12, 13 may

 12 May

eBird data:  unavailable

weather:  8:00 am 14C wind calm, 12:00 m 18C wind ESE 10

tide:  10:00 am 3.6m rising

13 May

eBird data: https://ebird.org/checklist/S137483300

weather:  8:00 am 18C wind NW 7, 12:00 m 21 C wind NNE9, clear

tide:  10:00 am 3.2m, rising

Two glorious mornings.  The weather is definitely warming up, and brilliantly clear.  


The path to the trailhead is becoming a bit overgrown, but manageable.  The fragrance is simply bewitching.


Along the path, the red-shafted flicker is still tending its nest.  I've yet to see young, but the view is very clear and if I monitor, one day I will see little flickers.


This was the first time I've seen the female at the nest.  I think that's coincidental--among flickers, both male and female tend to parenting, but there she was.

Black-headed grosbeaks are perched in the woods near the fields, singing their elaborate song.  It's been described as "like a robin who's had voice lessons."



The large bitter cherry tree overlooking the Estuary fields is in bloom, and attracting bees and other insects.  Presently, if last year's visitors return, it will be filled with visiting birds.



The Salish Sea was at mid-tide both days, and as calm as a mirror.



A pair of eagles surveyed the fields and the straits.


The eagles in the nest tree near the river look to be feeding young, although I've yet to see eaglets.


I remain puzzled at this male eagle--he seems to be wearing a mask.  It may be the result of scavenging in something dark, but it's been there for quite a while.  

The river is now somewhat high, due to snowmelt on the Arrowsmith massif.



 There are stands of vanilla leaf in bloom along the path through the forest.


On my way home, I was mystified.


At first I thought this barred owl was hunting in the brambles beside the path.  It sat and studied me, then flew up to a nearby low branch,


where it sat, still watching me.  Other walkers arrived and we all stood looking at the owl, who remained on the branch.  It was very close to the path, and I remembered an incident some years back when a friend was attacked by a barred owl.  Their talons are pretty scary.

This one, however, just sat.  Eventually we moved on and it stayed put.

Now I'm wondering if there was an owlet in the shrubbery by the path.  I didn't see one, but it's certainly the season for owlets, and it would explain the proximity.


Also along the path, there was this pretty white-crowned sparrow, with what I take for a brooding patch.  It does appear that the nesting season is well underway. 








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