Up in the mountains.......

On Saturday, I went up to McCulloch Road for a Christmas tree hunt with some of my relatives ( and some of their friends ). When I say relatives, I mean a ton of 4 and 5 year old balls of fire, with a few adults mixed in.

I decided to bird along the way to the pull-off spot in the Southern Slopes area ( on the way to McCulloch ). I counted several Red-tailed Hawk as we started to ascend into the Southern Slopes, and a pair of Eurasian Collared Dove careening across the road. Also, some Dark-eyed Juncos and BC Chickadees were playing about in the bushes along the road. Now, as light snow is starting to fall, we have ascended greatly to a plateau where orchards are abundant. Floating and flying up in the sky in perfect formation are around 50 Bohemian Waxwings. As usual, there are insane amounts of starlings EVERYWHERE. Rounding a bend, and near McCulloch Road, I spotted a sleek Townsend's Solitare atop a pine; my first of the winter.

Now we started to climb as we had reached the end of pavement; on to our destination road. Along the way, there was not a bird to be seen until a brief stop at a sharp corner. To my delight, there was my goal bird of the day - Northern Pygmy-Owl - on a dead snag HIGH up the mountain. It was easy identification because of the distinct shape : squat head, round, stocky shape, and short, narrow tail.

After about fifteen minutes later, we ( the four cars with around 10 sub - 7 year kids and around 6 adults ) arrived at the snowy pull-off way up in the mountains. On the left side of the road, there was one of the resident Gray Jays of the area amiably sitting at the top of a young fir. Too far away for photographs, though.

Post-lunch, everybody except me and a few adults went into the forest to search for a Christmas tree to chop down. As soon as the young children left, and little rambling flock of Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches showed up to see if their turf was ready for re-claim. The chickadees were tentative in their approach, but the nuthatches were very cooperative. One even posed for some photos :


Red-breasted Nuthatch - flutter fluttering


King of the Stalk! - Red-breasted Nuthatch

In my opinion, the Red-breasted Nuthatch has a special endearing quality; always making you watch them constantly, because they are so cute!

It was a great day, with great birds, and beautiful weather coupled with the location.

Thanks;

Logan