Tag Archives: birds

nature, Photography

Bobbin’ Robins

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As I was taking a walk a few days ago, I heard the distinct call of an agitated robin. Then I noticed a recently fledged one, hopping madly ahead of me and calling desperately for mom.

As soon as Little One saw her, (s)he stopped calling and began looking for worms or bugs. Mom continued to nonchalantly hop ahead. As soon as Little One lost sight again though, the calling started once more and only ended when mom came into view. Poor Little One then gave up and begged to be fed. It’s so hard learning how to find something to eat!

Mom is on the right, mostly hidden by foliage but with one eye visible.

Nature is a demanding taskmaster since mom basically ignored Little One’s signals.

Sorry Little One, you have to learn to feed yourself.

It was clear that mom expected Little One to forage on her/his own. There was acknowledgment from mom, but no food!

Robin parents have to be very tough, but I have no doubt that this young one will soon figure out to copy mom and learn the best spots for fat worms.

Happy Thursday.

nature, Photography

Northern Flicker

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There are lots of birds around now and they are all very busy. I spotted this northern flicker who had found something buggy to eat between the pavers on a footpath.

I think she has some hatchlings – she doesn’t have the distinctive red flashes which indicate a male flicker – because I could hear little cheepings from above my head.

I tried to spot the nest but no luck; it was definitely nearby though because I saw the male flying back and forth between the tree and another area of eating interest a bit further away.

Those specialised beaks are sharp, very pointed and an especially good tool for digging yummy bugs out of trees and from between pavers, too. It’s great that this flicker nest is so well hidden; I hope this little family does well.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Goosey, Goosey Gander

46 Comments

I think the Canada geese are getting ready to nest.

The physical differences between females and males is quite subtle, but so are the behaviours. The males are slightly larger and have slightly larger necks, but I wouldn’t put money on being able to pick a male from a female.

Canada geese mate for life and are very much equal partners, taking turns guarding, sitting on the nest and feeding the little ones. In the case of the pair above, one was guarding while the other was eating, but I couldn’t tell which was which. One thing I could tell though was that the guarding goose was giving me the stinkeye!

I’m sure that nesting is starting soon because instead of maintaining their tight flock as they usually do, the couples have somewhat separated themselves from each other. Nevertheless they still tend not to stray too far. There were two other couples nearby and all three were clearly checking in with one another.

The best part is that soon there will be little ones around and it’s always so much fun to watch them grow.

I’ve been ill with flu but am on the mend now and was finally able to get out for a walk; I was rewarded with these geese sightings. Although it’s not official yet, Happy Spring.

nature, Photography

Three Lake Views

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We have warmed up substantially and the cold wind and intermittent wet snow flurries have been replaced by more comfortable temperatures, overcast with sunny breaks and drizzle.

I like the look of these cloud striations.

Okanagan Lake is much calmer, the shoreline ice pans have melted and somehow, it’s starting to feel spring-like.

The overcast and drizzle definitely haven’t dampened that sense. Spring showers bring May flowers? Could be, although it’s technically not spring yet.

Through the cloud and drizzle we have had some sunny breaks, and those feel very, very nice. The black spots you can see in the foreground of the picture above is a large group of coots. They overwinter here and another good springish sign is that I think most of them are getting ready to leave although a few will stay to nest.

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

Duck Shrinkage

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The pond that the ducks have been inhabiting all winter is shrinking and shrinking.

If it wasn’t for the fountain, it would be completely closed and the ducks would be hunting for a place to swim and forage as there’s now a lot of ice around the lake edges.

But there’s relief coming since if all goes as predicted, we are supposed to be climbing well above freezing over the next few days. It won’t be long now, duckies!

Happy Saturday.

nature, Photography

Quail, Quail …

26 Comments

… wherefore art thou, quail?

Ever hard to see because they are so small and have such fantastic camouflage, they also have the additional advantage of being amazingly quick. They will bolt at the slightest movement from a human, so getting photos can be a challenge.

While walking today I came upon a number of them scratching in the dirt along with their buddies, the mallard ducks. The instant they heard me they scattered, running and flying for dear life, but after I stood absolutely still, they returned.

As quietly as I could, I crept closer while fishing my cell phone out of my pocket; unfortunately, I had no other camera with me.

In the front left corner you can see a couple of ducks; the quail seem to get on well with them and I often see them eating and hanging out together. The ducks are much larger but of course they’re all vegetarians!

I find them so cute with their little head feathers and the way they constantly chat with each other. I’ve noticed that the ducks seem to be more contentedly verbal and relaxed when the quail are nearby, too. It’s very true that all of us do better when we have a friend or two.

Happy Thursday.