I think it is a bullfrog since it has a distinct tympanum (the circular body part just behind and below the eye) and no dorsolateral folds. The diameter of a male’s tympanum is roughly twice that of their eye while a female’s is about the same size. The photograph suggests a tympanum diameter 1.5 times that of the eye, so I’m stumped. Bullfrogs are not … Continue reading Froggy!
The troupe of Wigeons left False Creek pond a few weeks ago. So did most of the Mallards and the Canada Geese. Last Thursday the little pond was mostly occupied by a posse of Glaucous-winged Gulls. I decided recently that I take too many pictures, so some days I choose to leave my camera at home. But I always have my iPhone with me. So, … Continue reading Seagull party
I see many birds and dogs when I visit Vancouver’s ponds and lakes but I don’t usually see turtles. A month ago, I saw the silhouette of a small turtle on a log at Trout Lake while I was trying to get a closer look at some Northern Shovelers. I thought it was man made. After forgetting about it for a few minutes, I decided to take a closer look. It was gone! Not man made.
A few days ago, I went to see what the ducks, geese and gulls were up to at the False Creek pond. As I approached a clearing between two patches of trees, a turtle appeared. I oohed and ahhed over it for a while, and when I turned my head left, two more turtles appeared!
Continue reading “Turtles!”
I saw my first hooded mergansers in early February this year. An hour and a half before sunrise, I just couldn’t sleep so I walked west into the darkness, with no particular destination in mind. At Main St and Broadway, the coffee shops were still closed. Fifteen minutes before sunrise, I finished my coffee and muffin on Cambie and bounced down to False Creek. Rain … Continue reading Hooded merganser nest
