SGI OUTSIDE

Perhaps the most recognizable and magnificent bird of the islands is “Baldy,” easily making my list of Five Finest Feathered Friends (Great Blue Heron • Bald Eagle • Turkey Vulture • Cormorants • Black Oystercatcher). Of the nearly two hundred resident and part-time bird species in the Southern Gulf Islands, those that spend much of their time along the ocean shorelines, with their eyes on a meal, are the ones I enjoy seeing most.

Abundant wildflowers and a panoramic vista set Greenburn Lake hike apart from the trek around Roe Lake, the other freshwater lake on the Penders.

The George Hill Park-Port Washington Loop is an undiscovered North Pender Island gem.

What’s the most common sight along Brooks Point Regional Park’s stunning shoreline? Orcas? Bald eagles? Wildflowers? Nope. It’s people dozing, slumbering against enormous driftwood logs.