Category Archives: birds

Third hummer

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Alistair

Chalk it up to inattention. I know that we regularly get three hummingbird species during the warmer months: Calliope, Rufous, Black-chinned. Yet, I don’t think that I have ever noticed seeing all three in a single year. This year I … Continue reading →

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Finally dusky &

Posted on July 18, 2015 by Alistair

Last Tuesday’s foray into high-country wilderness produced some delights (already posted was the Wesakachak), some of which might be seen in the valleys, but are often easier to find in the subalpine and alpine tundra. Primary among these was a … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, mammals | 1 Comment

Fledging flycatchers

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Alistair

Less than a week ago, I posted pictures of a Pacific-slope Flycatcher hanging around its nest in a local carport. Ron Welwood, from whom the flycatchers appropriated the space, has sent me a picture of the chicks standing in the … Continue reading →

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Wesakachak

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Alistair

I encountered the Whisky Jack fifty years ago when camping in the high country. At the time, I had no idea what this jaunty bird had to do with whisky (or whiskey, as Americans style their beverage). Nothing, as … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, commentary | 5 Comments

Robin vs toad

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Alistair

The froggy wooing, reported in early May, seems to have had consequences. The toadlets were plentiful but tiny. When seen from afar, they could have been beetles. A tiny patch of lakeshore was crawling with them, for having grown legs, … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, herptiles | 2 Comments

Flycatchers, and

Posted on July 12, 2015 by Alistair

Many songbirds eat arthropods. Only a few of these are named for their eating habits, but the tyrant flycatchers are. Members of this family often hunt from a perch, fly out and capture an insect in the air and then … Continue reading →

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Useful resources

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Alistair

As I attempt to use images from my camera to help me make sense of my surroundings, I have relied upon many books (ranging over topics such as birds, meteorological optics and dragonflies) and upon many websites (examples being Wikipedia and All about … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs, commentary, fish, herptiles, mammals | 1 Comment

Convergent waters

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Alistair

How is it possible to use the first picture to discuss surface-water convergence and not even mention the word, cute (oops)? Well, there is something interesting here that illustrates both water flow and flexible feeding. This Mallard hen and her nine chicks … Continue reading →

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June goulash

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Alistair

June ends with a stew made from images that did not manage to get their own postings. While walking in Kokanee Creek Park early in the month, I saw a Common Yellowthroat, and an American Redstart. Our local Garter … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs, herptiles | 1 Comment

Tree Swallow chicks

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Alistair

A month ago, I showed Tree Swallows mating: tryst in a trice. Yesterday, I watched chicks clamour for food. “We’re so hungry and haven’t been fed for days, maybe weeks.” “Here is something tasty for you.” “I’m off to … Continue reading →

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