Hummingbird in Snow

Most Germans think of hummingbirds as tropical creatures so its surprising to see them in Vancouver. Ever since I found out that some of them even stay here over winter I wanted to take a photo of one in the snow. During our Christmas visit in Victoria this wish came true. When I woke up on Christmas Day a white blanket of snow covered the garden I got my camera gear quickly ready before all melted away. And sure enough, hummingbirds were already up and busy at the feeder!

Pelicans! (June 17)

Every flight brings new surprises. Yesterday looked cloudy and not very promising. But the day delivered lots of smooth lift until I got too cold after two hours of airtime. I also crossed flight-paths with a group of pelicans right over Eagle Ranch! Never seen these birds here before. I know they nest up in the Chilcotin (White Pelican Provincial Park) and they certainly don’t spend the winter there but I didn’t expect their migration route would lead them right over Eagle Ranch and Harrison Bay!

 Postscript: There are more posts on local birder forum on unusual pelican sightings. They are usually up north at this time of the year.

Feathered Friends - Eagles, Geese and Owls

A cool place to see tons (likely thousands) of eagles is the Chehalis River estuary. The annual Fraser River Eagle Festival takes place mid November but the eagles are still there feasting on (rather ripe, don’t expect sushi) salmon. There are a couple of official view points (first picture was taken at one of them) at the Sandpiper Golf Course (Pretty Estates) and Eagle Point Park.

Snow geese near George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on December 6th. Hope that won't be the only white we get to see for Christmas in Vancouver ... still 18 days away.

Last but not least I practiced BIF photography. For those who don't know (like I a couple of weeks ago) BIF is birds in flight. Short eared owls at Boundary Bay in late October.