Category Archives: birds

Bohemians in the park

  The irony is that today, on the way to Kokanee Creek Park for a walk, I commented that I would really like to see some waxwings. Lo, there they were. Before spotting the waxwings, I stopped near the mouth … Continue reading

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Thunk!

  A Varied Thrush just died on impact with a window in my home—not a happy event. It is embarrassing to realize that a couple of birds are killed by my home in this way each year. Multiplied by many buildings, this … Continue reading

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Pygmy Owl

  It is a delight to spend time in the company of owls. Yet it is striking that very often of late, the one with which I spend the most time is the Northern Pygmy Owl. The explanation is simple: … Continue reading

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Botched concealment

  My favourite Ruffed Grouse is featured on these pages a few times a year for it is an occasional visitor to my yard. For three seasons, my friend is difficult to espy so well does it blend into its … Continue reading

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More from the Flats

  Last Sunday’s (January 20th) jaunt around the Creston Flats produced a possible (now confirmed) Harlan’s Hawk near Wynndel. But, there were other interesting things to see. Some of the pictures below were taken by Derek Kite, some by me. The first … Continue reading

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Black & white

  In the winter, colours are often muted. A Ruffed Grouse wanders through the snow, seemingly unaware of its ineffective camouflage. Barrow’s Goldeneye Ducks are surrounded by light-flecked waves.

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Wynndel’s Harlan’s

  This is a posting that only an ardent birder could enjoy: the apparent sighting of a Harlan’s Hawk near Wynndel. (That this bird was a Harlan’s has now been confirmed by Brian Wheeler who examined six of the pictures … Continue reading

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Blending in

  “Just ignore this snag; there is nothing but snow and bark up here.”

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Rowan means red II

  About a week ago, I posted some images of reddish birds feasting on rowan berries: Pine Grosbeaks and a Red-shafted Northern Flicker. Today, I add two more reddish birds to the list of birds that seem to appreciate these … Continue reading

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Be counted

  In 1900, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) was started in the U.S. and Canada as a counter measure to the sport of the day of seeing how many birds could be killed. The more civilized sport of seeing how … Continue reading

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