Island 22 Oct 11 PM

[Dave]

Hello all,

I went to Island 22 late this afternoon to see if the Rusty Blackbird(s) was around. I came up empty on the blackbird after sitting at Gord's "soon to be famous for waterthrush" waterhole for about 2 hours. Perhaps the dogs running and barking behind me, or the cows passing through between me and the water caused me to loose my focus to much



But, it was definitely not a wasted effort, for sitting there gave me the opportunity to here a different noise in the bushes. Something that caused some serious scanning of the bushes, and eventually......



Yes, folks, Dave has mastered the art of FINALLY finding a RUFFED GROUSE! So with this major milestone under belt, you may now all resume posting those Ruffed Grouse you have hanging around your backyard, on your roof, in your front tree, etc.....

Dave

[b1schmor]

Congrats Dave,

what's the next nemesis to be conquered?

Brent

[Gord]

Right on! You know, when I talked to you I almost said something about hanging in there in case a chicken shows up before dark as they often do. Too bad you didn't get a double header with the blackbird!

[Dave]

b1schmor said:

Congrats Dave,

what's the next nemesis to be conquered?

Brent

That would clearly by the Northern Pygmy Owl that is suppossed to be in my backyard. When you see one in your new neighbourhood (Kathy has observed them there), keep my cell # handy!!!!!!! Thor will phone me next time one is at the Hope Airport. Gord probably will call me with some stray Whiskered Screech Owl on his roof - I expect nothing less from him.

Dave

[tmanson]

Way to go Dave!! Now you'll probably see them everywhere!
I was out that way on this beautiful afternoon, and I can confirm all the species in your pond picture; i.e; none!! Actually there were a few robins about.
Winter Wren in the opposite bush, and the Western Grebe is still swimming on the river. American Goldfinch in low shrubbery.
Don't forget about that Lesser Black backed Gull in November in Vernon. You might as well have another nemesis bird. Cheers, Thor

Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.