Category Archives: birds

Bald Eagle nest

  Eagles have returned to the nest and have produced one chick. Rapidly growing, now the chick looks almost as large as the adult, but is dark brown, being fed, and still lacks all its feathers and its skill to … Continue reading

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Mallard rape?

  I might not have realized what was going on had I not seen it before: Five years ago, I watched the rape of a new mallard mother. Curiously, yesterday’s altercation took place within meters of the previous location, but … Continue reading

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April goulash

  This is a small collection of pictures taken this April which didn’t have a posting of their own. The Northern Shrike foraged in Kokanee Park for rodents for about three weeks this month before heading north. The shrike rarely … Continue reading

Posted in birds, herptiles | 2 Comments

Pelicans

  The White Pelican is a big bird — it is probably the biggest bird we get. Mind you, the Trumpeter Swan is a bit heavier, but a tad smaller. Although we get the Trumpeter Swan with far greater frequency, … Continue reading

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Killdeer mating

  Recently I observed a pair of killdeer courting and mating at Kokanee Creek Park. Later in the same day, it happened again! Twice in one day! At first, I only heard killdeer vocalizations. Remaining very still, I spotted a … Continue reading

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Flying blue

  Mountain Bluebirds have been with us for a short time now, but they do not appear to be as numerous as last year.  So far I have only seen the male. Maybe it is the cold weather.  Hopefully, they’ll … Continue reading

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Crossbills here

  The Crossbills are still at the Park. This White-winged Crossbill is a female.  

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Kinglets

  Two things came together for today’s posting: the 2023 Creston Valley Bird Festival used a picture of a Golden-crowned Kinglet on their annual poster; my daughter, Cynthia, found and introduced me to the bird. Now, both of these events … Continue reading

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Crossbills

  Unusual birds have been visiting Kokanee Creek Park: the White-winged Crossbill. Our area is on the southern edge of its range. I have seen it around here a few times, but never in the same place. The bird is … Continue reading

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Flirting grouse

  I only rarely see a Ruffed Grouse, and to see two is a treat. Today, I saw a male and female checking each other out. Now, they might have mated had I not travelled by, but who knows. I … Continue reading

Posted in birds, mammals | 7 Comments