June 14, 2008
We were amazed at the amount of different birds that we saw today even though there had been a couple of Boy Scout groups at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve there just before we arrived. The Chilliwack Visual Artists had their opening reception for their display in the Great Hall today and it was very nice indeed. We stopped in for a short time and enjoyed seeing everyone and their artwork is as always marvellous.
We had to stop at the American Robin’s nest that we have been watching to see if the young chicks had hatched. We were happy to see that they have hatched just recently and they appear to be very healthy, hungry and energetic for such small new creatures. The parents are very attentive and we did not stay long so that we would not bother them. The nest is also protected by a nice wide swatch of healthy blackberries as well as being far enough away that we weren’t even noticed by the busy adults.
Young Finches watched us as we walked by and Black-capped Chickadees unwrapped insects and larvae from their rolled up leaves.
The Common Yellowthroat stopped on a nearby branch just long enough to catch a few quick photos before it hopped into a thick clump of grass.
Of course, at this time of year the Cedar Waxwings are the bird of choice for photographers. They are easily visible and seem to love to pose for us. We will be walking along and all of a sudden there will be one flying in for its close-up.
We were busy taking their photos when Leon showed up, so we were happy to stop and have a chat with him. While we were visiting with Leon, Dick showed up to join in the conversation. After Leon left, a Yellow Warbler landed in a Cottonwood Tree almost in front of us. Then the chase with camera was on, the little bird blends too well with the greens and yellows of the Cottonwood leaves and quickly flits from branch to branch, in and out of the leaves not at all aware of us. It only has one thing on its mind and that is food, insects under leaves, on leaves or anywhere that it can find them.
We saw fifteen adult Wood Ducks today, most of the males are moulting now and some of the females have ducklings of varying ages in tow. One set of ducklings were playing on a log behind the West Bird Blind while another set of much older ducklings were behind the East Bird Blind with their mother.
There were several Black-headed Grosbeaks sighted along the way today.
Song Sparrows and Goldfinches also made us pause to hear their songs and watch them for a moment or two.
One female Common Merganser was on the South Lagoon with two ducklings that are growing quickly; this set was first sighted around May the seventeenth; now, less than a full month later they are almost as large as their mother in length and have pronounced bills as well.
There were three male Blue-winged Teal at the reserve today as well as at least one female Blue-winged Teal. Two of them were behind the West Bird Blind and a pair was right beside the bridge in front of the Rotary Interpretive Centre. Even though there were several visitors talking on the pathway beside where they were standing, they continued preening, stretching and enjoying each other’s company while we enjoyed watching them.
We stopped in at the Rotary Interpretive Centre to have another look at the Chilliwack Visual Artist’s wonderful artwork and had a quick visit with them. We also had a chat with Janet and Yvonne before we headed home. Tomorrow is Father’s Day and without our Fathers we would not be here, so our Best Wishes go out to all those wonderful Fathers out there. A special wish goes out to our Dad with love from us.
Also, Happy Birthday Valerie, sometime this weekend!
We are not authorities on birds, wildlife, plants, cameras or photography, if you are doing research on any subjects, please refer to a more educational site for advice and double-check whatever you research.
Back To Top
|
