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here’s something special about viewing wildlife and birds up close in their natural habitat. The Sooke Region’s diverse landscapes are home to a variety of animals and birds. And depending on where you look, you just might be able to fill your photo album with shots of several different species of critters and fowl found in our forests – and streets. Imagine walking along one of the region’s rivers or streams, meandering around Douglas-firs and salal, and spotting a beautiful blacktail deer, some busy beavers in the water or perhaps even a hungry blue heron doing a little fishing. You might glimpse a herd of Roosevelt elk making its way to a favourite watering hole. Hear a sweet sound on the breeze? It could be a Pacific loon. Avid bird watchers can put a serious dent in their life lists in this region. Wondering if that bare farmer’s field is deserted? Look closer. You might see a black bear munching on apples in an
orchard. On the ground, young rabbits graze in the lush grass, while graceful hawks soar in the sky above. Think of the Sooke Region as an enormous natural animal preserve, where at different times and places you can spot eagles, wolves, raccoons, swans, owls and much more.
NATURE’S WILDLIFE SPLENDOUR
Photos by gary schroyen and Brian Rundle
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