Monday, July 11, 2011

when animals attack


Recently we went for a nice summer stroll at the Reifel Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island. Upon our stroll we started to see warning signs letting us know that there were cranes in the area... well lucky us, we got a close encounter. Here is the crane family with their little (well, pretty big, if you ask me) baby. All I could think as I snapped the pics were random clips of that darn tv show "When Animals Attack" (I think that was what it was called?). I was quite a distance away (hooray for zoom lenses), so there was no threat of losing an eye... nevertheless, they still kind of freaked me out.

15 comments:

Meeling said...

Very cool...I love it when you get a chance to see some wildlife up close like that. I always have to laugh at the reporters that get "attacked" by the bird/camel etc...while they are supposed to be doing a report and it starts eating their microphone or something. :-)

TMCPhoto said...

Love those red heads! I was once chased by a Canada Goose on my way to class on Granville Island, a zoom lens is so worth it for the wildlife encounters.

Isobel Morrell said...

As a matter of interest, wonder where Reiffel's Island is in relation to Vancouver? When we lived in Western Canada (Alberta), although our daughters spent their summers in BC (Kamloops, as well as Vancouver: and we emigrated to the Island initially) did not know cranes like these existed. Mind you, t'was between 1975-1987 that these visits took place, and lots has changed in the interim. Our wild animals were the Bison in Elk Island National Park - and they could be ratty sometimes! Love reading your blog: perhaps you'd like to visit mine sometime? (www.ColdhamCuddliescalling.blogspot.com). Bye for now. Isobel

Almost Precious said...

They're a really big bird and are pretty much everywhere down here in Southern Florida. Some folks throw them bread crumbs which is a bad idea as they then associate people with a free snack. Once that happens they can become rather insistent in their demands for a tasty treat.
Yes, that pair’s “baby” is more like a "teenager", however when they are tiny they are as fluffy and cute as little baby chicks.

The Olive Tree Blog said...

i do not like birds...my sister had one growing up and it traumatized me :)

Victoria said...

Yay, I love Reifel! I managed to swing a summer job working in the wildlife lands just next door to it - I actually just saw some cranes this morning! There were a group of 8 adults, and no babies, so maybe not the same ones you saw. :)

Stephanie of Pretty {much} Art said...

You're still braver than I am! Cranes are my biggest fear. I'm giving myself a big pat on the back for even reading this post; especially after I read the "when animals attack" heading ;)

Anonymous said...

Awwww, that's so cool!!

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Stela said...

I would have been freaked out! Great shots! Yay for zoom!

VeganCraftastic said...

Cool and scary, big birds like that freak me out, I always think of my friend who was chased and bit by a goose on a field trip!

amy said...

Oh this is so lovely. I am so happy we can travel to places where wildlife still exists. Wildlife is so beautiful. x



sweetness xx
hope to hear from you*!
amyflyingakite.com

T@PoppyPlacePdx said...

Awesome photos Valerie, yep, I agree, thank goodness for zoom lenses :)

Congrats on the new shop too, I just had to HEART it, lovely, happy graphics :)

Have a lovely weekend, T. :)

Unknown said...

nice shot! It's almost hard to tell which one's the baby!

Sheryl Hastings said...

Great pictures. Cranes are known for going for the eyes and they are taught that by their moms at a very young age. You did get some great pictures.

When I was visiting my parents in Florida we woke up and there were two in the front yard. They live by a little lake.

Maya said...

I used to live in Delta and we'd go to the sanctuary too. It's a beautiful place. I remember seeing the signs about the cranes and was fortunate to see one during one visit. You're lucky to have seen a family and to have them let you get as close as you did!! Great picures!! : )