Lower Whatcom Creek * 1-26-12

Back in the PNW, the creek was particularly clear.
This female Bufflehead was diving and could be seen underwater.




It returns to the surface.

Lower Whatcom Creek * 1-26-12




Near the creek is a fish hatchery. One pool has circulating water, but seems unused. There has been three Double-crested Cormorants, a pair of Buffleheads, and a female Common Goldeneye hanging out in the pool. For a time, the male Bufflehead was courting the Goldeneye. He would chase away the female Bufflehead. Lately they seemed to have resolved the issues and the Buffleheads are back together.


The local GBHE sometimes perches on the rail to preen and watch the action in the pool.

Lower Whatcom Creek * 1-26-12

DCCO in the pool.


Bufflehead pair


GBHE

Lower Whatcom Creek * 1-27-12

Upstream from the tidal basin, I spotted this Cooper's Hawk showing a big crop.


A portrait of the local GBHE

Lower Whatcom Creek * 1-30-12

juvenile Double-crested Cormorant




the local GBHE

Lower Whatcom Creek * 1-30-12

Golden-crowned Kinglet


female Common Goldeneye


The hummer at my feeder. The first time I have seen her in about a week!

Hello Doug,

You caught some wonderful photos while in California. I especially like the Red-crowned Parrot. What a beautiful bird. The Humming Bird is very beautiful also drawing nectar. Wow, on the great variety of birds from your area, beautiful! Thanks my friend for bringing them to us. :hello:

Hi Linda * thanks for your comments. My trip to Socal was a whirlwind. I look forward to having some free time down there in the future. There are some good birding areas near where my Mom lives.

As promised, I will be offering a few more eagle pictures from this last week.
It has been a busy , somewhat unusual week on the birding front.
I performed three unexpected bird rescues. Stories to follow ....

1-31-12 * my yard

My 15 year old cat used to be quite the killer. He even used to catch hummingbirds.
Of all the birds he caught, I always hated that he killed hummers.
As he has aged, it is rare that he brings in a bird.
Well he proudly brought in a Pine Siskin.
I forced his jaws open and freed the bird. I thought it was a goner and put it outside in a safe spot.
20 minutes later, I checked on it. Its eyes were open and it was breathing.
I brought it inside and warmed it up by the stove, gave it some water, and let it recover in a box with a towel.
After a while, I checked on it and it tried to fly out of the box, so I decided to let it go.
Placed outside, it just sat on the ground, so I brought it back in. 30 minutes later we tried again. This time it hopped around and eventually flew into a bush.
I watched it for a time and it seemed OK and flew to another safer spot. An hour later, there was a lone Pine Siskin at the feeder. I have to think it was this same bird.
It remained in the yard for two days and hopefully found its flock and is traveling with them again.