Adam J. Blake

Field Notes – Maplewood Conservation Area, April 28 & May 5, 2013

by ajblake on May 9, 2013 { 0 comments }

<p><i>Melospiza melodia</i>, Emberizidae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
April 28, 2013</p>

Melospiza melodia, Emberizidae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
April 28, 2013

<p><i>Hyacinthoides hispanica</i>, Asparagaceae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 28, 2013</p>

Spanish Bluebell

Hyacinthoides hispanica, Asparagaceae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 28, 2013

<p><i>Malus</i> sp., Rosaceae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
April 28, 2013</p>

Crabapple

Malus sp., Rosaceae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
April 28, 2013

<p><i>Armadillidium vulgare</i>, Armadillidiidae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 28, 2013</p>

Common Pillbug

Armadillidium vulgare, Armadillidiidae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 28, 2013

<p><i>Trachemys scripta elegans</i>, Emydidae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
April 28, 2013</p>

Red-eared Slider

Trachemys scripta elegans, Emydidae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
April 28, 2013

<p><i>Equisetum arvense</i> & <i>E. telmateia</i>, Equisetaceae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
April 28, 2013</p>

Sterile Fronds of Common Horsetail & Giant Horsetail

Equisetum arvense & E. telmateia, Equisetaceae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
April 28, 2013

<p><i>Prunus</i>, Rosaceae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
April 28, 2013</p>

Cherry

Prunus, Rosaceae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
April 28, 2013

<p>Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Maplewood Canal

Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 5, 2013

<p><i>Pisaster ochraceus</i>, Asteriidae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

'Purple" Ochre Sea Star

Pisaster ochraceus, Asteriidae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 5, 2013

<p><i>Oniscus asellus</i>, Oniscidae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

European Sowbug

Oniscus asellus, Oniscidae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
May 5, 2013

<p><i>Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus</i>, Julidae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Millipede

Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus, Julidae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
May 5, 2013

<p><i>Ranunculus acris</i>, Ranunculaceae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Tall Buttercup

Ranunculus acris, Ranunculaceae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
May 5, 2013

<p>Elateridae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Click Beetle

Elateridae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
May 5, 2013

<p><i>Ajuga reptans</i>, Lamiaceae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Bugleweed

Ajuga reptans, Lamiaceae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
May 5, 2013

<p><i>Anthoxanthum odoratum</i>, Aveneae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Sweet Vernal Grass

Anthoxanthum odoratum, Aveneae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
May 5, 2013

<p><i>Ardea herodias</i>, Ardeidae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Great Blue Heron Takeoff

Ardea herodias, Ardeidae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 5, 2013

<p><i>Odocoileus hemionus</i>, Cervidae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus, Cervidae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 5, 2013

<p><i>Carduelis pinus</i>, Fringillidae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Sleepy (Pine) Siskin

Carduelis pinus, Fringillidae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 5, 2013

<p><i>Selasphorus rufus</i>, Trochilidae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus, Trochilidae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 5, 2013

Storage Tanks

Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 5, 2013

Flare Stack

Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
May 5, 2013

<p><i>Prunus virginiana</i>, Rosaceae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Choke Cherry

Prunus virginiana, Rosaceae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
May 5, 2013

<p><i>Taricha granulosa</i>, Salamandridae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Rough-skinned Newt

Taricha granulosa, Salamandridae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
May 5, 2013

<p><i>Zootermopsis angusticollis</i>, Termopsidae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Pacific Dampwood Termite

Zootermopsis angusticollis, Termopsidae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
May 5, 2013

<p>Braconidae<br />
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Braconid Wasp

Braconidae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
May 5, 2013

<p>Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
May 5, 2013</p>

Shore Fly

Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
May 5, 2013

Over the last two weekends I’ve made a couple of trips out to Maplewood Conservation Area in search of some of the spring migrants reported by the North Vancouver birders. I’m a little jealous as by the sounds of their reports they are out there almost every morning (I think I may have to do some more morning birding around SFU). Sara came along with me the first Sunday, while I saved Sean from the prospect of another botched bus trip to Maplewood this past Sunday. You can see his post from the trip here. [click to continue…]

Photo of the Week

by ajblake on May 5, 2013 { 1 comment }

Common Pillbug

Armadillidium vulgare, Armadillidiidae
Maplewood Conservation Area, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 28, 2013

I took this photo of a Common Pillbug last week during a short trip out to Maplewood Conservation Area (I’m returning there with Sean today so look for full field notes soon). The common pillbug is native to Europe but is cosmopolitan in its distribution being perhaps the best known terrestrial isopod. It is perhaps best known for its defensive posture where it rolls itself into a tight ball resembling a pill. This shot also shows off the versatility of Nikon’s 18-55 mm VR DX kit lens. While is doesn’t give true macro (maximum reproduction ratio 1:3.2) this lens can switch easily from a wide landscape to a close up of a flower. It’s perhaps my favorite lens for plant photography as a prefer the close working distance of this lens compared with my 105 mm Macro.

