CATCHING UP
Since my Eagle Show trip there hasn't been much happening, or putting it another way, there has been a lot happening, but I just haven't been able to be present. For example there have been not one but two excellent sightings at Oyster Bay in July. First was the Hudsonian Godwit which I missed because I didn't think of checking on the way home from the eagle trip. The second miss of the Little Stint was a simple case of economics - the price of gas was up to $1.99/L. So, I was relegated to making the best of the local scene. 

I'VE GOT WIIIIINGS!
One of the feel-good, heartwarming events of the year for me was the successful fledging of the French Creek Eagles. Last year tragedy struck when the highway 19A nest collapsed, and both 4 week old chicks perished. After a brief period of grieving the parents rebuilt in a tree right next to the coffee shop parking lot in late summer. This spring two eggs were laid and the two offspring successfully fledged in the last week of June. Since then I've seen them flying around a couple of times and returning to the nest when the parents briought food. In the past week I haven't seen them at all which means they are venturing further afield and getting ready for migration time. In case you didn't know, most resident Bald Eagles from southwest BC migrate north in early August and return by early October. 

CHEAPER BY THE QUARTET
Everybody loves to see a Belted Kingfisher, but 4 is absolutely swoonworthy! That was the scene at French Creek on June 23 when a quarted of juvenile lady Kingfishers showed up at French Creek. Their favorite hangout was under the wharf making it difficult for photos, but it didn't take long for them to get the courage to venture out. As of August 1 they were still in the area, but I don't know when they'll be off to find their own territories. Unlike the adult Kingfishers. the juveniles have been much more receptive of photographers allowing everyone to get their quota of decent shots.

SPOTTIES
For the first time I can recall, Morningstar Pond has been at its lowest level ever leaving a muddy shoreline that has been an attraction for shorebirds. Not large numbers, but a few peeps, Greater Yellowlegs, dowitchers, and Spotted Sandpipers. There may have been other species, but that's all I've seen so far. The juvenile Spotties were my favorite. They would forage along the muddy shoreline in one direction and eventually come back. That allowed me on several occasions just to sit there and wait. Sometimes they would notice me and retreat, but other times they would warily proceed keeping one eye on me and the other for insects and other tasty treats. There was at least 4 of them so I didn't have to wait long for the arrival of another one. Inexplicably, a friend also visited the pond on several of the same days but never saw any Spotties.

SEMIPALMATED YEAR
I used look very hard before seeing a Semipalmated Sandpiper in the migrating flocks of peeps, but this year they seem to be more common. Yes, it could just be the luck of the draw, but it will be interesting if any one else has the same experience. In any case here's a pair at San Malo and then a second one at Morningstar Pond.

Semipalmated at Morningstar.

Semipalmated at San Malo.

Western Sandpiper at French Creek

Least sandpiper at Morningstar.

NIGHTHAWK TIME
The annual pre-migration swarms of Common Nighthawks is always an exciting time of the year. In our area it usually occurs in late July to mid August. Last evening at 7:15 pm I glanced out my kitchen window and spotted a nighthawk flying by. I grabbed my camera and headed for the Red Gap. I saw a couple Nighthawks as I approached, but nothing for 5 minutes after I parked. With fingers crossed I waited and wasn't disappointed. Suddenly a half dozen birds zipped by the trees across the road then there was a steady stream of the marvellous birds zooming in all directions in front of me. The action continued in pulses for about 30 minutes then dwindled to only a couple here and there. According to a fellow photographer there was also similar action at Craig Bay. It didn't take long to fire off 800 pics. 

One of the nighthawks was missing its tail. That's like losing the rudder on a boat, but that didn't seem to bother the nighthawk as it seemed to fly just like the rest of the birds. One can only speculate on the reason for the missing tail - ambushed by a hawk? Cogenital defect? Your guess is as good as mine.

CROSSBILL INVASION
Ever since spring there have been metallic sounding chips from the treetops everywhere I went around Nanoose Bay. It was the unmistakable sound of Red Crossbills while they were feasting on the abundant supply of fir cones. They were always too far away for decent photos so my only hope was the hot weather tempting them for a cool bath in my little improvised pond constructed with some left over cement a few years ago. I actually saw them at the bath one morning as I was making coffee, but they didn't wait for a photo session. Today I left my camera on the table by the window just in case. Fortunately, I just happened to be in the kitchen this afternoon for a tea break when I spotted the crossbills at the water bath. 

First it was the male with its gaudy patchwork of reds and yellows.

Next it was the yellowish female. She took her time and had an extended bath. She was later joined by a juvenile who only stayed briefly. It was interesting to watch the crossbills looking for a drink. Like several othe species, they preferred to drink from the dripping water hose instead of the bath.