This is the fourth in a series of posts on birds at risk in Canada. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) lists 73 bird species as endangered, threatened or of special concern. Ferruginous hawks are the largest broad-winged soaring (buteo) hawks in North America, and …
Recently, I put up a new bird feeder on our deck railing. The deck is off the kitchen and I thought it would be nice to see the chickadees and nuthatches dart in and out from close range. My intention was to provide a feeder for these small birds that …
Sunday, September 13/09 will mark the start of the 11th year of the British Columbia Coastal Waterbird Survey from Bird Studies Canada. The focus of the program is to record monthly counts of seabirds, waterfowl, and other coastal birds to identify patterns in abundance and assess population trends. Volunteers cover …
Sept 5 is the first International Vulture Awareness Day. What does that have to do with birdwatching in Canada, you ask? Although most people are unaware of it, Canada does have a resident vulture species. Turkey vultures have been expanding their range northward in the last few years, and can …
This is the third in a series of weekly posts on birds at risk in Canada. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) lists 73 bird species as endangered, threatened or of special concern. Virtually unknown until the past few decades, these small birds have the …
I admit it – I am a fan of the corvid family. Ravens, crows, magpies and jays are so clever and tenacious I can’t help be impressed. And yesterday evening I reached corvid fan nirvana. Each fall, American crows gather in large groups called murders, and migrate to warmer climes. …
Occasionally, when ground feeding birds like towhees, thrashers or doves emerge from the shade into direct sunlight, they undertake an astonishing behaviour. They drop onto their belly, droop their wings and spread their tail feathers like a fan. With their back to the sun and feathers fluffed, they may lean …
This is the second in a series of weekly posts highlighting birds considered to be at risk in Canada. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) lists 73 bird species or subspecies, divided into three categories: Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern. The fact that any of …
Who says pictures don’t lie? This bug looks like he’s sitting on a fence post, and is big enough to eat Saskatchewan. I’m sure he’s actually a bitty little bug, but I do love this shot. I have quite a history with grasshoppers. When I was a little girl, my …
Yes, I know this supposed to be a blog about birds, but if you feed them, you no doubt have these fluffy tailed thieves around as well. I put up a new bird feeder today. A BIG feeder that holds 6 pounds of food, so I don’t have to refill …