Oct. 13 - Holden Creek

I normally don't bother with Holden Creek after Sept., but with time on my hands, I decided sneak in a quick visit before the noon high tide. I'm glad I did as morning dew glistened like diamonds on the rufous fall tips of salicornia while an entourage of Long-billed Dowitchers bobbed in the glassy still shallow ponds. With the morning sun warming my back, it was a perfect day to be out enjoying nature and a few birds.

After surveying the flock of 43 Dowis, I noticed a light-coloured bird in the tangled willows. It was Northern Shrike - my second in a week.

I was close to the Shrike for awhile, but it was obscured by the branches. By the time I was in position, it flew to another tree, and I had to settle for a medium distant shot. It was a talkative bird, and I was amazed at the many different languages it spoke.

After the Shrike departed, I revisited the Dowis. I wasn't going to take any more Dowi photos this year unless they were a little different. Would Dowis "not in the water" be different enough? It was for me.

Cross country hiking? No just walking a few meters to the next pond.

Double Dowi - almost the perfect relection shot.

Oct. 16 - A Stay-at-home Day?

Monday wasn't supposed to be a travel day, but with several plans cancelled, I was stuck with the dilemma of doing chores or delivering some books to MUNRO'S in Victoria and the Wild Bird Store in Chemainus. With Chris Saunders reporting a Slaty-backed Gull, Lapland Longspurs, and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, it wasn't difficult to make a decision. The irony of it all was that we dipped on all 3 birds, but as we say in Nanoose, "It was a mighty fine day regardless!"

Clover Point was busy with people and dogs as usual which meant the chances of a Lapland Longspur or Horned Lark were slim. A quick stroll around the grassy areas confirmed my expectations. That left the shoreline, and a surprising Black-bellied Plover. It might not be too unusual, but it was the first I've ever seen there in my 3.7 years of birding.

The Black-bellied was busy foraging for lunch in the debris along the water's edge in the company of a Black Turnstone. I wasn't surprised that the B-b Plover didn't offer to share its lunch.

There were about 30 Surfbirds foraging on various rocks.

The birds were totally unaffected by the occasional surging wave.

I thought the waves might dislodge a bird or two from the rocks, but it never happened. I think they were able to hold on with their powerful claws.

Cattle Point was next and I was happy to see only a couple of cars in the parking lot and no dogs running around. I was following three Savannah Sparrows when I met up with a Horned Lark.

The Horned Lark seemed to be quite comfortable staying about 10 meters away which just happened to be fine with me and my camera.

It stopped occasionally just to check me out.

After a little preening and a shake, it was back to business.

And business was just to continue eating.

We were searching for one of the Lapland Longspurs that Chris Saunders had been seeing, but had to settle for a consolation bird. I'm kidding. I was ecstatic when my wife spotted a gorgeous Western Meadowlark.

I have a few Meadowlark photos, but there was plenty of room for improvement. This is a big improvement. Isn't the feather pattern beautiful?

It wasn't as friendly as the Horned Lark, but it did sit and stand for a few shots.

It seemed to prefer to sit with its back to me, but finally, I got a partial view of the beautiful orangey-yellow chest and throat.