Maber Flats

stusteelhead · **Posted:** Jul 09 12:54 pm

Its unfortunate in todays day and age where you have to let everyone know about one of your favourite shooting spots in order to try and protect it. Maber has been a favourite haunt of mine over the last bunch of years, especially in the winter time when it is one of the better places to see raptors on the lower island. This area has been farmed over the years but the construction of a dyke has turned the flood plain into spectacular wetland habitat. So good in fact that for the first time ever we had Black-necked stilts nesting on Vancouver Island, in fact we had two pairs raise 7 chicks. Not only have the stilts set up shop but a bunch of other species as well. However it is slated to be drained soon and put back into a working field. Given how few wetlands remain on the lower island this gem needs our help. Here's a few of my favourites from the last 2 months shooting there, and you can follow this link to see the rest of the gallery.
http://www.raincoastphoto.com/...rds-of-British-Columbia/Birds-of-Maber-Flats

Sora Chick

Thanks for looking
Stuart

joncbirder · **Posted:** Jul 10 8:35 am

That sora shot is spectacular Stuart! And I couldn't agree more about the importance of Maber Flats, this habitat really is at a premium down here. I dread to think how much money would need to be raised to even consider saving this site...

Jon

clarissa33 · **Joined:** Jul 22 1:41 pm **Posts:** 25

Hi Your photos are just wonderful - I especially like the ones of the birds. I am not a photographer but enjoy birding as you seem to do as well. I can't understand why I waited so long to begin birding - other than having to work and am now retired. I was not able to find the location of Maber Flats, is it possible to give me some info on this treasured area? Thanks for your help. Clarissa

wbraun · **Posted:** Jul 12 2:26 pm

Nice to hear about this location and great photos!

featherweight · **Posted:** Jul 14 7:07 pm

Gorgeous shots! I hope we are able to keep Maber Flats as a wetland, what can we do to help?

stusteelhead · **Posted:** Jul 15 8:52 pm

Thanks for all the comments, it truly is a special place, you can find it off of Wallace Rd in central Saanich, South of Stelly's School beside the Polo fields just may want to do it soon, I'm not sure what the current plans are for it. i have been out a few times this week, on Thursday watched a peregrine make over 6 passes with only one successful. The little ones sure grow up fast with the killdeer chicks still being the only "puffballs" left. Here's a few from Thursday
The soras chicks grew up fast, makes me think there may have been two sets.

Spotted Sandpiper Juvenile

Stilts

Killdeer Chick

revs · **Posted:** Jul 22 12:20 pm

nice set of shots, i considered taking the trip across for these guys but just didn't have the time, last Killdeer shot is extra sweet

Maber Flats

Who is online