Lady Woodpecker's Birds & Beyond Blog

Wings on Wednesday

2011-12-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

The last time I posted for "Wings on Wednesday" was back on September 14, 2011. Thankfully, I ran into my "frenemy" and backyard predator, the Cooper's Hawk, and just had to share some of the poses with you....

He had a good "look-see" around before picking off one of the many Rock Pigeons :)

Winter Highlights from Westham Island...

2011-12-06T14:53:00.000-08:00

Since my friend and birding partner, Robbie, had moved to Alberta, my desire to get outside and look for birds all but dried up. It wasn't until I received a direct message [on Twitter] from a friend in Victoria, British Columbia, did I start to consider going out again. Long story short, I'm glad I did.

After a brief and fruitful stop along Boundary Bay, to see the Snowy Owls [we saw 12 in all], we continued on to Westham Island and the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Not only did I want to see my favorite winter migrants, like the Lesser Scaup, The American Wigeon and the American Coot, but I also wanted to look in on the Sandhill Crane Colt, which was hatched earlier in the year. As fate would have it, the little family of 3 were there, along with a few migrant Sandhill Cranes. When we arrived, the cranes were surrounded by photographers with extraordinarily long lenses. Funny thing was, my son [who's 10] reached into his pocket and pulled out a bag of seed. Unfortunately, the bag was empty but that didn't stop the 3 resident Sandhill Cranes from coming over and investigating the bag. My son was terrified, at first, but I assured him that even if they pecked him, it wouldn't hurt. They pecked him...twice. Let's just say...I was wrong. :) Anyway, I managed to get a few good shots in...at my son's expense.

Here's the colt...

Pappa...

..and a preening mamma!

The Northern Pintails had arrived, in all their glory...

...along with the American Wigeons

We watched as a Great Blue Heron hunted for fry near the water's edge, a first for both my son and I...

The Snow Geese had also arrived, from Russia. They were kept on their toes by the many raptors thirsting after them - Northern Harriers, Red Tailed Hawks, among others...

There were handsome Fox Sparrows...Spotted Towees, Northern Flickers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Downy Woodpeckers too.

...and, in keeping with a Dengler/Wakelin tradition, we hand fed my spark bird...the Black-capped Chickadee.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end [for the day, anyway]. For now, I leave you with a sexy pair of American Coot feet. Until next time, my friends...

I'm Like A Bird...

2011-10-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I've blogged about our fine feathered friends, but recently, my family was taken for a spin around the city of Vancouver, in a cessna. Finally, we had a taste of what it would be like to fly like a bird!

To follow are just a few of the images taken on this grey and rainy Autumn day...

First up, ordering the in-flight meal, "I'd like a Happy Meal, please. Hold the pickles!"

Special thanks to our friend, Captain Mike, for the lift! I'm currently working on my arm strength and growin' feathers!

Honoring Autumn

2011-09-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

A neighbors cat plays with the first fallen leaf of Autumn...

....

Wings on Wednesday

2011-09-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-08-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Lesser Scaup is one of my favorite diving ducks because of the striking eye and the magnificent contrasting plumage.

The Gulls of Boundary Bay...

2011-08-26T17:34:00.001-07:00

Out of all of the Gulls one's likely to see, out at Boundary Bay's Centennial Beach in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, the Ring-billed is the most common.

Sure, some would refer to these as "parking lot" Gulls, because they're often seen outside of fast food restaurants foraging for food, but I still think they're beautiful to look at. Their striking eyes and the beautiful contrast of black wingtips and white underparts make this Gull one of my favorites!

Wings on Wednesday

2011-07-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-07-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-07-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-06-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I had the honor of introducing a group of kindergarteners to a pair of lovely Cedar Waxwings, that were feeding in a schoolyard pine tree.

Wings on Wednesday

2011-06-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

Father’s Day

Comes once a year.

But you are special,

This is clear.

On each and every other day

There is no need for Father’s Day.

On all three hundred sixty-four

You are the dad that I adore.

