Even the Red-tailed Hawk was curious about all the activity around the cedar snags as it circled closer for a look. If I had my tripod set higher, I might have gotten a better shot.
The first bird I noticed was a juvenile Yellow-rumped Warbler. It was hopping from branch to branch on the snag just out of decent camera range. I was almost ready to give up when it flew past me into a low willow. Now it was too close. I backed up a few steps, set the camera to over-expose 0.7 (as I was looking into the sun), and click, click, click!
Another scrawny little bird appeared on the snag. I could tell from the bill and supercillium that it was a Bewick's. It sure looked undernourished.
A Yellow bird snatched a flying insect out of the air landed in a nearby alder tree. I think it was a female Yellow Warbler.
All the action happened around the snag simply because it was lunch time. A Western tanager joined the group with its own little snack.
AUG. 14 - RETURN TO HOLDEN - With the unprecedented numbers of Stilt Sandpipers still in my mind, I had to make another trip to the Nanaimo Estuary.
The Stilt Sandpipers were still around. I counted 11.
Once again, there was only one Pectoral Sandpiper. There should be more on the way.
There were only 2 Long-billed Dowitchers present. These should be the "tip of the bill" for the main part of the migration.
AUG. 15 - TOURIST DAY - Our destination today was Gold River. The scenery on the way was vintage "Beautiful B.C.", but it was sad to see a town in decline. On the way home, we stopped at Oyster Bay to check out the scores of shorebirds. I thought I saw a possible Golden-Plover but couldn't even get a distant picture before it flew. I had to settle for a couple of peeps.
Of the several hundred peeps, most were Western Sandpipers. They seemed to be foraging for insects or bugs in the salicornia.
PREOCCUPIED - Whatever was in the salicornia must have been good as the Least and Western Sandpiper paid no attention to my approach.
THE WALMART GREETER - As we were passing by Parksville on our way north, the Forest Bus Redtail greeted us with a 'good morning." As we were nearing home, it was there again for a "good evening."
AUG. 16/05 - Since most of the shorebirds had abandoned Holden Creek, I decided to check out Buttertubs Marsh for the Green Heron. I saw it fly by through the bulrushes. I didn't even have a chance to raise the camera. Fortunately, there was a consolation bird to allay my disappointment. A juvenile Pied-billed Grebe popped up among the Mallards right near the Buttertubs Street entrance.
YOU'RE BEING WATCHED - Have you ever had the feeling that you were being spied on? I had that feeling at Legacy Marsh.
AUG. 18/05 - ESP & THE GREEN HERON - Shelley Penner from Port Alberni must have ESP'd my frustration with trying to photograph the elusive Buttertubs Green Heron. She offered to introduce me to the Port Alberni Green Heron. It was an offer I couldn't refuse. I was pessimistic when I arrived in the foggy city, but Shelley and Gail were optimistic as we headed up the Stirling Park trail. As we neared a secluded ravine, we slowed and up flew the heron into the dense forest of alders. No picture. We checked a few spots up the trail and returned. Shelley spotted a movement in the creek. It was the Heron. It flew further down the creek and landed on a rock to do some hunting. It was in full sunlight and view from the other side of the creek.
I was about a 100 feet away for this picture. I tried to get closer, but the Heron didn't cooperate.
Two hours later, we saw it again in the ravine. It was in the shadows, and I could barely see it. I clicked a picture even though my camera said it was too dark. I'm glad I did.
OFFSPRING - I often speculated as to whether the MacGillivray Warbler I saw so often at Kaye Road was nesting in the area. I think I just photographed the answer.
I knew the House Wrens had nested at the cedar snag. I saw a pair of juveniles playing tag there yesterday. I think they were from the cedar snag family.
Cedar Waxwings are very common on Kaye Road. This is the first juvenile I've seen this year.
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