Hi Birders
Due to the winter falling on a Wednesday again this year the count was canceled. Winter came on the 12th last year, so take it from me that winter is late this year.
It is time for reflection with our count, the Raptor count has got off to a good start although the lack of accipiters and falcons is a cause for concern and even eagles have not lived up to expectations.
“Meanwhile back at the feeder the Juncos have gone mad with nearly sixty eating all my seed.”
The Swans and Geese have shown that we don’t know yet know about their movements with birds not using some fields as before and now taking up residence in new spots.
The numbers for swans is down from the past two winters although last week showed some promise with normal numbers appearing.
“Meanwhile back at the feeder a female Townsend’s Warbler is coming in to the feeder, nice”
Geese appear to have put on a spurt over the last week, the same thing happened last year with low numbers the first week of January then larger numbers for the following couple of weeks.
It was nice to see the reappearance of the White-fronted Geese on Willmot Road, it has only been over the last few years that this species has over wintered.
“Meanwhile back at the feeders i just spotted a orange variant House Finch, this is a new one for this winter here”
The Mute Swans in Cowichan Bay have been steady through this winter although I think someone is feeding them in around pier 66 as four of them appear to have gone AWOL.
“Meanwhile back at the feeders the chickadees are banging on the window, I had forgot to put out their sunflower hearts on a bracket just outside, I am amazed that they don’t come in and help themselves.”
Well that’s it for this weeks installment, let’s hope that mother nature shines on us next week and we can get back to what we enjoy, counting birds and having a good laugh.
“Meanwhile back at the feeder a pair of wonderful male Varied Thrush’s have come in what a lovely sight sitting there surrounded by snow.”
All the best
Frosty the Snowman