Category Archives: birds

Near the end of each year, tens of thousands of birders in the Western Hemisphere take part in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Participants are assigned a series of locations where they count the number of birds of each species … Continue reading →

A seasonal song (bird) at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park this morning: Chestnuts Roosting On An Open Pond For you non birders: These birds are Chestnut–backed Chickadees.

Those of us who live farther out along the West Arm, and so don’t have quick access to the abundance of waterfowl at Nelson’s waterfront, must make do with the crumbs which drop from Nelson’s table. So, I have been … Continue reading →

Today, a ruffed grouse saw me watching it, but it didn’t flush. Rather, it walked away very, very slowly. It was apparently confident that in doing so it couldn’t be seen because its plumage allowed it to blend perfectly with … Continue reading →

The Great Blue Heron is here year round. However, I don’t see it as often during the summer when ospreys dominate the area. When ospreys are around, herons avoid favoured osprey perches, for if they don’t, they are likely to be attacked. Now … Continue reading →

Each spring and fall, I watch for migrating swans. This is the first time I have seen one this way. The Kootenay-Lake Website offers a discussion and more pictures of local tundra swans and trumpeter swans—the live kind.

In late summer, a Loon moults out of its breeding plumage. It grows plain brownish gray feathers on its back, top of neck, and head over a white belly and throat. The Loon will not return to its breeding plumage … Continue reading →

The local checklists for birds assure me that kingfishers can be seen at any time of the year. And indeed, I have seen them year round. Yet, for a few years now, the only time I seem to get satisfactory … Continue reading →

On June 5, 2010, I was out on the Lake and watched a drama between an eagle and two ospreys. It is described whimsically below. The Kootenay-Lake Website offers a discussion and more pictures of the local ospreys and eagles. ********* … Continue reading →