Monthly Archives: September 2011

Castlegar hawk watch

In late September, the North empties of raptors. At this time of year, raptors from Alaska to northern Alberta flow down along the coastlines and mountain ranges of BC. Some pass through the West Kootenay and so present the astute … Continue reading

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Transitional loon

Two days ago, I posted an artsy picture I described as a matutinal loon. At the time, I was struck more by the beauty of its pose than by its state of moult. Others challenged me on my assessment that … Continue reading

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Matutinal loon

In the early morning, I often see a loon wander by. Usually it is well offshore. Today it was a bit closer and I was able to watch it rise out of the water and shake its wings. It is … Continue reading

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Equinoctial sunrise

As if to proclaim the equinox, today’s sunrise was grand.  

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Osprey gull kingfisher

One might think that, with a title like this, I would include a picture of a gull—I don’t. Yet the gull is part of the story. An adult (probably female) osprey packing a rather large fish stopped at a piling … Continue reading

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Bug catchup

The previous posting caught up on miscellaneous recent pictures of birds; this one does the same for bugs—bugs being used as a rather informal term for any arthropod. Bluets copulate in the wheel position; the male is bluish, the female … Continue reading

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Bird catchup

Having a posting about a single species, such as offered with Kokanee Whimsey, is great fun, but what does one do with all the images taken that just don’t fit such a theme? Here I have grouped some recent pictures of … Continue reading

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Kokanee whimsey

It is September and locals arrive by the dozens—even hundreds. That is because the Kokanee arrive by the thousands—even tens of thousands. The streams and channels turn red with spawning fish. No September visit to this area is complete without … Continue reading

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Four–footed three

I take my camera for a walk along the lakeshore just as others might take their dogs for a walk. My guess is that camera walkers and dog walkers will often see different things. On yesterday’s walk, I saw three … Continue reading

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Mystery blazes

High in the mountains above Nelson, the indefatigable Doug Thorburn has discovered blazes that mark a forgotten trail. The purpose of the trail is unclear, but it passes through a fine old–growth stand of cedar hemlock. Some blazes are still visible, … Continue reading

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