.jpg) Juniper on the Mountainside
A steep and rocky path runs from the Azzaden Valley, up through the twisting junipers, over the Tizi Oudid, around the flank of a mountain, and down into the village of Imlil. The High Atlas Mountains of Morocco stretch out all around, as far as the eye can see. We were starting out early: my Berber guide Mohammed was worried about the impact of the hot autumn sun on our steep climb from the trekking lodge (Azzaden Trekking Lodge) near Tizi Oussem in the Toubkal National Park in Morocco, to the mountain pass we needed to cross.
I was worried too!
I had found hiking in the High Atlas Mountains more difficult than I had anticipated, and spent much of the time struggling and cursing to myself as I walked over the rough and rocky paths strewn with rubbish, donkey droppings, and loose scree. Of course, in the evenings, after a hot bath or shower and over a fragrant tagine of freshly cooked food, all pain was forgotten.
In theory, I was rested. We had only hiked six-and-a-bit kilometres (3.8 mi) the day before, taking a picturesque circuit around the Azzaden Valley (see: Walking in the Azzaden Valley). But, even when I was young, I was no good on up-hills, and the first two kilometres of this day – a 12-km trek through the mountain pass known as Tizi Oudid (Tizi n’Oudid) to the town of Imlil – was mostly uphill.
We set off at 8am. The mountain valley was still in shade that gave the jagged rocks a purple hue. But as Mohammed had promised, before long the sun was up, beating on our backs through an almost-completely-clear sky.
We reached the pass – which sits at 2,219 metres (7280 feet) – before 10am; from there the path flanking the mountainside is as much down as up. That was good news!
The other good news was that we would pass through the town of Imlil itself, giving me a chance to look at some genuine Berber carpets before returning to my accommodation for the night.
That thought, and the breathtaking views (and some nuts and chocolate), kept my spirits high.
.jpg) Early Morning over Azzaden Valley
As we set off, I have extensive views over the valley from my lodgings. The sky is light, but the sun has not yet reached over the mountain peaks. .jpg) Rocks on a Steep Hillside
Everything has a purple hue in the low light. The rocks in these mountains are a mix of volcanic, sedimentary, and metamorphic types, and are scattered across the arid landscape.  Shelter from the Storms
These rough huts are common in the mountains where herders and their goats might get caught out by inclement weather or need overnight protection from predators. Cairn on the Hill
The path rises steadily, up through the rocks – some of which have been piled into cairns. Nature’s Sculpture : Bent and Twisted
I was endlessly fascinated by the twisting trunks and tangled roots of the native Spanish juniper trees (Juniperus thurifera). More Rocks on the Hillside
As the sky gradually lightens, the colours in the rock become more dramatic. Spanish Juniper – Juniperus Thurifera
These native junipers are hardy trees that cling to the rocky slopes, leaning into the winds. Prickly Juniper – Juniperus Oxycedrus
This Mediterranean High Atlas Juniper Steppe is a montane grass and shrubland ecoregion, home to several types of juniper and cedar. (iPhone15Pro) Rocky Path
The track around the flank of the mountain is rough under foot and often vague. Good boots and a local guide are essentials! Shadow Selfie on the Hill
We’ve been on the track just over an hour and the rising sun sends strong shadows over the rough terrain. Light in the Junipers
The angled morning light sets the rocky ground and the juniper trunks aglow. Nature’s Artworks : Twisted Trunks Cairns at the Top
More rocky cairns mark the pass. Mountain views stretch in all directions. 2219 Metres – 7280 Feet Rounding the Bend
Berber villages dot the valleys as we follow the goat tracks around the mountain. Mountain Peaks
The High Atlas stretch out into the distance. The path itself is loose and rocky underfoot. Red Mountainside
The mountainsides show off their striations of colour as the sun sits high in the sky. Black Beetle
In the absence of any other wildlife (we could hear goat herders’ dogs higher up), I got excited by a common darkling beetle. Imlil Below
