This year it’s back to all birds and limited to the area in and around Victoria. Not because I had insufficient material for more, but because I had too much to choose from!
It’s a mix of familiar species and a couple of new ones for me. Some familiar poses and some unusual.
The Osprey and Barred Owl families did well. The Killdeer were hard to follow but at least some of the young made it to adulthood. Unfortunately the fate of the Great Horned Owl young is less clear. One day in late April the young just vanished – the adults are still around.
All the images featured here are from 2023.
As for last year I have included a title and caption but excluded camera and lens information.
January - Black Turnstone
February - Brant (Brent) Geese
March - Red-winged Blackbird (male)
April -Great Horned Owl family
May - Killdeer family
June - Barred Owl (juvenile)
July - Osprey family
August - Savannah Sparrow
September - Lincoln's Sparrow
October - Bar-tailed Godwit
November - Horned Lark
December - Black Oystercatcher
January
Black Turnstone
Splish Splash – This Winter visitor likes foraging along the ocean shore – pickings are especially good after a storm. The rest of the flock were resting nearby but soon joined in the fun. Holland Point Park, Victoria.
February
Brant (Brent) Geese
Contemplation – These three were part of a small flock that spent the Winter in the Migratory Bird Sanctuary that covers most of the coast around Victoria. Clover Point, Victoria.
March
Red-winged Blackbird (male)
A Quiet Day in the Marsh – Spring is in the air for this bird as he loudly declares property rights for his chosen location in this marshy park. By late Summer most of the marsh will have dried up. Panama Flats Park, Saanich.
April
Great Horned Owl family
Moonwatch – The two young owls appear to take a break from pestering their mother for food and join her watching the rising moon. Not for long though, as dad soon arrived with more food. Beacon Hill Park, Victoria.
May
Killdeer family
Make Room – These young Killdeer would run around feeding themselves on the shore, then suddenly everyone would take a break to huddle under one of the parents. Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Colwood.
June
Barred Owl (juvenile)
Alert – The resident pair fledged just one offspring this year, so it was well fed. With plenty of time to relax in the dappled sunlight, it was always ready for its next adventure. Beacon Hill Park, Victoria.
July
Osprey family
Where’s The Fish? – This family made their home atop a light stand in the middle of a sports field. The young frequently return to the nest well after they can fly – that’s where the parents bring a supply of fresh fish. West Shore Parks, Colwood.
August
Savannah Sparrow
On a Rolling Log – Some “savannah” – found across most of Canada in the Summer, this bird’s habitat extends far beyond what its name would suggest. Holland Point Park, Victoria.
September
Lincoln's Sparrow
Just Passing Through – A rare visitor to Vancouver Island during migration. It was a treat to see this one during my evening walk in the park nearest to home. Holland Point Park, Victoria.
October
Bar-tailed Godwit
Have you heard the one about? – One of two individuals that stayed around the lagoon for a few months. Every year they seem to stay a bit longer. Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Colwood.
November
Horned Lark
Best Foot Forward – Horned Larks are, unfortunately, on the decline in our area. So this one was a welcome visitor to the Migratory Bird Sanctuary along Victoria’s coast. The first one I have seen, let alone photographed. Clover Point, Victoria.
December
Black Oystercatcher
I See You – Bathing in a tidal pool in the final hours of daylight. These handsome yet noisy birds will always grab your attention if something disturbs them. Holland Point Park, Victoria.
