Our last day so having to say goodbye to people and places – very sad.

Started at Beachcomber where we watched the eagles for a while and said our goodbyes to Jeannie and Brynn. Then it was off to Rathtrevor beach to see if the babies were still there. The Starling and Flicker babies had fledged and were nowhere to be seen but we watched a cute little bird clearing out his nest.

Some shopping (for more Shocktop), began the packing and then went to the beach, sat on the hotel terrace and had a snack and drink. The weather was perfect and we were joined by Bob and Karin. Could have stayed there till bedtime but, unfortunately had lots of packing to do!How the Eaglets have grown since we’ve been here!Look at those talonsMum flew over but didn’t stop and landed in a nearby tree.Squirrel on the beachWhite crowned sparrowHe was so busy possibly a warblerParkesville beach

Better weather today and really enjoyed our walk to Jack Point with Jeannie and Brynn – blustery wind but some sun eventually. Then had our last visit to Nanaimo Harbour for this holiday – very busy but that was only to be expected as it was a bank holiday.

Tough decision as to where to eat but we eventually decided on French Creek pub and it didn’t disappoint. Fully refreshed we spent some time watching the wildlife in the estuary.The dog walker and BrynnView of Nanaimo from the PointNot one ship. but two!Not a large fish but he did find lotsThe ThinkerNot sure about this bird – maybe a cowbird?Mummy Sparrow feeding baby NanaimoWhite crowned sparrow singing his heart outFrench Creek was like a bathhouse for gulls!Killdeer – there were three and this one was not happyDo you think he knew he was Catch of the Day?This Merganser Mum was making sure her babies had a good wash!

Really enjoyed the fireworks, in spite of the rain, after some refreshments with Bob and Karin. We even hadsome Tipsy Gill cheese!

Started off the day watching the Parade in Parkesville for Canada Day. Very entertaining. By the time it finished I felt a little more awake and had a lovely phone call with Laura – isn’t WhatsApp great!

By then we felt more energetic and managed a walk around Englishman River Falls. Beautiful as ever. Then back to Parkesville for a wander around the Englishman River estuary where we met a gentleman who said that across the river is a cougar with kitts who brings them down for a drink, usually late evening. Wonder if we’ll get to see them. Won’t be going tonight as we’re going to watch the Canada Day fireworks on the beach with Karin and Bob – should be fun.

Water so green – and cold!Downy WoodpeckerBaby Merganser. Mum and DadLincoln’s Sparrow

Pouring with rain again but off we go. Going to Rosewall Creek but, passing Qualicum Beach I caught sight of an eagle on a rock feasting on something so we stopped and I spent ages taking pics of him having his breakfast (a large fish from what I could see), crows trying their luck and then his mate flew in and had what he’d left. He then washed his beak in the sea and off he went leaving his mate giving the crows evil looks while she had the remainder. Wonderful sight.

Rosewall Creek was quiet, except for Kingfishers who seemed to be warning us off everywhere we went – saw three or four but none of them fancied having their photos taken. Didn’t walk to the park boundary this time as even more of the bank seemed to have disappeared and I wasn’t brave enough to cling to the edge.

Stopped off at Deep Bay – beautiful place but not much action. Decided to pop into Big Qualicum Fish Hatchery for a short hike and was really pleased we did. Haven’t been here for quite a few years and it was better than we remembered. Lots of Cedar Waxwings about and very picturesque.

Stopped at the Shady Rest for lunch – the vegetarian burger is lovely – and managed to take a pic of a Kingfisher. Perfect ending to perfect day.DipperRough winged swallowSong Sparrow. Cedar WaxwingJust one or two Canada GeeseKingfisher girl

Absolutely chucking it down this morning but decided to go out anyway. Started off at the Cable Bay Trail where we were mostly under the trees – unfortunately that meant that even when it stopped raining on the trees were still unloading the drops on our heads. Not sure why we didn’t get soaked but we were lucky somehow.

Then went on to a Park we hadn’t been to before. We’ve been to Parkesville 6 times so not sure how we’ve missed it! Still raining but a lovely place with two lakes so we will have to return when the weather is better.

Home and dinner at Lefty’s. JuncoReminds me of the film “The Birds”Juvenile Bald Eagle

Late start today as I didn’t sleep too well. Decided to go to Bread and Honey for another delicious breakfast.

Not much walking today, just a wander around Buttertub Marsh and then a quick trip to Morden Colliery. Managed to avoid the showers and Dr Doolittle made another friend – a wolf called Tundra – gorgeous.

Then it was home to change in time to pop down to Karin and Bob’s for dinner.American Goldfinch – Mr.American Goldfinch – Mrs.Mrs. Red Winged BlackbirdWood DuckDr. Doolittle and his new friend – a Wolfdog – 90% WolfYellowthroatSapsucker

Forgot about this little Flycatcher.

Really lovely day. Met up with Jeannie (and Brynn) and watched the eagles for a while. More action than the last few visits but really difficult to see properly in this new nest as there is a lot of foliage around it. Then on to Rathtrevor to watch the Flickers and, after watching for a while, we realised that there were nests all over the place. Didn’t see the Brown Creepers but did watch the Flickers and a Starling nest. Couldn’t believe how long we’d stayed.

Then off to French Creek for lunch at the pub followed by a walk along the creek watching a very busy heron and then we were lucky enough to see lots of action with an eagle being bombed by seagulls and then he kept trying to land on the pier. Exciting.Can’t see it being long nowDr. DoolittleThe Flicker babies – can only see two but there are threeDad feedingStarling baby being fed.Another babyVery busy heronPretty harlequin duckEagle being bombed by SeagullSeagulls not happy the Eagle was so close to their kids

Lovely weather for a trip to Newcastle Island sunny if a little breezy. Accident on the main road to Nanaimo (sure slowed the traffic – it’s usually going about 70, today slowed down to under 20) so just missed the 9.30ferryPurple starfishDowitcherPileated WoodpeckerDragonflyMother and baby Canada GeesePurple MartinOtter doing his businessOtter deciding whether to board the ferry. Racoonbut only had to wait till 10am.

Saw lots and not many people about – perfect! Plenty of raccoons and we weren’t stopped from sitting on in our favourite spot for our picnic like last time. The word had obviously gone out to the geese not to mess with us a second time!

Back to the dock and we’re lucky enough to see an otter – mind you I’m not sure he appreciated us watching him go to the toilet! Really think he needs to see a vet as his stools were a vivid shade of yellow!

A cup of coffee and then back home.

Perfect day – again!