This is my first bird identification. I have 'sighted' a northern flicker. I'm inordinately excited. It's exciting to have a name for this strange bird that appeared in my yard, because somehow, the ability to name it brings me into closer relationship and community with my backyard, just like knowing the name of my server … Continue reading Seasonal Observations: Northern Flicker
Tag: john tschopp
BirdWatch: Red Crossbills at the Roundabout
A sign that we live in healthy habitat, I imagine, is the following update from our Ornithology Expert, John Tschopp: One does not have to climb mountains or ford rivers to do some fine birding. The traffic circle in downtown Pemberton can produce exciting birds. The three pictures below were taken on March 1st - the Crossbills … Continue reading BirdWatch: Red Crossbills at the Roundabout
BirdWatch: Rough-legged Hawk
John Tschopp reports this week that it sounded like spring in his yard. The dominant song came from Varied Thrushes. There were also: Red-winged Blackbirds, Evening Grosbeaks, Steller's Jays, Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, Juncos, Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Flickers, a Downy Woodpecker, a Hairy Woodpecker and a Robin. Plus, he spent some time admiring, and wondering … Continue reading BirdWatch: Rough-legged Hawk
Sighted: Sharp-shinned hawk
Last week, during the arctic outflow, a sharp-shinned hawk stopped by. The eagle-eyed John Tschopp caught these photos, but didn't stop to ask any questions. The Sharpshinned Hawk was checking out our yard [the other] morning. To operate the camera, I had to take off my gloves. It was a short photo session.
Seasonal Observations: Mountain Goats
A fresh dispatch from John Tschopp: Pemberton Wildlife Association member Trevor Ross placed his trail camera into the cliffs of Mt. Pauline. These are some of the outstanding pictures of the Mountain Goats, that spend the winter in these vertical bluffs I turned to wikipedia to learn a little more and discovered: they're not … Continue reading Seasonal Observations: Mountain Goats
Birdwatch with John Tschopp: Mountain Bluebird
John Tschopp writes: "The Mountain Bluebird, that has been around in our neighborhood for a few days, was posing so nicely today. I think it wanted its picture taken." According to Hinterland Who's Who, the mountain bluebird, Sialia currucoides, is a type of thrush, like the robin, and: travels in flocks of up to 50 birds … Continue reading Birdwatch with John Tschopp: Mountain Bluebird
Birdwatch: Ptarmigans
A local birder, Ray Mason, sent our Birding Guru, John Tschopp, two outstanding pictures of Ptarmigans taken at Hope Creek a few days ago. They appear to be White-tailed Ptarmigans. Thanks guys! The White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura), aka the Snow Quail, is the smallest type of grouse, and changes its speckled gray brown plumage in winter to dress whites. … Continue reading Birdwatch: Ptarmigans
Bird Watch: Rough Legged Hawk Sighting and Bird Count details
Spotted this week, in the neighbourhood of Collins Road, a Rough-legged Hawk. A bird of the Northern Tundra, the rough-legged hawk comes South in wintertime, making this sighting rare. A big bird, the name "rough-legged" refers to the feathers which cover the legs to the base of the toes. One of the hawk's most recognizable traits … Continue reading Bird Watch: Rough Legged Hawk Sighting and Bird Count details
Seasonal Observations: Barred Owls
Our man on the binoculars, John Tschopp, shares this report with local bird-watchers: With the big heat over, we get to see some bird activity again. The last of the Hummingbirds are packing up for the trip South. The Canada Geese practice flying in formation. Many birds are feasting on Mountain Ash berries. One morning … Continue reading Seasonal Observations: Barred Owls
Seasonal Observations: Common Nighthawks
Thanks to John Tschopp for sharing his August 21 sighting of Common Nighthawks around Anderson Road, near Spiering's Automotive, at 7pm. "A flock of between 20 to 30 birds was feeding madly on flying insects." Here's the lowdown on the common nighthawk, thanks to Wikipedia: The Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) is a medium-sized [3][4] … Continue reading Seasonal Observations: Common Nighthawks
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