April 3rd to 7th 2010
The weather around our area has been rather cold for this time of year, so we bundle up to take our walks at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve. The winds pick up and we are thankful to wear windproof jackets when this happens.
The Red-winged Blackbird population is at a peak at the moment. The leucisitic female was spotted one more time and the others are busy with their everyday routines.
We have noticed two Black-capped Chickadees that like to pull the Salmonberry flowers off the stem and rip them apart to eat the insects inside. We have observed them doing this last year in the same location. The begining of the audio clip below has two Black-capped Chickadees calling in unison with one calling by itself after that.
Click below to hear the Black-capped Chickadees
A little male Downy Woodpecker stopped for a moment then drummed on a tree trunk before heading on his way.
Click below to hear the Downy Woodpecker drumming
A Bald Eagle flew past us with something grasped in its talons.
House Finches stopped to sing to each other.
Northern Red-shafted Flickers stopped to survey their territory.
A Fox Sparrow was seen near the edge of the pathway.
There were Gadwall Ducks seen on the South Lagoon for a few days.
A Golden-crowned Sparrow was seen near the feeders at the Rotary Interpretive Centre.
A male Goldfinch visited the feeders at the Rotary Interpretive Centre while others were seen at the Salwein Creek Loop.
The Canada Geese are nesting now; the female sits on her nest while the male stands guard close to her.
Two Red-tailed Hawks were together in a Cottonwood near the Heronry. After mating, the female attempted to gather a few branches from the tree.
Great Blue Herons are quite active at the Heronry. Two of them standing together decided that a third party was not invited a chased it off.
Wood Ducks paddled along the slough near the Heronry.
A female Rufous Hummingbird is visiting the feeders at the Rotary Interpretive Centre.
Juncos were still found in several areas as we wandered along.
We have also seen the Common Merganser pair together on several days.
Also, Hooded Mergansers are still visible in the slough and lagoons.
A little Mink stopped to take a look at us at the Salwein Creek Loop.
A River Otter popped its head up to take a look at us before swimming down the Salwein Creek.
Ring-necked Ducks made little sounds to each other while they kept each other company.
Click below to hear the Ring-necked Ducks
A flock of Lesser Scaup were found on the South Lagoon.
American Robins are in high numbers as well.
Song Sparrows are easily found by their singing at this time of year.
Click below to hear the Song Sparrow
Violet-green Swallows and Tree Swallows were found flying over both lagoons.
Spotted Towhees were seen in quite a few areas.
A White-Crowned Sparrow was seen on several different days. It was also easy to find with its song.
Click below to hear the White-Crowned Sparrow
We stopped in at the Rotary Interpretive Centre to visit with Gordon, Eileen, Tony, Dick, Yvonne, Cynthia, Janet, Val, Barb and Mike. We also said hello to the girls taking water samples at the North Lagoon.
We had a short and enjoyable visit with Warner, as well as another with Hazel and Graham.
Elizabeth Gillies has a beautiful display of her photography in the Great Hall at the Rotary Interpretive Centre for the month of April. Also, the incredible wood carvings of birds by the very accomplished artist Eugene Shkurhan are on display in one of the glass cases in the walkway of the Rotary Interpretive Centre.
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.
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