Category Archives: birds

  The large local flocks of Canada Geese sometimes contain surprises: vagrant species that have joined them after having wandered far from their own migrating flocks. The Canada Geese don’t seem to mind, but it is unclear how each manages … Continue reading →

  The life of a Barrow’s Goldeneye Duck is not exclusively one of enjoying the delights of feasting and mating. What started as a tranquil scene of a dozen Barrow’s feeding in the shallows was interrupted. As if from a … Continue reading →

  The Audubon Society tells us that Barrow’s Goldeneyes are “found mainly in wild country of northwestern North America”. Chuckle, as the Barrow’s is fairly common here, apparently Audubon’s boffins suspect we lack roads. An obviously bonded pair of Barrow’s … Continue reading →

  An accidental bird is one that turns up well outside its normal range. Also known as a wanderer, it just doesn’t fit the local phenology. Today, I twice saw an accidental Anna’s Hummingbird. Each observation was remarkably fleeting, and … Continue reading →

  It was an odd request (but it came from a subscriber to this blog): [T]here are two deadheads by the water’s edge where the American Coots are climbing out and playing a version of Coot of the Castle. The … Continue reading →

  Coots remain territorial year round. So even when they form large gregarious winter flocks, they will aggressively attack one another. It is the off season for coot breeding and there seems to be little to defend, yet they still … Continue reading →

  Five swans have been hanging out at Nelson’s waterfront for a few days. They have stopped by to refuel during their long migration south from the Arctic. Despite the appearance of being a single family of five, it is … Continue reading →

  Bufflehead Ducks might be seen throughout the year, but they become fairly common during cold months. In the past couple of weeks, buffleheads have been appearing around the area. They are our smallest duck: a black and white male … Continue reading →