Category Archives: birds

Swans

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Alistair

  We receive welcome visits from swans twice a year when they stop by on their migrations, usually centred on March and November. So, this morning’s visit of some swans was timely.  But, which of our two species appeared, Tundra … Continue reading →

Posted in birds | 3 Comments

Altitudinal migrant

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Alistair

  When one thinks of the migration of a species, the first thing that comes to mind is one that moves horizontally across the globe. An osprey moves from the Kootenays to Central America for the winter and back here to … Continue reading →

Posted in birds | 1 Comment

Serindipitous quail

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Alistair

  One does not set out to see a quail around here — the likelihood of success is just too low.  The California Quail is not indigenous to the Province. There are some in southern Vancouver Island, where they were seeded … Continue reading →

Posted in birds | 3 Comments

Incidental crossbill

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Alistair

  Each of my handful of sightings of the Red Crossbill has, unexpectedly, been incidental to watching grizzly bears. While the most recent shots of crossbills are not as detailed as those of an earlier occasion, the pattern of seeing them … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, commentary | 3 Comments

For dinner

Posted on October 12, 2015 by Alistair

  “Thank you for your gracious offer to have us all for dinner this evening. May we ask what you are serving?”

Posted in birds | 4 Comments

Dusky Grouse

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Alistair

  I live in the valley and the only grouse I see in my yard is a Ruffed Grouse: residential grouse, replacement grouse. To increase the odds of seeing a Dusky Grouse, I visit the high country. Although breeding season is … Continue reading →

Posted in birds | 2 Comments

Dances on water

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Alistair

 

Posted in birds | 8 Comments

Osprey straggler

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Alistair

  It is late September and Ospreys are migrating south to locations such as Costa Rica and Venezuela. Ospreys migrate as individuals — not as a flock or even as pairs. Adults depart first leaving juveniles to find their own way, … Continue reading →

Posted in birds | 1 Comment

A week of two falcons

Posted on September 19, 2015 by Alistair

  Falcons are small raptors built for speed. We have two: Merlins and Kestrels. I watched each this last week. A Merlin was harassed by three Crows. They were merely a nuisance for this highly manoeuvrable killing machine. After driving off … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, mammals | 2 Comments

Namesake vulture

Posted on September 18, 2015 by Alistair

  There was a pleasant consistency in seeing the eponym and its namesake in quick succession. First seen was the Wild Turkey; next was the Turkey Vulture. The vulture was named for the resemblance of its featherless head and dark plumage … Continue reading →

Posted in birds | 3 Comments