The Imlil Valley is fed by the Rehraya River, and is lush with fields of barley and corn, and orchards of walnuts, apples, and cherries. Leaf Beetle – Chrysomela Populi Loaded Mule
The little mules and donkeys who service these rough tracks seem to carry their body-weight in goods. Into Imlil
Finally! We draw into Imlil, where damage from the devastating September 2023 earthquake is still visible. Red-Billed Chough – Pyrrhocorax Pyrrhocorax
Everywhere you look, repair and rebuilding is taking place. In a Village Street
Imlil is at the end of the paved road from Marrakesh and caters to the tourists who come to hike in nearby Toubkal National Park. Souvenirs and Talismans
The shops are full of arts, crafts, and souvenirs. I was on the hunt for my own Berber rug. Stairs to the Kasbah
The Kasbah du Toubkal, where my walk will end, sits atop a hill on the outskirts of Imlil. The Kasbah Shop
Admiring more carpets makes for a good excuse to stop after the short, steep climb. (iPhone15Pro) Fattah Albaz
The shopkeeper is always ready to offer cups of mint tea and have a chat. My four days of hiking in the High Atlas ended here: with a hot shower, a tasty tagine, and one last night at the Kasbah before travelling back to Marrakesh the next day.
As reminders of my trek, I had sore muscles, a sense of accomplishment, and a nice new Berber rug.
Until next time!
Photos: 12October2024
Posted in Africa,Morocco,TravelTags: architecture,blog,environmental portrait,environmental portraits,High Atlas,landscape,Morocco,mountains,National Park,nature,people,Photo Blog,travel,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall,walk
Maoli on the Crossroads Stage
Maoli means ‘native’ or ‘indigenous’ in Hawaiian, and signifies authenticity and genuineness. Under the name Maoli, Kana Akiu-Corpuz, Glenn Awong, and Nuu Kahalehau play a blend of reggae, roots, and country – all with Hawaiian overtones. You don’t get much more boundary-crossing than that! Any visitor to these pages knows I love my music festivals.
While small festivals (eg: Thredbo Blues, Thredbo Jazz, and Vancouver Island Music Festival) have their charm, the granddaddy of them all is the annual Easter long-weekend Byron Bay Bluesfest. I first attended back in 1999 when it was a three-day celebration of local and international blues and roots music. It featured an incredible number of my favourite artists and introduced me to some wonderful ‘new’ names.
My penultimate attendance was back in 2019 (Byron Bay Bluesfest 2019). I bought tickets for 2020 before going home. Of course, that one was cancelled on account of Covid19. But, I hung in there, and bought tickets for 2021. That year, the festival was Covid19-cancelled again – but at the last minute this time: less than 24 hours before commencement. By then, after long days of driving, I was already lodged in Byron Bay. As I sat for a week watching the rain falling outside my modest cabin, the heart went out of me and I collected my refund.
Last year, they advertised that the four-day 2025 event would be the last. I had great sympathy for the organisers: staging an event of this size in this new, uncertain world is a fraught and risky business. So, I contacted a friend, and together we decided to take the plunge.
Of course, the event sold out and was absolutely jam-packed. And, as we found out later: they never believed it would be the last.
Festival photos (especially without a Press Pass!) are taken under challenging conditions: stage lighting is unpredictable; the tents are dark and crowded; and great swathes of space in front of the stage is reserved for VIP ticket-holders. But, surmounting those challenges is usually part of my enjoyment. I love getting that “one” picture that I’m happy with.
While this year’s lineup included some of my local favourites, there was very little by way of international offering that was high on my list. Looking back at my photos, I have difficulty sorting out my feelings about an event which was so crowded that tents were – at times – dangerous, and which – although it offered lots of good music – featured fewer high-points than usual.
So, to keep life simple, I’ve started chronologically: with some of the performers I saw on the first day – the Thursday afternoon.
