NOV. 29/05 - A WINTER'S DAY

A 3" blanket of snow greeted me as I peered outside this morning. It looked like a day for indoor chores, and maybe backyard birding from the kitchen window. But, by 10 AM the sky brightened, and I had to buy some lumber for a storm door I was installing (good excuse to go out). Of course, I tossed in the camera and before long I was surveying the monochromatic scene at San Malo. The usual green-winged Teal, Northern Pintails, Mallards, and Buffleheads were present, but the light was dull, the wind was cold, and I could see nothing interesting to photograph. However, ever since I missed the Snowy Owl last year by minutes, I always drive over to the Art Gallery for a look. In fact, I even got out and walked the perimeter of the property to be sure. Unfortunately, it was my day for snow but not the Snowy. Parksville Park had its usual contingent of Canadas and Cacklers and French Creek was quiet until 3 greater Yellowlegs flew in. That was my cue to do a little photography.

I hadn't seen the Greater yellowlegs for over a month, and wondered if they had moved on. I didn't try to get close to them as I was only interested in a record shot to document their presence. Even though there are only 2 in the photo, there were actually 3 birds today.

Wandering down the beach towards the gull roost, some snorting and splashing in the creek caught my attention. The gulls were attracted too as they lifted en masse for a possible meal. It was a sealion feasting on expired spawning salmon.

The sealion was gorging itself as it moved from one fish to another. It didn't leave much for the gulls as it swallowed the fish whole.

Continuing down the beach to the next gull roost, I noticed 2 small birds with the gulls. My first thought was Dunlin, but they seemed too light-colored. A closer look revealed a pair of Sanderling.

The gulls flew, but the Sanderling stayed. Despite the dull weather, I was able to get close enough for some good shots.

High tide at Admiral's seabird roost is always fun to watch. As the tide rises, the birds jockey for position. There is no secret to the pecking order as it is based on size. The Dunlin and Black Turnstones have to abandon ship first. The gulls being the biggest, are the last to leave.

Cam the crow was hallucinating. Why did all his buddies have orange bills and eyes?

A lone female Common Merganser was patrolling the lagoon. After a couple of laps she decided to come ashore for a rest.

The only other birds in the lagoon were a few American Wigeon.

Morningstar Ponds are good for duck watching if you have a scope. I've never been successful there with the camera as the ducks all keep their distance. The ducks present included Ring-neckeds, Buffleheads, Green-winged Teals, Northern Shovelers, mallards, and Scaup (sp).

A Snow Bird? When I got home, my garden Winter Wren was flitting about in the snow. I grabbed my camera and set up where I thought it would appear next. I was too good as the Wren popped up too close to me. I managed a half-decent shot as it hopped away, but the best shots were out of focus. Considering the snow, it wasn't a bad day for birding, and I forgot to pick up the lumber.

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