Self-tutoring about birds: the tutor is happy to announce that the varied thrush is back. Especially this time of year, the varied thrush is recognizable by its song: a long single note that might continue for five seconds of more. …
Self-tutoring about birds: the tutor mentions autumn singing. We’ve had a rainy, stormy fall — hard to believe, and somewhat of a relief, after the past summer’s unbelievable heat. However, between the rainy, stormy episodes have been a few nice …
Self-tutoring about owls: the tutor mentions an encounter. Barred owls didn’t live on Vancouver Island until, depending whom you ask, the 60s, 70s, or 80s. However, they may be the most common owl here now. I’ve had four encounters with …
Self-tutoring about the kingbirds found in Canada: the tutor makes an ironic observation. Most people likely agree that, in Canada, Vancouver Island is close to as far west as one can go. Yet, the eastern kingbird lives here, but not …
Self-tutoring about birds: the tutor continues about the red-breasted nuthatch. Continuing from yesterday’s post, I want to talk more about the red-breasted nuthatch’s voice. The commanding, repeating tone it makes that’s rather like an alarm from a timer has been …
Self-tutoring about birds: the tutor reports a great sighting. I’ve mentioned in a few other posts that my best bird discoveries have been when I wasn’t looking for that bird. This is one such case: I didn’t have the red-breasted …
Self-tutoring about birds: the tutor mentions a favourite, the varied thrush. I’ve written a couple of posts about varied thrush, a year-round resident on Vancouver Island. Possibly similar to the Steller’s jay, the varied thrush is more visible certain times …
Self-tutoring about birds and ecology: the tutor mentions ravens and crows. The competitive exclusion principle states that two animals cannot occupy the same niche – ie, role – in the same environment: one always out-produces the other, and takes sole …
Self-tutoring about provincial identity: the tutor mentions an issue about the noble Steller’s jay. I recently realized that the Steller’s jay is our provincial bird here in BC. To quote John Lennon, “I ain’t too surprised.” After moving to BC …
Self-tutoring about birds: the tutor notes a song sparrow. For almost 40 years I’ve been observing birds. As a kid I lived on the east coast, often in rural areas. There, I was free to follow birds to observe them …