Barn owls are secretive birds who don't like the cold, maybe that's why these two were found in a chimney
Vancouver Island is home to the black tailed deer. Other species not found on the Island are the white tailed and mule deer
Breeding range for these loons usually extends from Northern British Columbia to Alaska
The red-throated loon is the smallest and lightest of the loon family, and is not often seen along the east coast of Vancouver Island.
Although we tend to refer to all gulls as “seagulls” there are over 20 species that live in North America
Bird watching has become a very popular pastime all over Vancouver Island.
Known to be expert boatmen harlequin ducks are able to negotiate their way up freshwater currents and can tackle surging ocean surf
Newcomers and longtime residents get a thrill when trumpeter swans arrive in the Comox Valley each winter.
Whether you are a long time resident or a newcomer to the mid-Island it is always a thrill to see the trumpeter swans' winter arrival
Wing fossils of the sandhill crane found in Nebraska date back nine million years to the Miocene era
When a sandhill crane was grounded in Merville, it was captured, banded and transported to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary — causing quite a stir.
Inquisitive, mischievous and highly intelligent, crows belong to the corvid family of birds that also include ravens, jays and magpies.
Crows are often mistaken for ravens, but they are easily distinguished from each other by their overall body shape and size.
During the past few weeks thousands of birds have started their fall migration
During the past few weeks, thousands of birds have started their fall migration and for many this will be a lengthy undertaking. The Comox Valley and the eastern side of Vancouver Island is one of the stopover sites; each year flocks of birds can be seen in our estuaries and along the shorelines.
A recent visit to Mount Washington reacquainted me with a unique bird that is busily preparing for the harsh winter ahead; it also reminded me how we often innocently interfere with this process. Fearless, adventuresome and inquisitive, the gray jay or “whiskey jack” is well known to hikers, skiers and visitors to the mountain.
One of the most charming and comical species of birds has to be the pileated woodpecker. Its unusual name is derived from the Latin word “pileum,” which described a pointed cap worn by the Romans and in fact resembled a crest.
One of the most charming and comical species of birds has to be the pileated woodpecker
It is quite easy to miss a solitary, motionless bird perched along a river bank, shoreline or lake as it sits waiting for an unsuspecting fish to pass by. A raucous rattling call will reveal an intriguing, beautiful and somewhat elusive bird, the belted kingfisher.
The story of Otus the Western screech owl reinforces the impact we humans have on wildlife.
