Bald Eagle Landing

On December 18, 2007, I continued watching my bald eagle for a few more minutes. This picture was taken about a minute after the previous picture of my bald eagle flying through the air, chasing a duck. I actually got to see him land in his tree.

Bald Eagle Flying

On December 18, 2007, it was a cold day. I was amazed though at the sight that I saw. First I saw a duck flying through the air and as I watched, I saw he was being chased by something and when I look closer I saw my bald eagle chasing him. He chased the duck through the air for about a minute and then he flew right above my head. I couldn't believe it. I very seldom get to see my bald eagle flying around. I see him most times sitting in his tree. This was a very rare treat.

Bald Eagle

On December 13, 2007, it was a cold and foggy day. The fog was so thick that it covered the mountains in the background. It was so thick that I couldn't see hardly anything. However, I did see my bald eagle sitting in his tree. He sat there for quite some time while I took his picture. The tree that he sits in is probably 50 or 60 feet tall.

Bald Eagle

On November 27, 2007, I saw my bald eagle flying over the South Thompson River in Valleyview, Kamloops, BC. First he sat in his usual tree and then I saw his feathers ruffle and he took off and flew. It is so awesome to see a bald eagle flying like right in front of you. This is one of the reasons I love living in Kamloops, British Columbia.

Bald Eagle

On November 22, 2007, I saw my bald eagle again. He was sitting in his favourite tree, just across the road from the Valleyview Plaza in Valleyview, Kamloops, BC. I have noticed that bald eagles love to sit at the very top of trees and they love to sit in trees that are dead. I think the reason for this is so that they have a clearer view of what is around them and it is easier for them to land and fly away quickly. They won't get their wings or feathers caught in any branches.

Train

On November 18, 2007, I went for a drive to the Lac De Bois Grassland Park, Kamloops, BC. I saw a train coming across the valley. There is nothing like seeing a train out west. I used to hate trains when I lived in Ontario. I thought they were noisy, smelly and dirty. I have come to respect them more living here in BC. It is like they belong here. Trains are a part of the history and culture of the west and that is probably why I like them so much now.

Westwold, BC

On November 18, 2007, I went for a drive to Westwold, BC. Westwold is a tiny community nestled in the mountains. It was a very nice day for a drive. It is very nice still for this time of year. No snow on the ground yet but on quite a few mountains all around Westwold, I could see snow-capped mountains.

There is a Country Christmas store in Westwold. Westwold is also a ranching community with lots of fertile ranch land all around.

Mountain Sheep

It is November 12, 2007. It was a very windy day and it was raining in the city of Kamloops, BC. However, I went for a drive to the Lac De Bois Grasslands Park and there was no rain at all. It was still windy, but not as windy as it was in the city. I was lucky enough to see this herd of mountain sheep in the park. I love seeing the wildlife here in British Columbia. It is so cool.

Flock of Swans

On November 4, 2007, I went for a drive from Kamloops, BC to Merritt, BC along Highway 5A. I saw several trumpeter swans but even better was when a saw a flock of swans landing in the nearby lake. I saw them circle the lake and then come in for a landing. Swans, to me, are very mystical birds. They are birds that you don't get to see everyday so it is a rare treat when you do get to see them.

Trumpeter Swans

On November 4, 2007, I went for a drive from Kamloops, BC to Merritt, BC along Highway 5A. I saw several trumpeter swans in the different lakes on this route. The swans are very pretty birds, pure white. They are very graceful birds. The three swans that I saw in the picture above were located on Nicola Lake. The trumpeter swans are known for the trumpet sound that they make. It was really cool to see the swans and also to hear them play their trumpets. It seems that the swans are seen more at this time of the year.

Seagull

On October 29, 2007, while walking on the beach at Mission Flats Park, Kamloops, BC, I saw a single seagull standing in the sand. As I got closer to him to take his picture, he walked into the water. I don't like seagulls very much because they are noisy birds. I have seen many seagulls in my life. They like to hang around beaches and other places where there are people in hopes that someone will throw some tidbit of food their way.

Bald Eagle

BALD EAGLE

On October 19, 2007, I went for a drive on the Shuswap Road. I saw a bald eagle sitting in this tree. The river was right below where he was sitting. He didn't sit here for long because just as soon as I went to get a second picture of him, he flew away.

