Day Ten

Exploring the North Shore

Red Breasted Sapsucker
Tue April 27th


A different trail this morning as we decided to take the Baden Powell trail that heads easterly towards Deep Cove.  Except we took a wrong turn and ended up on Bridle Trail.  Less water for Jack to explore, but we were rewarded by coming across this stunning Red Breasted Sapsucker.  It allowed me to get within 20' to get this picture.

It's a member of the Woodpecker (Picidae) family.  I rather like the name, but have not yet found how it got it.

While walking we heard a bird, we'd heard before, that sounds like a ref's whistle without the pea.  We've yet to find out what it is, or see it!

This afternoon, we went checking out residential areas in West Van, the bit of North Shore on the other side of the Capilano River that separates West and North Van.

The first area we looked at was a district called British Properties (not yet sure how that got its name either).

Some stunning houses with views across the harbour to Kitsilano.

We then went back to North Van and checked out Capilano, not such big houses, but some stunning properties all the same.  In both locations older rancher bungalows are being bought up, torn down and replaced with modern architectural properties.  Some are stunning, some are rather excessive in design that would be better somewhere else.

We wrapped up the afternoon, with a walk on the trails around the Cleveland Dam, so named after 'Ernest Albert Cleveland who envisioned the need for the proper maintenance of a pristine and efficient water supply as well as sustainable use of water resources.'  It collects water from the Capilano headwaters, before discharging the excess over the spillway into the Capilano River.

The views over the spillway are a little toe-curling!






 






Comments

  1. BobApril 28, 2021 at 12:06 AM

    A bird like a refs whistle, hmmm. I found an interesting US made bird song ID app called BirdNET you might find useful> Def toe curling even from the sofa! Bruv

    ReplyDelete
  2. LizApril 28, 2021 at 4:36 AM

    Capilano brings back memories. Hope jack doesn't try a swim there!! Still cold here and very dry. Had a bit of rain today but need more. Poppy crop has failed due to cold and drought. Grass/wheat all half what they should be. Garden not bursting with bloom as Freda suggested!! Liz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fred the goferApril 29, 2021 at 6:04 PM

      Freda: Hi Liz, same here - we hear on the CBC News that companies are putting up their prices due to grain and wheat shortages. Your garden will burst into bloom soon I'm sure. Jack has tried swimming just about everywhere - Lynn Creek (with waterfall at top end), Seymour River, you name it. On Sunday we take the ferry to the SC that'll be very interesting and sea for Jack to romp about in. Lots of love, Fx

      Delete

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