17, 28 February

 17 February

eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S128587230

Weather:  9:00 am 3C wind WSW 3, 12:30 pm 6C wind NNE 2, clearing

Tide:  11:00 am 4.1m, rising

28 February

eBird data:  https://ebird.org/checklist/S129877639

Weather:  10:00 am 2C wind W 8,  2:00 pm 5C, wind NNW 10, initially cloudy, then brilliantly clear

Tide:  12:00m 3.8m,  falling

17 February

Sure enough, it's starting to have a hint of spring in the Estuary.


Here they are, the first snowdrops.  People tell me there are daffodils starting to bloom in their gardens.  Mine aren't anywhere near, but the snowdrops are pleasing.

The red-winged blackbirds are becoming more vocal, although they're yet to display their splendid epaulettes.


I'm not sure why this Cooper's hawk was so ruffled.  He flew off, eventually, looking as though he was in good order, but he sure was fluffed up as he perched on this snag.



I may have written this before, but:


...I do indeed like fox sparrows.  The little chevrons that make up their stripes just seem very elegant.  

28 February

A week and change away from the Estuary, helping friends deal with lambing and very cold weather.  Now back after heavy snowfall in Parksville and Qualicum Beach. 

I think I've commented on this before, but:  an absolutely wonderful morning after an initial reluctance to get out of bed and set out birding this morning.  Curious how this happens.

The fields of the Estuary are still blanketed.


I made my way to the Mills Road trailhead via the residential streets.  The Nerbus-Mills Road path just becomes too difficult when snow compresses the blackberry vines along the path, and it becomes impossible to see where one can step.  

The Merganser Pond looked as though it could be skated upon.  (Probably ill-advised, though.)


The bushes at the entrance to the Estuary are often very birdy, but today's sighting was exceptional.



It's the first white-throated sparrow that I've seen here, and it was very cooperative with photos.

The Straits were wind-blown, and there was an abundance of ducks and Canada Geese.



It was mid-tide, and the river appears down a bit.  I think because the snowpack is holding water up in the mountains.





A varied thrush posed nicely for my camera.

Finally, there was an almost recognisable photo of a Pacific wren.


I'm assuming that the snow made the usual wren camouflage ineffectual.

Making my way home, there were both a hairy and a downy woodpecker busily working in the forest.  


It was striking to see the difference in size between the two birds, but alas, the downy left before I could manage a good photo.

Still, an exceptionally fine morning.










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