BIRDS -other Provinces

I was so thrilled to finally see these birds with my own eyes as I had looked for them on previous visits to British Columbia!  I found them way out on the tidal flats of a fairly remote  island which we had visited via zodiak while touring Haida Gwaii.  Black Oystercatchers feed on marine invertebrates found on rocky shores, gravel beaches and mudflats along the seashore. Shorebird biologists estimate the world’s breeding population to be about 10,000 pairs. These are mostly in Alaska, followed by British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California and Baja California. They use their long orange beaks to chisel feed such as snails off rocks and to pry open mussels.  I love their orange ringed  eyes – so bright. There were eight birds in this group.

Enjoy !

~Sharon

Just completed an awesome trip to Haida Gwaii.  Travel to the islands was a little challenging  - air, bus, ferry and finally the rental car.  Great trip, perfect accommodations at Copper Beech Guest House,  terrific weather (luckily), beautiful and lush old growth forests. We met some wonderful local residents and other travellers along the way.  For the next few weeks I will share the sights of Haida Gwaii with you.  I’ll begin with the Bald Eagles of Massett that seemed as abundant as the birds in my backyard.

Bald Eagles and their chicks were everywhere and in numbers.  We had never seen so many in one place at one time.  The fishermen “feed” them with scraps from their fish cleaning so it’s no wonder the eagles hang around.

Below is one of this year’s eaglets.  They won’t get a white head until about 3 years old.

Landing gear is down . . .

Enjoy!

~Sharon

A few more photos of birds that we don’t get to see in our part of the country.  A beautiful Cactus Wren which is much larger and colourful than the wrens I am familiar with.

Below are Peach Faced Lovebirds who flitter about high in the trees.  So colourful with a wonderful song. They are thriving in the Phoenix area and fly around in small flocks.

Below is an Inca Dove.  Smaller than our Mourning Doves and the Inca doves feathers have a more mottled look to them.

Enjoy!

~Sharon