Mountain Sheep

MOUNTAIN SHEEP

On October 14, 2007 after I saw the two mountain sheep up on the mountain, I saw a whole herd of them walking this dirt road in Lac De Bois Grassland Park. I have never seen them in this part of the park before. It was pretty cool to see.

Mountain Sheep

MOUNTAIN SHEEP

On October 14, 2007 I saw some mountain sheep in Lac De Bois Grassland Park. It was fun to watch them on the mountain slope. It always amazes me that mountain sheep can climb up those treacherous, steep slopes.

Bald Eagle

On October 8, 2007 while driving from Adams Lake, BC to Kamloops, BC I saw my bald eagle sitting on the top of this tree. I have seen this eagle on many, many occasions during the two years that I have lived in BC. On my trip to Adams Lake, I probably saw six or seven red-tailed hawks and three bald eagles. I figure the reason I saw so many birds is because the salmon are running right now and they are trying to get some of this delectable fish for their dinner.

Salmon Run 2

This is another picture of the salmon run that I got to see on October 8, 2007. You can see the bright pink colour of the salmon. These are sockeye salmon. The salmon are probably at least four feet long or longer. They were really big. I was looking straight down from an observation deck so I think they are probably even bigger than I think. It is kind of hard to tell the size of something while it is in the water.

Salmon Run

 

On October 8, 2007, I was able to see the salmon run at Adams Lake, BC. This is the second year in a row that I have been able to see this awesome sight and it was just as amazing this year as it was last. However, there weren't as many salmon this time around, which I already knew because last year's salmon run was the best one. Every four years the salmon run the river system in BC and spawn in their birthplaces. Last year was part of the four year cycle so there were thousands if not millions of them. This year the number is probably in the low thousands. It is still an amazing sight to see though.

Bluebird

On September 23, 2007 I went for a drive to the Grassland Park. I was able to get this picture of a bluebird sitting on this sign. Bluebirds are very pretty and very small birds. I've seen several bluebirds in the Grassland Park but this was the first time I was able to get a picture of one.

Sagebrush

On September 23, 2007 I went for a drive to the Grassland Park. I was amazed when I saw the sagebrush with it's yellow flowers. It really brightens up the usual dull brown and grayish colour. The sagebrush grows all over the grasslands. When I see it, it makes me think that I am in the wild, wild west.

Chipmunk

On September 17, 2007 I went for a drive to Jacko Lake, just outside of Kamloops, BC. I saw this chipmunk sitting on a fence post. Chipmunks in BC are very tiny compared to chipmunks in Ontario. They are about the only animal I have found that is smaller that the Ontario ones. I remember Ontario crows being very small and even blue-jays in Ontario were small. I think it is strange why the chipmunks are smaller in BC.

Cactus

On September 9, 2007 I went for a drive in the Grassland Park in Kamloops, BC. I saw some cactus. The cactus we have here are very small, only about an inch tall. I definitely would not want to walk barefoot in these parts though because it would definitely hurt to step on them. Even these little cactus have prickles.

Log Cabin

On August 26, 2007, I went for a drive on Duck Creek Road, just outside of Kamloops, BC. I saw this old log cabin. I love old log cabins, especially when they are nestled into the mountains. This log cabin is pretty rugged looking but that just makes it more interesting. I'd love to have an old log cabin to fix up and eventually live in. That would be awesome.

Conservation Area, Campbell Creek Road

On August 26, 2007, I went for a drive on Campbell Creek Road, just outside of Kamloops, BC. There is a conservation area for ducks. I took a walk to this bridge and there were a lot of ducks sitting in the water around it and as I approached them they all flew away. Usually they stick around so I can take their pictures but these ones were a little bit skittish.

Campbell Creek Road

On August 26, 2007, I went for a drive on Campbell Creek Road, just outside of Kamloops, BC. It was a cloudy day and it did rain but in the mountains, no matter what the weather, it is still nice to get outdoors and explore the area. I like Campbell Creek Road. It looks nice and peaceful and it would be a nice place to build a log cabin and enjoy the wildlife and serenity of the mountains.

