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French Creek is one of my favorite spots for many birds including the Eurasian Wigeon. In the morning the sun is at your back, and if you approach the creek quietly and peer over the bank, your chances of seeing a Eurasian close-up is pretty good.
It's not unusual to se one preening or snoozing on the gravel bar or far bank of the creek.
Sometimes they're even closer when they're feeding in the creek.
Like the American Wigeons, they are wary. Once they sense your presence, they're gone. From the warm (light brown, not gray) colour of the head, I would call this a female Eurasia. (This business of a gray colour is confusing as there is supposed to be a gray phase Eurasian. I'll try to get some photo analysis next winter.)
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Although the breeding plumage of the Bonaparte's Gull isn't as spectacular as the Horned Grebe, it is interesting and a challenge to photograph.
The black head and white body creates the ultimate challenge for proper exposure and positioning. Positioning is most critical as you need a light background to show up the black head and bill. Even with the blue sky refecting in the water, I had a lot of rejected shots depending on the angle of the light on the waves. One way it looks blue and the other it looks black.
Another positioning challenge is to get the reflection of light on the eyeball. Without the reflection, the picture looks lifeless.
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Whenever I have to go to Campbell River, I like to check out the cormorants on the shoreline rocks just east of town. If you're lucky, all three species will be present. For all the beginners, the Double-crested has the orange chin and the Brandt's has the white whiskers on the neck and back. The Pelagics are in the last picture.
When the tide is right, you can often sneak up on the cormorants - especially when they're busy with the call of nature.
This immature Common Loon has been hanging out in Schooner Cove Marina. How long does it take to reach maturity?
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The Greater Yellowlegs is always fun to watch and photograph. There were three around Columbia Beach all winter. I wonder if these were newcomers or old-timers today at Admiral's Lagoon?
The last time I photographed them was on a cold, overcast winter's day. It was pleasing to have a little sunshine today.
Notice the straight bill on front bird. That's what drives beginners crazy. Seen in isolation, it could easily be called a Lesser Yellowlegs. I think the length of the bill is more reliable for identification than the slight up-curve.
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This Bald Eagle looks like it could use some grooming help.
A good face wash would be in order.
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I usually have a pair of Orange-crowned Warblers in my yard every summer. It was a treat to see them again two days ago. If only we could communicate. I'd love to hear about their winter travels.
I've been hearing the Yellow-rumpeds around my yard for over a week but still haven't seen them at the suet feeder. Maybe, it's using the new one that is out of sight from my window. Meanwhile, they seem to be everywhere I go.
A quick stop at Piper's Lagoon was worth it for a Yellow-rumped "on the rocks" opportunity.
The normal "in the tree" shot at Legacy Marsh.
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Feeder Fun - With the Rufous Hummers back from their long Mexican siesta or fiesta, or whatever else they were doing down there, I enjoyed a few hours of feeder-watching.
The Spotted Towhee hopped up to remind me that it was around all winter and never got its picture taken.
The Pine Siskin stopped to pose and thanked me for taking care of it after it hit my kitchen window. By the way, I did find a fine home for the injured bird that couldn't fly - thanks, Crystal.
Herrrrrre's Harry. Okay, it could also be Henry or Harold. All three have returned.
All three males have been getting along quite well with each other and the ladies.
I guess it'll only be a matter of time before the alpha male surfaces.
I could tell them apart from the different configuration of green patches on their backs, but I haven't bothered.
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Herrrrrre's Hariet. Okay, it could also be Hanna, Helen, Hazel, etc. I was going to record the gorgets on each one, but there are too many to worry about.
They all seem to have different gorget patterns
I suppose the size of the gorget is related to the age of the bird. Please correct me if I'm wrong, Cam.
If my theory is right, this should be one of the older females.
I know I look ridiculous with this fluff on my bill. I guess I should have passed on the cotton candy.
