them in on our calendar.

A Skywatch post.