No. 2: feathers
Woodlands Guesthouse is nestled in the valley of beautiful Bowen Island, BC which is home to so many different species of birds. We are lucky enough to have many of these beauties visit us every day at our feeders and bird baths. Here’s just a few of my favourites.
PINE SISKIN Pine Siskin fly in gregarious large flocks and their wheezy twittering can often be heard before they’re seen. Year-round residents on Bowen, their numbers fluctuate as they search for the best seed crops each year.
DOWNY WOODPECKER The most likely woodpecker you’ll see at your feeder, although the larger Hairy Woodpecker is similar looking. Woodpeckers don’t sing songs but ‘drum’ against wood or metal to establish their territory.
SPOTTED TOWHEE A large sparrow with red eyes, known for their two-footed, backwards-scratching hop to stir up insects and seeds on the ground. Common in Bowen backyards. Listen for their buzzy, upwards song.
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE Curious and cute, chickadees hide food items for later, remembering up to 1000 hiding spots. On Bowen year-round.
DARK-EYED JUNCO Dark-eyed Junco is a type of sparrow that is very common at Bowen feeders year-round. Often you’ll see the white tail feathers flash as they flit away. They typically nest on the ground.
NORTHERN FLICKER The Northern Flicker is also in the woodpecker family. There are two distinct groups: in the west we have the “Red-shafted Flicker” (named for the colour on the underwings), and in the east and far north are the “Yellow-shafted Flicker”. They are often on the ground and lawns looking for ants and beetles. The white rump is conspicuous in flight.
