Cherry Point Nature Park is located on the ocean with views across the channel of Saltspring Island and Separation Point.
Unfortunately.....there is no way to see what is out there because of a thick fog on the water today.
At this time of year, the migrating birds will use this as a rest area as they make their way south.
Even with the waves coming in....these ducks don't move except to eat.
Ooops.......I startled them by accident....many just fly the few meters to the other sandbar.
BUT.....what's this?
What an incredible difference one day makes? The previous photos were taken Friday morning when we were entirely engulfed by mist, fog and rain. But....the next photos were taken on Thursday morning when Deb and I found Cherry Point Lookout.....not even 10 minutes from us...about a 3 km car ride.
Cherry Point Nature Park and beach....what a beautiful spot.
Home to many eagles and ospreys (a large, fish hawk). From a distance they look like a seagull. We saw them overhead, but not in time for photos....but I will be back.
We are so lucky to still see migrating birds in HUGE flocks along some of the waterways on the island.
At Cherry Point Lookout there has been a flock of 'American Wigeon' ducks in the hundreds.
This is the male, with his green ear patch and white crown.
These birds are rarely seen in eastern Canada however we might see them for a while here if it stays mild.
Making friends with the Gulls.
Female American Wigeons. They are a nervous group of ducks that take flight easily.
Apparently the American Wigeon congregates with other diving birds......because.....they snatch the food from the bird as it comes back up?
"I am not talking to either of you."
"Buffet!!!!"
Coming in for landing!!
When the American Wigeon takes off, they go straight up. Great landing!
"Hey you are cute....fly here often?"
Right beside the shores at Cherry Point Lookout is a small kiosk that someone has set up. It is based on an honour system. No one attends it, they trust that you will pay. There is coffee, scones, pop, jams, jellies, cookies, vegetables, etc. Many delicious things to purchase.
Right where this arrow points is where you drop your money into the slot. It is a really awesome set up and says a great deal about this safe area we are staying in.
Jellies I thought looked yummy....not sure what kind. I was so much more interested in the way the jars captured the light for my photo, I didn't check the flavour? Lol.
Homemade scones in a few different flavours. Our favourite so far is the apricot scones.
I might just have to get more today.....
Even though these American Wigeon's have a light coloured eye, they still look like Zombie Ducks in some of my photos.
These 'Bufflehead' ducks keep a distance between themselves and the Wigeons? Maybe they know the Wigeons snatch food???
Females are almost all black except for a whitish patch on their cheeks. The males are mostly white with a black back and black head with a patch of white from behind their ear to the top and back of their heads. Also diving ducks, but always one will stay on the surface to watch for danger. Travelling in smaller groups, these birds are fast fliers.
They will stay for the winter. Yippee!!
I walked around the shore when the tide was low and took this photo of the Lookout where about 6 cars can fit. A very popular place for everyone.
When the tide is out, this beach is a Beachcombers dream, (including me), with tons of shells and silver-dollars!!!
Zombie duck....just kidding.
We are still along the shipping line here at Cherry Point. In addition, many, many fishing boats are seen in the open water. Right now the Salmon are running, and the fisherman are catching them before they spawn? Interesting right?
Deb has found a great, peaceful spot to relax and ponder life. A happy place.
We will be back many times.
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