Tag Archives: Bird Photography

nature, Photography

Snowfall

36 Comments

Two enormous storms are sweeping across the Pacific and are hitting British Columbia’s northern coast, Vancouver Island and lower mainland with a huge force of wind and rain. They are even reaching into the interior. At the higher elevations, the rain is actually snow, and it is coming down in huge amounts. Here in our deep valley, we are seemingly escaping the worst of it, but we did get a little snow yesterday.

Once there’s snow, our resident duck flock is more reliant on food provided for them and as soon as they saw us heading their way, they lost no time in mobbing my M who started scattering some yummies for them.

Lunch time!

It doesn’t take long for them to devour a large bag of quinoa, especially when it’s cold.

We did get some snow collection over night but much of it melted today.

Happy Wednesday.

Commentary, nature, Photography

New Year’s Birds

22 Comments

While out for our New Year’s Day constitutional, we saw lots of birds.

First, there were some quail. I always find them hard to photograph because they’re so quick and they blend in so well. I love that cute little head feather.

Next, we saw lots of coots with their distinctive white beaks. They were very happily swimming along, looking for a bit to eat here and there. Suddenly, we saw the coots madly scrambling away to a pier, half swimming, half flying. And then we saw the reason why.

A bald eagle was swooping low, attempting to grab a straggler. I didn’t get a picture of the frightened coots because I was mesmerised by the unfolding drama, but I was able to get a couple of shots of this amazing raptor.

The coots were able to hide in the lee of a pier, thus preventing the eagle from getting a good angle on a quick snatch, and once he saw that he was out of luck, he quickly headed away. M and I were amazed at what we had just seen, though!

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

Duck Snacks!

21 Comments

M and I recently stopped to give our resident duck flock some cooked quinoa which they love. As soon as they realised we were stopping with treats, we were mobbed.

Flying in from every direction …
… they gathered at M’s feet.
Yum, yum, yum …
… it’s so hard to find a tasty bug right now!
It helps to have friends …
… who can feed us so well!

Have a ducky Saturday.

nature, Photography

Gullible

26 Comments

While out walking I saw a row of seagulls on a gravel bar near the lake shore.

I liked how their bright white contrasted with the blue of the water and mountains.

They almost look like a row of snowballs, but I’m really glad they’re not!

Our shadows are visible in the watery sunlight. It was only about 5C (41F), but quite windless and there was no precipitation of any kind – especially no white stuff!

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

Hispaniolan Parakeet

18 Comments

I have never before seen a parakeet in the wild.

These are an amazing emerald green and blend so perfectly with the forests that they are almost indistinguishable.

They are presently under threat from people who trade in exotic birds and others who see them as pests. This pair (along with many others) are safe at the botanical garden outside Santo Domingo, however. They are very intelligent birds and are also incredible mimics.

nature, Photography

More Birds

24 Comments

There are lots of peacocks, both mature and juvenile, about. This threesome was very patiently waiting for lunch.

Peacocks are incredibly large birds and I’m always a bit surprised at how fast they can move, both running and flying.

I was able to get somewhat better photos of the white herons in their “home trees.”

They are very busy birds, constantly moving, chatting and flying. The cacophony of sound from the two large trees they inhabit is intense.

I do like bird watching and viewing this flock of approximately 100 or so individuals is quite engaging and entertaining.

Happy Sunday.

nature, Photography

Delighted Duckies

21 Comments

Someone stopped at the year-round duck community next to the creek to drop off some veggies and grain for them.

They were in duck dinner heaven. No scavenging for bugs tonight!

These ducks forage mostly on their own but people will supplement their diet with carrots, peas, cabbage, cooked pasta and quinoa, all of which are good nutritional choices for them. Feeding them bread or crackers really isn’t good for them as they apparently gain weight easily and this affects their ability to walk.

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

A Great Blue Heron Enjoys Lunch

12 Comments

M and I saw this great blue heron in the creek while we were out for a walk.

The pictures aren’t the best because I took them with my cell, but they will do.

The kokanee (a landlocked type of salmon) are starting to make their way upstream for spawning, and Mr Heron had his eye on one.

The salmon was in the shade at the edge of the creek.

I wasn’t able to get a shot of the actual capture because there were bushes in the way, but when he straightened up we could see that he had some lunch.

He quickly turned the fish around and swallowed it head first.

You can see from the size of his neck that the fish is only part of the way down!

That was yummy! Wait, do I see another one?

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

Duck Creek

16 Comments

The ducks have been happily inhabiting their creek since the spring run-off subsided back in June.

Because of our drought it has become quite low, so the ducks are now camping out on a little creek island.

Some still like the embankment though, where they’re more likely to get such treats as peas or lettuce which are nutritionally sound choices for them (not bread or crackers).

Have a ducky Thursday.