Category Archives: birds

Bohemian invasion

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Alistair

  When a flock of perhaps two hundred Bohemian Waxwings disturbs one’s nap, you know you have been invaded.  The Bohemian Waxwings used an alder as a staging area from which they repeatedly flew about four metres to a rowan … Continue reading →

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Rowan feast

Posted on November 12, 2014 by Alistair

  A feast of rowan berries (a.k.a mountain ash berries) has been prepared and the guests flew in to enjoy it. A red-shafted Northern Flicker helped itself. As did a Varied Thrush. A Robin showed off its prize.

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Coming and going

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Alistair

  The fall is a time of many transitions. Here are two. A Black Meadowhawk was seen flying around today. November 2nd is late for any dragonfly to be about. Meanwhile, Bufflehead Ducks fly in. They are rare in summer, but … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs | 1 Comment

Look and listen

Posted on November 1, 2014 by Alistair

  A birder spends time watching and listening; it seems that birds do likewise. A Wild Turkey watches an intruder. A Pileated Woodpecker listens for the possibility of insects in a utility pole.

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Four birds

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Alistair

   Here are four (species of) of birds seen yesterday. Most Osprey have migrated, yet this juvenile was feeding in a tree along the lakeshore. The only striking thing about these Wild Turkeys is that while walking across a field, … Continue reading →

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Fog, turkeys, hoboes

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Alistair

  In the cool early morning, steam fog rose from a stream and drifted over the countryside. Wild turkeys are silhouetted in the morning mist as they feed in a field. As the fog drifts by, its droplets are intercepted by … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, bugs, weather | 2 Comments

Eagle gathering

Posted on October 19, 2014 by Alistair

  Here are a few images taken during a local congregation of eagles. They gathered with friends, to feast, vent, and dry out after a long wet night.  To see all five eagles in a tree, move the cursor up … Continue reading →

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Grouse shows ruff

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Alistair

  The male Ruffed Grouse will display its ruff and fan its tail during spring courtship. It is unclear why this bird is displaying and calling in early October (two pictures).

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September goulash

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Alistair

  In this posting, a diverse collection of this month’s leftovers are used in a goulash. The only home of painted turtles near Nelson has long been the pond at Grohman Narrows Park (see loafing time). Yet, in late September, this turtle was seen in a pond … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, herptiles, mammals, wildflowers | 5 Comments

Harlequin finale

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Alistair

  The recently arrived Harlequin Duck seems to have now left Kokanee Creek. She will be heading to the Coast. Such a migration is a little odd: Other migrating ducks travel north and south; Harlequins travel east and west. Why did this … Continue reading →

Posted in birds | 4 Comments