Ian P 🇨🇦
@pandalus.bsky.social
Retired biologist (fish diseases, population studies) now living on Vancouver Island, birdwatcher, sourdough bread baker, sailor of Sage 17 'Pandalus', harbour tour boat skipper, and amateur radio enthusiast VA7POC
Agreed - and for voting reform, ranked ballots would be a good place to start
November 13, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Agreed - and for voting reform, ranked ballots would be a good place to start
Misidentification - not a red-winged blackbird but a golden-crowned sparrow. Thanks to Brennan for the correction!
November 10, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Misidentification - not a red-winged blackbird but a golden-crowned sparrow. Thanks to Brennan for the correction!
I'm sure you're right Brennan about the photo being a golden-crowned sparrow after watching them at length this morning.
I had heard some red-wings a few days ago and I was hoping to see one... Lol!
Live and learn - thanks for putting me right!
I had heard some red-wings a few days ago and I was hoping to see one... Lol!
Live and learn - thanks for putting me right!
November 10, 2025 at 4:48 PM
I'm sure you're right Brennan about the photo being a golden-crowned sparrow after watching them at length this morning.
I had heard some red-wings a few days ago and I was hoping to see one... Lol!
Live and learn - thanks for putting me right!
I had heard some red-wings a few days ago and I was hoping to see one... Lol!
Live and learn - thanks for putting me right!
I know what you mean, but I had the advantage of seeing the not so little fellow fly off. We do have a family of golden-crowned sparrows here every day, so you never know - maybe it was this guy! I will try and get a better pic!
November 10, 2025 at 1:25 AM
I know what you mean, but I had the advantage of seeing the not so little fellow fly off. We do have a family of golden-crowned sparrows here every day, so you never know - maybe it was this guy! I will try and get a better pic!
It has been a while since I saw a Pacific tree frog - congrats on the photo!
November 9, 2025 at 10:34 PM
It has been a while since I saw a Pacific tree frog - congrats on the photo!
Great to connect!
For me, freshwater fisheries at UK Liverpool Uni, then fish pathology first at Yorkshire Water then Severn-Trent. Then Alberta Fish & Wildlife, Red Deer, before switching careers that allowed retirement to Vancouver Island. Two of three kids still in Edmonton. Cheers!
Ian Pocock
For me, freshwater fisheries at UK Liverpool Uni, then fish pathology first at Yorkshire Water then Severn-Trent. Then Alberta Fish & Wildlife, Red Deer, before switching careers that allowed retirement to Vancouver Island. Two of three kids still in Edmonton. Cheers!
Ian Pocock
October 30, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Great to connect!
For me, freshwater fisheries at UK Liverpool Uni, then fish pathology first at Yorkshire Water then Severn-Trent. Then Alberta Fish & Wildlife, Red Deer, before switching careers that allowed retirement to Vancouver Island. Two of three kids still in Edmonton. Cheers!
Ian Pocock
For me, freshwater fisheries at UK Liverpool Uni, then fish pathology first at Yorkshire Water then Severn-Trent. Then Alberta Fish & Wildlife, Red Deer, before switching careers that allowed retirement to Vancouver Island. Two of three kids still in Edmonton. Cheers!
Ian Pocock
Just found your posts - excellent! And a fish guy to boot, even better!
October 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Just found your posts - excellent! And a fish guy to boot, even better!
I'm certainly no expert, but sounds like a Swainson's thrush to me. We don't get the veery on #VancouverIsland but I have heard them up in the mountains
Do get another opinion though!!
Do get another opinion though!!
October 29, 2025 at 7:18 PM
I'm certainly no expert, but sounds like a Swainson's thrush to me. We don't get the veery on #VancouverIsland but I have heard them up in the mountains
Do get another opinion though!!
Do get another opinion though!!
For me, getting outside - sometimes quietly in nature, other times taking a chance to talk to strangers when out and about. Breaking this last barrier is key imo - more difficult in the city environment, but worth the effort in the long run. And don't forget to smile!
October 29, 2025 at 6:18 PM
For me, getting outside - sometimes quietly in nature, other times taking a chance to talk to strangers when out and about. Breaking this last barrier is key imo - more difficult in the city environment, but worth the effort in the long run. And don't forget to smile!