Forgotten Photos Aug. 10 - Variant House Finch - Not only is this House Finch of the yellow variation, it's bill is somehow damaged or deformed. Sept. 13 - I was so excited about the Bar-tailed and Marbled Godwits in Port Renfrew that I forgot about the Western Grebes. 'Twas overcast and foggy and a little distant but a photo just for the record. Sept. 11 - Another cormorant shot from Campbell River. Despite the difference in size, I think both are Brandt's - a juvenile and an adult. Cedar Waxwing tree at Buttertubs Junco in a backyard bath Savannah Sparrow at Nanoose Estuary Immature Wood Duck at Buttertubs Sept. 19 - Backyard Fallout - There's no better feeling than to wake up to the sunshine and a yard full of birds. That's why Sept. is the favorite month for birders. Unfortunately, the sun still hadn't found the holly tree next to my bedroom as it was dripping with Gold-crowned Kinglets, and I had to write a newspaper article so I didn't make it outside till about 10 AM. I immediately noticed a whole lot of movement and chirping in the alders. I retreated back inside for my camera and wasted precious moments as I discovered I had a dead battery in my camera. By the time I was reorganized, most of the birds had passed, but I managed to catch the tail-end of the flurry. The most common visitor seemed to be the very pretty Townsend's Warbler. That was fine with me as I'm still trying for some better pictures. It would help if they would sit still for more than a second. The close, unobscured shot eluded me again. I might have to use this picture if I do another book. There were a few flycatchers in the fallout. The only one I could identify was the Pacific-slope. The Pacific-slope wasn't quite as hyper as the Townsend's Warblers. It did sit for a few seconds. Sept. 22 - Fall Birding - Yesterday was the fall equinox and the first official fall day according to the calendar. That's not how the birds see it, but each to their own. Anyway, it was a splendid sunny day to do some birding. Since I had a little book business with Chapters, I decided to check out Legacy Marsh and Holden Creek. There was a rush of birds across the south end of the marsh. Most of them were Yellow-rumped Warblers. I was happy to see that Holden was accessible at low tide. I was there last week at high tide and needed a boat if I wanted to get to the fields. The only bird in the first field was a Least Sandpiper. After a few pictures it flew to the next field where it joined a flock of 10 Long-billed Dowitchers, 1 Pectoral Sandpiper, and 1 Least Sandpiper. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that the shorebirds clean, preen, and groom when they're relaxed. It does make for some interesting pictures. I know I was relaxed and enjoying the scene. Part of the reason was NO MOSQUITOES! After the bath, the big shake! The dowis all took a turn at some personal hygiene. This one is impersonating a turkey or feather duster. The paparazzi just love the most embarassing poses. Oh, I wish someone would scratch the back of my neck. At first I thought there were 11 dowis, but one was a little smaller. I was hoping it had a big eye-ring. It didn't. It was a Pectoral Sandpiper. Even the Pectoral took its turn at grooming. The dowis all stayed in the water, but the Pectoral enjoyed checking out the salicornia. Apple Lover - I was back home doing chores after my birding morning when I noticed a Pileated Woodpecker heading for the garden. I had a good idea what it was after. Even woodpeckers need a balanced diet. A nice break from worms and bugs. That was good. I'll leave the rest of the apple for Mike. 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 SAVE-ON FOODS SIDNEY - VICTORIAN BIRD HOUSE TANNER'S BOOKSTORE COMOX - BLUE HERON BOOKS BOWSER - LIGHTHOUSE GIFTS DEEP BAY - Ship & SHORE SAANICH - WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED BUTCHART GARDENS VICTORIA - BOLEN BOOKS MUNRO'S CAMPBELL RIVER - CAMPBELL RIVER MUSEUM BOOK BONANZA SAVE-ON FOODS DUNCAN - VOLUME 1 BOOKSTORE CHEMAINUS - LITTLE SHOP OF NOVELS LADYSMITH - SALAMANDER BOOKS NANOOSE - SCHOONER COVE MARINA SOOKE - SOOKE HARBOUR HOUSE LAKE COWICHAN - GALLOPING MOON GALLERY TOFINO - BOTANICAL GARDENS UCLUELET - WORDS END BOOKSELLERS
Comments, questions, or book orders? email admin@vancouverislandbirds.com
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 SAVE-ON FOODS SIDNEY - VICTORIAN BIRD HOUSE TANNER'S BOOKSTORE COMOX - BLUE HERON BOOKS BOWSER - LIGHTHOUSE GIFTS DEEP BAY - Ship & SHORE SAANICH - WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED BUTCHART GARDENS VICTORIA - BOLEN BOOKS MUNRO'S CAMPBELL RIVER - CAMPBELL RIVER MUSEUM BOOK BONANZA SAVE-ON FOODS DUNCAN - VOLUME 1 BOOKSTORE CHEMAINUS - LITTLE SHOP OF NOVELS LADYSMITH - SALAMANDER BOOKS NANOOSE - SCHOONER COVE MARINA SOOKE - SOOKE HARBOUR HOUSE LAKE COWICHAN - GALLOPING MOON GALLERY TOFINO - BOTANICAL GARDENS UCLUELET - WORDS END BOOKSELLERS
Comments, questions, or book orders? email admin@vancouverislandbirds.com
