Category Archives: birds

December goulash

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Alistair

  This is a compilation of a few images, none of which had its own posting in December. Indeed, December could be characterized as a month of sparse observations. Early in the month, Trumpeter Swans came through, but were often … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, mammals, weather | 5 Comments

Crossbill flicker

Posted on December 23, 2018 by Alistair

  Experienced birders might suspect that today’s posting is a hoax — it is not. The picture of the crossbill flicker at the bottom is real.  Crossbills are finches whose bills are adapted to prying seeds from cones. Flickers, however, … Continue reading →

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Trumpeter visit

Posted on December 9, 2018 by Alistair

  On their annual migration south, Trumpeter Swans are visiting the Lake in threes and fours. These trumpeters are in the waters beside Kokanee Creek Park. To my surprise, these swans took flight. The trumpeter is a big bird and … Continue reading →

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Rowan robin

Posted on December 7, 2018 by Alistair

  The rowan trees are many and heavily laden, but where are the irruptives? At this time of year, I watch for irruptives. These are birds that don’t visit us each year, but occasionally do so as a result of … Continue reading →

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Cormorants three

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Alistair

  Who can plumb the cormorant’s mind? Two perched cormorants croak at a third as it flies past. Were they warning it to stay away? Were they welcoming it? Who knows? Two Double-crested Cormorants react to a third’s flyby with … Continue reading →

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Kingfisher’s plunge

Posted on November 26, 2018 by Alistair

  Sometimes a picture is posted merely because I like the action displayed. A male Belted Kingfisher plunges. It passed out of view before hitting the water.  

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Dipper’s bluff called

Posted on November 25, 2018 by Alistair

  Joanne was right. Earlier this the month, I posted the image shown to the right. I wondered about the dipper’s spread-wing stance. Large birds do this to dry their wings, warm their wings, or cook their parasites. None of … Continue reading →

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Buffleheads

Posted on November 24, 2018 by Alistair

  The Bufflehead Duck is a small waterbird of winter. It has been around the Lake for nearly a month now, and is likely to stay through April of next year. The striking black and white plumage of the male … Continue reading →

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Wildlife visitors

Posted on November 20, 2018 by Alistair

  Birds visit my yard; Deer visit my yard; But Sunday’s visitors were unusual: two coyotes followed by two ruffed grouse.  Upon spotting me, the coyotes quickly vanished into the woods without the courtesy of posing for portraits — so … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, mammals | 3 Comments

Dock 'n' duck

Posted on November 19, 2018 by Alistair

  Dock 'n' duck is an odd title for a posting that only shows a picture of a circling eagle. However, this is the second time this year that I watched an interesting behaviour whereby a duck — earlier a … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, commentary | 1 Comment