I hope you enjoy the pictures:
Bluesfest Tents
We got ourselves to the grounds nice and early; the big tents were ready to be filled with music. (iPhone15Pro) Welcome to Country
An Arakwal elder from the local Bundjalung Nation welcomed us to country. Dubay = Women
This troupe is made up of young local Indigenous women who dance both traditional and newly choreographed pieces. Electric Cadillac in Delta Tent
After the Welcome, I wandered over to the Delta Tent for my first taste of blues. Rocking the Delta Tent
Electric Cadillac is a four-piece blues-rock band from Jakarta, Indonesia. (iPhone15Pro) Frontman and Lead Guitar
Under Kongko Bangun Pambudi, Electric Cadillac play a mix of blues, funk, and soul: originals as well as old standards. Chasing Bubbles
Bluesfest has always been family-friendly. This year, there seemed to be many more children than previously. Introducing the Players
Electric Cadillac frontman Kongko introduces the rest of the band. M Ade Irawan
Described as a jazz and blues pianist, blind virtuoso keyboard player Ade Irawan lifts Electric Cadillac to greater heights. Pierce Brothers
Billed as a folk duo, these twin brothers from Melbourne brought plenty of energy to the Delta tent. “They Gonna Know my Name”
Reminding me of Stevie Wonder, young Budjerah had the audience in the palm of his hands. Budjerah
Budjerah’s name means first light: he was born just before morning sunrise. The son of licensed pastors, he grew up singing gospel music in his parent’s churches around Fingal Head in the far northeast of New South Wales. Budjerah Julum Slabb
The young Coodjinburra man from the Bundjalung nation is a multiple-award winning singer-songwriter; he supported Ed Sheeran on his 2023 Australian tour. Maoli
The next performers in the Crossroads tent were these Island/country/reggae artists from Maui, Hawaii. Glenn Awong
Maoli was formed in 2007 by the Hawaiian musician Glenn Awong and has since become one of the most influential and celebrated commercial recording artists across Hawaii and the rest of Polynesia. Drummer with Maoli
Drummers often get hidden in the background – I couldn’t even find the name of this one, but I liked the backdrop. Tones and I
This was one I was looking forward to: Toni Watson is SO much more than the “Dance Monkey” hit that launched her into world view. Toni and I on Stage
Toni started performing in 2009 and spent years writing and busking before launching to fame in 2019 with her first single Johnny Run Away and the record-breaking Dance Monkey. On the Big Stage
Tones and I won a busking competition in Byron Bay in 2019; now they command a whole stage production. I hadn’t realised how many of her great songs I would recognise. The Crossroads tent was packed: I was a long way back, with a 200ml lens, and the photos have had some heavy cropping! It was late, but people were still arriving into the grounds. We decided to make an early get-away and not stay for the last acts – after all, we had three more days of music coming our way.
We danced our way back to the car …
Let’s all dance!
Photos: 17April2025
Posted in Australia,Byron Bay Bluesfest,Music,PortraitsTags: Australia,Byron Bay Bluesfest,environmental portrait,environmental portraits,music,musician,performance,performers,Photo Blog,portrait,portraits,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall
Those Iconic Fishing Nets!
You could be nowhere else in the world: those distinctive nets, made of teak wood and bamboo poles, suspended over the Laccadive Sea are emblematic of Kochi (Cochin) in the Southwest Indian state of Kerala. I loved the unique charm of Fort Kochi (Cochin).
Kochi, the financial and commercial capital of Kerala, is a major port city on the Malabar Coast, home to shipping, industry, and the only international marina in India. Called the Queen of the Arabian Sea, with its commanding location on the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula, Kochi has long been a strategic maritime centre, boasting a rich and remarkably cosmopolitan history.
Kochi and ports to the north of it were known to mariners from ancient times and were the centre of the Indian spice trade for many centuries. However, the other ports were destroyed by massive floods in 1341, leading to Kochi’s dominance.
The Arab, Chinese, and European merchants who visited and lived here left their mark in the historic streets around the old waterfront area now known as Fort Kochi. This charming seaside district, in the vicinity of the ruins of Fort Emmanuel (Fort Manuel), is known for its Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture – some dating to the 15- and 1600s.
