Hi
This is a report for all those who like nature.
Last Thursday while walking the Cowichan River Dike in Cowichan Bay I came across a puddle with something moving in it, but as I got close it stopped; this puddle was really murky so it was not possible to see what was in there, so on my merry way I went. This morning, four days later I walked past the same puddle and something moved again; this time I had my wife with me and she got one end of the puddle while I waited at the other. Her big boots made a swish across the puddle and washed a small fish up onto the side, not sure what species it was but I scooped this little fellow up and put it down in the river to hopefully grow up to be a big keeper.
The question is how did the little fishy get in the puddle in the first place some 10 feet up from the river. Was it a bird that accidentally dropped it, or some little rascal with a net who put it in the puddle? I have read about critters falling from the sky, maybe that’s what happened to him.
The big thing is how long can a fishy stay in a puddle that is passed over by scores of people each day and survive?
I will never know the outcome of this most strange occurrence, I can only think that something good will come from this.
I have been getting reports of Rufous Hummingbirds from some friends who like to rub it in that they got one before me, well mine are to say the least late on arrival and it is now a week later than usual and I still don’t have one.
On Sunday as I finished breakfast I turned to look at my feeders and was blessed to see two male Evening Grosbeaks scoffing up some sunflower seeds, what a wonderful finish to breakfast. Better than any strawberries and pancakes.
Again on Sunday the boss and I went down at mid-day to the Dock Road to check on my swallow boxes and as we crossed the field a pair of Short-eared Owls took off, they were probably roosting in the field and us two ninnies disturbed them. As soon as they became airborne a group of Ravens descended on them and chased them up in the sky where they were met with a Northern Harrier giving them grief, they finally descended and hopefully got back to dozing again.
Finally as we got back to the car a Red-tailed Hawk of the Harlan’s sub-species flew and landed in a Cottonwood close to us for a wonderful view.
Second finally as we came home from the bay at lunch time today a Mourning Cloak butterfly was cruising down Tzouhalem Road.
Isn’t spring lovely.
Until I write again, enjoy, as you never know what nature will throw at me next time.
Now for a snooze.
Derrick