In my opinion, Piper's Lagoon is probably the most attractive and desirable oceanside park in all of Nanaimo. It's a small park probably the size of two length-sized city blocks. The beaches sorrounding the stretch of narrow land are mostly rocky but at low tides, some sandy beaches appear which make wading and splashing in the often times cool water possible. There's a hill on the north end of the pathways which is covered with gnarly-looking Garry oaks and a few Arbutus trees. There are resident eagles,several kinds of gulls,shorebirds and other migratory birds as well. North of the park is the infamous Shack Island, a very small t-shaped rocky island which can be reached on foot on low tides. There are several very old but well-maintained cabins here that were built in the 1930's mostly for fishing,weekend excursions and summer use. At the present time, they are not abandoned but in fact in very good if not excellent condition with fresh paint and all. They are now treasured by a very few lucky descendants of the previous owners. Since they are private properties, I do advice the visitors and anyone who approach these cabins to give them proper respect and care. There are several picnic tables and restrooms on the south end of the Park. At low tides, many tidal pools expose several kinds of sea life, sea stars,small crabs and even small fish,anemones,sea shells and barnacles. There are the usual driftwoods, pebbles and rocks around the shores for the children to explore and play with. On the north side of the Park, there is an outcrop made of very rugged and jagged-looking rocks that one can climb but due care should be observed especially when they are wet and slippery. I would advise parents and adults alike to supervise their young children if they try to climb this very rugged outcrop. Other than that, it is an excellent place to spend several hours of fun and enjoyment! Don't forget to bring your kayaks,canoes, good pairs of binoculars,cameras and wear a good pair of hiking boots or rugged runners for climbing those rugged hills and rocks. Come and enjoy Piper's Lagoon Park!
The bird shown on the very top is the Red Shafted Northern Flicker( Colaptes Auratus cafer). It was the result of an error made in 1788 by the German systematist Johan Gmelin, who believed that its original habitat was in South Africa among the Kaffir people. This bird's call is a sustained laugh: ki ki ki ki ki, more congenial than that of the Pileated Woodpecker. It resides in Western North America. They are red under the tail and underwings and red-shafts on their primaries. They have beige cap,grey face and a red moustache. The other bird is the Great Blue Heron (Ardea Herodias) a large wading bird in the heron family. It is the largest North American Heron with a wingspan of 66-79 inches and has a height between 45-54 inches. Its call is a harsh croak, The Heron is most vocal during the breeding season but will call occassionally at any time of the year in territorial disputes or if disturbed. The information was supplied by Birdlife International (2008 Edition).
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to have these wonders of nature in your backyard. Excellent pictures!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos. It's like visiting this place.
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