Grassland Park

On August 19, 2007, I went for a drive in the Grassland Park, in Kamloops, BC. This is a view from the road as I was driving. It is absolutely beautiful. The Lac De Bois Grassland Park offers so much to see in the way of scenery. There are the dry sagebrush grasslands, the many lakes, the deep gorges, the fertile forests and the tall mountains. It is like paradise here.

Doe

On August 19, 2007, I went for a drive in the Grassland Park, in Kamloops, BC. I saw two mule deer in the woods. This is the young female deer that I saw. She is hiding behind some tall grasses. She does not have any antlers on the top of her head so therefore, she is a female deer or a young doe.

Buck

On August 19, 2007, I went for a drive in the Grassland Park, in Kamloops, BC. I saw two mule deer in the woods. This was a young male or buck. He was with a young female who was standing to the left of him. You can see his little antlers on the top of his head. These antlers are covered in fuzz that is because he is still very young.

More Mountain Sheep

On August 19, 2007, I went for a drive in the Grassland Park, in Kamloops, BC. I saw this mountain sheep just up the road from where I saw another one. It was kind of strange because I had never seen a mountain sheep in this part of the Grasslands before. Usually I see deer in this part.

Mountain Sheep

On August 19, 2007, I went for a drive in the Grassland Park, in Kamloops, BC. I was able to see this mountain sheep, who just happened to be crossing the road in front of the van. Being from Ontario, seeing mountain sheep is a big thrill. It is like seeing some exotic animal from Africa or something. I love living in British Columbia and being able to see mountain sheep regularly.

Seven Mile Dam

On August 8, 2007, I went for a drive just outside of Trail, BC and saw the Seven Mile Dam. This dam is very impressive and what a lot of people don't know is that there is another one just like it 13 km. away. BC is lucky to have these dams that produce hydro-electric power.

Chickadee

On August 8, 2007, I heard a chirping sound in a nearby tree in the campground I was staying in Trail, BC. I turned around and saw a little chickadee sitting in the tree. He was flying around from branch to branch. Chickadees are known for making a sound that is derived from their name. They are very small birds and are black, grey and white in colour.

Chipmunks

On August 8, 2007, I stopped to watch this chipmunk while taking a walk in a campground in Trail, BC. I haven't seen too many chipmunks in BC and I have noticed that chipmunks here are very small compared to chipmunks in Ontario. Chipmunks are adorable creatures though. I love their stripes.

Squirrel

On August 8, 2007, I saw this squirrel in a tree at a campground in Trail, BC. He was quite busy collecting nuts and storing them for winter. I have noticed a lot of squirrels on my travels throughout BC. This squirrel, I believe, is a pine squirrel and you can tell that by the redness of his fur.

Columbia River, Trail, BC

On August 8, 2007, I took this picture of the Columbia River while visiting Trail, BC. The Columbia River is a very majestic river, very wild and tranquille. This picture was taken at the campground that I stayed at for a few days, Beaver Creek Kiwanis Campground. This is my third visit to this area and it definitely won't be my last.

Mission Flats, Kamloops, BC

On July 29, 2007 I took a drive to Mission Flats which is a section of Kamloops, BC. I have actually only been there once in the two years that I have lived in Kamloops. This picture looks out from Mission Flats, across the South Thompson River and over toward the Kamloops Airport.

Whispering Pines Campground, Kamloops, BC

On July 28, 2007, I went camping for one night at the Whispering Pines Campground just outside of Kamloops, BC on Highway 5 North. I had seen this campground several times but had never camped here. I found it to be very nice and clean. They had flush toilets and showers. One drawback was that there was no access to the river so no fishing. However, it was still a very nice place to camp and one that I would recommend. This picture was taken on the morning of July 29, 2007. That little bit of fog between the trees is actually a little cloud of smoke from the campfire.

Baby Mountain Sheep

On July 29, 2007 I got to see the most awesome sight I have ever seen. I saw two little baby mountain sheep. I have never seen baby mountain sheep before and they are so adorable. There for awhile I didn't see any mountain sheep in the Grassland Park but I guess the reason was because the parents were busy raising their young. This was certainly an event I'll never forget.

Margaret Falls

On July 22, 2007, I went for a walk in the Herald Provincial Park, near Sorrento, BC. There was a trail through the park that went through some old growth forest area. At the very end of the trail was Margaret Falls. It was awesome. I loved it.

