Winter Wonderland

According to a good birding friend in Creston, she said it was a good winter for the little Northern Pygmy Owl and are seen on most outings. So, I thought, I'll go out and look for one! And I did! I'm up to 127 birds seen this year now. It's a beautiful day here. Sunshine and around zero degrees Celsius. The owl flew across an open field in front of me and landed in a large poplar. At first I wondered what it was. I always think Owls are bigger. The striking brown and white pattern and touches of yellow had me stumped for a moment. But when I got a better look I could see it was a pygmy owl. Here's a link to a nice video taken in Creston yesterday by Brent Wellander.

http://www.youtube.com/user/kootenayphotos

Merry Christmas!

Castlegar Christmas Bird Count

We had a good day for the bird count. No snow and temperatures just below freezing, in other words, not TOO cold! Three of us walked the streets of Shoreacres. There was a lone Trumpeter Swan (126) on Slocan Pool. A couple of days later I saw two swans. The Northern Shrike was seen a day before the count so there it can be included for count week. A Great Blue Heron also flew over the house the following day. The Blue Jay that first made it's appearance last December was sighted and heard. The usual suspects for this time of year were observed including: Canada Geese, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Bald Eagle, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, American Crow, Barrow's Goldeneye, Common Raven, Northern Flicker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Stellar's Jay, American Goldfinch, Song Sparrow, Bohemian Waxwing, American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco, European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, Bufflehead and Hooded Merganser. Val & Al also reported Evening Grosbeaks at their feeder during count week and Pine Siskins and Red-breasted Nuthatch on count day.

Merry Christmas!

Winter Birding

The neigbhours have seen them quite often this winter but I finally saw my first Bohemian Waxwings (125) this morning on my walk back from the mail box. It was a small flock of about 20 birds and they looked like they were trying to settle down on a mountain ash tree to eat some berries. The Northern Shrike is back for the winter and I've seen him flying around occasionally. We heard a Great Horned Owl the other night while we were in the hot tub. We might even have seen it as we saw something glide by on quiet wings.

The Castlegar CBC is the Saturday so I'm hoping to add a few more species to my big year then. 

Bonaparte Gulls

I'm aware that Bonaparte Gulls (124) fly by in large numbers. To date, I have never seen any. That changed today. It wasn't a large group and they weren't flying. But I'm struggling to figure out why some have pink legs and some have red legs. Bonaparte's have pink legs, so are the ones with red legs a different species? I need a gull expert! Help!

Sweat Bees

Finally discovered what was making ant hill type holes in my thyme plants. Sweat bees! Their heads are metallic green and their bodies are bee-like; yellow with dark stripes. They are good native pollinators so if the honey bees (which is non-native) populations crash, we know we have native bees around to do the job. Also, native are mason bees which are back and look like flies.

Northern Harrier

I must have been in a hypnotic trance the first time this bird flew by because she had to come by a second time to show me that she wasn't a Cooper's Hawk but a Northern Harrier (123).  She flew by low to the ground, slowly, showing off her white rump patch. It just didn't register the first time. I just looked and thought, 'oh there's that Cooper's again!' The Harrier is still around somewhere because I can hear the crows are agitated and cawing back and forth. I'm pretty sure my subconscious mind knew it was a Northern Harrier and that's why it sent the bird around a second time for my conscious mind to register it. This is only the second time I've had a Northern Harrier here in 3 years. Gail: I'm pretty sure it's the same bird you photographed. I guess it will pass Michael's Hawk watch tomorrow!

Common Nighthawks

My neighbours Al & Val called to tell me they had a bird roosting on the roof of their house. I went over for a look and we decided it was a juvenile Common nighthawk. What a rare treat to see this bird at rest and to observe it's plumage in detail. Normally, we only see it at dusk while it twists and turns catching insects. 

Saw a small flock (6) of Horned Grebes in front of our house and heard reports of larger flocks on Kootenay lake near Nelson. The Ospreys are still around. I went kayaking last week and saw four Great Blue Herons. 

Larry found a huge Western toad in our small pond beside our deck a few weeks ago. Turns out is probably a female which can lay 16,000 eggs. I have noticed, as well as tiny green pacific tree frogs, we have lots of little broad toadlets.

Butterflies

Here are some photos of butterflies seen in the Shoreacres area in the past month.

Great Spangled Fritillary (male) on Butterfly bush. 

Great Spangled Fritillary (female on left, male on right)

Lorquin's Admiral on Pearly Everlasting

Pine White - this was a rare occurrence for me. Usually this butterfly is flying high and fast. This one co-operated by staying still on this flower while I sat in my kayak and took a photo.

American Kestrels

It's August, so I know I'm guaranteed to see American Kestrels somewhere in Shoreacres, and usually in our yard. Today, during a short hail storm, one was sitting at the top of a fir tree. As the hail and rain pelleted down on him, instead of retreating to a drier spot, he stayed put, but also extended his wings out to the side as if sheltering from the rain and hail. Odd behaviour I thought as he was still get wet!

Solitary Sandpiper

I went for a walk along the river this evening in search of migrating sandpipers. I did see a small peep a few days ago but was without binoculars and didn't positively identify it. Today it was easier the shorebird I saw was easier to identify as it was the larger Solitary Sandpiper (122) which I see in the ponds each August. 

