A reserve that should have been preserved

When I caught a train to Tamsui, my eyes followed a trail running parallel to the tracks that continued all the way to the last MRT station. On the journey I spotted so many pieces of garbage it seemed like someone had tipped a box of never-ending litter along the route.

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

Even though this reserve on Westham Island was about birds, I couldn’t help be in wonder at the vegetation.

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.

Puffins, puffins and more puffins

 

I arrived in Elliston, the puffin capital. After the long distance view of birds at Bay Bulls, I was surprised at how close I was to these puffins.

I sat on a cliff where across on a stack, breeding pairs were busy around their burrows. I’m guessing the ones on the cliff where I sat were those without partners. They were within a metre of where I sat perfectly still watching their antics.