A moving day today. Sad to be leaving Parkesville. Popped into Beachcomber but no action and then Buttertub. Beautiful day.

Then it was a drive down to Sooke. The roads around Sooke have changed and almost didn’t see 17 mile pub. Stopped there for lunch and then on to our new residence. Bob, the owner gave us the tour and some helpful hints about where to go.
Hope the weather stays like this.

Unpacked and then took a wander down to the boardwalk. It was a lovely evening and lots of families out crabbing.

Walk down to the boardwalk

Not sure what the bait was for the crabbing but this seal thought it looked yummy.

Very easy day today getting ready for our drive down to Sooke tomorrow. Did some packing and then popped along to Rathtrevor to see if the starling babies were ready for a photoshoot. Nothing happening at the nest unfortunately. Sat overlooking the ocean and saw this heron deciding whether to stay in his fishing spot or move.

Eventually he did fly off over the ocean.

Then the border control guards sailed passed on the lookout for any incursions from Trump supporters.

They are well prepared!

On the way back to the parking lot saw this cute little bunny

Then it was on to Lefties for a sangria it’s my breakfast.

Now it’s relaxing before more packing.

Raining this morning so a good excuse for a relaxing time. Did manage to do some packing though ready for our drive to Sooke on Monday.

Once it stopped we went for a walk around Moorecroft Park. There was a wedding going on. Poor things, they could have had better weather. All the ladies dressed in their summer dresses and there’s me in a long sleeved T-shirt, fleece and Mac plus woolly hat! Still, at least the rain held off for the ceremony.

Saw one seal who was very uncooperative and this

Looks like some sort of animal!

Then popped in to Beachcomber. No sign of babe but both parents sitting close by before they did some formation flying. One returned but it looked like the other was off to the shops before the youngster started shouting for food.

Looks like Mum’s having a bit of wash and brush up just like these two Oystercatchers

On the way back up the road from Beachcomber the deer were about in the gardens.

Looked like one was very shy

very, very shy!

And then they ran off

Decided to visit the wildlife rescue centre today. It’s been a long time since we last went and the place is much bigger now with a lot more educational boards screens. Most of the animals and birds have been bred in captivity or injured and so cannot be released into the wild.

Really interesting and the turtles were hilarious trying to get onto the logs and when the fountain came on and rocked one log they all desperately tried to hang on but all except one fell off.

Barred owl.

These were really small

Then had lunch in the Shady Rest in Qualicum. Nice and sunny in spite of the weather forecast which has been saying there would be showers over the past few days.

Back was sore after all the stairs yesterday so had a late start. Started at Rathtrevor to see how the starling babies were getting on. Nice sunny day but that wind is still blowing and still chilly. Lots of action at the nest.

Getting Mum’s attention.

She flies in

has a word

and then, much to their disgust flies off again!!

Then went for a stroll along the prom at Qualicum Beach and had some lovely fish and chips. A quick visit to the chemist to stock up on drugs and then home.

Forecast was for rain but the weather looks fine so off to Jack Point.
Really windy and cold out of the sun but when you got out of the wind it was lovely.

Think this is an American Goldfinch

This seal was looking right at me. Must have really good eyesight as I was a fair distance away.

Busy waterway between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island.

Barn Swallow

Then would have been rude not to pop into Javawocky for an iced coffee as I’m not sure whether we’ll be back.

Mum having a rest at Beachcomber but got fed up waiting for Dad to return so went looking for him! Don’t think that’ll turn out well!

Climbed up and down over 350 steps today. Definitely couldn’t have done that when we first arrived!

Started off at Beachcomber as I had put the lens cap for my camera down last time we were there and forgotten it. Thought there was a possibility someone had put it on the trail but no such luck. Did see this seal swimming along with the kayakers.

and Mum and eaglet.

and then a faun on the road leading away from Beachcomber.

Finally made it to Neck Point. Wind was cold and blowing hard. Saw a bald eagle, a couple of snakes, a hummingbird and a Californian Quail. Just about to take his pic when a load of school kids went passed and he hid in the long grass so that was that.

Saw another seal and then again from the seat at Keel Bay.

He had me in his sights! The Keel Bay bit of the walk entailed 268 steps plus climbing up and over rocks. Not sure we could have done that when we first arrived.

Supposed to rain this afternoon but looks like it’s brightening up. Had lunch at Ricky’s – Paul’s omelette looked amazing.

Decided to give the Island another try and hoped that we would see more wildlife this time. Started off well as an otter swam passed as we were boarding the ferry.

Not quite so many people doing the same route as us so quieter thank goodness and we managed to see these deer.

First time we’ve seen a male with antlers. Cute. Then after a few stops a hummingbird gave us the once over. Just caught a pic although you might find him difficult to see.

And then caught sight of a raccoon digging for food. The first sight on this holiday.

And then a second

Love these guys.

A stop for a picnic lunch and then off again and watched a heron hunting for lunch

before hearing and then spotting a Downy Woodpecker.

Back to the dock watching these Martins in and out of their nesting boxes.

Back on the ferry and one of the guys sailing it was thrilled to meet someone from Liverpool. He was a great fan of the Beatles and had never had the pleasure of meeting a Scouser before! Lucky man.

Started off at Beachcomber and saw Mum and Dad flying around and little one tidying himself up.

Then on to Enos  Lake. Nothing much interesting there but a nice walk.

Then on to Top Bridge park. More river bank erosion so some trails not open but no one else was taking any notice so neither did we!

Lots of people enjoying the water.

Time for lunch so headed for Lefties. The first restaurant we went into in Parkesville and the food was lovely although the wait of nearly an hour for the food wasn’t so good. (The sangria was worth it though).

Dropped in to Rathtrevor on way back and was glad we did as we finally saw the Starling babies.

Great ending to the day.

Paul wanted to do another walk around Westwood Lake so we left early as it was Saturday and I presumed it would be busy and it was. Lots of people walking and running. We did more sauntering!

Mum used to call theseYellow Flags and I remember seeing them on the walk through the woods at Freshfield.

Just the one Painted Turtle today. We used to see lots. Wonder where they’ve gone.

From the top of the cliffs. People were kayaking and fishing.

And swimming in the safe area – although I’m not sure I’d feel that safe swimming next to the Canada Geese!

Called in for an iced latte on the harbour – seemed rude not to – and then dropped in on the eagle nest at Beachcomber. Didn’t stay long but long enough to see the baby poo over the edge of the nest and then have a good stretch. No sign of Mum or Dad.

Those wings are getting big!

Finally as we were leaving caught this Flicker flying off.

And then home for a late lunch.