27, 29 october

 27 October

eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S96780837

weather:  9am 8C wind calm, 12:30m 12C wind NNE 5, clearing, occasional showers

tide:  11 am 4.2m, rising

29 October

eBird data:  https://ebird.org/checklist/S96851622

Weather:  9 am 6C wind WNW 16, 1pm 9C wind WNW 8, brilliantly sunny

tide:  10:30 am 3.3m rising


27 October:  

A dark and ominous day for the most part.  Showers never materialised into the downpours that we've had recently.

It appears that the hooded mergansers have returned to their pond--most welcome.  They are such photogenic little ducks, I hope they continue their residence among the mallards.



The entire estuary teemed with ducks, mostly widgeons and mallards.

I hadn't realised that the recent storms had been cold enough to bring snow to the mountains in the interior of the Island, but, sure enough.


That's even rather low altitude.  Small wonder it's felt chilly.

A very high tide, again with lots and lots of ducks.


A blue heron sat, seemingly admiring the view.

Their nest project continues, watched over by an attentive eagle.


29 October

A brilliantly clear day after a series of driech rain and windy, and some of the best birding I've had in -- I don't know how long.  My favourite species presented themselves, and the duck migration is growing steadily.

The mergansers seem as though they may have settled in.  They stayed for several months last fall and winter.  I hope they'll do so this year.  It seems a fine habitat--there are abundant little fish for them.


There must have been more snow fallen

yesterday, although the snow level appears to have risen a bit.  Arrowsmith seems as though it may be developing a snow pack. 

The duck migration continues, easily studied with this tide.


The recent winds have generated more of a surf than I usually see on the Straits.

The river is still high, although not full as its been past days.  There was enough beach for the dipper to be fishing.


The cottonwoods and birch are splendidly golden.



They gleamed today, burnished by the brilliant sun.


It's unusual to see red-winged blackbirds this time of year.

In addition to the "see anything interesting" question from walkers, there is the "Are you looking for owls?"  Not particularly, but it's nice to see one now and then, so this barred owl was a bonus.


 It was mid-day, and I'd heard him hooting in the tiny hours of the morning, so he had cause to look a bit drowsy.  

All in all, a very fine morning.  The weather is supposed to hold for the next two days. 


 





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