My World Tuesday

 On the west coast of Canada, the cry of seagulls is a common and welcome sound in the air.

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Yet, in spite of the years I've lived here, and the number of birds I've seen, I had never gotten a close glimpse of young gulls.

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 Imagine my delight then, when I came across these youngsters in White Rock last week.

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As we often do, my husband and I had stopped at the beach to enjoy ice cream cones and a walk on the pier.

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Approaching the old railway station/turned gallery, I noticed that all eyes were fixed upward.  Claiming everyone's attention were three balls of speckled fuzz perched precariously on the roof! Wobbly and awkward, these little ones huddled together in their shuffling attempts to navigate the steep asphalt shingles.

We could hear their thin chirping calls, and the tapping of their beaks as they examined every scrap they found to see if it might be edible. 

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 Hovering nearby, the parents kept a careful eye  on the youngsters, but let them continue their explorations. 

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It was not long before tiredness overcame the trio. They scratched about for a spot to settle, curling themselves into tight little balls.

This fellow gave our hearts a start. Every time he lay down, he began to slide backwards to the edge. More than a few of us were ready to leap in and catch him if necessary...mine was not the only gasp of apprehension.

We need not have worried. Eventually, he found a corner under the eaves that offered shelter and security, and immediately dropped off to sleep!

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While I was delighted to have my camera along that day, the sight of these little guys  is something I'll be able to recall in an instant.

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There's definitely a reason our province is called Beautiful British Columbia!

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For more shots from around the world, do stop by My World Tuesday and check out the amazing entries...

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http://www.showyourworld.blogspot.com/

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I am also linking up with World Bird Wednesday...I hope you'll stop by and visit the other participants...

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 http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com

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White Rock Skies and Reflections

We are blessed to have lived near the hamlet of White Rock in B.C. for over thirty years, yet each time we walk on the pier or meander alongside the railroad tracks, I find myself charmed by it all over again...

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 My favourite time to visit is late afternoon, when the crowds thin out as people head home to cozy up by the fire after their wind-swept walks.

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We've had an inclement spring so far in our part of the world, with more rain than usual and very cool days.  Disliking the heat, this has been perfect for me...more importantly, I love that the lingering clouds we seem unable to escape provide endless photo ops.

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I was very glad I'd thrown my camera in the trunk for this recent visit, as was my husband...I've been known to whine horribly when glorious sunsets appear before me and I have only my eyes with which to record them!

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 I recently met two of my favourite blogging friends here for afternoon tea and had a splendid visit with them. Longtime lovers of White Rock, Kay and Penelope are only too familiar with the radiance that so often paints the sea and sky with a light that's almost magical. I took these shots with them in mind...I know they will nod in recognition upon seeing them and say, "Ah yes...that's our wonderful beach".

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I am participating in two memes today, and you might like to check out these sites...

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Weekend Reflections...

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http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/

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Skywatch Friday...

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http://skyley.blogspot.com/

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And if you get a chance, drop over and visit

Kay @
http://unfittie.blogspot.com/

and Penelope @

http://penelopepuddle.blogspot.com/

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I know they will make you feel right at home...:)

Weird Water

As I went through digital folders of beach photos I've taken to see what I might post for Watery Wednesday, my attention was drawn to the shots of water that had moved beyond being only a puddle or pool, and become a different entity altogether.

By shooting close-up and excluding the context of sand and shells, some of the resulting pictures seem to me to resemble abstract paintings. The colours and textures look plastered on as if some artist had gone mad with his jars of moulding paste and acrylic paints!

Most of these shots were taken both in White Rock, and at Semiahmoo Beach a short distance further down the shore. Semiahmoo is always a favourite spot for us to visit, as it is one of the few places that allow dogs onto the sand in summer...a rare chance for them to frolic through the water with their guardians, and dig sandy holes. Very much appreciated by those of us who are dog-lovers...and who always clean up after our pets so we'll be welcomed back!

Sunlight on the water creates an effect that I think resembles the marbelized end papers on old books.
Ripples, reflections and a radiant light are things that always will catch my eye.

This picture makes me smile, with it's effervescence and immediacy, as if the wave might leap out and splash me at any moment.

By contrast, this cool study in light and dark perfectly reflects the tranquility of the pond in Watershed Park where it was taken.
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It has been a wonderful summer for water photos, and now that Fall is here and the rains have begun, there will definitely be no shortage of winter watery photos!!

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I'm linking this post to Watery Wednesday! For more photos that are damp, doused and drenched check out the link below!
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http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/
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White Rock Water

A short distance from our home is the charming seaside town of White Rock. Over the years we have spent countless hours there.. romping on the beach when our kids were small..strolling the pier..stopping for fish-and-chips or ice-cream cones. And always...always...watching with fascination the ever-changing play of shadow and light drifting magically over the water.
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This summer we were drawn there often, most frequently as the day drew to its close
and the setting sun dabbed highlights of colour onto waves of hammered silver.

Water calls to me..captivates me..soothes my soul as little else can. I try desperately to capture its magic on film,

but fall short when faced with the full scope of its majesty.

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The open sea sings its siren song and I am destined always to fall under its spell...

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I'm linking this post to Watery Wednesday! For more photos that are damp, doused and drenched check out the link below!.

http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/
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