The three Gs stand for goldeneye, grouse, and grebe; the connection is that they are all birds seen yesterday morning. To this is added a bluebird, seen immediately following the Gs.
Shown is a Common Goldeneye couple seen in the early morning. The male is displaying courting behaviour. The Common Goldeneyes belong to the same subfamily (Merginae) as the Hooded Merganser, whose courting behaviour was presented earlier in Hoodie whoopie. One might expect some similarities, and there are, but the goldeneye’s behaviour is neither as elaborate nor is its crest as spectacular (see, Townsend, 1910). Initially, the feathers of the cheeks and crest of the male are erected so that the the head looks large and round, while the neck looks correspondingly small.
As he swims along, the head is thrust out infront close to the water.
Amidst a rasping call, the head is snapped back (cf., Hooded Merganser). Note the greenish gloss on the head.
All of this showed no particular sign of impressing his inamorata.
The Ruffed Grouse was showing signs of courting also: it had its ruff partially erected.
The Pie-billed Grebe is in its breeding garb, which includes a dark ring around its bill.
When it feels threatened, it will often sink in the water with only its head above the surface.
At first, I didn’t realize it was reacting to my presence on the nearby shore. But, if I even shifted weight, it would react. Here it is watching me from a hiding position behind some driftwood. When I realized that its concern was me, I backed away.
Having left the grebe to its solitude, I spotted a Mountain Bluebird.
Thanks for sharing. New growth in vegetation is a bit more obvious, indications for renewal of wild life is not as noticeable to us who are not so knowledgeable. Fabulous photos.
Dear Alistair,
I discovered your wonderful website just a few weeks ago. The notices of a new posting are my most welcome email. Each photo transports me back to where I was born and raised. For a few minutes I no longer live in this large and noisy city, where priorities run to the aquisition of yet more “things” and nature is packaged in a tidy park.
Your spectacular shots and lovely commentary remind me of the 29 years I lived but a stone’s throw from the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. I am so happy to see that all the natural inhabitants are still there and thriving!
I too am a Scot; Bannerman Ramsay. Three generations of my family rest in the Balfour Cemetary. I note that you too spent a career ‘away’. I applaud your return to the shores of paradise. It is our great good fortune that you share your ramblings this way, especialy for those of us whose heart remains in the West Kootenay.
Many thanks for your beautiful photography and insightful reflections.
Marie