Oct. 22/05 - BUTTERTUBS MORNING

A carpet of orange, yellow, and brown fall leaves cushioned our steps as we leisurely strolled around Buttertubs. The morning air was crisp and refreshing and the filtered rays of sun was pleasantly warming. As expected, flocks of ducks lazily paddled in the middle of the marsh just east of the majestic derelict oak trees. Most were Mallards and American Wigeons with a few Gadwall, Wood Ducks, and good numbers of American Coot sprinkled in. A lone Eurasian Wigeon was conspicuous feeding alone as were the occasional Pied-billed Grebe and Ring-necked Duck. Aside from House Sparrows, passerines were scarce - a few Cedar Waxwings, Bushtits, Dark-eyed Juncos, Song Sparrows, American Robins, and Steller Jays. There were no surprises today, but the Buttertubs morning stroll is always a treat.

The American Coot gets no respect

As it's manners are hard to detect

But we all know it can't be beat

When measured by the size of its feet.

Gadwall are on my photo wish list for the Island. I often see them at a distance at Buttertubs but too far away for a decent picture. I took a few pics at about 100 feet anyway. The noise or grain you see is the result of a lot of cropping. (I haven't messed with any noise reduction software yet.) One of these days I'll get a closer shot and noise won't be a problem.

SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMERS?

Oct. 24/05 - Sunshine Bird - It was overcast and cool this morning, but the forecast was for afternoon sun. After completing a bunch of chores, my wife and I stopped at Pipers Pub for a scrumptuous 2 for 1 Halibut and Chips lunch. When we emerged from the dark but cosy confines of the pub, the sun was blinding. (Chalk on up for the weatherman!) It was perfect for a quick stroll at Piper's Lagoon. Birds were scarce, but on the way back along the causeway we were rewarded by a gorgeous Western Meadowlark.

The Meadowlark was unmistakeable as the sun reflected off its brilliant yellow chest. However, there was no chance of getting a better photo as the regular parade of pedestrians kept the Meadowlark on the move.

With the afternoon sun, I thought it would be a good time to return to Buttertubs to try for a better shot of the Gadwall. Unfortunately, they were still too far away. However, a couple of walkers mentioned there was a Barred Owl on one of the oak trees. It was a sleepy but fine consolation bird.

We found the Barred Owl near the western end just as described. It was catching an afternoon nap, but checked us out before going back to sleep.

Oct. 25/05 - It was cool, breezy, and mostly overcast, but it was to be the last precipitationless day of the week. A little morning birding was a good way to start the day. The sun peeked out occasionally from the high thin clouds, but photo subjects were scarce. After San Malo, Parksville Park, French Creek and Columbia Beach, I still hadn't taken a picture. I had 2 stops left before heading home - Tim Horton's and Kaye Road. Tim's was only good for a coffee and doughnut so Kaye Road was my last chance.

WOODPECKER CITY - The nature trail at Peterson Road was busy with woodpeckers. I counted 4 Northern Flickers, 3 Downy's, and 1 Hairy in the small grove of trees at the beginning of the trail. The Flickers departed as I approached, but a female Downy Woodpecker was oblivious to my presence as it probed the alder bark for breakfast.

As the Downy worked its way up the skinny alder snag, another bird caught my eye. It was a male Hairy on the same tree but at a lower level.

The Hairy meticulously checked under every crack and crevice from the bottom of the dead alder to the top.

BOOKS AVAILABLE AT

PARKSVILLE - QUALICUM - MULBERRYBUSH BOOKSTORES

NANAIMO - BACKYARD WILDBIRD & NATURE STORE

SAVE-ON FOODS (WOODGROVE)

SAVE-ON FOODS (COUNTRY CLUB)

CHAPTERS

FALCONER BOOKS

COLE'S

PORT ALBERNI - CLOCKTOWER GALLERY

COURTENAY - GRAHAM'S JEWELLERS

SIDNEY - VICTORIAN BIRD HOUSE

COMOX - BLUE HERON BOOKS

BOWSER - LIGHTHOUSE GIFTS

DEEP BAY -

SAANICH - WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED

VICTORIA - BOLEN'S BOOKS

MUNRO'S

CAMPBELL RIVER - CAMPBELL RIVER MUSEUM

DUNCAN - VOLUME 1 BOOKSTORE

CHEMAINUS - LITTLE SHOP OF NOVELS

LADYSMITH - SALAMANDER BOOKS (FRASER & NAYLOR)

NANOOSE - SCHOONER COVE MARINA

SOOKE - SOOKE HARBOUR HOUSE