19, 20 November

19 November 

eBird data:https://ebird.org/checklist/S97792100

weather:  8:30 am 4C wind W9, 12:00 m 7C wind NW 9, clearing

tide:  10:30 am 3.5 m, falling

20 November

eBird data:  https://ebird.org/checklist/S97837737

weather:   8:30 am 0C wind W6, 12:00 m 7C wind SSE 8, cloudy, patchy frost, clearing

tide:  10:30 am 3.8 m, low, turning

19 November

There was "mixed precipitation" down here in Parksville, and the higher parts of the Island got heavier snow, apparently even as low as Errington.


There haven't really been many songbirds lately, I'm not entirely certain why.  The eagles, however, have been very active.

There were three of them, all of different ages, disputing over a spawned-out salmon on the gravel bank in the river.  



I think the above is the youngest, given the beak and eye colour.  Eagle ages are sometimes tricky, but ...

... as far as I can figure, the above eagle's beak is starting to change to the distinctive yellow, which suggests it's maturing--maybe second year?


And then there's the classic adult bald eagle, checking out the remains of the salmon.  

Something about the entire performance left me thinking of the supermarket line-up yesterday.  No one will admit to panic shopping, but there sure was a long line of people with stashes of staples.  

I reached the shore at mid-tide.  It's striking to see how much of the silt that washed down out of the River has dropped out and formed new sandbars.


Looking across the Salish Sea, there are an increasing number of gulls and ducks.



Heading home, there was a (possibly the) young Great Blue Heron sitting on the railing overlooking a channel.  I don't recall having as clear a view of heron feet before--mostly they're wading.  They're not typically a "perching bird," but here he is.


20 November

Another frosty morning, clearing gradually.   The paths remain flooded into the west side of the Estuary.

Making my way to the river, I saw that the dipper had weathered the high water and was fishing busily.

There are at least 20 feet of river side pathway that have washed away, 


and seemingly more to follow.  


The eagle nest construction progress was in full swing this morning.  Both igs were at work--I think the male bringing useful sticks and the female arranging them.


You have to enlarge this photo to see her at work, but sure enough, she's arranging things.

Then she takes off...

Again, the shore is a bit distant, but there is an abundance of widgeons and mallards and assorted other ducks.


Making my way home, there was the first varied thrush I've seen this season  I thought I'd heard them, but here s/he is.



One of my faves.  Weather looks nasty again tomorrow.  A good day for housecleaning, I guess.  





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