Also about are lots of tiny greens frogs (as big as my thumbnail) everywhere. This is an annual event. They are Pacific Tree Frogs.

Lurking in the reeds I noticed a rather large crocodile as well! I'll have to keep a close eye on the grandkids next time they come to visit...

Same time every year

I'm beginning to notice a pattern. This is the third summer in a row I've seen a group of Black Swifts (121) here at the same time period. It was great to sit outside on the deck and eat dinner and watch them dipping and diving. I estimate about 40 this year which is more than past years. Just a few hours earlier I wondered if I would see Black Swifts today.....

Gulls & Sapsuckers

Went out for a paddle around Gold Island yesterday morning in the warm sunshine (today it's pouring rain!). The Eaglets were no longer in their nests & four adult Ospreys were flying around the Island. An juvenile Red-naped Sapsucker (119) was in the little bay near the Ward's Ferry Trail. I suspected they nested in the area but was never able to confirm that. A pile of rocks was home to about 30 Common Mergansers. They swam away and I noticed a grayish bird remain. Upon closer look I saw it was a gull and since it wasn't a Ring-billed I thought I better take a look and get a photo. As mentioned before, gulls don't often come to Shoreacres. They are usually flying over and don't land. This one turned out to me a juvenile Herring Gull (120). 

Pacific Tree Frogs

We are fortunate to have a couple of wetland ponds between our house and the river. The provide habitat to Pacific Tree Frogs which we hear in the spring. The other evening we spotted one on the wall of our house. Not too unusual a place until you realize that he is positioned near the black light which is used to attract moths. Was he being opportunistic? We didn't notice him catching any moths while we observed him. He was gone by the morning. I have noticed Black-capped Chickadees come searching for dead moths that get trapped in spider webs. The black light is actually an ultra violet light or 'party' light that makes your white clothes very bright at night.

 

New Bank Swallow Colony

Some Bank Swallows decided to start a new colony in what I considered a strange location. It was a bank but the holes are easily accessible by man and creature alike. When the first few holes were made the water level was higher, but as you can see in the photos, all the holes are easy to access now. At first there were six holes, then 14 and now about 20. Only two holes have nesting material and some holes are not very deep. Recently I haven't seen any activity at the nest holes and wonder if they have been abandoned. Occasionally boats get launched from there and they might have been disturbed by this. It will be interesting to see if they try again next year. 

Lesser Yellowlegs

We went out for a paddle this morning with the intention of heading south on the Kootenay River towards the junction of the Slocan River. But a wind blew up and the paddling was difficult so we headed north instead. I went on to the small bay in Slocan Pool and was very surprised to see a Lesser Yellowlegs (118). This is the first one I've seen in the Shoreacres area. I just looked at Gary Davidson's checklist and they are rare here in the summer but occasional in spring and fall when migrating through. You can see the smaller & very common Spotted Sandpiper beside it to get a sense of it's size. The paddling home was hard work against a strong head wind, when normally you just float down with the current!

Great Horned Owl Pellet

I found the pellet of a large owl underneath one of our fir trees. I suspect it's a Great Horned Owl due to the size of the pellet and it's the only large owl we've heard around here. I took apart the pellet and was amazed at how clean it was. Only dry bones and fur. From the jaw bone (bottom left of image) I'm guessing the prey item was a squirrel. Earlier this year I found a smaller pellet likely from a Northern Saw-whet Owl or similarly sized owl. The prey was a small rodent.

Ring-billed Gulls

While cycling back from Bird Creek Marsh this morning 4 Ring-billed Gulls (117) flew overhead. The Swainson's Thrushes are still singing as are the Lazuli Buntings. Cliff Swallows have invaded our back yard. Seems they are trying to build nests on the neighbour's house. 

Eaglets on Gold Island

I went out kayaking this morning with a friend from Calgary and we saw TWO eaglets in the Eagle Nest on Gold Island. Yeah! This nest has not produced any young in the past two years. Now I can add this breeding record to my square for the BC Breeding Bird Atlas Project. 

Big Poplar Sphinx Moth

Last year, on almost exactly the same date, we had  Big Poplar Sphinx Moth visit out black light. This year, we have another one. These are good sized moths as you can tell from the photos with Larry's little finger indicating scale.

Walking about

Took advantage of the nice weather and the offer to visit a friends property who will soon be moving. I rode my bike over as the property is just off Hwy #3 between Playmor Junction and the Slocan River bridge. Most of the property is heavily treed with conifers but I was nicely surprised to see some very large birch trees with a diameter of more than a foot. We heard some singing Hammond's Flycatchers, Cassin's Vireo, Swainson's Thrush and Townsend's Warbler. A flock of calling Red Crossbill's (116) flew overhead. Sarah says she often sees a mother turkey hen and her brood but we didn't see any today. We did come across these very interesting looking mushrooms. Anybody know what they are? I emailed my photo to a mushroom expert and he says they are: Elf's Saddles, Gyomitra infula. They are not edible!

