A belated happy 2007 to all! It's about time I posted something. I was going to say that my camera and I have been afflicted with Seasonal Affective Disorder, but that hasn't been the case. Seasonal Meteorological Disorder is more like it. There just hasn't been too many opportunities between monsoons, blizzards, and hurricanes. Yesterday was blizzard time. Today was freezer time as the mercury stayed below zero all day. However, despite icy and snow-packed roads, it was sunny, and I had to get out with my camera. ****Help! This is the time of year I check to see if there's anyone out there in cyberspace. Please send me an email saying you check my website. You don't have to say you like it. If you don't mind, let me know what city or country or part of cyberspace you're from. THANKS. Leftovers from 2006 Oct. 13/06 (Holden Creek) - Tongue-tied Long-billed Dowitcher (there's a lot of tongue to tie). Oct. 17/06 (Port Alberni) - Bewick's Wren (notice the crossed bill?) Dec. 12/06 (Wall Beach) - Immature Cooper's Hawk enjoying the morning sun. Dec. 12/06 (Nanoose Estuary) - Trumpeter Swan swimming in the flooded estuary right beside Northwest Bay Road. Dec. 12/06 (Brickyard Bay) - All three species of cormorants on Cormorant Rock. Dec. 28/06 (French Creek) - Merry Christmas to all from the King. Dec. 28/06 - Male Common Merganser at French Creek. Dec. 28/06 - Just about - Some sunny day I'd love to get a close-up of an American Kestrel on a tree or snag. 2007 - Nice to start off the New Year with the cheerful countenance of the male Surf Scoter. He looks like he could be the life of the party. Dig that paddle. It'd make a good snow shovel. Jan. 4/07 - "Saloot" to the Coot - The American Coot doesn't get much respect, but I think it's a fascinating bird. Ever hear the phrase, "Crazy as a Coot?" I guess that's in reference to their squabbling during mating season. But, if you ask me, squabbling is normal for all species. It's always a surprise to see those big balloon toes. Have you ever watched them feeding? It's hilarious to see them breaking long strands of grass by shaking their heads. Jan. 11/07 (Admiral's Lagoon) - Dunlin on the run. Jan. 11/07 - First Meadowlark I've ever seen at Columbia Beach. Jan. 11/07 - French Creek The male Hooded Merganser is still on my "most wanted" list for photography. It's difficult to get close to in the wild. I need a park where they are quite tame. Maybe King's Pond in Victoria. While I was taking pictures of the Hooded Merganser, I saw a white bird swimming towards me out of the corner of my eye. "Just a gull," I thought without looking up. What a surprise to see a Snow Goose swimming into my viewfinder. I've been looking for one all winter. I wonder if it came in with the recent snowfall? Parting shot! Thanks mew Gull. 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
