above photo: Male Harlequins at Clover Point - one of the advantages of being a duck is not having to worry about the snow.
Journal 273 (Dec. 31/08)
Dec. 28 - What a Lark! - On Dec. 27, Rick Schortinghuis painted a Christmas scene of Sky Larks, Meadowlarks, and Horned Larks dancing on the snow at the Cental Saanich bulb fields. It was an invitation too tantalizing to refuse, although from many past experiences, Sky Larks and Meadowlarks were impossible to approach in the open field. Nonetheless, even though the forecast was for rain and snow, my meteorological intuition was for decent weather, and I decided that I had to check it out. The bulb fields often yielded surprises, and it was possible that the snow dictated different behaviors from the larks.
I was optimistic as I parked beside the partially snow-covered fields. The roads and troughs between the rows were covered with about 8 cm of snow but the dried up gladiola stalks were bare at the top of the rows to provide foraging and cover for the birds. As I strolled down the first road, I immediately flushed 3 Sky Larks. They quietly circled a few times then settled in a row about 30 m in front of me. I carefully approached the spot and watched for the Sky Larks. There was none to be seen. The foliage on the top of the rows provided tunnels where they could scurry down the rows, and sure enough, about 10 m down, I flushed the birds again. At that point I knew the Sky Larks would be impossible. I decided to proceed to the blackberry brambles to check for sparrows. On the way 2 Wilson's Snipe flew from the open ditch and a number of juncos and Savannah Sparrows flew to the blackerry bushes. After my sparrow hunting, I headed back to the other side of the road to look for the Horned Larks that Rick had promised. They were there, just as advertised - thanks, Rick. Although the trifecta of larks wasn't realized, the sunshine and crisp winter air was invigorating. It was a great day to be out chasing birds. In fact, that's exactly what was happening in Sooke with wonderful results. You'll have to check their results yourself, but I'll just taunt your imagination with Prairie Warbler and Bohemian Waxwings.
Cross-country Turnstones - It was probably a waste of time, but I had to stop at Clover and Cattle Points, otherwise, my trip would have been pointless! (You're supposed to laugh.) High tide wasn't the best time to check the waterfront, but it did give me the title pic of the Harlequins, and I had fun with the Black Turnstones crossing the grassy plateau at Cattle Point.
I was watching some Black Turnstones on the rocks below me when they turned uphill and trotted right in front of me. I could never resist a full-frame photo opportunity.
I was hoping for a surprise in the blackberry brambles at the bulb fields but no such luck. The first bird I saw was old reliable, the Song Sparrow. What would we do without it? It's always so cheerful and curious.
The House Finch isn't nearly as sociable as the Song Sparrow, but the splendid colour of the male can brighten any day.
There seems to be a bumper crop of Fox Sparrows this year. Although it just might be the snow that is concentrating them near feeders and feeding areas.
The Lincoln's Sparrow is one of my favorites. You can recognize it right away by its chunky shape.
The Lincoln's is very scarce north of Victoria during the winter, but it's a regular at the bulb field.
Another regular is the Sky Lark. The bulb field is the best place to view this transplanted European species, but you can almost forget about photographing them. They are the ultimate skulkers, and if you get too close, they're gone.
As suspected, there was no chance of getting close to the Sky Larks. I was surprised when they landed on the pavement near the greenhouses, but I still couldn't get close.
Eventually, one of the Sky Larks landed in the open on one of the snow-covered roads. I followed it until it got in the sunshine, but I was still 20 m away.
On the other hand, the Horned Lark is the photgrapher's friend. It doesn't mind foraging out in the open.
They'll keep their distance at first, but if you're patient, you can slowly ease yourself into camera range.
Once they are usd to your presence, they'll relax and continue eating or do some preening.
We all need to stretch occasionally. It helps to increase the blood flow to the brain.
There was a little patch of seed-bearing stalks that kept the larks close to me.
As long as I stayed still, they kept munching.
Vancouver Island is included as part of the winter range of the Horned Lark, but they are quite uncommon.
I wish all birds were as cooperative as the Horned Lark or Great Blue Heron.
Dec. 31 - I had some family business in Vancouver. It was a great opportunity to visit the adult Northern Goshawk at Jericho Park. I had to wait over 2 hours before it showed up, but the sun was shining and the company was pleasant. Unfortunately, the closest I could get was about 30 m. I'm not complaining, just stating the facts. I was actually quite pleased to end '08 with a new bird even if it was a little blood-stained from its morning fare of American Wigeon. Because of some cognitive short-comings which I won't elaborate on, I failed to get the companion photo of the juvenile Goshawk.
Fearing a ferry line-up, I opted to go via Tsawassen which gave me the opportunity for a quick stop at Boundary Bay. I got there at 3:45 pm, but it was cloudy and too dark for any useful photography. I managed a few record shots in 15 minutes before heading to the ferry. The picture quality is terrible, but I'm posting them as a reminder that I need to improve on my next effort. You won't be surprised when I tell ou the first bird I saw was the Northern Harrier.
Just like last time, I was packing up when an adult male flew right by me. I had time for one quick blurry shot.
Shorty, the Short-eared Owl isn't on my wish-list, but I would like some flight shots some day. Maybe next time, and I hope the hunters aren't shooting next time.
Hey, this it it for '08! If it weren't for the economic disaster, it might have been a good year. I hope '09 is better for all of us.
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Happy 2009!
May your New Year be filled with joy, prosperity, and birds.
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