Tag Archives: Bird Photography

nature, Photography

Canada Jay

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The Canada jay or gray jay is a member of the corvid family and is ubiquitous throughout this country. In fact, except for Alaska and a small portion of the American Rockies, the gray jay is found nowhere else in the world.

Intelligent and cute-looking, the gray jay has also been immortalized in Indigenous lore as a trickster. Given how smart they are about getting food, that’s probably true! I have frequently seen them while out hiking and they always try to charm me into giving them something to eat. Shy they are not!

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

Chickadee Cuteness

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I find chickadees endlessly watchable. They are so cute, friendly and smart, and are marvels of northern survival and adaptation. How these delicate-looking little birds manage to survive in -40C (-40F) is amazing, but it starts with their winter planning and storage efforts and their ability to find protected and suitable shelter.

Happy Friday, happy weekend.

nature, Photography

Early Spring Ducks

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When I was in the Okanagan Valley earlier this month, the ducks were very active after what had been for them a cold winter. This duck pair had separated themselves from the larger group and were probably looking for a good nesting spot.

In areas, the grass was still a washed out winter colour.

Most of the other ducks congregated in noisy communal happiness, enjoying the warmer weather and greater abundance of food.

Happy Thursday.

nature, Photography

Spring Ducks

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The Penticton mallard duck flock has weathered the winter in good knick and are getting ready to start nesting.

In December, the duck flock was huddled together for warmth and were not only waiting for dinner, but also for this wet snowfall to melt. They are fed during December and January.
Still hanging out in their favourite spot near the creek, but in much better weather this time.

The males’ heads have turned a brilliant green, indicating that they are ready to mate. Soon there will be lots of little ones around.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Ducky Days

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I saw this duck pair from a bridge above a creek near my home in Penticton.

There are many ducks down by the lake, but these two had separated themselves and were clearly bonded.

The male stood guard while the female looked for food.

When I passed by today they were still there in the same spot, this time taking a little nap. Something woke the female and I wasn’t able to get her in the picture, but the male continued his shuteye.

Not long from now, there will probably be some little hatchlings along this section of creek, but by then I will be back in the north and won’t be able to watch their progress. I hope they have a successful little brood.

Happy Thursday.