So on three hundred sixty-fifth,

I’m happy you’re the dad I’m with.

by Denise Rodgers

I'd like to wish all of the dads out there a very happy Father's Day!

Westham Island Highlights...

2011-06-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

Recently, I visited the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, on Westham Island. For almost two hours, I had the place to myself. There's nothing quite like walking the trails in the early morning ~ with only the beautiful sounds of a Swainson's Thrush or the happy "cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily, cheer up" song of the American Robin.

To follow are just a few photo highlights...

Adult Sandhill Crane preens while her colt rests nearby...

While the colt rests, the Canada Geese put on a show...

Among the flock of Canada Geese, was a handsome Cackling Goose...

In the tree tops, were many Cedar Waxwings..

..and in the pond, Mallards with their wee ones...

There were plenty of Goslings around too...

...and snugglin' siblings.

As I rounded the west pond, I was greeted by this beautiful female Wood Duck. A perfect ending to a perfect day, at the Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

Wings on Wednesday

2011-06-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-06-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-06-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wingless Wednesday

2011-05-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-05-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

Highlights from the Richmond Nature Park

2011-05-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, after work, I decided to stop by my local urban park ~ the Richmond Nature Park. Over the last several months, the park has undergone a major restoration project, with the aid of the Richmond Nature Park Society, The City of Richmond Parks Department, Engineering students from UBC, and the Richmond Cadets. Together, they removed the fencing around the pond, pulled up many invasive species, and replanted trees and shrubs native to British Columbia. Many unique artwork pieces have also been erected, in the gardens. They did an absolutely amazing job and, judging from the turn-out at the feeders and adjacent trees, the birds think so too!

Here are just a few of the birds and critters I was privileged to spend time with, during my one hour tour...

A Downy Woodpecker

A Red-breasted Nuthatch

A Black-headed Grosbeak [...and a Life Bird for me!]

A Rufous Hummingbird

A Purple Finch [female]

A Purple Finch [male]

A Black-capped Chickadee

An invasive Bull Frog

Red-eared Sliders

..and, last but certainly not least, Mr. Whiskers, the resident Douglas Squirrel!

If you're ever in the Richmond area, I highly recommend stopping by! You won't be disappointed!

Wings on Wednesday

2011-05-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

Highlights from Westham Island...

2011-05-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

Since I have been ill, the last few days, I thought I would forego tomorrow's "Wings on Wednesday", to bring you my recent photo highlights from the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, on Westham Island. I hope you enjoy them...

A handsome Gadwall

A coy Cackling Goose

A friendly Marsh Wren

A shy Barn Swallow

A pair of Tree Swallows

A colorful House Finch

A Yellow-rumped Warbler

A photogenic female Red-winged Blackbird

..and last, but not least, a very motherly Sandhill Crane [currently warming two eggs]. I hope to bring you photos of the colt[s] very soon.

Until next time....

Wings on Wednesday

2011-04-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

A Room with a View...

2011-04-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

I was busy photographing a nesting Canada Goose when I heard a rustling in the nest box beside me. I looked up to discover this busy little Tree Swallow, checking out the scenery too...

He had box seats for the main event!

Wings on Wednesday

2011-04-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-04-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

I found this handsome Hawk stalking my feeders, yesterday.

Wings on Wednesday

2011-04-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday Series ~ Northern Saw-whet Owl

2011-04-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-03-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wonderful Weekend Woodies...

2011-03-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

Westham Island in the Spring...

2011-03-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

Since my boys are on Spring break, I thought it would be the perfect time for us to spend a morning out at the George C. Reifel Migratory Sanctuary, on Westham Island. Although we are only a week into Spring, we noticed a few changes, both in the trees and in the ponds; ducks, geese, wrens, eagles, all paired up. Very few of the birds were flying solo. It reminds me of an old Tom Jones song; Love is in the air, everywhere I look around...

A sweet pair of Wood Ducks

Male Lesser Scaup

A pair of Canada Geese

A Tree Swallow, scoping out a nearby nestbox

A Red-winged Blackbird

An American Coot

Sing it with me....

