Category Archives: birds

Mallard rape?

Posted on May 20, 2023 by Alistair

  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

Posted on April 30, 2023 by Alistair

  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

Posted on April 29, 2023 by Alistair

  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

Posted on April 24, 2023 by cynthia fraser

  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

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Alistair

  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

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Alistair

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

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Kinglets

Posted on March 29, 2023 by Alistair

  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

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Alistair

  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

Posted on March 19, 2023 by Alistair

  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

Mobbing birds

Posted on March 10, 2023 by Alistair

  Mobbing in birds is an anti-predator activity in which smaller prey mob a larger predator by cooperatively attacking or harassing it. It is usually done to protect offspring. Behaviour includes flying about the predator, dive bombing, loud squawking and … Continue reading →

Posted in birds | 6 Comments