Williamson’s Sapsucker
In late March of 2013 we set off to find the Williamson’s Sapsucker, in an area where it is known to return to year after year. These cavity nesters use dead or dying large stags (usually Ponderosa Pine) and are most often found in a Western Larch forest. The Williamson’s is considered endangered in Canada and Blue listed in British Columbia.
It didn’t take us long to find it as we heard it distinctive call and identifiable drum cadence. Upon heading deeper into the forest sure enough we spotted our target bird on a Wildlife tree (identified by a yellow ribbon and a tag indicating that the tree should not be taken down).
Great Gray Owl
Not far away roosting in another tree was a Great Grey Owl, while not on a watch list the Great Grey is normally found much further north in the Boreal forest. It stayed for a long time, all had a good look. Finally it made its departure, as he was doing so we could see a squirrel in its talons. Surprising, although we couldn’t see its mate it soon followed. The second Great Grey was obviously the female as it was considerably larger.
All in all this was a pretty good morning in addition there were Stellar Jays, Mountain and Western Bluebirds, Clark’s Nutcracker Jay, Robins and a lone Tree Swallow. Considering that there was several feet of snow on the ground it was perhaps a sign of better birding ahead.
For a chance to see many different species of birds join me on a Bird Watching and Nature Adventure tour
