Category Archives: birds

  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 →

  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 →

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

  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 →

  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 →

  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 →

  In response to an overflight by a Red-tailed Hawk, Red-winged Blackbirds took to the air. My guess is that they did so because a perched bird is an easy target, whereas a small airborne bird is a difficult capture. The … Continue reading →