Photo of the Week

by ajblake on April 29, 2013 { 0 comments }

Sara’s New Dress

Cameron, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 35 mm f/1.8
April 14, 2013

With this weeks photo I’m going to showcase my photography of an actual living breathing human. It’s a departure I know but since I often mention my lovely wife in my posts I though it was high time that I put up a photo. This is one of my favorite recent shots of Sara because of her cute expression. I took this at her bequest so she could show off her new dress from New World Design. Those of you who are friends with Sara on facebook probably recognize this as her current profile picture. The photo also features our “wedding cake” painted by Sara’s longtime friend, photographer and artist Linda McNaull. I used my 35 mm f/1.8 to take this shot in our somehow simultaneously bright and dim apartment. The 35 mm f/1.8 is a fast fixed lens that I love for shooting indoors especially at the aquarium

Field Notes – Camosun Bog, April 13, 2013

by ajblake on April 27, 2013 { 1 comment }

<p><i>Vaccinium ovalifolium</i>, Ericaceae<br />
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 13, 2013</p>

Oval-leaved Blueberry

Vaccinium ovalifolium, Ericaceae
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

<p><i>Kalmia microphylla</i>, Ericaceae<br />
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 13, 2013</p>

Western Bog-laurel Flower Buds

Kalmia microphylla, Ericaceae
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

<p><i>Maianthemum dilatatum</i>, Asparagaceae<br />
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 13, 2013</p>

False Lily-of-the-valley

Maianthemum dilatatum, Asparagaceae
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

<p><i>Plagiomnium venustum</i>, Mniaceae<br />
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 13, 2013</p>

Magnificent Leafy Moss

Plagiomnium venustum, Mniaceae
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

<p>Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 13, 2013</p>

Mossy Stump

Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

Mossy Stump

Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

<p><i>Ribes lacustre</i>, Grossulariaceae<br />
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 13, 2013</p>

Black Gooseberry

Ribes lacustre, Grossulariaceae
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

<p><i>Mahonia nervosa</i>, Berberidaceae<br />
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 13, 2013</p>

Dwarf Oregon-grape

Mahonia nervosa, Berberidaceae
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

<p><i>Vaccinium parvifolium</i>, Ericaceae<br />
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 13, 2013</p>

Red Huckleberry

Vaccinium parvifolium, Ericaceae
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

<p><i>Ribes divaricatum divaricatum</i>, Grossulariaceae<br />
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 13, 2013</p>

Coastal Black Gooseberry

Ribes divaricatum divaricatum, Grossulariaceae
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

<p><i>Acer macrophyllum</i>, Aceraceae<br />
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 13, 2013</p>

Big Leaf Maple Flower

Acer macrophyllum, Aceraceae
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

<p><i>Aesculus hippocastanum</i>, Sapindaceae<br />
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 13, 2013</p>

Freshly Burst Horse-chestnut Bud

Aesculus hippocastanum, Sapindaceae
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

<p><i>Ranunculus ficaria</i>, Ranunculaceae<br />
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 13, 2013</p>

Lesser Celandine "Meadow"

Ranunculus ficaria, Ranunculaceae
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

Lesser Celandine

Ranunculus ficaria, Ranunculaceae
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

<p><i>Equisetum telmateia</i>, Equisetaceae<br />
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 13, 2013</p>

Giant Horsetail Fertile Stem

Equisetum telmateia, Equisetaceae
Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

You may have noticed the lack of telephoto shots in my recent photos. For the last month the focus on my Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR has been sticking, preventing quick (or even slow) switching between near and far subjects. My lens has been out for repair at at vancam for the last two weeks but finally returned today just in time for the rain. Two weeks ago Saturday after I had dropped off my lens I found myself with my car deep in Vancouver. Unwilling to spend a hour driving into Vancouver just to turn around and drive back I decided to head further west and check out some of the interesting sightings that had been reported from Camosun Bog. Camosun Bog is a wet area located the easternmost part of Pacific Spirit Regional Park. [click to continue…]

