Category Archives: birds

  Humour depends upon one’s perspective, so while this grouse may not think itself funny, I do. Grouse have cryptic plumage, which allows them to blend with the undergrowth. The camouflage extends to moving at a funereal pace. By walking very … Continue reading →

  I learned something from the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) this morning. Frank Ritcey of Kamloops was interviewed on the subject of why dippers dip. Alas, the short answer to that question was: We don’t know.  However, Mr. Ritcey also … Continue reading →

  “Look, I know my phone is around here someplace, so keep looking.”

  The month and year end with a contrast: a goshawk and a goose. The goshawk is an opportunistic predator that takes small mammals and birds often on the edge of forests. Its name means goose hawk, and apparently it will go … Continue reading →

  In the winter, I watch berry-laden trees because they are beloved by the fruit-eating birds I would photograph. I am not the only one to realize the appeal of such trees for small birds — so do owls. Therefor, in … Continue reading →

  A Varied Thrush scarfs rowan berries. A male Pine Grosbeak chows down on crab apples. A robin contemplates plentitude. A male Pine Grosbeak munches crab apples. A female Pine Grosbeak twists to reach the berries. A Townsand’s Solitaire eats a cultivar. … Continue reading →

  I have watched a number of feasting animals — birds, bears, coyotes, deer, wasps, spiders — and at no time have the words, picky eater, sprung to mind. That is, with one exception: a dipper.  An uncommon bird of western North America, … Continue reading →

  The Common Redpoll is a finch of the Arctic tundra that now and then comes south in the winter to feed. I previously saw them nearly four years ago. I start with a picture from then which enables me … Continue reading →

  I have seen few birds around of late. While the geese remain plentiful, ravens seem sparse. Even trees with red berries seem to get few visitors. However, a few did come. This is a Pine Grosbeak female feasting on rowan berries. … Continue reading →