May 4/06 - Birds at Work
After a birdless morning of birding San Malo and French Creek, I decided to visit a friend. She invited me into her bedroom and whispered seductively in my ear, "Mike, I'd like to show you my Cliff Swallows." I peeked out her window and just 3 feet in front of me was a Cliff Swallow. There was a cluster of mud nests built around the security light under the eave. It was fascinating watching the industry and craftsmanship of the hard-working birds.
There were at least 4 nests in this colony.
May 5 - A Non-birding Day
I had to take a break from birding today and actually had an excellent birding day.
May 5 - What a surprise to see 4 female Red Crossbills land a few feet from me in the garden. I quietly retreated in the house for my camera, but as I returned they flew to join the rest of their flock high in the fir trees. It was a first-of-the-year sighting for me.
Later as I was returning from the store, I spotted a female Blue Grouse by the side of the road. I've seen Blue Grouse before but never had the opportunity to photograph them.
She was pacing back and forth just inches from the speeding traffic.
My worst fears were that her mate had been hit and she was in mourning.
I couldn't see the male anywhere so I shooed her into the bush.
Did I mention that I was taking the circuitous route home from the store. The eagle tree and sewer plant was next. I didn't see any eagle activity, but I did spot my first Western Tanager of the year. It was a beautiful male.
I was finally as close as ever from the bird, but I could barely see it throught the leaves.
May 8 - On the way to Campbell River
Last night 30 Greater White-fronted landed on Springford's farm. They were still there this morning.
Springford's also had a Killdeer nest on the roadside. We saw 4 eggs in the morning on our way to Campbell River.
On the way back, 2 of the eggs had hatched.
Later, I saw one of the chicks in the grass.
There was also at least one chick under Momma. I didn't like the way the crows were lurking around.
There weren't many birds to see on the way to Campbell River. There was one lonely Longtail at Deep Bay with a few Surf Scoters and Greater Scaup.
It appeared to have some plastic fibres stuck in its feathers which may have impaired its flying ability.
There were very few Cormorants along the Cambell River waterfront. Just a few Pelagics and one Double-crested.
May 9 - Buttertubs Marsh
Buttertubs was alive with the song of Common Yellowthroats and Yellow Warblers.
I saw a lot of birds but didn't have a clear shot at any.
It was a joy to see my first Yellow Warblers of the year, but like the Yellowthroats, they were all buried in the foliage of the trees.
I love seeing the Bullock's Oriole, but in 3 years, I have yet to have a clear view. Maybe next time. Apparently the Bullock's has been there since at least May 5 according to a report at the backyard Wild Bird store.
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