Even the magnificent heritage hotel I was staying in was originally built by the Dutch in the 1860s (see: Fort Kochi Heritage Hotel). Although it is upgraded to include modern comforts, it still boasts Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences.
I was travelling with a small group. We had arrived in Fort Kochi the evening before, in time for a piquant South Indian meal followed by a traditional Kathakali dance performance (see: An Introduction to Kathakali).
This morning saw us in our walking shoes, ready to explore the streets of the old city.
Naturally, our first stop was on the waterfront, to see the cheenavala – the unique fishing nets introduced to Kochi in the 14th century by the Chinese. Still in use today, these lift nets made of teak and bamboo are a symbol of the city and a popular tourist drawcard.
A Busy Waterfront
This is India, so I’m not surprised by the heat and trash and chaos on the Fort Kochi waterfront. Looking After the Boats
The waterfront is crowded with boats and people working them. Ships on the Horizon
Cattle egrets (Ardea coromanda) rest on poles in the harbour, while rusty working boats chug in through the sea haze. Vasco de Gama Beach Chinese Fishing Nets – Cheenavala
These heavy nets are used throughout southern China, but Kerala is the only place you will see them in India. Fisherman
Each of the lift nets is operated by four to six fishermen; they are happy to pause the heavy work for a chat. A Colourful Boat on the Waters Steam Boilers in Kochi Dry Dock
The rusty boilers on display on Vasco de Gama Beach are a reminder of the city’s maritime industry. They were used for twenty years – starting from 1956 – to power the cranes working the dry docks. Church of Saint Francis
Our next stop was at one of India’s oldest European churches. St. Francis was originally built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who died in the city in 1524, was originally interred here. Lucas inside St. Francis
In the relatively simple interior, our guide gives us a rundown of the history and architecture of the reconditioned building. When the Protestant Dutch captured Kochi from the Portuguese in 1663, they demolished all the Roman Catholic churches except this one – which they converted. Musicians in the Street
Back in the streets, a Hindu festival is taking place. Blowing the Kombu and Horns
These large curved brass horns have been used in South India since about the 6th century. They are commonly played – along with other wind instruments and the various drums – during Hindu rituals, and the effect is deafening. Young Hindu Priest Temple Elephant
Although the practice is coming under scrutiny these days, many Hindu temples still have one or more elephants – believed to be sacred reincarnations or representations of Lord Ganesha. During festivals, the elephants – in their ornate golden headwear – typically make a neighbourhood circuit. Priests
While the mahout walks below, two priests ride the elephant through the streets. Mattancherry Palace
Our next stop was at a small palace. Built in traditional Kerala style: a quadrangular structure with a courtyard in the middle, the building itself is fairly unprepossessing from the outside. Rooftops from the Palace
Commonly called the Dutch Palace, the palace was actually constructed by the Portuguese around 1545. It was built as a gift for the Maharaja of Kochi, to appease him after they plundered a nearby temple. Edakochi Kayal from a Palace Window Artefacts
The palace is known for its delicate woodwork and its many murals depicting royal life. It also houses some historical items. Mattancherry from a Palace Window
I was most taken by the window seats – all graced with beautiful views. Cochin Paradesi Synagogue
Our last stop was in Mattancherry Jew Town – named for the Jewish community who settled in Kochi from as early as the 12th century. The first were known as Malabar Jews; they claimed direct lineage to King Solomon. Later, Sephardi Jews – who became known as Paradesi Jews (or Foreign Jews) – made their way to Kochi after their 1492 expulsion from the Iberian Peninsula. Tiles in the Synagogue
The synagogue features hundreds of 18th-century hand-painted Chinese porcelain tiles, with no two exactly the same. (iPhone12Pro) A Pillar and a Prayer
“Hear Israel, O our God …” (iPhone12Pro) Jew Street
Back outside, the street is full of fascinating shops to explore. Perfumes and Powders
These are the sorts of talc powders that are used to decorate doorsteps – or elephants. (iPhone12Pro) Craftswoman
I spent some time chatting with this woman, and admiring her fine needlework. She learned her craft as an apprentice to Sarah, the old woman who became the last remaining Jewish resident of this district. Fort Kochi is truly a rich and remarkably cosmopolitan historic town – it’s no wonder ranked it highly in National Geographic’s Top 25 Tourist Destinations To Explore In 2020 and continues to attract tourists from India and around the world.
