Pre-spawn Activity

Mar. 5, 2011 - It was an understatement to say that the pre-spawn excitement around Oceanside was palpable today. You didn't have to feel it - it was just there to slap you in the face everywhere you went. At French Creek it was the deathly silence that struck me. The usual hustle and bustle of fish boats was gone - apparently to Deep Bay in anticipation of the first spawn and fishery opening. At Qualicum Beach it was the sweet sight of 200 Brant dabbling for eelgrass and sea lettuce at the water's edge. At the viewing stand it was a half dozen Bald Eagles and a steady stream of wildlife photographers and birdwatchers. That's as far as I got in my two hour reprieve from chores. I would have loved to carry on to Deep Bay or even Denman or Hornby, but I had chores to do and didn't want to be too irresponsible unless warranted by special circumstances like a herring spawn.

As usual I was seduced by the snow-capped peak of Mt. Arrowsmith and took the detour to Blower Road for a quick look. There's a good view and nice little hedgerow of blackberries and Nooka rose that is always busy with birds. It's the perfect hideout for California Quail.

There's always a few Brewer's Blackbirds as well as a variety of sparrows, towhees, and juncos. Oh, the mountain - a few wispy clouds detracted from the view.

However, my destination was Qualicum, and I was surprised to be welcomed by about 200 Brant along the main beach.

I was surprised to see the Brant there. They're usually north of the viewing stand where the beach is less busy. The Brant were foraging for eelgrass and sea lettuce which is their standard diet before herring roe time.

I wasn't surprised to find Guy and Ralph at the viewing stand. I told Guy I was surprised that the Brant were on the main beach. Guy gave all the credit to the Bylaw officer who was patrolling the beach to keep dogs away and to educate the public.

This was my first photo session with the Brant this year. As usual, the best strategy was to find a position on the beach in the direction that the Brant seemed to be moving.

I was very pleased with my position as the Brant foraged right in front of me several times before being flushed by an eagle.

The first time they flushed they made a big circle and landed close by. I was also lucky that I wasn't bothered by curiosity seekers wondering what I was doing or asking if these were Brant.

After the Brant I headed up the beach. I always check the three pilings near the washrooms. Way back when I first started birding and was using film, I saw a Kingfisher on the first piling body slamming a fish. My pictures weren't worth printing. Every time I pass by I look for a rerun, but no luck so far. The best I could do today was the sleepy Great Blue Heron. It's a regular feature on the third piling.

At the viewing stand a half dozen Bald Eagles were hanging around to snack on some fish scraps someone had thrown there.

The eagles were a bit reluctant because the scraps were fairly close to the parking lot and several photographers.

However, they couldn't resist temptation forever, and they eventually all took their turns flying down.

It was a marvelous sight to see them swoop down for the scraps.

The eagles were quite civilized as there was no sign of any one trying to take food from another.

It's always a challenge with flight shots. Despite over 50 attempts, there wasn't one that I really liked.

Otter Dedication

The following gallery of otter shots is dedicated to a dear friend who has a life-long love affair with otters and knows more about otters just about everyone in the world. She is constantly monitoring and studying their behaviour, and even has several remote cameras to document their daily activities. Besides studying otters she is also passionate about conserving all sensitive ecosystems in her community and is a pillar of strength in advocating conservancy issues. Unfortunately, she is too busy to be out enjoying the therapeutic sunshine, the pending herring spawn activity, and her lovable river otters so I hope she enjoys this spring greeting from two of her furry friends.

After the eagle activity, I turned my attention to two little critters sunning themselves on the furthest rock out.

As usual I used my graduated approach of stopping every ten paces to take a few shots.

The otters were very cooperative and continued with their reciprocal grooming.

Once in awhile they would look up from their grooming to check on my progess.

Abandon ship. I'm not sure what spooked the pair, but they dcided to hit the water. Eventually they peeked up at me, and I assured them I was only taking pictures. I also told them my friend was the one who was studying otters.

They finally decided to trust me and clambered back up the rock.

Pretty soon it was back to normal. The grooming and relaxing in the sun continued.

Life is good!

A beautiful day with not too many people around, and the herring spawn any day now.

Who needs the herring? I'll take a clam any day.

The first rule of survival in the Black Oystercatcher's survival manual - do not share. Exit quickly when you find a juicy treat.

The clam needs to be dropped between rocks so that it is held up before the required surgical incision to cut the abductor muscle.

Surgical success and a very tasty treat for one very happy Black Oystercatcher.

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Bird Poster

My poster is on display at: Victoria - Swan Lake Nature House

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PUBLICATIONS

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