20, 21, 23 August

20 August

 eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S93493465

weather:  7 am 13C, wind WNW 2, 10:30 am 17C NNW 7, partly cloudy

tides:  8:30 am,  1.5m, falling


21 August

eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S93541415

weather:  7 am 13 C wind W3, 11 am 18C wind NE 9,  scattered cloud

tides:  8:30 am 2.1m, falling

23 August

eBird data:  https://ebird.org/checklist/S93643279

weather:  7 am 14C wind WSW 4,  11 am 16, wind N 10 clear

tides:  9:30 am 2.8m, falling  

Quiet mornings, becoming birdier.  I note the Audubon website comments on the beginning of the autumn migration, and it does appear to be the case here.  We're still seeing juvenile birds in transitional plumage as well.



This spotted towhee is almost in adult plumage, but its eyes haven't turned red yet.  I have to say I think it's a nicer looking bird without the red eyes, but no doubt Mother Nature has her reasons for the adult bird.

The skies have cleared of smoke, mostly, despite a fire that burnt out of control south of Nanaimo.  The clouds on the 20th and 21st seemed to predict autumn.  

Somehow the above photo makes me think of Dutch landscapes, which makes sense in a way, since one could think of almost all of the Netherlands as estuarine.  Perhaps the artists' attention was drawn to the sky due to the flat and open landscapes.



There have been very big tides--very low at the times of my visits on the 20th and 21st.  That, too, is a marker of the turning season.  

There was tent pitched out on the point overlooking the flats on the 21st.  This is an utter no-no, but whoever was camping (apparently cycling) didn't have a fire, didn't stir as we stood outside chatting.   And today they had left and, remarkably, left no litter or damage.  


I must admit that it would be a wonderful place to pitch a tent.  On a clear night, the skies are huge, here, and the morning would be quite spectacular.  Unfortunately there have been too many people pitching tents, leaving messes, and starting fires, and camping has been prohibited.  

This morning dawned a bit cloudy, but cleared to brilliance by mid-morning.  The Weather Office stats seem to understate the wind--or it was much windier out in the Estuary than it was at the Qualicum airport, whence the data.  

As I was walking along the river, there was a sharp, loud crack, which I thought at first was a rifle shot.  Then there was a second crack and the sound of branches breaking.  Fortunately the very large maple that had come down was nowhere near any of the paths.  I'd guess that the dry season and high winds are bringing trees down fairly often.  A bit scary.

The fields look very dry, but take the light beautifully.

At some point in its past, parts of the Estuary were drained and farmed.  There are still fruit trees in the fields.



The foliage on the deciduous trees is turning--partly drought, partly season.  

Making my way home, there is a patch that has become quite birdy recently.  This willow flycatcher was more cooperative with photography than most flycatchers I've encountered.  


I think he's still young (feathers look a bit downy), and looks rather pensive.  Kinda cute. 



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