At 4:30 am it's not dark enough to turn headlights on, nor is it light enough for sunrise. Starting out in the dim light of early dawn, earth has not revolved enough for the sun to breach the nearby stretch of Cascade Mountains. Mt. Cheam's imposing shadowed presence stabs the brightening sky, appearing ominous in the prelude to sunup.

Watching the slough, only the robins are singing in the distance at this hour. There's very little activity since the slough completely dried up last year. Where a Great Blue Heron and Belted Kingfishers used to frequent it, they have been noticeably absent this year. Only once have I seen an otter and now, in mid-summer, the slough is once again drying up, the only resident a large Western Painted Turtle.

Last year, an abundance of small birds, dragonflies, and of course, the inevitable mosquitoes, was a cornucopia for my camera. A rare (for this area) Black Phoebe frequented the slough, a dead branch its favourite perch. Warbling Vireos, Cedar Waxwings, Northern Flickers, Yellow Rumped Warblers, Common Yellowthroat and many others were regular visitors, enticed by the heavily laden branches of Hawthorn berries.
This year - nothing. Despite several hours spent by the slough, I haven't seen anything in a few weeks now, although something is eating the Hawthorn berries. Just not when I'm there. There are very few mosquitoes, which I'm sure most people are happy about, except the birds and dragonflies. I don't think people realize how the lack of water is affecting our wildlife.
Deciding to visit Cheam Wetlands, although diminished (or hiding), one can always hear or see some kind of birds or wildlife. Quite often, I'll turn on the Merlin app on my phone and Merlin id's the bird songs for me. It's pretty cool to hear Cheam Wetlands is home to some rare species for this area. Now, if they'd only show themselves.
Stopping on the bridge over the beaver pond, I saw what I thought was a small beaver swimming right below me. Walking to a small stream that connects the lake, looking up at me on a log was a mink. S/he was very close and stared at me for some time while I depressed the shutter. Deciding I was no threat, she slid back into the water and carried on her way.
Although I didn't see any birds to photograph, I certainly heard them. Merlin let me know when a Bewick's Wren was singing, a Willow Flycatcher, Swainson's Thrush, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Pacific Wren, Lesser Goldfinch and Brown Creeper. I have only seen the Willow Flycatcher once and haven't seen any of the others. Hopefully as the foliage starts to fall, I'll get a glimpse and shot of one of these.
I thoroughly enjoy my walks at the wetlands and the variety of birds and wildlife that is there to entertain and challenge one to capture.
Live today to the fullest.
Andrea
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