Field Notes – Colony Farm Regional Park, April 1 & 14, 2013

by ajblake on April 22, 2013 { 0 comments }

<p><i>Thamnophis sirtalis</i>, Colubridae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 1, 2013</p>

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis, Colubridae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 1, 2013

<p><i>Porzana carolina</i>, Rallidae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
April 1, 2013</p>

Sora

Porzana carolina, Rallidae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
April 1, 2013

<p><i>Podilymbus podiceps</i>, Podicipedidae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
April 1, 2013</p>

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps, Podicipedidae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
April 1, 2013

<p>Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
April 1, 2013</p>

Port Mann Bridge

Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
April 1, 2013

<p><i>Lophodytes cucullatus</i>, Anatidae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
April 1, 2013</p>

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus, Anatidae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
April 1, 2013

<p><i>Accipiter cooperii</i>, Accipitridae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
April 1, 2013</p>

Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter cooperii, Accipitridae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
April 1, 2013

Dike Path

Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
April 1, 2013

<p><i>Salix lucida lasiandra</i>, Salicaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 14, 2013</p>

Pacific Willow Male Catkins

Salix lucida lasiandra, Salicaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 14, 2013

<p><i>Salix hookeriana</i>, Salicaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 14, 2013</p>

Hooker's Willow Female Catkins

Salix hookeriana, Salicaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 14, 2013

<p><i>Salix sitchensis</i>, Salicaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 14, 2013</p>

Sitka Willow Female Catkin

Salix sitchensis, Salicaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 14, 2013

<p><i>Lamium galeobdolon</i>, Lamiaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 14, 2013</p>

Yellow Archangel

Lamium galeobdolon, Lamiaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 14, 2013

<p><i>Lunaria annua</i>, Brassicaceae<br />
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
April 14, 2013</p>

Honesty

Lunaria annua, Brassicaceae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 14, 2013

Over the past two weeks I’ve taken two trips out in search of the Sora and Mountain Bluebirds reported from Colony Farm Regional Park. While it did take two trips to get both species, I had good weather and good birding on both days with a total of 51 species seen over both days with 2 lifers and 13 species added to both my year and BC lists. The highlights were a great close up view of a Sora, a displaying male Rufous Hummingbird (lifer!), a calling Hutton’s Vireo (lifer!), a foraging group of Mountain Bluebirds, and first of the year Turkey Vulture, Common Yellowthroat, and Yellow-rumped Warbler. For a full listing of species see the KMZ file below. [click to continue…]

Photo of the Week

by ajblake on April 21, 2013 { 0 comments }

Mossy Stump

Camosun Bog, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 13, 2013

This week’s photo is from last weekend’s trip to Camosun Bog, full report to follow. I took this photo along one of Pacific Spirit Regional Park’s many trails through the dark temperate rainforest understory. This huge cedar stump caught my eye. I took this first photo of the entire stump with OK results. Luckily I FARTed and focused on what had originally caught my eye about the stump. I then took this above closeup showcasing the bright green moss and furrowed texture of the bark. I suppose this demonstrates the importance of thinking about what you want to show with this photo before mindlessly hitting the shutter button.

Field Notes – Iona Beach Regional Park, April 20, 2013

by ajblake on April 21, 2013 { 0 comments }

<p>Iona Beach Regional Park, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 35 mm f/1.8<br />
April 20, 2013</p>

Nature Vancouver - Iona Island Spring Birding Trip #2

Iona Beach Regional Park, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 35 mm f/1.8
April 20, 2013

Fraser River Mouth

Iona Beach Regional Park, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 35 mm f/1.8
April 20, 2013

<p><i>Cornus nuttallii</i>, Cornaceae<br />
Iona Beach Regional Park, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 35 mm f/1.8<br />
April 20, 2013</p>

Western Flowering Dogwood

Cornus nuttallii, Cornaceae
Iona Beach Regional Park, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 35 mm f/1.8
April 20, 2013

Yesterday I went on Nature Vancouver‘s Iona Island Spring Birding Trip #2. Sara needed the car that morning to go to her weekly volunteering shift at the Wildlife Rescue Association in Burnaby, so I took the train to Bridgeport Station where the trip leader Colin Clark was kind enough to give me a ride to Iona. To earn my keep I took field notes for our group which topped out at 19 people. The weather was sunny but the temperature was still cool with a strong wind off the water. We began the trip with a tour around the ponds, followed by a walk down the river and the return trip along the beach (see map below). [click to continue…]

