Post by Gord on Nov 20, 2007 0:02:09 GMT -8
Enjoyed much nicer weather for day two of the Eagle Festival.
A lot more people showed up and the eagles were a little more easily seen in the better light. They also seemed to be a bit more active. A lack of guns blazing and boats roaring around undoubtedly helped as well. I counted from the vantage point 505 Bald Eagles in the morning. I would say it safe to add close to 100 more for all the juveniles that, due to lower detectability with their brown colours, went uncounted. A more precise count tallied over 900. I think this count is done from the air though.
A digiscoped shot of an eagle tree and some out on the flats (most of which was still under water)
This eagle came towards us doing aerobatics. He eventually met up with another eagle and they flew off together doing similar breath taking stunts. Possibly his/her mate?
As mentioned, lots of people came out today. Just shy of 500.
Surprisingly, the goldeneyes (mostly Barrow's) were fairly laid back and would feed close in to where the people were until a dog or an overly active/noisy child showed up. Then, they would ease out further until things settled down.
Another great surprise was the Red-breasted Merganser. Just after lunch I saw a merganser fly in which I suspected was the Red-breasted. I walked over to see where it went when it did not appear where I expected it to. It kept a close eye on me but allowed me to get some good shots. As I told Brent and his wife when they came back "do we have any doubts about the Red-breasted Merganser?" there was no doubt about it viewing from about 20 feet.
Speaking of forum members, I was honoured to meet Wetlander and his wife today. I just loved hearing about how they watched the Ash-throated Flycatcher in their pear tree in their backyard. What a yard bird!
After the long but satisfying day driving over the Harrison River Bridge I saw a line of what turned out to be 53 Double-crested Cormorants on the powerline parallel to the bridge right at dark. I assume they will roost here for the night?
A great event as always. I hope it provides people with a new respect and enjoyment for our wildlife and outdoors. A lot of people put a lot of time and effort into this event. Each one deserves heartfelt thanks and appreciation.
In closing and in a new low of laziness, Im going to post pictures of the whiteboard I used to jot down the day's bird species (46 species over the two days)
And yes, Pine Siskin is spelled differently on both
A lot more people showed up and the eagles were a little more easily seen in the better light. They also seemed to be a bit more active. A lack of guns blazing and boats roaring around undoubtedly helped as well. I counted from the vantage point 505 Bald Eagles in the morning. I would say it safe to add close to 100 more for all the juveniles that, due to lower detectability with their brown colours, went uncounted. A more precise count tallied over 900. I think this count is done from the air though.
A digiscoped shot of an eagle tree and some out on the flats (most of which was still under water)
This eagle came towards us doing aerobatics. He eventually met up with another eagle and they flew off together doing similar breath taking stunts. Possibly his/her mate?
As mentioned, lots of people came out today. Just shy of 500.
Surprisingly, the goldeneyes (mostly Barrow's) were fairly laid back and would feed close in to where the people were until a dog or an overly active/noisy child showed up. Then, they would ease out further until things settled down.
Another great surprise was the Red-breasted Merganser. Just after lunch I saw a merganser fly in which I suspected was the Red-breasted. I walked over to see where it went when it did not appear where I expected it to. It kept a close eye on me but allowed me to get some good shots. As I told Brent and his wife when they came back "do we have any doubts about the Red-breasted Merganser?" there was no doubt about it viewing from about 20 feet.
Speaking of forum members, I was honoured to meet Wetlander and his wife today. I just loved hearing about how they watched the Ash-throated Flycatcher in their pear tree in their backyard. What a yard bird!
After the long but satisfying day driving over the Harrison River Bridge I saw a line of what turned out to be 53 Double-crested Cormorants on the powerline parallel to the bridge right at dark. I assume they will roost here for the night?
A great event as always. I hope it provides people with a new respect and enjoyment for our wildlife and outdoors. A lot of people put a lot of time and effort into this event. Each one deserves heartfelt thanks and appreciation.
In closing and in a new low of laziness, Im going to post pictures of the whiteboard I used to jot down the day's bird species (46 species over the two days)
And yes, Pine Siskin is spelled differently on both
