Deer Lake and some enjoyable encounters

Sunday morning, we braved the frost to walk around Deer Lake in Burnaby.  This Towhee met us just as we entered the trail.

I think this was a Dark-eyed Junco.  

The brush and trees were covered in a thin layer of frost, and there wasn't much sun when we started out, but the leaf-covered path was inviting.

The frost, as Bill would say, had its charms.

This Towhee stared at me as if to say, "Can you believe this?"

Droplets formed at the ends of shrivelling leaves, and tried to decide whether to "rain" or hang on.

Little birds fluffed their bodies to stay warm.

Slowly, the sun rose, pointing out the still beautiful Fall colours and the mist over Deer Lake. 

In the field below us, a hawk's red colouring blended with the brush.

I'm still trying to decide what it was.  Maybe, American Kestrel?

It settled right after this photo and though we hung around to see another flight, had to concede it the winner of that waiting game.  It was still perched on the ground when we decided to move on.  

Here, the members of a group fitness class exercised, while we gave Black Jack her own..

private workout.

Suddenly, the hawk reappeared, but there was only time for two fly-by photos..

before it disappeared into the mist.  

We continued on, and smiled at the sight of this fisherman and his carefully arranged chair.

A bit further on, these unusual leaves and twigs seemed part of a painting.

By the time we reached the beach side of the lake, the sun was gaining confidence.

This seagull was really enjoying bath time.

Ah, this is the life!

Rub-a-dub-dub.

Mustn't forget the back.

That feels so good!

One more rinse,

and away I go!

The fanned tail was like..

delicate lace.

The male of this Mallard pair didn't let his mate go far without him.

We were told this is a Peregrine Falcon.

If this was right (there was more white on its front that the pictures in my book show), then it was my first ever sighting, and it sure made our trip a memorable one.

A tree shot,

a leaf,

and a Ring-necked Duck (I think) all caught my eye. 

Then, a rather furry view led me to..

Luna.  I think her human told us she is eleven, but I don't believe she thinks of herself as a day over five.  She, we were told, considers herself to be in charge of..

Hopper.

Beautiful dogs, and they were having a great day.  No worries about the cold for them!

Bill noticed the three shades here, but thought my photo didn't work as well as he hoped. 

He also pointed out this shot, and we thought..

it was more successful.

A FEW ENCOUNTERS FROM DAYS PAST

A cormorant caught the sunlight over False Creek.

I think this may have been a feeding sequence, but I missed the delivery.

A walk from Granville Island to The Wicked Cafe a few weeks ago brought some nice colours and reflections.

 This is Lola.  We met her on the Aquabus on the way over to Granville Island.

She was really enjoying the view.

Both pairs of eyes open,

and then closed.  She and her human were in sync.

This was Halloween weekend, and I thought the baristas at The Wicked did a fine job of..

getting into the spirit of things.  

They also made us an excellent latte..

and we highly recommend their house-blend oatmeal.  Bill thought the pumpkin was a bit worse for wear, but I liked its crinkled look.

Fall has reached its peak and traveled beyond, but many blossoms are still looking summery.

Just a cat near my apartment that fascinates Black Jack.

The moon taken from my balcony a day or two before Halloween.

A sunset over False Creek (taken from the top of my building).

This was taken a few moments later, looking in the downtown direction.

And, last but not least, two skateboarders who generously allowed me to..

take pictures..

of their practice session.

I continue to be in awe of those with this kind of talent and grace.

That's it for today.  Thanks for reading, and Happy Monday to you!