28 May

28 May 2021

eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S89149548

Weather:  7am  8C wind WSW 4, 12 m 14C wind NW 14, cloudy then clearing

Tide:  9:30 am 3.1m, falling

29 May 2021

eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S89216195

Weather:  7 am 10C wind WNW 7,  11:30 am 14C wind N9,  changeable, initially sunny, then overcast, then brilliantly clear

Tide:  9:30 am  3.5m


Although the Estuary was in full summer splendour yesterday, I had begun to think that the season for birding was waning.  Although there were a couple of newly fledged birds--always interesting, for the most part, there really wasn't much to see, birdwise.

This morning I wasn't even very keen to head out, but still got up early, and made my way to the Estuary and as has happened before, it was an exceptionally lively day.

The changeable weather created  shifts in light.


The clouds highlighted the top of the Arrowsmith massif.



I've been following the changes in this stand of birch since September.  I'd think it's now in full summer foliage and gleamed in the sunlight, as did the rosebushes and grasses.


The wild roses are showy and the fragrance is enchanting.  (I think I'm a bit allergic to it, but oh well...)

Near the Observation Mound, there was a tiny bunny who didn't seem frightened by my presence, but sat, eating grass happily.  Perhaps he was calm because he was not very visible.


The tide was about mid-height


There were more ducks and geese than when the tide is lower.  If you enlarge the photo, you'll see Canada geese on the shore.  I gather that the season for waterfowl is largely over until the autumn migration, leaving the locals.

There is beginning to be an influx of butterflies, quite a number of swallowtails.


There was a sizeable flock of red crossbills, none of which were actually red.  The females and juveniles are various shades of yellow and olive.


Most interesting (THAT WORD!) was the number of newly-fledged birds.


Judging by the remaining down and bits of fluff, this red-winged blackbird is a quite recent fledge.  I've never seen where they nest here, but indeed they must.

There have been several newly fledged juncos.  I'm going to have to study up on nesting habits of these critters.


Finally, for today, there was a juvenile quail.  Not, I think, a newly fledged bird, but from plumage, a youngster.  It was absurdly tame, and posed and vocalised happily for me.



If you enlarge the second photo, you'll see the fields and trees across from the berry vines where the quail hang out reflected in its eye.  

Finally, a towhee--a very frequent presence hereabouts, but I thought a nice photo:







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