Exploring Kootenay Lake

The Rusty Blackbird is an infrequent visitor to the Lake. Indeed, most posted range maps suggest that it is not to be seen here at all. Yet, here it was on its fall migration foraging, apparently for arthropods, in ponds beside the Lake. (I would have missed the little flock had it not been for a chance encounter with Janice Arndt, who suggested what I could see if I were to head down a alternative path.) 

A few of the Rusty Blackbirds scouring the edge of a pond for delectables.

The birds would scour one small area and then fly to the next.

This is perhaps my favourite shot of the event. Two Rusty Blackbirds search the pond for arthropods, and one has been found. But, look at the autumnal colours reflected in the water.

This bird begins to pick up another arthropod that it had already turned over.

When spooked, a snipe bolts from its hiding place at a great speed and is gone. Consequently, shooting a flying snipe presents a considerable challenge. So much so, that those who became good at it were called snipers — a term that was adopted by the military for a marksman.

In late summer, I spooked a snipe, but it vanished in a blur before I could shoot its picture. Yesterday, a snipe erupted along my path; I shot it. I now qualify as a sniper.

A Wilson’s Snipe bolts.

Is the identity of this bird actually a mystery? Well, I know what it is.

However, the Sybley Guide to Birds offered no guidance. And, Cornell’s Merlin Bird ID (an avian-recognition app) made a number of guesses, all of which were wrong.

So, I thought that others might enjoy the challenge of identifying this large brownish bird.

What is this late-summer bird?

Showing the crests (Mar. 5, 2018)

Double-crested Cormorants can be seen around Kootenay Lake throughout the year. Unlike Mallards and Canada Geese, the cormorant is a somewhat uncommon sight. While a few breed at the south end of the Lake, they are primarily seen twice a year during migration.

Our local cormorant is named, double-crested, yet, the crests are only seen briefly early in the breeding season.

Cormorants are water birds. They are adapted for underwater swimming where they prey upon swimming and bottom fish. Unlike many other water birds, their feathers are wettable, an adaptation that prevents excess buoyancy when diving for fish. Consequently, when swimming on the surface, they float rather low in the water. They also often carry their bills tipped up.

Following a dive, cormorants will sometimes face into the wind and spread their wings so as to dry them. Usually done on land, it is uncommon to see them do this while still in the water.

Cormorants have relatively small wings, which gives them a fairly high flight speed.

The speed of a cormorant makes it a challenge to obtain a detailed shot of one flying.

Juveniles have a pale neck and breast that gradually blends into its darker belly.

A cormorant expressing its opinion.