TRANSFER BEACH

Very colorful kayaks available for rent

A few of the several benches available to the public

A couple of kayakers  returning from a successful  and adventurous paddling.

A solitary sailboat anchored just in front of Transfer Beach

A few of the driftwoods found along the rocky shore

A few of the waterfront Condos for sale

Gravel road leading to an undeveloped part of Transfer Beach by the waterfront

A house boat

Lots of firewood aboard 

Wild Rabbit

White-crowned Sparrow

Gold-crowned Sparrow

Bald Eagle

Raven

Transfer Beach is a large park which is centrally located on the  waterfront of the Community of Ladysmith, just about 15 kms South of Nanaimo. It is a part of the Greater Nanaimo Regional District. It is a very popular spot for summer activities and community events for the residents of Ladysmith. As you approach the town of Ladysmith from the South there's a large sign identifying Transfer Beach on your right. Follow the short paved  access road to a large parking lot. Some of the summer activities enjoyed at Transfer Beach include sightseeing, birdwatching, picknicking, beach volleyball, freesbees and kayaking. For the children there is a playground and a water spray park to entertain. There is also a sandbox with climbing apparatus and a small playboat. There are many picnic tables in the park which are used regularly by locals and visitors. Throughout the park are sitting benches, monuments and flowering plants and shrubs. Some of the birds in the area include Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, lots of gulls, sparrows and vaious other shore birds. 

A FINE DAY AT PIPER'S LAGOON

Part of a big flock of Gloucester Gull Colony

Kings of the Hill

It was very interesting to watch these gulls taking turns to be on the top of the outcrop.

Control Tower, ready for landing!

Controlled chaos

An adult Eagle

A juvenile Bald Eagle landing on a branch

Steady as you go!

A group of sealions while in water is called a raft. Whereas a group of sea lions gathered on land or ice floe are known as a colony.

A very peaceful afternoon at Piper's Lagoon overlooking the mainland

A Juvenile Bald Eagle

An Eagle's nest

An Eagle's nest is quite huge compared to the average bird's nest. More like a mansion nest...hehehe...

It was a busy Saturday morning for me. After breakfast, I worked for a few hours clearing my new garden plot of debris, dead leaves and other garden refuse. After lunch, I told Kathy we should head to Piper's Lagoon so I could possibly get a few shots of the resident Eagles that hang around the Park. When we arrived, there were already lots of people enjoying the scenery and the wildlife: gulls, sea lions and various other kinds of birds and waterfowls. It was only about 14'C but it was sunny and I found it rather pleasant more bearable than the heat of summer. A friend of us told us about a not-so-well hidden Eagle's nest located on the North side of the park. On our way there, we spotted an adult Bald Eagle circling above our head. We decided to hide under the nearest tree overlooking the tree with the Eagle's nest. Soon enough, the adult Eagle perched on top of the nearby tree not too far from the nest. I was so happy to finally managed to shoot some decent photos of the elusive Eagle. Sure, we normally see the Eagles flying overhead but they are just too high up to get some decent shots. For those interested , you can look at my previous posting about Piper's Lagoon Park to find out the location and other pertinent data. It's still one of my favorite Parks . It truly is beautiful and just the right size for a great walk and exploration. There seems to be more to explore, see and hear in Piper's Lagoon, one great reason why I keep coming back and don't get tired and bored. A good set of binocular, a pair of hiking boots or runners and a camera is a must if you ever decide to explore and visit Piper's Lagoon anytime of the year.