The $4000.00 Eagle
Norris Rocks. This small rocky islet 500 m off the southwest end of Hornby Island is located in the Marine Conservation Area. Winter storm waves break over the islet at high tide. Access is by boat only. Please maintain the required distance by boat, kayak, canoe, paddle-board, etc. to avoid disturbing wildlife. Please do not go ashore.
Steller and California Sea Lions live here from November until April, and Harbour Seals from May until October. Flocks of Black Turnstones are seen in winter. Gulls nest from May until July. Arctic, Pacific and Common Loons, Oystercatchers, Long Tailed Ducks and Red Phalaropes are observed on occasion. Many bird species reside off the island.
Transient Orca are also known to hunt in proximity to Norris Rocks.
Arguably the best launching point for kayaks, canoes or paddle-boards is from Bill Mee Park on the southeast side of Denman Island. The launch offers quick access to Lambert Channel, open views to the north and south and the paddle over to Norris Rocks only takes about half an hour or so. Winds can pick up in the channel, so be aware of changing conditions on the water. As well, the access ramp can be slippery at low tides so be cautious.
It was impossible to know for sure, but I would estimate about 300-400 Steller Sea Lions were out on the rocks. The squawking and scent very intense. It can’t be emphasized enough, keep your distance!
I spent a couple of hours out near the rocks, scanning the southern horizon in hopes of spotting some Orca without any luck. I noticed the winds starting to pick up and decided to start the paddle back to the launch point. Along the way I noticed a beautiful mature Bald Eagle posing on a small outcrop with a mountainous backdrop. A picture-perfect moment, or so I thought. I managed to position and steady my kayak along the edge of the outcrop without startling the Eagle and prepared for some shots. I didn’t notice until it was too late, a small wind wave slam against the side of my kayak splashing me but more importantly my camera which was supposedly water resistant. I think I managed to get only one decent shot while the Eagle flew away before the camera turned off. I think it is permanently turned off now too due to water damage. So much for my prized $4000.00 Nikon D810. It is currently being assessed by Nikon professionals in a lab in Ontario but I am not holding out much hope.
Fortunately, and if it can’t be repaired, I will be replacing the model with another D810 or else upgrading to the new exquisite D850. Going forward however, I think I’ll only be taking my trusty Nikon 1 AW1 mirrorless model out on the water with me. It’s waterproof! Why didn’t I think of that before? Hard lessons learned I suppose.
One time we were loading the kayak at a boat ramp. Everything was stacked on a ledge including my camera. It was probably a passing wake from a boat rather than a natural wave, but it barely washed over our gear. My camera was toast. It was a $300 point and shoot, but that meant no pictures from our trip. My most expensive camera equipment was in the days of film. The funny thing now is my phone takes batter pictures than my current camera. At least it goes with me everywhere. – Margy