Category Archives: birds

Great Horned Owl

Posted on December 30, 2012 by Alistair

  “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 →

Posted in birds | 10 Comments

‘Tis the season

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Alistair

  ‘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 →

Posted in birds | 4 Comments

Pygmy Owl

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Alistair

  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 →

Posted in birds | 2 Comments

Dipper’s rainbow

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Alistair

  I often see dippers in local creeks and along the lakeshore—for me, the dipper has almost become a yard bird. Yet, in all the time I have watched dippers as they incessantly dived for comestibles, I have only occasionally seen … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, fish | 5 Comments

Woodpecker stalking

Posted on December 7, 2012 by Alistair

  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 →

Posted in birds | 4 Comments

Duck count

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Alistair

  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 →

Posted in birds | 3 Comments

Owl & 3 woodpeckers

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Alistair

  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 →

Posted in birds | 4 Comments

Best birds

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Alistair

  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 →

Posted in birds | 10 Comments

Provincial bird

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Alistair

  British Columbia has an remarkably long list of provincial symbols. Its approved symbols include a mammal (a Spirit Bear—merely a cream-coated Black Bear), gemstone (Jade), tartan (BC), tree (Western Red Cedar), flower (Pacific Dogwood), and bird (Steller’s Jay). It … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, commentary | 10 Comments

Off leash

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Alistair

  I start this story with the information that all of the trails in this section of Kokanee Creek Park are clearly marked with signs that say dogs must be on leash. Furthermore, Park regulations are explicit: Pets/domestic animals must … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, commentary, mammals | 6 Comments