Witless Bay Islands Park Reserve

South from Newfoundland’s capital was a whale watching and puffin tour at Bay Bulls. Whale watching is often a gamble and on my trip out into Witless Bay we spotted several pods, but only briefly. Still, being on the ocean was exhilarating and I was introduced to that distinct Newfoundland accent. 

Birdwatchers on patrol

In spite of living only half an hour’s drive from Maplewood Flats Wild Bird Sanctuary, I had only ever driven past heading further a field. This quiet corner of North Vancouver offered excellent views of Burrard Inlet, and I was keen to explore the reserve even though I was no bird watcher.

Reifel Bird Sanctuary

I’ve visted this isolated island reserved south of Vancouver in the summer, but this time, I wanted to see if the snowy owl had made its way south yet.

A Sea of Snow Geese

I crossed the wooden single lane bridge to Westham Island from Ladner heading to Reifel Bird Sanctuary.

Westham Island’s George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary

South the Vancouver lies a bird sanctuary with the Fraser River on one side and the Salish Sea on the other. In the distance lies the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands where the salty sea air washes over the exposed landscape. This is a bird watcher’s haven and although I’m not one of them, it’s still a pleasure to visit the island and come into contact with thousands of birds.

Ecuador’s protected island – Isla de la Plata

I booked a tour to the island off the coast of Puerto Lopez. My daughter wasn’t interested. Unbeknown to her, she was going to the Galapagos Islands in a couple of weeks so just as well she didn’t waste money touring this island. I, on the other hand, wasn’t. Instead I headed to what was coined the poor person’s Galapagos.