Nov. 8/05 - Sometimes it's hard not to bird even when you're not birding. Such was the case today as it was a run-around chores day. Just south of Parksville by Craig Bay, I spotted a small flock of pigeons near the top of a tall Douglas Fir. I didn't stop to see exactly what they were because it was chores day. However, a half hour later on my way back south, my curiosity got the better of me. I stopped to check out the tree, and they were still there - a bunch of Band-tailed pigeons soaking up the morning sunshine. The same thing happened on the way back from Nanaimo. I noticed some ducks off the Nanoose Band Campground. I took the next U-turn route back.

TREETOP LOUNGE - There must have been a great view of Craig Bay from the top of the tall Douglas Fir.

MAKING SURF - They don't call them Surf Scoters for nothing. They make their own surf.

TELE-SCAUPIC-VISION - When I first spotted the ducks from the highway, I assumed they would be mostly scoters. However, a closer view revealed about a 100 Greater Scaup.

NOV. 10 - With a hint of blue sky, I decided to combine birding and chores. It seemed a perfect time to visit the Longtails and any other surprises at Deep Bay, but there were no Longtails and no surprises.

It was almost high tide at Qualicum which meant the ducks could be close to the seawall. The first flock I saw were Greater Scaup. They were fairly close, but with the fine weather comes a lot of pedestrians. The ducks were still not used to the traffic. I managed a couple of shots before they paddled out of range.

This is the first time in 2 years that I have seen flocks south of Fanny Bay before herring season. However, I'm told that it isn't uncommon.

There were a few Black and White-winged Scoters scattered around, but not the usual small flocks.

Deep Bay was surprisingly quiet which was disappointing because it was sunny, calm, and quiet - a perfect time for photography. The occasional Double-crested winged by on the way to Fanny Bay. I had to take at least one picture.

The only ducks close by were a few Harlequins.

I waited until they dove then ran to where I expected them to surface. They didn't stay around when they saw me.

On the way out, I spotted a Gold-crowned Sparrow nestled in the dry grass. It was enjoying the sun too much to bother moving.

My last stop on the way home was Admiral's Lagoon. I was greeted by a Crow who was busy eating a scavenged apple core. I knew I would make at least one person happy if I took this picture.

Nit-picker - another personal hygiene story.

There weren't any Dunlin flocks around, but there was a Black Turnstone flock with an adopted Dunlin. Here it is looking after its personal hygiene.

In fact, there was a "whole lot of shaking" going on as the Turnstones each took a turn in the bathtub.

It doesn't get any better - a sunny location sheltered from the wind.

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SAANICH - WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED

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