Field Notes – Burnaby Lake Park, March 23, 2013

by ajblake on April 16, 2013 { 1 comment }

Brant

Branta bernicla, Anatidae
Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 24, 2013

<p><i>Columba livia</i>, Columbidae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia, Columbidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

<p><i>Agelaius phoeniceus</i>, Icteridae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

Male Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus, Icteridae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

<p><i>Zonotrichia albicollis</i>, Emberizidae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis, Emberizidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

<p><i>Branta canadensis</i>, Anatidae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

Leucistic Canada Goose

Branta canadensis, Anatidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

<p><i>Aythya marila</i>, Anatidae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

Female Greater Scaup

Aythya marila, Anatidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

Male Greater Scaup

Aythya marila, Anatidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

<p><i>Chen caerulescens</i>, Anatidae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

Snow Goose

Chen caerulescens, Anatidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

<p><i>Aythya affinis</i>, Anatidae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

Male Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis, Anatidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

<p><i>Bucephala clangula</i>, Anatidae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

Male Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula, Anatidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

<p><i>Anas crecca</i>, Anatidae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

Green-winged Teal Speculum

Anas crecca, Anatidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

Female Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus, Icteridae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

Female Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca, Anatidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

<p><i>Aix sponsa</i>, Anatidae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

Wood Ducks

Aix sponsa, Anatidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

Male Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca, Anatidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

Catching up on some older field notes. These notes are from an afternoon trip to Piper Spit at Burnaby Lake. You can see my bird photos from the trip above. I posted a few more photos from the trip in a previous post. The birding was good and I was able to add three species to my year list. The highlight was a somewhat confused Snow Goose paired with a Canada Goose (as mentioned by Sean). I saw or heard a total of 29 species. For a complete listing see the linked KMZ file.

Photo of the Week

by ajblake on April 14, 2013 { 0 comments }

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis, Colubridae
Colony Farm Regional Park, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
April 1, 2013

This week’s photo is from Colony Farm in Port Coquitlam. The common garter snake is the most common snake in North America and can be the only snake present in many northern areas. This snake may have been emerging from a communal hibernaculum where all three species of garter snakes may hibernate together. This particular species is associated with marshy areas like those of Colony Farm and specializes on amphibian prey. This snake coiled like a rattle snake in response to my photographic intrusions but I am glad I did not attempt to pick it up as they will often emit strong smelling excrement to deter would be predators. Look for a full field report from Colony Farm here soon.

Spring has Sprung

by ajblake on April 9, 2013 { 1 comment }

<p><i>Rubus spectabilis</i>, Rosaceae<br />
Surrey Lake Park, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 35 mm f/1.8<br />
March 31, 2013</p>

Salmonberry

Rubus spectabilis, Rosaceae
Surrey Lake Park, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 35 mm f/1.8
March 31, 2013

<p><i>Bombus</i> sp., Apidae<br />
Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8<br />
March 30, 2013</p>

Bumble Bee

Bombus sp., Apidae
Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 105 mm f/2.8
March 30, 2013

<p><i>Ribes sanguineum</i>, Grossulariaceae<br />
New Brighton Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

(White) Red-flowering Currant

Ribes sanguineum, Grossulariaceae
New Brighton Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

Red-flowering Currant

Ribes sanguineum, Grossulariaceae
New Brighton Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

<p><i>Oemleria cerasiformis</i>, Rosaceae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

Indian Plum

Oemleria cerasiformis, Rosaceae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

<p><i>Salix hookeriana</i>, Salicaceae<br />
& <i>Bombus melanopygus</i>, Apidae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

Black-tailed Bumble Bee on Hooker's Willow

Salix hookeriana, Salicaceae
& Bombus melanopygus, Apidae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

<p><i>Salix hookeriana</i>, Salicaceae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

Hooker's Willow Male Catkin

Salix hookeriana, Salicaceae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

<p><i>Lysichiton americanus</i>, Araceae<br />
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada<br />
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6<br />
March 23, 2013</p>

Western Skunk Cabbage

Lysichiton americanus, Araceae
Burnaby Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D5100, 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6
March 23, 2013

Keeping with the theme of my recent posts I have put together a collection of the first spring blossoms. The past couple of weeks I have been surprised by the number of plants that are already in flower and in the last week I’ve noticed that many shrubs are almost completely leafed out. In contrast my native Alberta, while warming is still blanketed by snow. The plant phenology of the past few weeks reminds me of late April or early May in Alberta. [click to continue…]

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