Wings on Wednesday

2011-03-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

Introducing Oreo ~ Land Shark...

2011-03-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

Oreo is a 6 month old shih tzu poodle cross. When he's not posing for photos, he loves to perch near the window and watch the birds land in the Magnolia tree. He doesn't care for pigeons much; chasing them from the backyard feeders, at every opportunity. We love our newest family member.

Wings on Wednesday

2011-03-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-03-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snow Geese....

2011-03-06T15:08:00.000-08:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-03-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

Wings on Wednesday: Regal Eagle...

2011-02-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-02-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-02-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-02-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

Birding Westham Island...

2011-01-28T19:35:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, I spent some time at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, on Westham Island. To follow are just a few of the highlights...

Wings on Wednesday: A Collection...

2011-01-26T07:47:00.000-08:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-01-19T01:00:00.001-08:00

Wings on Wednesday: Spring Longing...

2011-01-12T01:00:00.001-08:00

Wings on Wednesday

2011-01-05T01:00:00.001-08:00

The Regal Eagle of Westham Island...

2010-12-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-12-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-12-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-12-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-12-08T01:00:00.001-08:00

Saturday Series: Songbirds of Westham Island

2010-12-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Red-Winged Blackbird

Northern flicker

Fox Sparrow

Black-capped Chickadee

Spotted Towhee

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Cedar Waxwing

Wings on Wednesday

2010-12-01T01:00:00.001-08:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-11-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

Backyard Birds: The Northern Flicker

2010-11-21T14:07:00.000-08:00

I have a beautiful pair of Northern Flickers visiting my backyard suet feeders, several times a day. This morning, the female arrived first, while her mate waited patiently in a nearby tree. She took her sweet time getting to the block but he didn't fly over until she was through [the last photo shows the male feeding]. See. Chivalry is not dead.

Wings on Wednesday

2010-11-17T01:00:00.001-08:00

Just Ducky!

2010-11-15T08:15:00.001-08:00

Here are just some of the ducks I have observed in British Columbia, this year...

Mallard [female]

White-winged Scoter [male]

Ring-necked Duck Pair

Gadwall [male]

Northern Shoveler [female]

Wood Duck [male]

Bufflelhead [male]

American Wigeon [female]

American Wigeon [male]

Northern Pintail [male]

Scaup [female]

Scaup [male]

Hooded Merganser [male]

Hooded Merganser [female]

Saturday Series: Snow Geese on the Move!

2010-11-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

Huge flocks of Snow Geese are arriving from their arctic tundra breeding grounds, on route to agricultural farmlands in British Columbia ~ one of the greatest spectacles of the natural world...

Wings on Wednesday

2010-11-10T01:00:00.003-08:00

A Moment with the Swans...

2010-11-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

I drove out to Westham Island, on Wednesday morning, and as I made my way across the old swing bridge, I noticed a pair of swans wading in the water below. I crossed the bridge and pulled over near the swing operator's booth, grabbed my gear and walked over mid-span.

There they were...two beautiful Mute Swans.

Oddly, while I was shooting them, a lone napping Swan floated into the frame. At first, I thought the napper was a Trumpeter [because of the bill colour], but then I realized it was a juvenile Mute, belonging to the pair.

Sadly, the majority of my Swan photos were over-exposed. Rather than discard them, I added a few effects to each [some more subtle than others]. What do YOU think?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-03T01:00:00.002-07:00

Playful Predator

2010-11-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-10-27T01:00:00.001-07:00

What Do You See? Impressions, by Joshua...

2010-10-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

Today, I was going through my son's photographs from our recent trip to the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. I was very pleased with them and wanted to feature just a few here.

My son is 9 years of age and shares my love for the outdoors, photography, and birds. To follow are just a few of his images.