The falls itself was very impressive. It was like it was in two sections. One part right at the very top and then another below that. You could see a cave right in the middle of the falls.

I've seen waterfalls before but this one was really cool. I loved the forest area too. The trees were very thick and old. They were like ten feet around and probably sixty feet or more tall. Some of the trees had fallen over and were lying across the trail. At one point in the trail there was a tree that was fallen over and if you weren't careful you could hit your head on it.

Herald Provincial Park

On July 21, 2007, I camped for one night at Herald Provincial Park. Herald Provincial Park is located just outside of Sorrento, BC off Highway 1. It is a really nice park with a lake, waterfalls, trail and it even has flush toilets. It is a very clean park and one that I would definitely visit again.

I did not see any wildlife in the park at all. However, I did see lots on the way back to Kamloops. At Boat World just outside of Chase, BC I saw an otter sitting on one of the docks there. I couldn't get a picture of him because I was on the highway and there was no place that I could have stopped safely.

The otter was pretty cool to see. He was huge, too and the funny thing was, his tail was long and skinny. It was at least six feet long. He was sitting on the dock just as if he owned it. I have seen otter before in British Columbia up near Barriere. They are awesome animals. I also saw four bald eagles and an osprey.

Helicopter

On July 15, 2007 I went to the Merritt Mountain Music Festival and got to do something that I have always wanted to do. I got to go for a helicopter ride. It was totally awesome. The pilot flew us over the area of the festival. We were going 100 mph. I got to sit up front with the pilot too. It was a totally awesome experience and one that I will never forget.

Merritt Mountain Music Festival

On July 15, 2007 I went to the Merritt Mountain Music Festival. There were a lot of people leaving the festival as I was getting there because it happened to be a Sunday afternoon. There weren't really any good musicians playing on the Sunday except for Tanya Tucker, who apparently was going to be the last act on stage so I didn't stay around that long to see that show. There was a gospel band on stage when I got there. I don't know who they were but they were good singers. A couple of things that go on at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival are definitely true. When people leave their campsites, they do leave tons of garbage behind and people really do sit in the middle of the river.

Ducklings

On July 9, 2007 I saw these four ducklings and their mother swimming at Paul Lake Provincial Park. There is always a lot of wildlife to see at Paul Lake Provincial Park. That is why I like going there so much.

Deer

On July 8, 2007 I went camping at Paul Lake Provincial Park for the night. I saw this deer standing in the long grass beside the field on the way to the Pinnatan Store. I also saw a cinnamon coloured bear cub on the way into the Paul Lake Provincial Park but I got so excited that I ended up turning the camera off so I didn't get a picture of him.

Stake Lake, BC

On July 2, 2007 I went fishing at Stake Lake, BC. Stake Lake is actually a place to go cross-country skiing in the winter but it has a beautiful lake that many people go fishing in during the summer months. Stake Lake is just outside of Kamloops, BC.

Bald Eagle

On July 5, 2007 I saw my bald eagle sitting in his tree. I hadn't seen him a few months. I imagine he's been busy raising his young. I love seeing this bald eagle.

Kelowna, BC

On June 23, 2007, I went to Kelowna, BC. It was a beautiful sunny day for a drive. Kelowna is part of the Okanagon Valley. There are fruit orchards there as well as mountains and lakes. Kelowna is a very beautiful city.

Shuswap Road, Kamloops, BC

On June 25, 2007, I went for a drive along the Shuswap Road, Kamloops, BC. The Shuswap Road follows the South Thompson River to the north.

Little Fort, BC

On July 1, 2007, I went for a drive to Little Fort, BC. Little Fort is a very small community north of Kamloops, BC. I have been to Little Fort several times now. The very first time I was there was in 2004, when I was on my second visit to British Columbia, Canada.

Cariboo Forest District, BC

On July 1, 2007, after stopping for gas in Little Fort, BC, I drove on Highway 24. I have never seen this section of British Columbia, so this was a new adventure to me. On Highway 24, you enter the Cariboo Forest District. The Cariboo Forest District is full of wildlife and thick, lush forests.

Bridge Lake, BC

On July 1, 2007, I drove through Bridge Lake, BC. It is a very small community along Highway 24 in the Cariboo Forest District. There are lots of lakes, mountains, forests and tons of deer in this section of British Columbia.