Hi Kay, the Gardens are open most days; there is a $10 entrance fee but well worth it. There is also a teahouse in the former Abkhazi home, with delicious and healthy food served and a perfect view overlooking the garden.

Lesley, I have been to the gardens a few times, and they are lovely. The invitation I received from Nature Canada gets me in free of charge, not that the $10 fee is much to pay, when you know it is going towards the upkeep of the grounds

I went to Esquimalt Lagoon Wed. afternoon and was surprised to see this otter at the water's edge. It disappeared into the water as soon as it spotted me but I managed to get these 2 pics The water was very choppy as it was very windy and the scaup ducks were huddling together as they bobbed along.

There were 2 Black Turnstones at the sheltered end of Esquimalt Lagoon on Wed. They are fun to watch and they actually try to turn the stones over looking for bits to eat. I took a few pics of a bird that looks like a European Starling but it sure had a very yellow beak

I saw these Double-Crested Cormorants preening on top of the pilings and a brown Rock Dove at Sidney Marina today. Click 2X bigger.

Hi Kay: Great bird pixs. I've never seen a Rock Dove over here. My favorites are the (river) otter. I have seen them in the water but never on the shoreline.

Hi Ed, I was lucky that day to see the otter

Here are 2 pix of a pair of Turkey Vultures perched in a tree beside Lochside Trail in the Blenkinsop Valley, and a pic of a song bird singing. I'm not sure what bird it is

Here's a Golden-crowned Sparrow and a male Wood Duck, photographed at Kings Pond Apr. 15th.