|
Post by Gord on Nov 3, 2015 19:54:41 GMT -8
A little wander around the Hope Airport in this glorious sunshine was most rewarding. There was a male and female Mountain Bluebird feeding in Jack's field. One of the later sightings I've had of this species in our area. The female had caught something quite big. At the distance to the birds I couldn't tell what it was but it must have been very tasty as she spent quite some time banging it against the fence post and even went down to retrieve it when she dropped it. A male American Kestrel and adult Northern Shrike gave the sparrows a couple options of what to scold at in the west end of the site. A juvenile Rough-legged Hawk flew over looking great in the fall sun. Along the north side of the airport a Barred Owl dared to come out to the edge of the trees to enjoy the sun. Several crows came by and wasted little time kicking up a big fuss. My favourite find of the walk was a Swamp Sparrow also on the north side but towards the east end of things. I think this might be the first time I've found one not near water; all the others have been in their typical marshy habitat. This one fit in well with the Song Sparrows as it fed on the goldenrod and other seeds flying back and forth across the road. I was very happy with the photos I got of it. This Song Sparrow was also not to be outdone though. A very nice day to be outside!
|
|
|
Post by expiallyd on Nov 3, 2015 23:43:17 GMT -8
Those are nice photos of the swamp sparrow. I have only ever seen them in the east, and in very wet areas. Very cool to find one at Hope Airport.
|
|
|
Post by ed on Nov 4, 2015 6:42:21 GMT -8
That's a nice bird to find, Gord. Now can you tell us if it'll stay awhile, lol!
|
|
|
Post by murraybrown on Nov 4, 2015 14:44:06 GMT -8
Great find Gord. Like you I've only ever seen them around water areas.
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Nov 4, 2015 18:49:20 GMT -8
Those are some nice birds Gord. Sharp Swamp Sparrow photos too. I haven't had a cooperative one up in the Peace yet despite them being on territory.
|
|
|
Post by Daniel on Nov 5, 2015 10:49:45 GMT -8
Great photos! I have only seen the Swamp Sparrow out east and next to a lake.
|
|
|
Post by butterfly on Nov 5, 2015 12:26:46 GMT -8
Beautiful photos! Great find Gord. Bruce and Joanne
|
|