Category Archives: birds

Mystery bird

  Is the identity of this bird actually a mystery? Well, I know what it is. However, the Sybley Guide to Birds offered no guidance. And, Cornell’s Merlin Bird ID (an avian-recognition app) made a number of guesses, all of … Continue reading

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September goulash

  This is a compilation of a few images, none of which had its own posting in September. Ospreys have now almost vanished from the Lake by migrating far to the south. However, through September, they were still here fishing.  … Continue reading

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Cormorants

  Double-crested Cormorants can be seen around Kootenay Lake throughout the year. Unlike Mallards and Canada Geese, the cormorant is a somewhat uncommon sight. While a few breed at the south end of the Lake, they are primarily seen twice … Continue reading

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Falcon feeding

  A falcon is a small raptor that uses speed to prey upon insects, rodents, and small birds. We have two falcons present year round (plus three occasional visitors). The smallest of our regular falcons is the Kestrel (80–165 g). … Continue reading

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Osprey fattening

  Ospreys are now eating as many fish as possible in preparation for their long migration. Ospreys have been present since April. They built nests, mated, laid eggs, brooded chicks, and their chicks fledged. Now, mid-September, all are getting ready … Continue reading

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HY Bald Eagle

  For many years, I have been used to Black Bears turning up in my yard early in August. Alas, none have (apparently) done so this year. The berries must be good at higher elevations resulting in a scant need … Continue reading

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Feasting on fish

  Fish are a staple food for much of the wildlife around the Lake — we are, after all, dealing with a lake — so, I show wildlife feasting on fish. This posting was prompted by recent pictures, but these … Continue reading

Posted in birds, fish, mammals | 6 Comments

Raft of loons

  This is the time of year to see rafts of loons on Kootenay Lake. Often, the loon is a solitary bird, accompanied at most by a mate and chicks. But prior to migration, numerous loons gather in social groups.  … Continue reading

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Sandpiper migration

  This is the season to visit the lakeshore to see sandpipers that have stopped by to feed on their journey south. Already shown have been the Killdeer and the Baird’s Sandpiper. Here are three more. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds … Continue reading

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Horaltic vultures

  If one wants to watch vultures, a good tactic is to hang out in the vicinity of carrion (sigh). For most of us, finding carrion before a vulture does is not easy — except possibly during a seasonal die-off, … Continue reading

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