Veery

I heard my first Veery (115) in this area this morning. We took our kayaks cross to the Ward's Ferry Trail and hike north for a while. We thought we saw a Red-naped Sapsucker but couldn't confirm it. Singing were Winter Wren, Red-eyed Vireo, Swainson's Thrush, Hammond's Flycatcher, American Robin. We found a Spotted Sandpiper nest very close to where we landed. The river level is high and it was 

Polyphemus moth

The past three summers we've put a black light (uv light or called a 'party light' at Wa-lmart) on our covered back deck. This light attracts moths. We were so excited to have big moths stop by last summer. This morning there was a Polyphemus moth. As you can see he is gorgeous! He has a wing span of 4.5 "  Last year, we had several Polyphemus moths. One afternoon I watched an American Kestrel land in a nearby tree with something moving in it's talons. Yes, it was one of my moths. He discarded the wings (which I kept) and ate the body. 

side view

upper view

Osprey Survey

I went out last week to survey the Osprey nests between Nelson and Waneta. A group of us have been surveying these nests for about 14 years now. I check approximately 50 suitable nest sites. This year 11 nests appear to be active in that an Adult is sitting low on the nest. Next month I'll return to these and check to see if there are young visible in the nest. Below are two nest sites I monitor. The first is the where the Slocan River meets the Kootenay River close to where I live in Shoreacres. You can see the gas pipeline crossing and tower.  In the past the Osprey nested on top of the red tower. When Canada Geese used this nest the Osprey built another nest on the pipeline. Geese have used this nest as well. It was blown down during a windstorm last year. Terasen Gas will be removing the pipeline and tower next year (the pipeline will go underground) so they have erected two poles for the Osprey. They de-activated the nest that was on the tower. Fortunately, the Osprey have taken to one of the new platforms and successfully nested and raised young there last summer. This year, they are again using the platform. Yeah!

The nest below is from Waneta. Two summers ago the highway department closed this bridge for repair work. They removed the nest and erected a pole with platform on the other side of the river. The Osprey's never used the platform. This year, you can see they have rebuilt their nest, (pylons be damned!) on the railway bridge and appear to be incubating eggs.

The Osprey have not used the new nest poles that Fortis erected for them. A few years ago Fortis decided it wasn't safe to have Osprey's nesting on their structures so the existing nests were removed. With this new policy, there are now no nesting Ospreys (that I know of) between the South Slocan Dam and Taghum! 

Glade & Ward's Ferry Trail

Cycled over to Glade this morning to check on the nest boxes. One was empty, the second had 5 just hatched naked, eyes closed Black-capped Chickadees and the last had a Tree Swallow sitting on 6 warm eggs. Lovely!

Continued on to a large grassy field where I heard and saw Bobolink (113) last year. I had to wait a while but I did finally see a male. It's possible a female was present but the bird was too far away to id.

I wanted to check out the Ward's Ferry Trail as a few years ago we heard a Dusky Flycatcher singing. I did here what could have been either a Dusky or Hammond's but it didn't sing long enough for me to listen carefully. On the way back I saw a female Black-headed Grosbeak (114). They had eluded me so far this spring so it was nice to see. Lots of vireos and warblers singing plus I saw a couple of male Lazuli Buntings. They are so gorgeous!

Glade is a great place to cycle or walk. Rarely a car in sight!

Bird Creek Marsh

After last weekend's successful 12 hour bird count I decided to ride over to Bird Creek Marsh this morning. Larry joined me for the bike ride but didn't stay to look at birds. It's a nice 10km ride which takes you along the Kootenay Canal. The marsh is below the dike on the north side and you can wander several trails through different habitat such as grassy areas, marsh, shoreline, mixed and conifer forest. An active Bald Eagle's nest is located in the area but viewing into the nest is best done from the Corra Lynn area on the other side of the Kootenay River. In fact, I checked the nest yesterday while doing my Osprey survey (I'll post results on another day). I could see one young in the nest. It's possible there were more but one is all I saw for sure.

I like going to Bird Creek Marsh. Mostly because there are lots of birds and no people. The people who come to the area usually walk the dike. Before we got to Bird Creek we spotted 3 Turkey Vultures (108)flying over. Larry knew I still didn't have one for my big year so he alerted me to them flying overhead. Thanks Honey! At the marsh song birds were singing! I knew the first stretch of mixed forest heading down the hill has American Redstarts (109). They are there every year and usually are attracted and show themselves when I pish. Sure enough, there was a pair. I continued and came to some low water areas that are created by the Beaver. A Wilson's Snipe (110) flushed out of the grass. In past years I've found nests but the water is very high this year and might have been flooded out.  I heard several Least Flycatchers (111) and this is one of the few places in the West Kootenays where I hear them regularly. The last new bird for the big year was a double surprise. It was a Say's Phoebe (112). Not an unusual bird but the first time I've seen one here. While I was looking at it I wondered to myself if it was nesting in the area. Normally they are associated with nesting in man-made structures and none were about. Then it opened it's mouth and it was yellow inside. So it was a recently fledged bird! It did look a bit awkward when it moved about and seemed quite tame.  

Other birds heard or seen this morning include: Sora, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Spotted Sandpiper, Red-eyed Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Bullock's Oriole, Gray Catbird, Northern Flicker, Cedar Waxwing, Common Yellowthroat, Warbling Vireo, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Swainson's Thrush, Bald Eagle, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Western Wood Pewee, Cliff Swallow, Hammond's Flycatcher, Common Merganser, Winter Wren, American Robin and Willow Flycatcher.

Some butterflies seen were Western Tiger Swallowtail, Common Ringlet, Silvery Blue and Western-tailed Blue.