 I’d go back!
Photos: 31January2023
Posted in India,TravelTags: architecture,arts and crafts,blog,environmental portrait,environmental portraits,history,Kerala,landscape,Photo Blog,travel,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall
Church in the Noonday Sun
“Stone and sky, they marry here. It is the perpetual dawn of man’s awakening.”
– Henry Miller
The whitewashed Agia Paraskevi church on a hill in Apeiranthos village, Naxos, Greece, does indeed, marry the sky. The American novelist, short story writer, and essayist, Henry Valentine Miller (1891-1980) was enamoured of Greece.
I must say: I was too.
I didn’t travel in the same style as Miller: he was there for nine months – originally at the invitation of author Lawrence Durrell – and spent his time in the company of writers and philosophers. I had only one month, and alternated my time between solo exploration and small-group travel.
On this particular day, I was on Naxos in the Cyclades, where I had already been treated to a number of gems (see: Jewel of the Cyclades). I had a free day on my own, and decided to brave the local buses and take a trip into mountains at the centre of the island to visit the fabled marble village of Apeiranthos (Apíranthos or Aperathos).
Only 28 km (17 mi) north-east of where I was staying (as the crow flies?), it was an hour’s drive, grinding up hill and around bends on an old bus full of locals. The town itself – when you get there – straddles an altitude of between 570 and 640 m (1870 and 2100 ft) on the flank of Mount Fanari; not that high perhaps, but having come from sea level, I felt the difference in air quality and temperature.
The similarities of the dialect and traditions to those in mountainous Cretan villages has led some historians to believe that Apeiranthos was built by Cretans, probably during the 10th century; I’ll leave that to the experts (see: Apeiranthos village).
What fascinated me was the abundant use of marble in the buildings – some dating back to the Venetian Empire of between 1207 and 1537. Quality marble has been quarried on the island since antiquity, and its skilled stone carvers and craftsmen have used it in everything from luminous sculptures to roof tiles and pavers. In Apeiranthos, marble is everywhere you look: the walls and window frames of the houses, the steps and pavers in the winding laneways, and – naturally – the goods in the tourist shops.
When I visited, the world was still reeling from Covid19 shutdowns, so the museums and the Woven Products Cooperative were all closed. I contented myself with wandering through the narrow marble laneways and climbing up and down endless steps and hills.
It is no wonder the locals stay fit!
Coastal Villages
As the bus climbs into the hills, I get a beautiful view over the countryside. (iPhone12Pro) Houses on the Mountainside
Descending from the bus in Apeiranthos, I walked up the roadway to get my bearings. High on a hill, a whitewashed home stands against the blue Mediterranean midday sky. The View
Back downhill, islands dot the waters of the south Aegean Sea. Church on a Hill
Around a bend, I find the whitewashed Agia Paraskevi church standing against the dark blue sky. This little Greek Orthodox church – dating to 1720 – is dedicated to Saint Paraskevi of Rome, a venerated Christian martyr from the 2nd century. Everyday Life
Around 1000 people live in Apeiranthos; they certainly get their exercise, walking the hilly streets. Metal Doorway in a Marble Wall
Naxos was the first Greek island to work with marble: in Apeiranthos, almost everything is made of it – including the walls of houses. Textured Walls and Door
Clearly, not all the buildings lining the winding laneways are occupied. Between the Houses
Walls, stairs, and even the street pavers in this village are all made of marble. Narrow Walkway
Many of the double-story houses and laneways here go back to the days of the Venetian Empire. Tourists on the Steps
Stairs are everywhere, leading you through the narrow winding alleys. Plants on the Steps
Many of the stairways are worn and wonky, but potted and hanging plants add colour and charm. Archway and Stairs
Arches and tiny tunnels pass between the multi-story houses. The Texture of Peeling Paint Another Archway and More Stairs
No two archways are the same. Church Rooftop
Looking up from the narrow laneways, I find another Orthodox dome against the cloudless sky. View over the Countryside
The ruins of old stone mills dot the hillside; the Panagia (Virgin Mary) Aperathitissa church has a commanding presence on the main street below. Marble Stairs
It is like being in a labyrinth! Lanes, stairs, … Marble Arches
… and quirky arches lead off in all directions. Down to the Market
Thanks to my walking app working like a breadcrumb trail, I found my way back to the main street, and set off in search of lunch. Sagging Stairs and Taverna
The next set of steps looked like it was in danger of collapse. Local Marble and Ceramics
A shop on the main street showcases the local stone-craft … Pottery and Plates
Fortunately for me, most pieces were too big and too heavy to fit in my suitcase.and Textures More Stairs Down …
Mоst οf the villаge is οnly aсcessiblе by fοot, with cars аnd buses relegated to the main roаd and the outskirts. … and Up Again!