The most important thing I've learned, while going through these images, is that my son noticed things I overlooked ~ the mushroom, the scattered flight patterns of the Snow Geese, a fleeting moment of silence while "little brother" watched a Hawk hunt over the marsh, and the way the Long-billed Dowitchers appeared from the tower while looking through the fence. Sadly, I've never even bothered to climb that tower, or back-up far enough to catch more birds in flight, or study the forest floor in search of mushrooms.

Perhaps, next time, I will. Thank you, Joshua, for showing me the little things ~ things overlooked.

Wings on Wednesday

2010-10-20T01:00:00.001-07:00

Fall Highlights from Westham Island

2010-10-17T19:44:00.001-07:00

We spent some time over on Westham Island today, visiting the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. First up was a big surprise ~ A Black-crowned Night-Heron, perched low in a tree. A short walk down the trail revealed a sneaky female Wood Duck, caught red-handed on the feeder and desperately trying to avoid eye contact with me.

The migrant Sandhill Cranes were present [about 12 in all], as well as the resident family of 3. Oddly, there were very few Canada Geese present, clearly replaced by a huge flock of Snow Geese. The flock of Long-billed Dowitchers were also napping by the blue tower.

All in all, it was very busy at the Sanctuary, with plenty of air traffic moving in and out throughout the day.

I did manage a Life Bird today ~ An Eared Grebe. To follow is my photo record of my sightings...

Wings on Wednesday

2010-10-13T01:00:00.001-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-10-06T01:00:00.001-07:00

A curious Long-billed Dowitcher...

The Stealthy Steller's Jay...

2010-10-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

The textbook modus operandi of the Steller's Jay...

Look right...

Look left...

Look down...

BINGO!

The Sandhill Crane Family ~ A photo update...

2010-10-01T17:02:00.000-07:00

Some of you may recall an earlier post, back in June, featuring a Sandhill Crane chick. Well, this is THAT chick...all grown up! To see my previous post, featuring this colt as a wee one, visit HERE

Wings on Wednesday

2010-09-29T01:00:00.001-07:00

The Jay and the Nut...

2010-09-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-09-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-09-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

A Barn Swallow keeps an eye on his mate...

Among the Gulls...

2010-09-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

Early Friday morning, I was shorebirding out at Blackie Spit, Crescent Beach, when I came across a flock of Gulls, perched on the fence. I was amazed at how relaxed they all looked and had to stop to take a few photos. Rather than photograph the line of Gulls all in focus, I decided to pick one Gull to feature, at a time. The effect was rather interesting...

What do YOU think?

Wings on Wednesday

2010-09-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-09-01T01:00:00.001-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-08-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

A Cackling Goose...or Not?

2010-08-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

During my latest trip to the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island, British Columbia, I spotted what I believed to be a pair of Cackling Geese. Unfortunately, when I arrived home and attempted to upload my observations to Ebird, my "Cackling Goose" sighting was questioned. To follow are a few images of the goose, along with a few of the Canada, for comparison. It should be noted that I heard the "voice" of what I believed was the Cackling and it was remarkably different than that of the Canada...

Above three images are of the goose in question ~ a Cackling Goose?

The above three images are of the much larger [and more aggressive] Canada Goose.

According to articles I have read on the Cackling Goose, their range is only as far north as Oregon. While looking for more material on the goose, I found this excellent article on "Distinguishing Cackling and Canada Goose" from "Sibley Guides".

What do you think? Are the geese in question really Cackling?

Welcoming Fall Migrants to B.C...

2010-08-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Once again, my best friend, Robbie and I, visited the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island. Although the forecast called for morning showers, the sky was blue, with only a few scattered clouds here and there to keep things interesting. The temperature was more reasonable, at a lovely 21c; a far cry from the 28-35c temperatures of only a week ago. We were hoping to see a few Fall migrants and Westham Island did not disappoint. To follow is my photo record of the day...

First up, a regular resident ~ a beautiful Mallard peaking out from behind the daisies...

...while this one takes a load off to enjoy the last little bits of summertime sun...

Life bird number one, for the day, was this rare find ~ a Cackling Goose...

...much cuter and less annoying than their larger cousins, the Canada Goose...

