Category Archives: birds

Bird bites bug

Posted on June 1, 2013 by Alistair

  Predatory birds and insects often use one of two strategies for finding food: one group sits and waits, only to sally forth after prey is spotted; the other group actively forages. The two species of dragonflies I watched last … Continue reading →

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Kingfisher hovering

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Alistair

  The Belted Kingfisher may be the largest bird in North American capable of (true) hovering. Hovering flight is energetically expensive and only small birds can manage it. To stay in one spot in still air, the bird must generate lift solely … Continue reading →

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Harlequin Ducks

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Alistair

  There are no Harlequin Ducks in Kootenay Lake. Gaining its name from the male’s almost comical plumage, this small diving duck prefers a cold turbulent stream to a warm tranquil lake. Although the harlequin does not visit the Lake, … Continue reading →

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White Pelican

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Alistair

  The White Pelican is huge, endangered, and here. The White Pelican has an impressive wingspan of 2.4 to 3.0 metres, greater even than that of the Trumpeter Swan. Mind you, the swan outclasses the pelican in weight by about forty … Continue reading →

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Warbling Vireo

Posted on May 26, 2013 by Alistair

  No sooner than you think you are beginning to get the hang of watching nature, than an unknown species appears and sets you adrift. This was the case yesterday when I noticed that a black hawthorn tree had become … Continue reading →

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Inconsolable worm

Posted on May 25, 2013 by Alistair

 

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Sparrows were right

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Alistair

  Song Sparrows bullied me every time I visited the flowers of the deer brush. All I was doing was taking pictures of bees and flies, but the Song Sparrows were insistent that I leave. I tried to gently explain … Continue reading →

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Yard delights

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Alistair

  Many postings are narrowly focused. This one wanders. This Song Sparrow is one of the many birds busily catching bugs and ferrying them to its chicks. I have seen the Western Tiger Swallowtail a few times of late; this … Continue reading →

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Gosslings

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Alistair

  Canada Geese are at their most appealing when beige.

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Osprey flights

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Alistair

  The Osprey is the iconic bird of Kootenay Lake. Indeed, summer often brings 20 to 30 osprey nests on the West Arm of the Lake. So, what better topic for frequent treatment? Here are three shots taken this morning … Continue reading →

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