Category Archives: birds

  The Tree Swallows were being friendly. “Incoming.” “Let’s name them Kaslo, Sitkum, and Taghum.”  

  I was standing in the shade of a tree listening to a sound like none I had heard before: a repeated, edgy, explosive, pop. It was coming from the far side of the tree. What could it possibly be? … Continue reading →

  We get three species of hummingbirds around the Lake: Calliope, Rufous, and Black-chinned. Well, really occasionally, the Anna’s has been seen, but not by me. Some years I have seen only one of the species, sometimes two, and now … Continue reading →

  Most mating between Mallards seems to be consensual and initiated by the female. Yet, there are more males than females. This leads to roving bands of bachelor drakes. This, in turn, leads to rape — or as naturalists delicately … Continue reading →

  I really like the tranquility evinced by this picture of a Mountain Bluebird. But I didn’t initially bother to share it in a posting. Didn’t bother, that is, until I abruptly needed it as an antidote to what I … Continue reading →

  Common Loons spend the winter along the Pacific Coast. In spring they arrive at interior lakes to breed. Upon arrival they are at once friendly to partners, and highly aggressive to rivals. The problem loons seem to have is: … Continue reading →

  A year ago in planing waterbirds, I wrote about an uncommon behaviour of some swimmers. When swimming across a water surface, water birds usually float. Called displacement mode, a bird is primarily supported by its buoyancy (static pressure). However, … Continue reading →

  A year ago (Tomfoolery), I watched as a female Wild Turkey was viewed with appreciation by two males. However, the two males were so obsessed by a concern for their rival’s attentions, that neither could attend to the female. … Continue reading →