Butterflies

Arctic Skipper


Purplish Copper

Purplish Coppers on Buckwheat flower 

Silver-spotted Skipper

Milbert's Tortoiseshell on Woolly Thyme in Shoreacres

Big Day and Bird Count

Today was the annual Castlegar and area bird count. I decided to turn it into a big day. But first I'll note the new birds for the big year. The first was a Cliff Swallow (102). They've been around for a while, I just hadn't seen them here yet. Next was a group of sibilant Cedar Waxwings (103). Always nice to have these beauties around. I rode my bike over to the Slocan Pools trail and heard lots of warblers and vireos including a Red-eyed Vireo (104) and Orange-crowned Warbler (105). Also singing were Warbling and Cassins Vireos and Nashville, Townsends, Yellow-rumped Warblers. One Pacific-slope Flycatcher (106) was singing as were several Hammonds Flycatcher. Then, just as I was leaving and riding up the hill to the highway I heard and saw my first MacGillvray's Warbler (107). 

I counted birds for over 12 hours on bike and foot and had 63 species: Willow Flycatcher, Rufous Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Brewer's Blackbird (nest still active), American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Canada Goose, Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Spotted Sandpiper, American Crow, Bank Swallow, Common Merganser, Song Sparrow, Bullock's Oriole, Mallard, Brown-headed Cowbird, Blue Jay, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Swainson's Thrush, Cliff Swallow,  Sora, Chipping Sparrow, European Starling, Steller's Jay, Western Meadowlark, Western Tanager, Savannah Sparrow, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Osprey, Horned Grebe, Bald Eagle, Cedar Waxwing, Black-capped Chickadee, Western Kingbird, Barn Swallow, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Red-tailed Hawk, Nashville Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, Vaux Swift, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Hammond's Flycatcher, Townsend's Warbler, Common Raven, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Cooper's Hawk, Orange-crowned Warbler, Cassin's Vireo, Winter Wren, Merlin, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, MacGillvray's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Calliope Hummingbird (plus a dead one on the highway), Killdeer, Western Wood-pewee, Mourning Dove.

New bird for Shoreacres!

I finally had a chance to get outside this evening after a day of work and rain. I was warmly rewarded with a calling Sora (100) in the wetland pond. First time I've ever heard them here before. Larry and I went back out again when I got home to listen and we both heard the distinctive call.

Then, I heard the call of a some Vaux's Swifts (101). While living in Nelson I was used to listening to them every day and evening for 2-3 months in the summer so I am quite in tune to their call. Here I only hear/see them occasionally. 

A pair of Bullock's Oriole's made their presence known this afternoon and there was one little lonely Mallard duckling in the pond. The Brewer's Blackbird nest is still active. Yeah!

Tomorrow is the annual bird count. I'll post my results in my blog. Larry and Al are going out in Al's boat and Val is going to watch birds in her area. 

Willow Flycatcher & Common Nighthawk

I heard my first Willow Flycatcher (98) this morning. I found a nest a few years ago and they have been around every year since I moved here. They build small compact nests in small trees and bushes, quite open but manage somehow to go unnoticed by the Crows as they quietly slip on and off them.

The Brewer's Blackbird nest has young! About 4-5 slightly fuzzy balls. There was no sign of movement when I checked but the parents were vocal, although no more than usual. 

Lots of activity with the Swallows, Hummingbirds, Flickers, Osprey and Flickers. 

While waiting for a client to arrive I saw my first Common Nighthawk (99) flying around the house. Then, later, while enjoying some liquid gold on the back deck, a commotion from the Brewer's Blackbird drew my attention to a Cooper's Hawk that had prey in its' talons. Later, I saw him fly low over the river as he was being harassed by the blackbirds.

Eastern Kingbird

Eastern Kingbirds (97) were seen a week ago by my neighbours but I only saw my first one today. They make a large messy nest out in the open and then 'try' and defend it against predators. I'm not sure how successful they are. The one next I found a few years ago was predated. Perhaps they are choosing more protected locations now as I haven't found it. 

First of the little Flycatchers

While doing the rounds today I saw and heard a Western Wood-Pewee (96) in the neighbours yard. I'm amazed at their nest locations. They like to build their nest towards the end of a vertical branch, well away from the trunk and fairly open. They rely on the making the nest look like part of the branch with spider webs and gray coloured material. 

Here's an example of a nest I found in the Pend O'reille area a few summers ago. 

It's a tough job

but somebody's got to do it. Sit in that chair I mean and watch the hummers feeding.  (That red thing attached to the window with a suction cup is a hummingbird feeder.) Today we learned we have 3 male and 3 female Rufous (we usually only see one at a time) and a pair of Calliope and Black-chinned. We also got video tape footage of me holding the feeder in my hand and a male Rufous feeding at it. Cool! Larry say's he'll post it later for me. Thanks Hon!

Yellow-headed Blackbird

This morning, my alarm clock was a female Yellow-headed Blackbird (93). Her unusual call can't be confused with anything else! As with the lone Coot and Wood Duck, we get one Yellow-headed Blackbird every spring. I decided to go out and see what else was around. The Brewer's Blackbird nest was still active. A Common Yellowthroat (94) was calling but stayed hidden. A bird that usually hides until I hear them was seen in full view! This was a Gray Catbird (95). I thought I heard one a few days ago but now I can confirm it. 

Normally, there are several families of Canada Geese but this year I only saw them once. Very unusual. But it's also okay as there are lots of geese around!

