Category Archives: birds

  We have Hooded Mergansers year round. And although this water bird is not as common as the mallard, there are ample opportunities to see them. Yet, only once before have I seen one stand on a solid surface: swim … Continue reading →

  The arrival of Red-winged Blackbirds is a sign of pending spring; They have now been observed in Nelson over the last week. Twice I have tried to get shots of them, but they tended to hide in the brush. … Continue reading →

  For the past few days, there have been seven Trumpeter Swans visiting the shallows to the south and west of Kokanee Creek Park. I visited them early this morning. On their spring migration north, both swan species often stop … Continue reading →

  Dipper – the eyelid flashes white when it blinks! This is so different from any other bird that it begs for an explanation.         David Sybley A dipper has both a dark plumage and dark eyes. … Continue reading →

  Last November, I received an enquiry about dippers from the production crew of a nature film: …it is quite surprising to see a bird which is not a penguin swimming under ice! Do you think that there are any … Continue reading →

  My yard lies within the range of a few Ruffed Grouse. I don’t see them every day, but often enough that I get to track some of the species’ idiosyncrasies.  It is winter, and the Ruffed Grouse often now … Continue reading →

  The -kins are getting together. Siskins are little finches that are partial to eating seeds. Catkins are pods of seeds hanging from some broad-leafed trees. The two are clearly kins.  Pine Siskins are with us year round. They travel … Continue reading →