BIRD OF THE DAY - Yellow-rumped Warblers (Myrtle?) were the bird of the day on Sept. 27/04 at Holden Creek. I saw about 20 Yellow-rumps, but the only shorebirds were 3 Pectoral and 1 Least Sandpiper.

NILE CREEK SURPRISE (Sept. 30/04) - For the first time in weeks, Nile Creek was not crawling with fishermen. The chatter of gulls, Black Turnstones, and killdeer filled the air, but a small bird hopping on the seaweed on shore caught my attention. It was my first American Pipit. In fact, it was my first 10 American Pipits.

The Pipits were feeding on the multitude of insects on the fresh seawead left behind by the morning high tide.

FLIGHT PLANS

Unlike the Double-crested Cormorant, the White-winged Scoter at Deep Bay had no problem getting airborne. (Sept. 28/04)

The Double-crested Cormorant was a little less than graceful as it hopped off the float at Deep Bay. In fact, instead of trying to fly, it just decided to swim away. (Sept. 30/04) -

EYE IN THE SKY - This week's aerial spy is the American Kestral at the River's Edge Subdivision (Kaye Road) just south of Parksville. (Sept. 30/04)

FASHION STATEMENT? - Like most teenagers these days, the juvenile Pied-billed Grebe at Dolphin Lake (Nanoose) loves bodily ornaments. A navel ring is next. (Oct. 1/04)

TRIPLE THREAT? - Not likely as the Ring-necked Ducks were wary of any unusual movement. They'll be easier to photograph later when they move into the smaller ponds on the golf course. (Oct. 1/04 - Dolphin Lake).