Category Archives: birds

  The last time I saw a Barred Owl in Kokanee Creek Park was a dozen years ago. Subsequently, I have seen a few Pygmy Owls and even Great Horned Owls there, but not a Barred. So, it was unexpected … Continue reading →

  For nearly a month, I have been keeping my eyes open for Bohemian Waxwings. They are beautiful irruptive birds that sometimes come here to feast on rowen berries. An irruptive bird is one that occasionally bursts from the north … Continue reading →

  I have gently poked fun at the Ruffed Grouse a few times because it always behaves as if it is well camouflaged in the brush. So, even when it is on snow or gravel, it walks very slowly feigning … Continue reading →

  Leaving aside the flicker, which might be seen a few times a week, woodpeckers are spotted only once or twice a year. So, it was unexpected to see three different species of woodpeckers in one day. They are presented … Continue reading →

  In late October and through November, swans begin to arrive during their migration south — first in dribs and drabs, then in larger flocks. This last weekend, I saw two families of swans about fifteen kilometres apart. This is … Continue reading →

  The Northern Shrike is a songbird that eats other songbirds. Indeed, with its hooked bill, it is almost a wannabe raptor. Alas, it lacks a raptor’s talons and so must impale its prey on thorns as a way of … Continue reading →

  A newly fledged Bald Eagle takes four or five years to become an adult with a dark body and white head and tail. During those first few years, it has a strikingly different look.  Over the last weekend, I … Continue reading →