Category: A Pictorial Post

“Birds” at The Raptors (Duncan)

The Raptors, located in the heart of the Cowichan Valley near the township of Duncan, offers compelling and interactive experiences with a variety of birds of prey species. Get closer than you ever imagined to eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and more during our daily flying demonstrations, hands-on encounters and conservation talks. 

At The Raptors, our birds soar the skies unfettered and return – not always when we expect them to! They live enriched, fulfilled lives as educational ambassadors for their species. Guided by our team of biologists and falconers, visitors will gain a profound appreciation and understanding for the vital role these intelligent and majestic predators play in maintaining our delicate ecosystems.

The Great Horned Owl

The Bald Eagle

The Harris Hawk

The Gyr Falcon

Bald Eagle in flight

Ivor the bird man

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

Butchart Gardens

An awesome day with my Canadian family (cousins) at the incredible Butchart Gardens.

My cousins, Reeny, Lynn, and Penny. The family photo, Maureen, Robin, Lynn, Ivor, Penny, and Dave

Barbara (our travelling companion from Wainwright), Maureen. Me with my tall cousins, Penny, and Lynn

My favourite blooms from the rose garden

The three Sturgeon’s fountain

The spectacular Sunken Garden

Totem poles in the garden

The Italian garden

The jade Japanese Garden

A giant redwood tree

This article is becoming long and “boring”

Leaving the gorgeous Butchart Gardens I walked past a ‘Turbo Snail’

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

The Stonehouse Pub and Canoe Cove Marina

The Saanich Peninsula, is a beautiful stretch of land on southern Vancouver Island, just north of Victoria. It’s bordered by the Saanich Inlet to the west and Haro Strait to the east, with a rich history tied to the W̱SÁNEĆ (Saanich) First Nations, whose name means “emerging people”

It’s a fitting place for a poet to wander—rolling hills, coastal views, and a quiet kind of magic in the air.

The historic Stonehouse Pub

A rustic atmosphere and friendly staff

Excellent beer and doggie friendly

The Canoe Cove marina was a fascinating place

Andrea was the new owner of this boat being lifted out of the water, and she graciously accepted one of my poetry cards

The boats had some interesting names: Cloud Nine and Spill the Wine

At the end of the day, Mungo looking exactly like I am feeling

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

Jasper and the Rocky Mountains

Leaving Jasper and then going for a scenic ride on Whistlers Skytram.

The Skytram

Driving through the Rocky Mountains

The picturesque scenery through the “Rocky’s” was spectacular

Then after 7 hours on the road, we the see the sunset at Salmon Arm, our overnight destination …

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

Wainwright, Alberta Prairie, without Frankie

Featured image Above: Frankie, looking happy and relaxed back at my brother’s house in Ballarat. Victoria. Australia,

Cousin Maureen and Ivor

The sun sets over Wainwright and Maureen’s doggies. Co-co and Z-z

The Wainwright township

Wainwright

The town clock tower and my sleeping quarters at Maureen’s

Walking the doggies at sunset

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2025

Royal Roads University, Hatley Park Gardens

Featured Image: Ivor in front of the iconic Hatley Castle (1908)

Cousin Penny and her husband Dave

Pea Hen and a duck on the pond

Above and below images are from the rose garden

The fernery garden

The Japanese garden and pond

Above; The Italian garden area

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Ivor Steven (c) Sept 2nd 2025

Sidney and Tanner’s Books

Today, cousin Lynn and I went to the lovely seaside town, Sidney

My cousin with the ‘Statue’ outside Tanner’s Books

The Sidney waterfront

Apartments overlooking the sea and the cafe on the pier

Statues at the waterfront, and me and Mungo

My purchases at Tanner’s Books

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Ivor Steven (c) August 2025