Wildlife

Sea Wolves Howling on the West Coast of BC

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*Sound On* This encounter with wolves was one of the most magical moments of my life. We’d been walking down a remote beach off the west coast of Vancouver Island when up ahead we saw a pack playfully bounding through the intertidal zone and across the driftwood logs. Stopping a good distance away, we watched and waited our turn in awe of these beautiful creatures. One by one they left the beach, leaving one last wolf that started to howl. Soon the whole forest lit up with howls from all around, including from behind us where we hadn’t noticed any animals before.

It’s hard to put into words how powerful and primal an experience this was. Many in our group were brought to tears and I still get goosebumps listening to it again.

Eventually, the last wolf slipped back into the woods, and just like that they vanished, merging with the wilds which they call home.

Anna's Hummingbird Babies

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The little hummingbird family I fed over winter had babies!! Three little zippers have been growing up quick right in my backyard and it’s been a wonder to watch them. They make little ‘peeping’ sounds and just melt your heart. More might be on the way as well! Ah, quite the proud sugar daddy right now 😊

Anna's Hummingbird in Winter, BC

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Here are some portraits of my hummingbird pal. I hung out with this guy all day yesterday, thawing his feeder and watching him buzz about. These beautiful birds sure can survive harsh weather. At night they enter a state of ‘torpor’, a hibernation-like mode where their metabolic rate drops by as much as 95% and their body temperature lowers to a hypothermic threshold barely sufficient to maintain life. During the day, their body temp climbs to 40C and their tiny heart beats 1200 times per minute while flying! They’re essentially a rainbow glitter ball that eats half its body weight in sugar each day with the ability to fly forwards, backwards, sideways, and even upside down. How cool is that. Their iridescent feathers are incredible too - an effect created by microscopic air bubbles that refract light at different angles. I’m sure there’s plenty of magic involved as well ;)