That, and the gleaming marble everywhere, is probably why it is regularly called the most picturesque village on Naxos. Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Aperathitissa
Near my bus stop, one of the oldest churches on the island draws me in with the tolling of its bells. The Bells Toll
An elderly woman has died, and her relatives ring the church bells as part of the funeral service. Over Chalki Village
Being located on the side of of a mountain, Apeiranthos is also known for its views. Before the bus comes, I get one last look at the next village below. (iPhone12Pro) It’s a charming village, seemingly untouched by time.
Naturally, I couldn’t completely resist: I went home with a small piece of inlaid marble.
And a smile!
Until next time…
Pictures: 23September2022
Posted in Architecture,Greece,TravelTags: architecture,arts and crafts,landscape,marble,Photo Blog,Religious Practice,travel,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall
Casey the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus)
Casey, who has a non-repairable dislocated wing, is a permanent resident and Animal Ambassador at the North Island Animal Rescue Centre on Vancouver Island, BC Canada. Life in the wilderness can be tough for animals. Any injury or abnormality can be life-threatening, leaving them unable to fend for themselves.
Life in the wilds is tough for photographers as well. While I’m out bush-walking (eg: Long Roads and Short Walks #2), I’m not sharp enough to identify the birds or animals I hear, and not quick enough to photograph the few I actually see.
So, a well-maintained and attractive animal refuge, where animals are are on view and cared for until they can be released back into their normal habitat, is a win-win.
I was staying with family in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, on the west coast of British Columbia (BC) Canada. While I was there, I heard from friends that the North Island Animal Rescue Centre in nearby Errington was well worth a visit.
Run by the non-profit North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA), which was founded in 1985, the eight-acre centre opened in 1986. Although the Centre is a bit off the beaten track, it has looked after animals from as far away as Saskatchewan.
The Centre’s stated mission is: To care for ill, injured, and orphaned wildlife and to educate the public on wildlife and environmental issues. Over its years of operation, it has expanded its facilities and scope, but continues caring for animals with a range of needs and reintroducing them to the wild when possible. Under expert guidance, an army of volunteers provide public and school tours, help with animal care, and look after the gift shop and the premises.
I was most impressed by the beautifully laid out grounds, the attractive cages the animals were in, and the informative and engaging signposting everywhere.
