The Chipping Sparrow has been the most regular of my summer migrants. Hardly a day goes by without seeing them somewhere on the property.
It's always fun to see the Red-breasted Nuthatches. The families are still staying pretty close together.
The elusive Brown Creeper is still on my photo wish list. I never seem to be ready when it shows up.
Missed again! The Townsend Warblers are still too fast for me.
The only time they seem to sit still for a second is when they are out of reach.
July 7 - I would have loved to spend the whole day birding on my trip to Victoria, but it was business first. However, there was a bit of time to visit the Sky Larks, look for the Bullock's family, and check out Viaduct Flats. I didn't find the Bullock's, but I found the Sky Larks and Viaduct Flats.
Sky Larks are fascinating birds. Their aerial singing behavior is remarkable. The best place to see them is the bulb fields on Central Saanich Road.
The mystique of Viaduct Flats lies in the lace of multi-coloured plants and flowers that float on the water. It's a visual treat even without Killdeer or other birds.
It was lunch time for the juvenile White-crowned Sparrow at Whiffin Spit.
July 8 - Last year the Kestrals at River's Edge left the nest on July 12. I had a hunch that they might be earlier this year. I was right. I found them fluttering around the stump grinding area.
July 9 - Finally, I had a day with no books on my mind. For the past 2 weeks, it has been mainly "drive-by" birding with a few hurried birding stops here and there. Today I was going to take my time for some relaxing and theraputic birding. I wanted to see the Kestrals again so I headed for River's Edge. Being the weekend, it was much quieter as much less house construction was happening. The Kestrals were still fluttering around. I spent a peaceful hour trying to get close enough for some pictures. About 70' seemed to be their comfort zone. After that, I grabbed a sausage and egg McMuffin and headed for Admiral's Lagoon. On an impulse, I turned into French Creek and never did make it to Admiral's. It was a good decision.
I parked by French Creek and got out to survey the scene. It was cloudy and there wasn't much happening - a couple of Mallards, a bunch of Canada Geese, a few Killdeer, Rock pigeons flying to and fro, a lone Western Sandpiper, and a few gulls. Just as I was about to leave, a Belted Kingfisher flew towards me. It hovered, turned and landed on a snag in the creek right in front of me. I was reunited with the King!
After a few shots of the King, a commotion up the creek caught my eye. A Great Blue Heron clambered onto the rocks with a small cod in its bill.
I watched in fascination as it proceeded to process its catch. First it dropped the fish on the rocks and then proceeded to spear it a few times until it was dead. You might call it "death by billing" - same thing that happens to us. Once the fish was dead, the Heron just flipped it around and vacuumed it up in one easy motion.
After the Heron was done, I spotted Mommy Merganser and her family on the far shore standing at attention for the National Anthem.
It was siesta time and while Mommy stood guard, the kiddies snuggled together for a nap.
About 15 minutes later, they were having swimming and hunting lessons. Suddenly Mom gave the signal and they took off. I knew it wasn't me as they already knew I was there. I looked upstream and saw the reason. A menacing looking otter was swimming towards them. The Mergansers took refuge on the shore while the otter continued downstream.
Just to finish my day, I headed back to Rascal Lane to look for the Spotties. There were Cedar Waxwings all over the place busily feasting on flying insects.
Meet SPOTLESS the young Spotted Sandpiper. It was the same size as the parent now and a very proficient hunter as I watched it successfully grab bugs from the water's edge.
It displayed a fine set of wings which incidently were good for flying as it eventually said goodbye and flew to another part of the pond. On that note, I must also say goodbye. I enjoyed the birds today, and I hope you enjoy them too through my photos.
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