Canadian Geese sprawl out along the Lost Lagoon to enjoy a refreshing swim in this weeks Photo of the Week! Our selected photographer, Tom Wiebe, displays the benefits of artificial lakes and wetlands for all sorts of wildlife. In the background we can see an active fountain which acts as a mechanism to circulate the water in order to prevent the lake from turning into a swamp and was made to commemorate Vancouver’s golden jubilee. Lost Lagoon is constructed near the entrance of Stanley Park and is a favourite place for birdwatchers, sunbathers, and all outdoor enthusiasts. 

The success of Lost Lagoon as a wetland is demonstrated by the variety of bird species that use the lake as a nesting ground. Mute Swans, Great Blue Herons, Mallard Ducks, and, of course, Canadian Geese are frequently observed by visitors. Some of the most familiar faces in Stanley Park are those of the Mute Swans which have had their wing tendons clipped to prevent escaping. Many local people have gotten to know the swans and have even given them names and personality traits. A description of the ‘Swans of Stanley Park’ can be read here. 

It’s tough to imagine a dried up, waterless Lost lagoon, but prior to 1913 it was an area where low tides exposed mudflats which the native population used as a source of clams. It was not until the construction of the Stanley Park causeway (a road that is raised to cross low or wet ground) that Lost Lagoon turned from mudflats to a full lake. The naming of Lost Lagoon is derived from a poem written by Pauline Johnson, a Canadian writer of the 19th century. 

Tom Wiebe’s ‘Lost Lagoon’ plays with the contrast of lighting in the reflective lake and bright tail feathers of the geese. Thank you to Tom for this stunning capture and we look forward to seeing more of your work! To view more of Tom’s photography, please visit his website here.

Thank you to all of our wetlands supporters and participants! We look forward to receiving all of your wetlands photography and showcasing them in our BC Wetlands Photography group!