Watching the feeder

Ever since we moved to BC we have been feeding the birds. The very simple wire cage with slabs of lard filled with seeds attracts a wide range of birds. Every morning between 10 ish and 11ish there is a parade of birds to the feeder. This morning I watched the Chestnut Backed Chickadees in two and threes peck away the seeds. The Varied Thrushes - 3 of them - were hanging around the base of the feeder. They don't seem able to get a grip on the feeder but they do a great job of the cleanup below the feeder. One of them would regularly come up on to the deck to see what could be found - invariably there as a seed or two to reinforce his efforts.

Rain fills the River and tributaries

Two days ago yet another storm hit the Island bringing with it lots of rain. For 36 hours we were pelted with rain and some wind. The result is that the Puntledge River is way up - and the Park partially flooded. The River went from its usual crystal clear to a murky grey with the sludge brought in through the creeks and streams. We anticipate that once this high water diminishes many of the salmon remains will be gone. Of course the sad part about that is the eagles and gulls will also leave.