Today I stopped in at Swan Lake to see how spring was progressing. Progressing is the wrong word because it seems that spring is in full swing with many of the trees getting there leaves and even flowers! Along with all the new growth it seems like the bird population has swelled as the weather has warmed up.

A Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)

There where also a number of Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris).

The past week I was up in Rossland relaxing, doing a bit of skiing and enjoying myself. I was hoping to get lots of snow photos but it was very warm the whole time and the lack of snow did not motivate me at all. This is one of the few shots I did get, the view from my friends deck.

Sandcut beach on the south-west of Vancouver Island has become one of my favourite beaches since discovering it last year after moving to Victoria. This is one of the most beautiful locations I have ever visited. I have made a number of trips to this beach in the past little while and hope to be able to continue to do this. Unfortunately the current owners of this property, Western Forest Products is looking to sell off 5,700 hectares along the Juan de Fuca straight near Jordan River which includes many of the popular surfing beaches as well as Sandcut beach. Right now local governments and private parties such as UBC and the land conservancy (TLC) are in negotiations to prevent the privatization and development of at least the waterfront portions of this land if not all of it. I can only hope that some kind of agreement is reached so not only Sandcut beach can be saved but this whole area which is simply stunning.