JOURNAL 9 - THE NOVICE BIRDER

Mar. 13, 2004

Hi Everybody,

Almost spring! Busy times. I did get my potatoes planted, but it was difficult to stay home with all the activity nearby - flocks of Brant, Gulls by the thousands, and the Pacific herring spawn in full force.


CLEAR THE RUNWAY - California Gull ready for take-off.

    

California Gulls on Parksville Beach

    

Black Brant at Parksville Beach


Mar. 10, 2004

PHOTO FEATURE - HERRING SEASON

It's an annual rite of passage in the Mid-Island when the waters turn creamy turquoise and one of the miracles of nature unfolds before our eyes. For 1 or 2 weeks there is an amazing convergence of fish, birds, mammals, and humans to take advantage of the Pacific Herring spawn.

GULLS BY THE THOUSANDS appear from nowhere for a gourmet feast of herring and herring-spawn-on-kelp. The gulls take an eating break while the fishers load their herring skiffs in the background.

SEALION LIFE IS GREAT - Eat till you can't eat any more then lie around, relax, and eat some more.

THE LOOK OF CONTENTMENT ...

    

Photo left - LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS - Visiting gulls at French Creek enjoyed the luxury of 5-star housing much to the chagrin of homeowners.
Photo right - VISIBILITY ZERO - Ever tried swimming in milk? The baffled Buffleheads were wondering where their food went.

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SHOTS FROM ALL OVER

IMPRESSING THE LADY - These Denman Island Common Goldeneyes were bending over backwards in an effort to impress the lady. (She was more interested in their credit ratings!)

TOTALLY UNIMPRESSED - The Columbia Beach Black-bellied Plovers wondered why everyone was so excited about the herring spawn.

SEAFOOD DIET? - Not for the Denman Redtail. A fat little mouse would be just fine.

VICTORIA BEAUTIES - No Surf Birds or Rockies, but the Clover Point Harlequins were fun to visit. (They probably prefer tea and crumpets over herring roe.)

SOMENOS SCENE - Trumpeters in the marsh.

SOMENOS SCENE - Mallard and Northern Shoveler.



[1]INDEX    [2]Mid-I HOTSPOTS     [3]Mid-I NEWS    [4]Mid-I RESOURCES    [5]GALLERY
    [6]SOUTHISLAND    [7]BIRDCARDS    [8]ODDSHOTS
    [9]JOURNAL 2    [10]JOURNAL     [11]JOURNAL 3
    [12]CONSERVATION    [13]JOURNAL 4    [14]JOURNAL 5