Catch-up: April 9

Last Saturday, we walked from Moodyville Park in North Vancouver to the edge of Bridgewater Park.  Moodyville Park is named after Sewell Moody, who died in a shipwreck while on a business trip.  He is still remembered every year in North Vancouver. We could see the ships through the trees, as we headed to the path in the woods.  Bill found this ship really interesting.  I couldn't fit it all in my lens, so here is the stern,

the bow,

and an even closer shot of the stern, with a man looking (I thought) proud to be there.  I found some information about the ship, but what I most wanted to learn was not explained.  What is the purpose of the four towers?

One of the goals of our walk was to see if the eagles had decided to take up residence in their old nest at Moodyville Park.  We saw both eagles flying around, and felt quite certain they were preparing to start housekeeping.  They mostly stayed far out of range or behind tree branches, so my pictures were poor.

It was a great thrill to discover my first ever Pileated Woodpecker, and with only about three seconds to raise the camera, I was happy to at least record the moment.

We walked down the road to Park and Tilford Mall, thinking it was just about time for a delicious latte at JJBean.  On the way, this flicker could be heard drilling into the telephone pole.

To our right, we could see coal dust being loaded.  I don't know what to call this.  Perhaps, a coal dust conveyer belt?  From a distance, its colours and shapes formed a work of art.

There are some small parks and wooded areas between Moodyville and the mall.  At first, they don't seem all that impressive, but in fact, there is a lot of life and beauty contained within them.  This mallard pair were busy foraging for sustenance.

I think skunk cabbage is named somewhat unfairly.  It is quite beautiful and doesn't really smell like skunk to me.

I was very, very happy to see this Downy Woodpecker, 

and spent quite a while watching him.  

The flash of red in a male really adds life to the photograph. 

This cherry blossom tree was one of the most lush I have seen,

and I thought the delicate blossoms would be lovely on a card.

Purple and yellow - a first for those colours this season.

I love the colour blue!   

There was a small creek running through the park, and we were both sad to see it filled with garbage.

Bill did his bit to clean up the environment.  Note: he was also carrying my camera bag and looking after Black Jack.  Thank you, Bill!

There was a perfect path to play some games with Black Jack.

Sometimes, I think she looks like a miniature racing hound.

I'm going to guess (wildly) that this may have been a Red-tailed Hawk.  Down in the right hand corner, you can see a crow hot on its trail.

Then, three crows hot on its trail.

We thought this may have been its nest.

Pretty little trails, close to urban activity, but providing tranquility for those lucky enough to discover them.

This squirrel provided..

something other than..

tranquility for Black Jack.  It drove her out of her mind!

After a good rest and an excellent latte, we headed back up the hill to Moodyville Park.  Looking to our left, I thought the maze of geometric patterns, especially contrasted with our wildlife sightings, made an interesting photo.

I thought this robin was extraordinarily confident looking.

More blooms - they were everywhere, and in every colour imaginable.

This bird seemed like a new one to me.  No time to try and identify it.

More blooms.  I love it when people take time to make lanes beautiful.

Each time I see birds smaller than chick-a-dees, I've been calling them Bushtits.  I hope I've been correct.  Yesterday, I saw some kinglets, and realize they are tiny as well.  These delicate wings were just a blur, but I enjoyed catching a bit of the action.

Beautiful Bill heading down the trail with happy Black Jack.

I took a few more photos..

of the surroundings,

and one more of Black Jack, with her little bow legs and bulldog stance.  

We headed home for a nap, and then to a VSO concert that evening.  Christiane Noll and Doug LaBrecque sang "A Century of Broadway 2" brilliantly, but both Bill and I wished they hadn't used microphones.  In fact, that is my latest kick.  I think sometimes that I would like to go back to the time before electronically amplified sound.  Is there anyone out there who agrees with me?  I must add that Noll's versatility, power, and sheer endurance were truly impressive and her gentle version of "Send in the Clowns" was a highlight for me.


I'm slowly catching up.  Next post: Cavalia.  Thanks for reading!