I heard an unusual noise in the pond just as I was leaving. There was some rippling in the water which I'd noticed several times before but never see anything. This time I did. Four very large frogs! Once I identify them I'll post a photo.

Swainson's Thrush

Heard the beautiful flute like song of a Swainson's Thrush last night while we enjoyed a soak in the hot tub. Brewer's Blackbird nest still active. 

Glade etc.

I rode my bike over to Glade this morning to check on the 3 nest boxes I monitor. They all had wasps...  The first was empty, the second looked like a Chickadee nest (lots of moss) and the third was a Tree Swallow with the nest almost complete. 

I saw some Bank Swallows (89) zipping around and calling 'chrrrr'. Then a flock of Wild Turkeys (90) which I almost missed I was concentrating looking at what I thought was a Western Bluebird, but couldn't relocate it. 

Riding along Shoreacres Road near the Highway I have in past years always seen and heard Lazuli Buntings (91). I was not disappointed today and saw a beautiful red, white & blue male perched at the top of a tree singing his heart out. 

The elusive Western Meadowlark has been singing constantly in my back yard the past few days. I guess he's making up for having been silent for so long!

At Glade I came across a Variable (Anicia) Checkerspot Butterfly. 

Yesterday, some friends were over visiting and one of them found a birds nest! I was so excited but what was it. It was on the ground, fairly large (robin size) and with brownish eggs. Once I got back to the house we checked my egg books and decided it was a Brewer's Blackbird nest. This also fits with the description of the bird that was seen very near the nest and have been around our house daily. Cool! First time I've seen their nest before! I thought they nested in trees but they apparently have multiple nesting preferences.  See the image below of the nest. I'll keep you posted on any progress.

Just a few minutes ago, while checking on the progress of my plants around the garden shed a Western Garter Snake startled me. He quickly made tracks in the opposite direction.

Wood Ducks

Just like the American Coot, every year there is one pair of Wood Ducks (88) in the ponds. Tonight, I only saw a female but I'm sure the male is around. She was with a pair of Mallards and Blue-winged Teal.  Checked the Tree Swallow boxes today and only half have nests built in them. No eggs yet. The Western Kingbirds are vocal and we are wondering where they will nest. The 3 species of hummingbirds entertain us at the feeder at the window. 

Finally!

Finally, after almost two months of waiting, I heard a Western Meadowlark (86) this morning. Normally, they are commonly seen and heard starting in mid-March. Glad to know they are still in the area. I heard the familiar 'churring' of a Bullock's Oriole (87). Despite their bright orange, black and white colouring, they can blend into the leaves very well and can be hard to spot. If I didn't know their call, I'm sure I would have missed him. A pair of Blue-winged Teal were in the small pond with a Mallard. The Bald Eagles are still tending their nest so I'm hopeful they have offspring this year. 

Catching up

Away for a week and the birds arrived. The first bird I saw on my return on Saturday was a male Black-chinned Hummingbird (76). Around here he rules the roost. I call him the bully as he sticks his pudgy breast out. The next bird was a pair of Western Kingbirds (77). They have nested each year down the road from me. I'll have to check soon if they rebuild in the same location. Their nest was blown out of the lower bracket of the transformer during an earlier windstorm. A short walk after dinner allowed me to see some Chipping Sparrows (78) near the tall fir trees they seem to inhabit every year. While eating dinner outside (I love this warm weather!) we heard a Spotted Sandpiper (79). They too nest in the grassy flat area beside the river.

Today I headed up river in my little red kayak. I got out and walked the Ward Ferry trail where it meanders through a grassy area. I looked for Hairy Woodpecker as last year we found a nest but no luck. I saw my first Canada Geese goslings and they were pretty big already. On the Ward Ferry trail I heard or saw Yellow Warbler (80), Warbling Vireo (81), Townsends Warbler (82), Hammond's Flycatcher (83) and Western Tanager (84).

Just as I returned home I noticed a bird perched in the top of a dead conifer. Thinking at first it was a Robin as they seem to be everywhere I decided the tail was too long and the head too small so checked it out with my binos. Sure enough, it was a Mourning Dove (85). 

Others birds seen or heard: HOFI, BCCH, BEKI, OSPR, BAEA, BUFF, MALL, NAWA, RUHU, CAHU, BHCO, BRBL, RWBL, AMCR, CORA, TRSW, VGSW,NRWS, MERL, SOSP, AMRO, CITE, COME, COGO. 

The following butterflies were seen: Common Alpine, Western Tiger Swallowtail, Field Crescent, Northern Cloudywings, Common Ringlet, Silvery Blue and Cabbage White.

A muskrat was swimming in one of the ponds this morning. 

Calliope

I like not having to leave the house to get a new bird for the list!  This morning a male Calliope Hummingbird (75) came to the feeder I put up yesterday. A group of 10 Horned Grebes were feeding on the river in front of our place. As they flew off I realized how infrequently I have seen grebes in flight. They left behind a snorkeling Common Loon. 

Also heard or seen this morning: TRSW, VGSW, NRSW, BRBL, RWBL, BHCO, HOFI, SOSP, NOFL, YRWA, RCKI, AMCR, AMRO, CAGO, MALL, EUST.

