3, 5, and 7 February

3 February

 eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S101965997

weather:  9 am 2C wind calm, 1pm 4C wind calm  cloudy, threatening rain but stayed dry

tide:  11 am 3.9m, falling

5 February

eBird data:  https://ebird.org/checklist/S102085268

weather:  9 am 2C wind SW 5, 1 pm 7C wind WNW 5, cloudy

tide:  11 am 4.3m, falling

7 February

eBird data:  https://ebird.org/checklist/S102234536

weather:  9 am 3C, wind SW 3, 1 pm 12 C wind W 13, clear

tide:  11 am 4.4m falling


3 and 5 February:  Cloudy days, somewhat birdy.  High tides and calm seas.

5 February

Saturday morning began badly, with a raucous "Freedom Convoy" headed south the Victoria from Campbell River.  Much honking of horns, mostly passenger vehicles, and shouting and whooping.  This is the second Saturday of this stupidity.  It made the calm of the Estuary even more welcome.

Usually on Saturdays, the paths in the Estuary are filled with families enjoying the setting.  It was quiet, today.  I'm hoping the usual visitors weren't out in the Convoy.  The weather was relatively calm, and warming.

There were birds, but they seemed to keep their distance for the most part.  There was a golden-crowned sparrow who eyed me suspiciously.



The morning seemed exceptionally beautiful, even if it was overcast.  As I made my way toward the shore, the tumult from the Convoy faded.  It had been windy in the night, and I could hear the surf, but by morning, the Straits were very calm.  I sat, drinking my coffee and absorbing the peace.  I think I heard swans.




The marsh is starting to show signs of spring.



Along the river, the trees and bushes are showing bits of colour on the tips of their branches.


I know I've written this before, but one of the joys of the Estuary is watching change.  It's gradual, but wonderful.

7 February

Finally, a genuinely sunny, glorious morning.   Quite birdy, for some reason very uncrowded with human visitors.

A few early flowers are appearing--snowdrops, undoubtedly introduced from someone's garden and some crocuses, also from a nearby garden, but nevertheless welcome.


The Straits were calm, and a glorious blue.  It was a high tide.


There was an assortment of ducks,  wigeons and a pair of gadwalls feeding on the grass in the shallows near the shore.



Gadwalls are relatively uncommon here.  They seem to hang out with the wigeons, probably because of similar diets.  They're described in the Birds of the World website as "nondescript ducks," which I think is unfair.  They're actually quite handsome, in an understated, monochrome way.


On my return walk there was a female pileated woodpecker, quite busy--they mostly are, which is nice, because it makes them relatively easy to photograph.


Anna's hummingbirds stay here throughout the winter, but I think they become livelier as the weather warms.  This little fellow was irridescing nicely.


It looks as though there should be more sunny days ahead--most welcome.





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