A Random Set of Urban Tails and Tales

5 days ago

Acting as a layover destination for migrating birds, the lower mainland sees a variety of feathered travelers who stop by to replenish their supplies in the abundant natural spaces in and around the city, as well as co-mingle with the residents who spend all year in the vicinity. It's hard to keep track of who's who.

I came across a protected parcel of land near a stream, where there was a board illustrating different species, and the specimens seen in that particular conservation area.

There was a bag with paper and pencil, so I think that people are encouraged to report sightings. What a great idea, I thought. Involving the visitor is a great way to create a more personal rapport with the environment and its protection.

Very useful!

Closer to home, I was recently surprised to see a type of goose that I had never seen before. It was hanging out with a group of cobra chickens, also known as Canada geese.

There are resident Canada geese, who remain in the city all year, but others take off for warmer climes when winter arrives then return to munch on grass when the weather warms up.

I didn’t have my camera with me, so I used my Pixel 7. I really need a reminder: do not leave home without camera. 😌

It turned out that this particular bird was a Greater White-Fronted goose. It had a white underside and pinkish bill with a white base. I believe this is the “Tundra” variety, but I’m not familiar with this species. As its name implies, it enjoys Tundra environs, but it passes through here during its migratory period.

The curious thing is that it was all by itself, so maybe it got separated from its flock (or perhaps it had enough of their shenanigans and preferred the company of the ever-amiable Canada goose).

One is not like the others

Across the city, in a seaside urban slough, an unfamiliar species of ducks hung out among the reeds. This particular place used to be an industrial zone that was developed into a residential neighbourhood and has now turned into a vibrant community. I came across a few nice ecosystems in that area, and I was glad to see that they took care of their natural spaces. It's expensive keeping things tidy and clean.

As it turned out, the ducks were American Wigeons, and they were having a pleasant time there.

On one occasion, I went out with the explicit intent of NOT taking photographs of seagulls because they are common birds and not so exciting for me. So, I wanted to capture new amazing avian sights. I was crossing a bridge, when lo and behold, I saw one surprising sight that I had never observed before: seagulls taking a river bath. Fascinating!

I couldn’t believe it. I thought I knew every thing there was to know about seagull behaviour, which usually consists of pestering tourists for food and harassing crows. Now, here they were having a communal bath in the fresh cold waters of the Capilano river under a brilliant sun.

There are birds that are a little more urban, like this house finch perched on a sign and singing his heart out. Don’t let his diminutive size fool you, that song packs a punch. I know he’s a male because it had a brilliant iridescent orange head. I heard or read somewhere that birds in the city chirp louder in urban environments to be heard above the sound of traffic. This one was belting out the tunes.

Wood ducks are year-round residents of the lower mainland. I usually see them in pairs that consist of a flashy colourful male, and a dainty smooth female. Here's a pair who appear to be on their way to some serious business.

On the ocean, this cormorant must’ve had a lot on its mind because it stood there for over an hour watching the sunset. Possibly, it was drying up after its aquatic hunt. I have a lot of respect for this bird whose life appears to consist of hunting and suntanning.

Circling overhead in broad looping circles was a larger menace. It could’ve been an eagle or another big raptor looking for a snack. Later, I saw it being attacked by a flock of seagulls, who did not like the looks of this stranger.