25 November 2020

 eBird data  https://ebird.org/checklist/S76684113 

Weather:  8 am  -1C wind calm,  12 m 7C, wind SSE 8kph

Tide:  10 am 3.1m, rising

An interesting night--things going bump and crunch at about 2:30 as --not Santa and his reindeer--a bear raided my neighbour's garbage bins.  I got up and put my porch light on, which seems to have scared him off.  I was happy to find my garbage intact, later in the morning, but he'd raided a few other bins.  Not exactly restful.  I always know they're out there.   I don't understand why they're bothering with garbage when there's a river full of yummy salmon no distance at all away.  I'm afraid we're developing "urban bears."  
 
I got back to sleep eventually, wakened at 6:30 to see that it was relatively clear outside, despite a gloomy weather forecast. 
 
I have a good view of fir trees out my kitchen window.  There is often a bird on top of one of the trees, varying from one day to the next.   This morning it was a kestrel.  Not obvious from this photo but I thought that was what I was seeing and he was still hanging about when I set out on my walk.   



 
 It was a bit chilly--but again, with a calm wind -1C isn't really too bad.  A good jacket and gloves are helpful.
 
There was patchy frost.


I'm always struck by the way frost highlights foliage.
 
There was an eagle in the same tree as there was the day before yesterday, but this one is a full adult.  A very big eagle, even as eagles go, and long of beak.  I'd venture as a guess an adult female.  Definitely a bird to take seriously.
 

 I'd also venture a guess that this is why the eagles sit up there:



And yes, there are scraps of duck (wings often) beneath the eagle trees.  They have an interestingly balanced diet what with salmon and ducks, and the occasional rabbit.  It seems to suit them--there are lots of eagles.



There's a nest near where this photo is taken.  I'm wondering if this is a family photo, what with the adult at the treetop and the three youngsters gathered below.  Dunno.

The river is down from what it's been and somewhat re-arranged.



The salmon run seems to be declining but still enough to draw seals and eagles to the river.  

The day had warmed, and on the path on return to my home, the light was spectacular.


And then home to thaw out my toes, and enjoy the traditional tomato soup and toasted cheese.  Very restorative.  I hope the bear doesn't come by tonight. 
 
 

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