7 June, 8 June

7 June 

eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S89796618

weather:  7 am 9C wind WNW 2, 10:30 am 12C wind E 9, gradual clearing

tide:  9:30 1.6m, turning

8 June

  eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S89852693

weather:  7 am 9C wind WNW 3, 11am 14 C wind N7, scattered clouds, then clearing

Tide:  9:30 1.8m, falling

Two relatively quiet days birdwise, but each had one sighting of interest.

Monday was distinguished by being the first day that I can say I really didn't enjoy much of the walk.  The first kilometre and a bit are very overgrown.  There are grasses that are over my head--not tall for a woman, but definitely high growth for grass--on both sides for the path, as well as blackberry vines and wild roses.  All this  makes birding difficult, but manageable.  It's just that Sunday was a very wet day, and the grasses and brambles were still sopping wet Monday morning.  I had a jacket, waterproofed boots, and a raincoat on my camera, but by the time I reached the trailhead leading to the shore, I was soaked to the skin and my boots' waterproofing had given up and every step I took squelched.  NOT HAPPY! 😬

Nevertheless, I persisted.  Why not?  I hadn't wanted to take photos of the path, because I reckoned I'd get my phone wet, but here's a photo taken a bit further into the fields that gives a little sense of how wet it was.


I'm not sure if the silvery light on the grass and foliage is as clearly water droplets as I'd hoped, but yes, it was very wet.  Sheesh!

Both days were  low tides, and Tuesday there was a warning re thunderstorms.  There were spectacular clouds over the Mainland.


On Monday, on my way back from the shore I met up with a delightful little Swainson's thrush.  A new bird to me, and very obliging for photos.


On Tuesday, there was a very handsome peregrine falcon on a snag enroute to the shore.  He sat, posing magnificently, until a raven dive-bombed him.  Peregrines are pretty tough birds but seemingly no match for a raven dive bomb.  He shifted to a perch up the way a bit.


Meanwhile, the raven took over his previous perch, and was joined by a second raven.  They chatted for a while, exchanging croaks, and then flew off together.  I surmise that they planned a joint attack on the peregrine.  Ravens are very intelligent, but not always very nice.  Interesting birds, anyhow.  

The path from the shore to the trailheads was very lush both days.


The river is flowing clear and high these days.


I've yet to see a returning dipper, but check regularly.

Wet weather forecast for tomorrow.  I think I'll try checking out Rathtrevor Beach.


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