Do come along to visit some Western Canadian wildlife:
Entry Displays
Entry into the centre is through a light and airy hallway, built in local timbers and featuring taxidermied examples of some of the local wildlife. Display Case
Birds – especially owls and other raptors – are the most common residents at the centre. They are elusive in the wild, and aside from the very distinctive bald eagles, I seldom know what raptor I’m seeing as they circle high overhead. Sea Wolf – Canis Lupus Crassodon
Vancouver Coastal or Vancouver Island sea wolves are endemic to this region. A unique subspecies of wolf, they are semi-aquatic and live on a diet that is almost completely marine-based. They play an important role in the myths and spiritual beliefs of the local Indigenous peoples, and are often represented in their art forms. Enclosure
I loved the leafy environment, and the aesthetic of the enclosures. Great Gray Owl – Strix Nebulosa
Farley here is from Mainland BC where he was hit by a car, causing irreparable wing damage. Great gray owls are the largest owls in mainland BC, and not found in the wild on Vancouver Island. Common or Northern Raven – Corvus Corax
Shooting pictures through enclosure wiring presents its own set of challenges. Raised in captivity, this bird never learned how to find food on its own. Peregrine Falcon – Falco Peregrinus
Patrick is a captive-bred falcon who came to the Centre because he suffers seizures that make him ineffective as a falconry bird. Snowy Owl – Bubo Scandiaca
Elsa the snowy owl was found on the ground, weak from starvation and unable to fly. It’s unlikely that she will ever be well enough to survive in the wild. Great Horned Owls – Bubo Virginianus
Boo and Spook are like many of the owls who come to the centre with eye and/or wing injuries, or because they were raised in captivity and can’t adapt to the wild. Secret Garden A Quiet Corner
The whole property feels calm and invites reflection. Raven – Corvus Corax
Blizzard is a common raven with leucism, a condition similar to albinism that occurs about 1 in 30,000 births. This partial lack of pigmentation makes the birds more visible to predators and more susceptible to harmful UV radiation from the sun. While they feature in Greek mythology and local Indigenous origin stories, they are sometimes rejected socially by other birds. Bald Eagle – Haliaeetus Leucocephalus
These beautiful birds are found across most of North America, mainly near large bodies of water. Their numbers are increasing since the banning of DDT in 1972. The Centre cares for a huge number of eagles, who arrive with a range of ailments, including electric shock, gunshot wounds, broken bones, and/or lead poisoning. In 1991 the Centre built an Eagle Flight Enclosure – the largest of its kind in Canada – where recovering birds can build strength before their release. The Annual Eagle Release takes place in spring when the birds have the best chance of success because the herring are running, providing plenty of food. Eastern Gray Squirrel – Sciurus Carolinensis
Even though they are introduced and considered invasive, these squirrels are cute. Nature’s Sculpture Picnic Table Common Wall Lizard – Podarcis Muralis
I love how animal sanctuaries attract wild birds and critters. Spring Flowers Western Painted Turtle – Chrysemys Picta
These turtles are endangered on Vancouver Island. They are challenged for limited resources by released non-native pet-store turtles like the popular red-eared sliders. Ravensong
This 40 foot Tlingit/Tsimshian-style war canoe, carved and painted in 1993 by Tsimshian-Norwegian artist William “Bill” Helin, had pride of place at the 2010 Olympic Pan Pacific Hotel Exhibition. Bill Helin
In addition to writing and illustrating children’s story books and creating art and jewelry, Bill is part-time Artist in Residence at the Centre, carving and painting on site, and leading traditional cultural drumming and canoe workshops. Metal Rooster
Every corner brings a new surprise: like this quirky farmyard decor. American Barn Owls – Tyto Furcata
Brothers Jelly and Bean were bred in captivity – and are therefore unable to hunt. They came to the Centre in 2009. American Black Bear – Ursus Americanus
It’s a sign of the Centre’s success that all the rescued bears – except this one – had been released back to the wild. Rae, who doesn’t much like the limelight, was found on Vancouver Island alongside the highway. She was underweight and unsteady – and still suffers epilepsy, likely from head trauma.
I really enjoyed my time at the Centre. If I lived on the Island, I’d be a regular visitor! I was so impressed with the whole operation that I slipped some money into the donation box before leaving.
Until next time,
Tread Softly!
Pictures: 18June2024
Posted in Animals,Canada,TravelTags: animal park,animal sanctuary,animals,blog,Canada,environmental portraits,flowers,nature,Ursula Wall,Vancouver Island
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