Best bird last

Over the past five days, I have seen a quite a few species of birds without an apparent theme emerging for a posting. So, here is a sampler—with the best observation saved for last. How do I decide what is best? Simply by noting that this is a good image of a rare sighting (at least for me).

I start with what—although not a yard bird—is something I see with great regularity: the American dipper. Here are two shots. The first one shows it diving as it searches for food in Kokanee Creek.

The second shows it surfacing with a delectable, possibly a grub, certainly something quickly eaten.

Along with the dipper were the omnipresent Canada Geese. I rather enjoyed this view of three of them illuminated by the setting sun against the blue of the Lake.

Raptors are always a favourite. Here is a Red-tailed Hawk taking flight.

Finches are birds which occasionally arrive in the winter to feed. First there are two Pine Grosbeaks. This female was discovered eating grit on a back road. It is named for its rather substantial bill used for crunching seeds.

Here is one feasting on snowberries. This one may be a male, but it isn’t clear.

The next birds turn up at feeders. I start with one of the more satisfying shots I have managed of a rather common bird: the Song Sparrow—I like this view.

A Pine Siskin is neither rare nor common.

The Redpoll is an irruptive species from the north. This one has food on its face.

There is always the ever-present heron. This one is back lit. The light of the setting Sun passed through its bill shows its yellows and blues to good advantage.

Finally, the best observation of this last week: a Golden Eagle. Granted I saw this same bird a couple of weeks earlier, but this is a better shot of it perched in a tree.