Today, I set out to see one of the Mountain Bluebirds that had been reported recently in Kokanee Creek Park. I headed out a few times. I failed to see one. I will keep looking—the bird is worth seeing.
Yet during the search, I did see and photograph two other rather nice finds.
The Northern Shrike is a curious bird: a predatory songbird that mimics a raptor in the way it hunts small birds, mammals, and insects. As does a raptor, it uses its hooked bill to kill and dismantle its prey. But unlike a raptor, it lacks tallons to hold its prey. Its solution is to impale its prey on a thorn. The thorn holds it in place as the bird dismantles it with its hooked bill. It is probably no accident that one often sees the Northern Shrike sitting on a black hawthorn, as it does here. This bird, while not common, can be seen throughout the winter. Yet, from May to September it heads farther north to breed.
The Common Loon, however, is not all that common during the winter but becomes more so in the summer. Today, these two species overlapped. I guess I will have to look for a Mountain Bluebird another day.
I can’t believe there was a time in my long life that I would have been only mildly interested in these pictures. Maturity is a wonderful thing!
Borgie, I know just what you are talking about.
Hi Alistair,
Our neighbour saw a mountain bluebird at our barn today. We are in Harrop. Last year we had 2 males and one female who would sit on the fence in the afternoon. I hope you see your bluebirds soon. I wonder if the boys come here first to establish territory?
I am enjoying your posts.
Janene
Janene, I saw a few last year, too. Thank you for the encouragement. I will keep looking.
Not a bluebird but a great shot.