This snag is riddled with large holes. It looks like a woodpecker condo. It would be a good place for birds to roost overnight.
I was searching for Pileated Woodpeckers as they are often seen in the woods, but no luck today. I did see some recent rectangular excavations in some trees.
Other birds seen today include; BAEA, NOFL, STJA, AMCR, CORA, PISI, DOWO, HOFI, SOSP, EUST, COGO, COME, CAGO, MALL.
Today I walked to the Slocan Pools following the railroad tracks. By car, Slocan Pools are accessed from Hwy 3A near the Dam Inn pub in South Slocan. It's not a well known trail but well used and easy with little elevation gain. A 2-3km loop trail goes through the forest with views of the pools on the lower trail. On my walk the first new bird I encountered was a flock of Dark-eyed Juncoes (22) which are often observed near my mailbox. The pools trail didn't disappoint me. The first song I heard was that of a Winter Wren (23) singing his heart out. I was elated when I was able to experience seeing 4 species at close range all at once. First a curious Red-breasted Nuthatch came over after he heard me phishing. Then a second one. Their excited calling brought over a small flock of Golden-crowned Kinglets (24) and Black-capped Chickadees. Soon they were all calling and coming into view checking me out. Finally, I saw a pair of Chestnut-backed Chickadees (25). Yes!
In a sunny spot on the trail I came across a very active wood ant nest. See photo above.
At lunch time I just couldn't resist the sunshine and jumped into my little red kayak to check out the river. Although I didn't see any new species it was incredibly quiet and I lay in the grass soaking up the warmth from the sun. I paddled up into the little bay where the beavers have made themselves a home.
Just as the day was ending, the sun had just set, I went outside to empty the compost and heard my first Red-winged Blackbird (21) of the year.
Bird species number 20 was a Merlin (20) flying over when I returned from the mailbox. Two summers ago I found a Merlin nest near the Slocan River which fledged a couple of young. The finches were singing and lots of Canada Geese around. They looked like they were sitting on nests on Gold Island.
Just as the day was ending, the sun had just set, I went outside to empty the compost and heard my first Red-winged Blackbird (21) of the year.
The first bird of my Shoreacres Big Year was a Northern Flicker. No big surprise as they are daily visitors to the suet feeder. Bird number two were fertilizing the lawn in the back yard - Canada Geese. I was happy to see the third bird, a Northern Shrike, as it is not always seen. It appears to be a winter resident here as the flat fields provide habitat for voles and mice. Number four was an American Crow. They are very common here. In fact, last week I saw one eat a Townsends's Vole which I suspect he stole from the Shrike. Bird number five was European Starling - an abundant bird, especially in the fall. Next I checked Gold Island in the Slocan Pool with my spotting scope and yes, there was the Bald Eagle (6), sitting in a snag near their nest. I had to wait until 11am before I could leave the house. Now the sun was shining warmly and the birds were singing. The first bird I heard was a Song Sparrow (7) and then a House Finch (8). I quick peek down into the wetland ponds turned up more geese and several pairs of Mallards (9). A Black-capped Chickadee (10) was singing in the distance. Ah yes, spring is here. I walked down Davidson Road and checked the feeders at my neighbour's house. More House Finches and some American Goldfinches (11). At the end of Davidson Road you can see all of Gold Island and the Slocan Pool. The eagles (2 Adults and one Immature) were active again swooping over a raft of Common Goldeneye (12) but this time the ducks flew off and the adult eagles alit on the Island and the immature stopped near Shoreacres Road. A pair of Common Mergansers (13) swam by. Continuing along the edge of the pool to Shoreacres Road I heard and then finally located a calling Steller's Jay (14). No sign of the local Blue Jay this time. I continued up McHardy Road to Swan Hill Rd to check a feeder that in the past had Chestnut-backed Chickadees. Not this time. But there was a Red-breasted Nuthatch (15) and more BC Chickadees. Overhead flew a Common Raven (16) and later I heard another one calling. A small bird alit in a shrub. It was a lone Pine Siskin (17). Finally, close to home and inside the Doukhobor Cemetary, were some American Robins (18). I was pretty sure I head a Killdeer but wasn't able to confirm it.