Grebes & more

The Slocan Pool keeps coming up with surprises. Late this morning I saw one Red-necked Grebe (71) near Gold Island.  Then, there was a pair of Horned Grebes (72) that were swimming with a pair of female Ruddy Ducks. I see them infrequently. Otherwise, the pools were quiet.

Two adult Bald Eagles flew overhead as I was talking to my neighbour. He likely saw a flock of Bonaparte Gulls heading upriver yesterday. He also reported finding a pile of pale feathers and only seeing one of the Eurasian Collared Doves. While we were talking it started to coo very loudly!

Since living in Shoreacres a pair of Barn Swallows (73) have made their home in an old barn nearby. I saw one today sitting on the power lines in front of the barn. This is their usual spot. Two summers ago I saw fledged young on the power lines and the year before I found the dried remains of one young that got blown out of the barn with the nest. 

Ruby-crowned Kinglets and House Finches were singing. I still haven't heard a Western Meadowlark! Also, I haven't seen any goslings and usually there are large families using the ponds. I wonder where they are?

Put out the hummingbird feeder this morning. Just heard and saw a Rufous Hummingbird (74) as he zipped past.

Another rarity!

I did my usual route around Shoreacres this afternoon which includes the ponds below our house, the Kootenay River and to the end of Davidson Road to look at Slocan Pool. In the ponds were four male Mallards and hidden in the rushes were a pair of Cinnamon Teal, likely the same pair from yesterday.

At the pool were a couple of small groups of waterfowl. The first had 2 pairs of Bufflehead and one male Ruddy Duck with 4 females. The other group was about 20 Northern Shovellers.

I then spotted a whitish dot further out on the pool. I thought at first it would be a duck such as Goldeneye or Merganser but it turned out to be a gull with a dark head. Excited, I walked further for a closer look. The gulls around here usually fly over and I never get a good look to identify them. Our regular gulls are Ring-billed with the occasional Herring or California. So, any dark headed gull would be of interest. As I approached closer it flew off and I was able to see the distinctive 'M' marking of a Sabine's Gull (70). They are listed as accidental on the West Kootenay checklist.

Cinnamon Teal

An early morning walk around the ponds produced a lovely pair of Cinnamon Teal (69). American Robins and Blackbirds were vocal as where a pair of Canada Geese. 

Lone Coot on the Pond

Every year we see one, and only one, American Coot (68) on our little pond. Today he was with a group of 3 male Mallards. As I was walking back up the hill to our house I noticed there was another duck with a whitish bill. It was the male Ruddy Duck from the Pool. He was now hanging out with the Mallards. But in the time it took me to walk up to the house and get my camera and walk back down he was gone! So no photo.

Sadly, the Killdeer nest is empty and no adults around. The eggs weren't due to hatch until later next week so I suspect the eggs were predated.

Ducks on the Pool

Larry and I went for a walk after dinner down to the Slocan Pool and there was a variety of different ducks. The lone male Ruddy Duck was on his own now, three male Blue-winged Teal, a pair of American Wigeon, two female Common Mergansers and a male Ring-necked Duck. The Geese are still plentiful but no sign of any goslings yet. 

The Killdeer nest is still active. 

Forest birds

I went over to the forested trail that runs along the Slocan Pool and walked the loop. Nashville Warblers (65) and Cassin's Vireo (66) were singing. I also heard a Red-breasted Nuthatch give his nasal 'yank yank yank' call. The quiet tapping of a Downy Woodpecker alerted me to his presence and I finally located him when I stood right beside the tree he was tapping on as I put my ear to hollow trunk and heard his tapping amplified. That was a first! I was hoping for a Hairy Woodpecker but not today. On the upper part of the trail I was once again privy to see and hear two Cooper's Hawks. They were vocalizing with their 'kek-kek-kek' sound. Two years ago, in almost the same spot, I heard the same sound and witnessed two Cooper's Hawks copulating. Other birds I saw was a lovely Varied Thrush and American Robins. The Bald Eagles were at their nest on Gold Island. I was happy to see a Pileated Woodpecker (67) just as I was leaving the trail. Again, I heard an unusual sound but didn't see anything so I waited. Then I saw the Pileated slowly sidle up a tree. He gave his loud call as I bade farewell to the forest.

More Additions

During my morning walk to the mailbox I heard the beautiful musical song of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet (63). They are a frequent species to the Kootenays.  Upon approaching Slocan Pool at the end of Davidson Road I saw a small group of male and female Buffleheads. Among them was a single male Ruddy Duck (64). They were close enough to shore that I could make out his distinctive blue bill. What a beauty! This is only the second time I've seen a Ruddy Duck on the Pool. You can spot them frequently at the Waldie Island Sewage Treatment Ponds in Castlegar. 

To date I had only heard Yellow-rumped Warblers but today I saw one. It was the Audubon form with the yellow throat. Brewer's Blackbirds have invaded my yard. Last year they were nesting in some fir trees down the road. This year I already saw them carrying nesting material to these trees.

Recent Arrival to the Kootenays

Today, while eating breakfast and looking towards the Kootenay River I saw a Double-crested Cormorant (62) flying north. I'm not sure of the exact date, but they have only recently started nesting in the Creston area. They are sometimes spotted in Castlegar sitting on pilings. I have only seen them here a few times in the past 4 years, usually flying upriver. There distinctive shape is hard to confuse with any other bird. The most exciting time I saw a Cormorant here in Shoreacres was when I was doing my Big Day in early June of 2008. It was the end of the day and I had just returned from cycling around Shoreacres to see if I could add any more species. I had already spent a good part of the day looking out over the river and our ponds but I thought I would check one more time. Lo and behold, there sat a DC Cormorant on our dock! This was a first. I quickly phoned our neighbours and they walked over and the Cormorant was still sitting quietly on the dock. 

