Gunnel for Lunch

This Glaucous Gull found a delicous Gunnel for lunch down at a beach in Parksville.  What is a Gunnel? Great question!

 A Gunnel is a elongated fish native to the coasts of the northern Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans, where they inhabit intertidal and subtidal waters and eat crustaceans and mollusks.

Photography Courtesy of Ralph Hocken.

for getting between the cracks

This beautiful Whimbrel was seen looking for dinner between the rocks in Parksville.  They breed in the Artic and winter in the tropics. 

Photography Courtesy of Ralph Hocken.

Don't I have great legs! Greater Yellow Legs in Parksville

This youngster was taking a stroll on a log in Parksville, just amazing legs! Greater Yellow Legs eat small insects, bugs and if they’re lucky, small fish.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Hocken.

These two are Bonaparte’s Gull having some fun on the beach in Parksville.  Did you know that they are on their way to winter in Mexico and they have just come back from breeding in the Boreal forests up north.  Parksville is a great place to fuel up for a long flight!

Photography courtesy of Ralph Hocken.

Black-Bellied Plover getting his feathers ruffled in Parksville

Black-Bellied Plover finding snacks between the rocks in Parksville.  Have a great week in the sunshine.

Photography courtesy of Ralph Hocken.

Albino Raven seen in Parksville

This albino Raven was seen in Parksville.  It isn’t a complete albino because it has blue eyes.  Very interesting how it goes about finding dinner!

Photography courtesy of Ralph Hocken.

Would you like to take in amazing views of Nanaimo and beyond?

Time to book your spot on the guided hike up Mt. Benson on Saturday, July 17th.  Nanaimo Area Land Trust – NALT is organizing a hike up the Mt. Benson mountain which overlooks Nanaimo.

Call 250-714-1990 to reserve your hike up Mt. Benson.

Ready for the bugs! Anna's Humming Bird in Nanaimo

We are lucky here to have Anna’s Hummingbirds as residents all year around.  You have to be quick to see them and they are very small – only the size of 4 quarters in a row!

Photography courtesy of Ralph Hocken.

Orange- Crowned Warbler sings in Parksville

Listen up because they are singing all around you!  Enjoy your Canada Week!!

Photography courtesy of Ralph Hocken.

Experience an outdoor art gallery! Make plans to take a walk around the waterfront in Nanaimo and through Maffeo Sutton Park.

You will see the installation of nine temporary public art pieces.  Eight pieces will be located in the Maffeo Sutton Park Spirit Square and one piece will be located in McGregor Park (across from the Port Theatre). Several local artists have collaborated on the diverse art displays.  The art pieces will be officially on display from July 1st, 2010 through October 2010, then they will be auctioned off to the public by the Nanaimo Art Gallery.