This morning the bay was very slow with not much to cheer about. AÂ few Purple Martins flew over Hecate Park and low over the water in reduced numbers were Barn Swallows which eeked out a living. Just a couple of Ring-billed Gulls were out on the mud and were closely watched by about a dozen Great Blue Herons. 4 Turkey Vultures were sat in some trees along Cowichan Bay Road and a large group of Band-tailed Pigeons flew over the road near senior Derrick’s place of abode. The Eurasian Collared Doves have took up residence right in downtown and I’m sure will be seen in a ever increasing numbers in years to come.
At the Cow Bay pub a sleeping reveler was propped up against a hydro pole with a Lucky can beside him, Irene was tempted to snatch the can as we passed, but I warned her to let sleeping drunks lie.
The highlight of this mornings birding was an adult Osprey who was down on one of the channels that was flowing out between the mud taking a bath, it was going under the water and then a big shake would take place to get rid of the excess water, this took place many times. As you know we are under water restrictions and are asked to bath with a friend or take a short shower, well this Osprey had no friend close by and took all of 15 minutes bathing while my other half collected some blackberries for afters. Where is Lori when you need to report an infraction of the by-laws.
I have been observing this little family of Chickadee’s as they visit my yard and I have noticed a strange occurrence. All day they will feed on sunflower seeds, crushed peanuts or the suet block, but first thing in the morning they will avoid all these tempting delicacies and concentrate on working their way around the trees and shrubs looking for bugs of some sort. I know that first thing in the morning small bugs and caterpillars would be cold and sluggish, but why do they avoid all those lovely treats that I put out for them, just maybe they need some good wholesome wild food first thing in the morning to build up their appetite?
The rain was nice while it lasted, but most of the Greater Puddles were gone this morning, with just a few immature left behind, hopefully we will see a second clutch before the end of the year.
Take care and have fun
Derrick