A migrant that I always enjoy observing every year, this time, is the beautiful Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs...

..and several small flocks of Long-billed Dowitchers. We will see greater numbers of these shorebirds as the summer winds down in British Columbia.

...another migrant is the American Coot. Greater numbers will begin to turn up here, along with Scaups, Northern Shovellers, Buffleheads, and American Wigeons.

Another rare find is the Pectoral Sandpiper. These beautiful Sandpipers prefer colder climates, spending most of the summer in the Northwest Territories and Alaska. We should see more of these over the coming weeks.

We saw many song birds too, including this juvenile Spotted Towhee...

..and this rather exhausted looking Rufous Hummingbird. Soon the hummingbirds will move south for the winter...

Another Fall visitor, is this White-crowned Sparrow

The birds weren't the only critters in the air....this lovely moth was enjoying some nectar from a daisy, as well.

This is a very exciting time of year for birds in British Columbia. Migrants will pass through the Pacific Flyway and, hopefully, plan to make coastal British Columbia their home, if only for a short while. With any luck at all, we will be there to greet them when they arrive. Until next time, my friends...

Wings on Wednesday

2010-08-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Canada Goose is here today...

Feeding and resting up...

To prepare for the long flight south....

Until we meet again, have a safe trip, my fine feathered friends...

Early Morning Birding...

2010-08-12T20:32:00.001-07:00

This morning, I arrived at Elgin Heritage Park just as the sun was rising. The tide was in but heading out so I knew I had to cross the park, to the shoreline, as quickly as possible. Typically, when the tide is in, shorebirds forage closer to land and, naturally, this would offer better photo and observation opportunities. As the tide moves out, they forage further and further out.

First up...a row of Gulls....

I was halfway across the wooden bridge when I heard the "tututu'ing" of a Greater Yellowlegs. I picked up the pace. Behold...

The Greater Yellowlegs...

...caught in a stretch...

In all, there were 14 Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. They were flanked by 4 noisey Killdeer that I'm sure they were trying to ditch....

There were Canada Geese...

...and Yellow Warblers [...a life bird for the day!]

...not an easy bird to catch, IMO...

Another bird difficult to catch is the Common Yellowthroat Warbler ~ this one, a juvenile.

The trees were filled with the sound of high-pitched hissy whistles...flocks of Cedar Waxwings passing through, no doubt, for the feast of ripening blackberries...

Where tall grass once grew, alone, now Cattails keep them company...a sign that Fall is near...

Some of the Bull Thistles were seeding...

...while others were still shining brightly, in shades of purple.

Apples....

A splash of colourful berries....

..and beautiful summertime flowers make Elgin Heritage Park a great place to visit. The birds make it even better!

Wings on Wednesday

2010-08-10T19:42:00.001-07:00

A trip to Elgin Park, South Surrey...

2010-08-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

Recently, I visited one of my favorite local birding hotspots, Elgin Heritage Park in South Surrey, British Columbia. I arrived shortly after 7:00 AM, and quickly discovered that this, in fact, is the best time to visit. To follow are just a few of the photos I managed to take....

A Garter Snake...in the grass....

A Yellowlegs, reflecting...

A curious 1st year Common Yellow-throat...

A Black-headed Grosbeak [...and a life bird too]...

The elusive Willow Flycatcher...

A fleeting moment with a Bushtit...

...and those that know me, know that I love to stop and smell the flowers...along with this fuzzy Bumblebee...

There were so many other sights and sounds I picked up on this day. Sadly, I was unable to catch all of them with my camera. Also seen were oodles of bunnies, a Rufous Hummingbird, several adult Common Yellowthroat Warblers, a Yellow-rumped Warbler [Audubon's], and many Tree and Barn Swallows. Next time, I'll get 'em.

Until next time, my friends...

Wings on Wednesday

2010-08-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Weekend Wings

2010-07-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-07-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-07-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

Highlights from Westham Island, B.C.

