My early morning walk with the old dogs brought some interesting sounds. The loons called from the lake and some other bird made an odd noise in the dark bush. I think it might have been a saw-whet owl. A fox barked from the nearby field. The fox I am sure was hoping the dogs would be back in their compound. During the winter we had over 30 rabbits here; now we have three. Imagine that?
A nice day in the area but I hear from a birder in the Northeast that today will bring a big thunderstorm their way. Janet was telling me that a second family of robins have now vacated a hanging basket. At least six young.
Robins are bunching up in this area as they forage for the huge number of Saskatoon berries. Even the crows are eating berries along with chickadees, redstarts and evening grosbeaks.
Still many tell me about the Eurasian collared doves in this area.
Talked to a rancher who has two hawk owls hanging about his place near Smithers. Must be a breeding situation.
Buddy the rescued crow will soon be released. It is all about timing. Crow parents seem to feed their own young a very long time. I know from experience that a new youngster on the scene wanting food is not acceptable and others will try to rid the area of Buddy.
Doug from Tyhee Lake called awhile back to tell me about a group of common terns at Tyhee lake.
A walk with the cats and dogs in the evening presented us with a close fly over of a couple osprey. The setting sun on this beautiful bird reminds me why I like this remote living. The cats recognized a predator and hid in the thick bush.
A tourist travelling through the Northeast was telling me they had seen a lot of Canada warblers near Kiwigana road just off the Liard Highway. They travelled to Parker Lake and were pleased to see chipping sparrows and palm warblers.
A visit to the outhouse does have some advantages other than the obvious. Watched with interest as a male grouse fed a youngster. The young one seemed quite big.
Bears will roam this area just eating the berries. A late summer and fall ritual. If you are out in the woods do be aware of the bears. They don’t want you so be bear aware. Don’t wear those doodads in your ears.
The chickadees will soon come back to your feeders now that the breeding season is over. Lots of wild food at the ready but a good time to make an extra feeder or two for the winter rush.
Squirrels! Seems to be a big problem for many. I can’t say as I am in favour of the practice of shooting the little fellows. How about a live trap and move them to a forested area away from your home?
That’s it for this week. Thanks for the great calls to 250-846-5095 and the e-mail notes to mallory@bulkley.net.
Brenda Mallory writes For the Birds and Spice of Life.