Hi everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful week. We’re back to our usual unsettled weather with a few sunny breaks and warm days.
The Sunshine Coast Beekeepers Club is reaching out to anyone interested in beekeeping. A longtime beekeeper and resident of Halfmoon Bay, Steve Clifford, said, “As president of the Sunshine Coast Beekeepers Club, I’d like to welcome anyone interested in beekeeping or learning more about honeybees to join our club.” The SC Beekeepers Club was founded in 1992, and their mission is to do all they can to help with education and practical beekeeping knowledge. Steve noted that, “If you join by March 15, you will receive a free membership with the BC Honey Producers Association.” Membership for the Sunshine Coast Beekeepers Club is $20 per person or $25 for a couple. Steve advised that this year, the club has placed an order for packaged bees from New Zealand which will be arriving in early March. If you are interested in joining or have questions, please contact Steve directly at [email protected]. You can also visit the BC Honey Producers Association at bchoneyproducers.ca for history, news, events and so much more about bees and beekeeping.
It looks like the nesting season has already begun based on reports from people around Sargeant Bay. One person counted at least 20 eagles the other day as they were diving towards the water possibly over a herring ball in the water. Seagulls and other shore birds were part of the mix looking for an easy meal along with many bald eagles dive-bombing all the birds. Eagles were also seen flying by with what looked like nesting material and there is a lot of vocalization while they swoop in and out of the trees. There may be a nest or two in the neighbourhoods around the Bay, so locals and visitors are asked to keep their small pets close. If you have seen some antics with these amazing birds, or any other wildlife for that matter, please send me a note.
While out for a walk the other day, I observed something that was confusing and frankly, made me a little sad. Along the way, I happened upon some familiar faces and we shared pleasantries while keeping a safe distance. We weren’t wearing masks, so it was nice to see some smiles for a change. As I walked further and onto the beach, interaction with people was quite different. I called out hello or hi and barely received an audible reply or even a glance my way. I was at a safe distance so thought it was OK to be friendly and say hello. This may have been just a one-time occurrence but what I felt after this outing was unsettling. Are we losing or have we lost the ability or desire to be social? Walking along this beautiful beach, taking in all the amazing scenery and seeing others enjoying it too, I thought how great it was to actually see faces not just eyes. We all know that wearing a mask hides most of our face so it’s hard to see someone’s expression. Although responses to my greetings were not as I expected, I will continue to smile and say hello from behind my mask or when it’s safe not to have one on. Maybe this one action might brighten someone’s day and hopefully they will pay it forward.
Be safe, be gentle, be kind, smile and say hi.
Have your “Say at the Bay,” please contact me before 5 p.m. on Mondays. [email protected].