2010-07-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

Today, my husband and I took my son, Joshua, to the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island. Joshua [9] is a budding photographer and an avid birdwatcher, just like his mom. The Sanctuary is part of the Fraser River Estuary and offers a much needed rest-stop for weary migratory birds passing through the Pacific Flyway.

To follow is a photo record of our day...

Spotted Towhee

Song Sparrow

Marsh Wren

Western Tiger Swallowtail

Male Wood Duck [molting]

Canada Goose

Mallard Ducklings

Sandhill Crane chick 'on the grow'

Great Blue Heron

Barn Swallow, nesting

Update: The Barn Swallows I photographed previously, as well as the Tree Swallows from the painted nesting box, had all fledged. The Barn Swallow photos above are of the last remaining unhatched nest at the Sanctuary.

Wings on Wednesday

2010-07-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Summer Additions...

2010-07-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Westham Island, in Ladner, British Columbia, is home to many new birds, including these 3 very hungry baby Tree Swallows...

It's not easy to see all 3 but if you look closely...

Suddenly, the squeaky wheel spots his mommy....with a juicy dragon fly!

INCOMING!!!

We also spotted these brand new Barn Swallows, which looked to be only a few days old...

So precious...

Feeding Time

2010-07-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-07-07T01:00:00.001-07:00

Highlights from Mara Lake, B.C.

2010-07-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

Recently, my family and I drove up to Mara Lake, where a good friend of ours has a waterfront cabin. Although the weather was unseasonably chilly and overcast, we had a lovely time. To follow are just a few highlights from our trip...

My son and his daddy, fishin' on the pier...

While an Osprey was huntin' fish from above...

There was a family of Common Mergansers...

There was also a pair of Northern Flickers nesting in the tree outside the cabin. Very noisy critters, they were!

Also noisy was this Miami Vice Movie Boat! A $500,000 watercraft owned by Bryan Trottier, a retired Professional Hockey Player that played 18 seasons with the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins. He owns a luxury cabin on the lake.

Wings on Wednesday

2010-06-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wings on Wednesday

2010-06-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Bird Day!

2010-06-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

After many weeks of poor weather, here in Vancouver, British Columbia, Robbie and I took full advantage of the Friday morning sunshine by hitting all of the local birding hotspots.

We started out at Elgin Heritage Park, in South Surrey, where we saw many varieties of songbirds, geese, a lone Spotted Sandpiper and Northern Flickers. Next we paid a visit to the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, on Westham Island. We went to the Sanctuary to see the Sandhill Crane chick and although one of the trails was completely blocked off to keep visitors away from the new family, we found them outside of the barricades. Apparently, Sandhill Cranes can't read and we were thrilled! Robbie and I were careful to keep a safe distance away from the family, since Sandhills are known to be quite aggressive and protective of their space. Sadly, there were other visitors that were not as courteous, approaching them without a care. We watched as the male Crane attacked. Sweet justice.

We capped off the day with a trip to the Richmond Nature Park. To follow is a photo record of our day...

Female Northern Flicker ~ Elgin Heritage Park

Male Red-winged Blackbird ~ Elgin Heritage Park

White-crowned Sparrow ~ Elgin Heritage Park

Great Blue Heron ~ Elgin Heritage Park

Barn Swallow ~ Westham Island

Barn Swallow nesting ~ Westham Island

Sandhill Cranes ~ Westham Island

Mallard with 4 ducklings ~ Westham Island

Canada Goose Gosling ~ Westham Island

Cedar Waxwing ~ Westham Island

Scrumptious berry ~ Westham Island

Purple Iris ~ Richmond Nature Park

Female Rufous Hummingbird

The Return of the Mischievous Squirrel...

2010-06-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Back in April, I wrote about the humorous antics of the Douglas Squirrel. See the original post HERE. As you can see, things haven't changed much. This squirrel has made a career out of scaling the post and filling his paws full of scrumptious seeds. Funny. There are many feeders at this Nature Park, but he prefers the "Squirrel Proof" one.

Wings On Wednesday

2010-06-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T01:00:00.000-07:00