Category Archives: birds

  The Rowan Tree is generally known as the Mountain Ash in North America. Yet, I must admit that I am partial to the earlier name. Rowan comes from an Old Norse name that means “getting red”, a reference to … Continue reading →

  • Some humans are wont to mark the transition from one year to the next. • Some humans are wont to treat birds metaphorically. Two Common Mergansers leave familiar waters, and settle into new ones.

  “Uncommon, but widespread” is how one author describes the Great Horned Owl. Uncommon indeed: I had never seen one before. Further, others last saw one around here three months ago. So, it was a delight to spot one yesterday … Continue reading →

  ‘Tis the season of family gatherings. ‘Tis the season of road trips. ‘Tis the season of watching nature from the window of a car. On this season’s jaunt, only birds were seen (no mammals)—seven pictures below. Irruptive birds are … Continue reading →

  It was long gone before I arrived. Derek Kite spotted the Northern Pygmy Owl during a walk, took many pictures of it, and promptly alerted me. Alas, I did not get to see the bird, but Derek graciously allowed … Continue reading →

  Fresh from having seen three woodpecker species during one outing, I was eager to see more. Yesterday, I spotted the distant silhouette of another woodpecker. With camera ready, I snuck closer with great stealth. The caution paid off: my … Continue reading →

  Local birders have counted ducks on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake in early December since 1974. But once a bird enthusiast sets to counting, other feathered folk get included and a snapshot of a broader bird population emerges. … Continue reading →

  Despite having gone for a number of walks in fields and forest of late, I have seen little in the trees of feathered interest. Today, I was merely running errands, but packed my camera out of habit. Unexpectedly, I saw … Continue reading →

  The British Columbia Field Ornithologists (BCFO) have a number of good bird photographers among their members. On November 12th, the organization began featuring those members and a selection of their bird pictures taken within the province. The first bird … Continue reading →