More new arrivals

I toured Shoreacres by bike this afternoon. At my neighbours bird feeder I saw two male Brown-headed Cowbirds (60) feeding along with the Red-winged Blackbirds. Yellow-rumped Warblers (61) were heard singing in numerous locations. A walk along the Slocan River didn't come up with any new bird species but I did see the following butterflies: Western Spring Azure, Silvery Blue, Cabbage White and Clouded Sulpher.

Cooper's Hawk & Bufflehead

A Cooper's Hawk (58) makes his home in the Shoreacres & Slocan Pool area. I know they nest in the forests as I observed them copulating in the spring of 2008. Then, that fall we observed an immature Cooper's Hawk. We often see them chasing the small birds in our back yard. I was able to witness one time how the White-crowned Sparrows froze into place when they realized they couldn't escape to the safety of a tree. That time, the sparrow was spared.

A large flock of about 60 ducks landed in the Pool this morning. I rode my bike over to the end of Shoreacres Rd for a better look. Most of the ducks were Northern Shoveller's and American Wigeon. There was a small group of Bufflehead (59).

The morning rain showers brought a large number of migrating White-crowned Sparrows and Savannah Sparrows. Also, Robins seemed to be everywhere.

American Kestrel

 Val and Al first reported American Kestrels (57) this morning (also called Sparrowhawk) and I saw one this afternoon not far from their place. They nest somewhere in the vicinity and each fall we are fortunate to see their offspring as they hunt for grasshoppers in the surrounding fields.

I heard an Eurasian Collared Dove cooing. With their pale colouring they blend right into the aspen trees and are hard to find.

Eurasion Collared Doves

The excitement here in Shoreacres continues. What were reported as a pair of Mourning Doves has turned into a pair of Eurasion Collared Doves (55). This is another new bird to the area. I had a quick glimpse today but will hopefuly post photos later that were taken my by neighbours.

The Pelicans were still in the Pool yesterday morning but were gone by the afternoon.

Also, in the Pool today were a pair of Common Loons (56) and more Green-winged Teal were in our pond.

Osprey

Yeah, they are back! My favourite bird the Osprey (54) has returned to Shoreacres. They nest near the gas pipeline crossing where the Slocan River meets the Kootenay River.

Big Excitement on the Pool Tonight!

My neigbhour Valerie phoned at 6:30pm to tell me 2 American White Pelicans (52) were on the Slocan Pool. Larry grabbed the scope and video camera and I admit we drove 1/2km down to the pool. We met Al & Val there and sure enough 2 Pelicans were serenely swimming not far from shore at the end of Davidson Road. Pelicans are fairly common in Creston but I consider them extremely rare here in the West Kootenays. I have never seen them here myself but recall hearing about some flying upriver about 10 years ago. According to Al & Val who have lived here for more than 30 years, they have never seen Pelicans here before. Thank you Al for spotting them and Val for phoning me. (Note: top photo above taken in Texas. Lower photo by Al Dingwall taken on Slocan Pool)

While at the Pool there was a large raft of ducks which I was able to scope out. Yesterday there was only one Northern Shoveller, today there were lots more. And among the Shovellers and American Wigeon I saw one male Green-winged Teal.

The Killdeer was still on her nest this evening. I can see her on the next from the end of Jeffs Road so I don't disturb her.

Ducks

Went out for a walk to the Slocan Pool (after spending some time helping someone rescue their neighbours' escaped horses!). There was a raft of ducks, mostly American Wigeon. But amongst the Wigeon was a lone Northern Shoveller (51) and a pair of Ring-necked Ducks.

Killdeer Nest

I walked down below our property this morning on the look out for sparrows and warblers. I wasn't disappointed when I saw two Savannah Sparrows (50) feeding in the Knapweed and grass on the slope. An adult Bald Eagle was soaring overhead.

In the area I saw the Killdeer earlier this week I looked carefully for a nest, not really expecting to find it. So, I was surprised when I did!

White-crowned Sparrows and Song Sparrows were also about. A Red-tailed Hawk circled overhead and a Northern Shrike made a brief appearance. The chittering of the Tree Swallows are constant as they check out the nest boxes. Glad to have them back.

Feeder Birds

Our property doesn't have a lot of trees on it, therefore we don't get as many birds as our neighbours do. I went walking down to their place and sure enough saw some news birds. About a dozen male and female Brewer's Blackbirds (47) were feeding on the ground under the tree which holds their bird feeder. As well a single White-crowned Sparrow (48) was at the feeder. They also reported a Mourning Dove and Evening Grosbeak in the last week.

On the way home I noticed two female Mountain Bluebirds hawking insects.

Checking out the ponds there was a single female Blue-winged Teal (49) with a pair of Mallards. A trio of very silent Steller's Jays were seen with a Blue Jay. Singing American Robins, House Finches, Song Sparrows and Pine Siskins were also enjoying this fine spring morning. 

