I feel a little coastal today.
Rain! In all my years living in northern regions of this province I do not recall a rain that did not take a break during the day. Now that is annoying. The birds, dogs, cats and I have things to do outside.
The outside things of course did happen without me being there to supervise. Cowering from the relentless rain on the forest floor many fairy slippers bloomed. The beautiful mauve and pink colour of these tiny flowers seemed quite bright. Gooseberry bushes have bloomed as well.
Had an e-mail from Shirley in Fort Nelson and she was asking which bird sings so much. Not sure but I was wondering if it is a song sparrow. They can sing at least 20 different melodies. By the time the day is over it is said that they could have at least 1,000 variation on the basic theme. Unlike most birds this sparrow does not stop singing just because the mating process if over. It will sing throughout the summer and into the fall.
Another sparrow that is in all regions is the fox sparrow. It is a master of all that scratching sparrows do. Lots of action with their big toes. They are great singers as well.
Mark from Smithers is surprised at the number of purple finches around his place. He figures he could have at least 20. Mostly females.
Jack from Telkwa says he has a very bright yellow bird mucking about in his hedge. I have an idea that could be the yellow warbler. They have been seen already in the Northeast. These little fellows try their best to foil the pesky cowbird.
They will often reline a nest in which a cowbird has laid an egg. The record is a nest with six layers. If cowbirds do lay eggs with the warbler eggs they will often win the battle for food since they have a shorter incubation period.
Watched a pileated woodpecker working at the bottom of a great pine tree. Marilyn from Fort. Nelson says there just might be a pair nesting in the community forest.
Just a wee reminder that if by chance we get another big rain remember the water will often displace the nectar in your hummingbird feeders. Good idea to check after a big rain or move a feeder out of the rain.
Karen from the Northeast was wondering if the western tanagers will come their way. They should arrive very soon . Usually late May. Also expect a good variety of warblers. The Northeast gets some very interesting warblers including the magnolia.
Thanks for those spring time calls that have come to 250-846-5095. Good e-mails and photos to mallory@bulkley.net.
Brenda Mallory alternates writing Spice of Life and For the Birds.