Sunday 18 October 2015

The Skagit Valley walk with the Langley Field Naturalists




Oct 16/15 Skagit Valley with the Langley Field Naturalists 22c Warm and Sunny.
The Langley Field Naturalists run a variety of indoor and outdoor programs throughout the year. I have included a link at the end of the blog for those who are interested in our programs. The destination this weekend was the scenic Skagit Valley. 

This rock face loomed above us at our first stop. It reminded me a little of Yosemite, albeit on a much lesser scale. 

I couldn't resist this reflection, especially when the sun peeked out from behind the clouds.

The lake was like a mill pond.


We were lucky to have Al Grass leading the tour. He found us many types of fungi. Now I need fungi field guide!

I am still working to I.D this plant as the dew drops clinging to the leaves were truly fascinating. I could have spent hours with this plant but alas it was time to move on with the rest of the group.

A Painted Lady feeds on a thistle.
Strong backlight sets off this stand of Popular trees.



American Dipper.

Our group enters Chittenden Meadows with its rare stand of Ponderosa Pine.
This is good place to see Common Nighthawks in the summer. 

Our group pose at one of the Ponderosa Pine.

A 'selfie' from the bridge leading to Chittenden Meadows where a ten acre meadow is a naturalist's delight.


Red Osier Dogwood is found from Mexico to Alaska.

Take exit 167 off Hwy 1 just before Hope and drive 75 kms to Skagit Valley Provincial Park. Horse riding and camping facilitiesare available in season. 

                                                  All images with the Nikon P900

It was a long but rewarding day. Leaving Langley at 7.30 a.m and returning back home at 6.30 p.m We didn't see too many birds except for a few American Wigeon and Mallard, A Hairy Woodpecker, a single Sandhill Crane, a few American Goldfinch, a flock of American Robins as well as both Golden and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. A Raven greeted us loudly and a single Northern Flicker flew overhead while we were in the meadows. We also saw a few American Dippers and Common Merganser.

The youngest person on our walk was six weeks old and the eldest in their 80s. It was another beautiful day out in the nature and although I can't speak for the others but I for one was rewarded by a sound night's sleep.

                                                          
       Link:  Langley Field Naturalists


"It's never to late to go on a nature walk"
John Gordon
Langley /Cloverdale
BC Canada

No comments:

Post a Comment