March 5th to 8th 2010
We took our usual walks around the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve over the last four days and found the weather getting slightly cooler but still very spring-like.
Honey Bees hid their heads inside the blooms of Dead Nettle and Oregon Grape flowers are beginning to break out of their buds.
Red-winged Blackbirds are found everywhere on our walks now.
Double-crested Cormorants can be found on the lagoons and the slough near the heronry.
A couple of Crows used a park bench for a perch.
House Finches sang and gathered nesting material which was quite a surprise to us.
The Canada Geese are starting to get ready to nest. There are several that use broken tops of trees to nest upon.
Mallards were found in large numbers along the slough on our walk to the heronry, as well as near the East Bird Blind.
Pied-billed Grebes blend well with golden waters of the afternoon setting sun.
Red-tailed Hawks flew in circles over our heads causing song birds to become very quiet until they left.
Juncos are still found, although they are not as common now.
Hooded Mergansers and Common Mergansers spend a lot of time along the slough area near the heronry.
The Great Horned Owl is always present on the old hawk nest.
Ring-necked Ducks are paired up and enjoying the North Lagoon.
American Robins can be found anywhere now as they chase each other through the shrubs and trees.
Song Sparrows sing and chase each other everywhere we go. They check under every branch and flower that they stop near to see if there is something edible hidden underneath.
The resident Bald Eagles are spending a lot of time together. They are still tending their nest but they also spend time near the heronry as well.
Spotted Towhees were found along the Salwein Creek Loop and near the rose garden just below the Rotary Interpretive Centre.
American Wigeon were found at the East Bird Blind and along the slough near the heronry.
One afternoon, we found a couple of Bewickâs Wrens playing behind the East Bird Blind.
Wood Ducks were found at the East Bird Blind and on the top of an old tree stump near the Salwein Creek Loop Wood Duck Box.
While we were watching the Great Blue Herons on their nests, we found five Tree Swallows returned from their winter holidays.
Along the slough, we found two River Otters diving and snacking on whatever favourite treat they could find in the water.
We enjoyed visits with Walter, Ted, Doug, Stella, Val, Pearl, Dawn and the pathfinders, Janet, Connie, Gordon, Leon, Arnie, Rick, Ryan, Kay, Mary, Bill, Dick, Tony and Yvonne.
We are not authorities on birds, wildlife, plants, cameras or photography, if you are doing research on any subjects, please refer to a more educational site for advice and double-check whatever you research.
Back To Top
|
