Post by paulos on Jan 7, 2020 8:02:47 GMT -8
Hello from snowy Creston!
The songbird population really started to wind down here in October and November. Even our Spotted Towhees vacate (though I found one late individual in December). I did find a few Swamp sparrows, and a good number of Snow Buntings in October. Tree Sparrows have been a regular, if uncommon, presence through the fall. I also managed to see a flock of Western Bluebirds in nearby Lister. I've come across the odd Bohemian waxwing flock around the valley.
I also found a few new shorebirds (including a Short-billed Dowitcher), a Short-eared Owl, and lots of waterfowl, including a White-winged Scoter and a couple Red-breasted Mergansers. My year-end total for Central Kootenays was 194--the same my year for the Fraser Valley.
I also occasionally make it east to Cranbrook. Highlights there include a Surf Scoter and a large flock of Lapland Longspurs in October.
2020 is off to a great start, with a Christmas Bird count around Duck Lake last Friday.
I have to say I'm missing the gulls, sparrows and flooded fields of a Fraser Valley winter.
Peace!
The songbird population really started to wind down here in October and November. Even our Spotted Towhees vacate (though I found one late individual in December). I did find a few Swamp sparrows, and a good number of Snow Buntings in October. Tree Sparrows have been a regular, if uncommon, presence through the fall. I also managed to see a flock of Western Bluebirds in nearby Lister. I've come across the odd Bohemian waxwing flock around the valley.
I also found a few new shorebirds (including a Short-billed Dowitcher), a Short-eared Owl, and lots of waterfowl, including a White-winged Scoter and a couple Red-breasted Mergansers. My year-end total for Central Kootenays was 194--the same my year for the Fraser Valley.
I also occasionally make it east to Cranbrook. Highlights there include a Surf Scoter and a large flock of Lapland Longspurs in October.
2020 is off to a great start, with a Christmas Bird count around Duck Lake last Friday.
I have to say I'm missing the gulls, sparrows and flooded fields of a Fraser Valley winter.
Peace!