Last night we heard a chorus of Pacific Tree Frogs as well as a Great Horned Owl hooting from across the river. The Tree Frogs like to hide in my plant pots. Last fall I brought in my potted herbs and later, as I was sitting & reading I heard a very loud 'ribbid'. A frog was in the large pot that contained parsley!

Drumming Grouse

My friend Sarah and I kayaked over to the Ward Ferry Trail and walked north a few kilometers. It was the afternoon and pretty quiet. We did hear a Ruffed Grouse drumming (46) and heard a Belted Kingfisher as it flew by. A Beaver was swimming in the bay near his lodge. Western Spring Azures and Western Elfins were seen. Common Mergansers & Canada Geese were in the river and Black-capped Chickadees in the forest.  Of course the Tree Swallows were abundant.

Snakes & Hawks

I thought at first the Red-tailed Hawk was carrying a stick and so watched to see where he would fly with it and find their nest. But instead he landed in a tree nearby. The next time he flew off I realized he was carrying a 2-3' snake in his talons. We do have lots of snakes here. That will be one less...

A heard the distinctive call (frip,frip,frip) of a Northern Rough-winged Swallow (45) and saw it fly by. Last year I found a nest burrow in the river bank. The song sparrows and Red-winged Blackbirds were singing. A pair of Killdeer were doing their broken wing display. I wonder if they will try to nest right here. The Tree Swallows are starting to claim their nest boxes. A Northern Flicker was calling. Still lots of Canada Geese fertilizing the lawn. Mallards are hanging out in the ponds.  Robins are busy finding worms in the lawn.

Butterflies & Eagles

Yesterday I spotted my first identifiable butterfly. It was a Western Pine Elfin and it was on our flowering rock cress. A near neighbour has honey bees and they were enjoying the rock cress as well.

The Bald Eagles at Gold Island appear to be nesting again this year. I spotted an adult sitting low on their nest a week ago. The last two years they have not produced any young. Reports from locals in the area is that this nest has been here for over 25 years.

Neigbhours helping out

I went out along the river this morning and then was joined by Al & Val. We heard and saw Killdeer and lots of Tree and Violet-green swallows. At their place, Val noticed a bird with a bit of yellowish colour on its back. A Townsend's Solitaire (44). Thanks Val! The Bald Eagles on Gold Island are sitting low on their nest, hopefully incubating eggs. The past two years the nest has not produced any young. An immature eagle also was seen along the river. The Canada Geese seem to be everywhere and Mallards are in the pon. Al reported hearing and seeing a Meadowlark last week. Lots of birds were singing such as Song Sparrow and House Finch. Also, the Red-winged Blackbirds numbers are getting bigger. 

Bike ride & Spotted Towhee

I went out for a bike ride this afternoon and saw a Spotted Towhee (43) just as he was flying from one conifer to another. Towhees are not seen here very often although they are common in the area. I have only seen one before right here in Shoreacres. 

The Northern Shrike made an appearance yesterday. A pair of Red-tailed Hawks are seen almost every day. 

I'm still waiting to hear/see a Meadowlark. 

Number 42

I went for a short walk after dinner to see what I could see. I didn't see any new birds. But I did hear a Varied Thrush (42) calling from the forest across the river.A Bald Eagle flew low down and grabbed some weedy material that was lying on the ground. Is it nesting material? I haven't checked yet to see if the Bald Eagles are sitting on eggs. The last 2 years they failed to produce any young.
Across the river a group of 3 Elk were at the salt lick. The Northern Shrike is still around and I flushed him from one tree and he flew to another. Two Red-tailed hawks are around now and my neigbhour reported seeing one carrying some sticks to a conifer. He is going to keep an eye on the tree and see if they nest there.

A sunny break between rain showers to see a N. Pintail

I went for a short walk to the mail box and back and decided to look over the edge to the wetland ponds. I wasn't disappointed! A male Northern Pintail (41) was there along with a pair of Mallards. Pintails are a common spring migrant in the Kootenays, perhaps more common in Creston than in this area.

Blue Beauties

A Mountain Bluebird (40) was perched atop the Sumac tree in our backyard just now. They are regular migrants through Shoreacres. The first year we bought our property (2006) and before we built our home, a pair nested in one of our nest boxes and successfully raised a family. Since then, we have had not any nest here. But there have been times when a dozen or so are flying about catching insects. Mountain Bluebirds do nest in the area.

Catching up

Our high-speed modem needed to be replaced so I was unable to connect to the internet for the past week. So, I'll catch up now on some sightings. On March 18th I finally saw my first swallow. A pair of Violet-green Swallows (35) were sitting on some lines in Shoreacres. In the past swallows arrived in Shoreacres at least a week earlier. I thought the good weather we had would have them arriving even earlier rather than later but perhaps the good weather had them dispersed. It seems Shoreacres is a good spot for them in inclement weather.

On March 18th we heard both a Great Horned Owl (36) and a Northern Saw-whet Owl calling. In the past, we either heard one or the other. To date, we have never seen either one of these owls in Shoreacres. The only owl we have seen here was a Northern Pygmy Owl a few winters back.

Finally, more swallows arrived back on March 22nd. Tree Swallows (37) were flying and calling. The resident Blue Jay (38) was heard and seen the same day. In the bay in Slocan pools two pairs of American Wigeons (39) were hanging out with the Canada Geese.

I can tell Elk have been around by their droppings on our road but we rarely see them during the day.