Birds at Wood Lake RV and Marina.

Mallard, Killdeer, American Goldfinch, Black-capped chickadee, Osprey, Cedar waxwing
California quail, Great horned owl, American robin, Downy woodpecker

We have stayed at the Wood Lake RV Campground 5 different times now.  As always, I keep an eye out for any birds (or other creatures) in the area.  The ten species above are just a portion of the birds I have seen at or from the camp.  Not included are the many house sparrows, starlings, flickers, and other waterfowl I have seen.  The fact is that the place is alive with birds, especially in the spring.

The reason is simple enough.  The park provides two important criteria required for breeding - nesting sites and food.  The nesting sites are largely from old willow trees that have a host of holes in them; dozens, if not more.  The food comes from the stream, lake, trees, and grassy areas that the park boasts.  

Another bonus is that the Okanagan Rail Trail is down the street (maybe a mile away).  We have walked parts of it and cycled the loop that goes around Wood Lake.  On or near the trail, I have spotted and photographed numerous birds, some that I have only seen the one time.  This includes the Caliope hummingbird and rough-winged swallows.  Add to that bald eagles, bluebirds, orioles, and meadowlarks that can be seen off of Beaver Lake Road, and you have a birder's paradise.

Every time I visit the park, I end up with more great shots of birds and other creatures.  I am looking forward to what turns up this time.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Harjit Bahia - Science teacher and colleague from Garibaldi died August 2, 2024

Image
You will be missed Mr. Bahia.  You made a difference and we are sad you are gone. I keep in loose contact with my fellow retired teachers from Garibaldi Secondary School.  I talked with my long-time friend, Mike Lynch, today, and discovered that Hargit died over the summer.  Unbeknownst to him, he had an underlying heart condition and passed away after working out on his treadmill.  The date was August 2, 2024. I was shocked to hear this.  He was only 49 years old, turning 50 some 3 months later.  It was a shock to everyone, for he was loved by all who knew him.  As a teacher, Mr. Bahia was kind and fun.  He contributed to students in many ways and was always available to help those in need.   For myself, I knew him as a fellow science teacher and taught in the adjoining room to him.  He was always available to help, share ideas, and work together.  Easy to approach, I found that I could talk to him about anything and appreciat...
Read more

Munson pond - before and after road development

Image
Left - Google maps view of Munson Pond as of May 15, 2025 Right - Future view of Munson Pond from Google maps Munson Pond is a jewel of Kelowna.  Even though it used to be an open gravel pit, it is now home to countless birds and mammals and a haven for humans needing peace, a breath of fresh air, and a touch of nature.  Western Pond turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act.  Their population is such that people lose count when trying to ascertain their number.   With the proposed road development, Munson Pond will lose valuable ecologically important land, will suffer from an increase in urban traffic, and will likely be affected by nearby housing developments that are sure to come.  All of this development will put more pressure on the inhabitants and result in a decrease in both biodiversity and population.   A further injury to the pond will be an increase in eutrophication due to nearby residential and commercial development....
Read more

My longsuffering search for the Western Meadowlark

Image
Am I going to disturb a species I am photographing enough to negatively affect its relationship with the ecosystem?  This is an important ethical question that needs to be asked when looking to photograph a particular species.  And it's one that I don't think we do nearly often enough. I recognize the desire to capture remarkable images; I have been in search of premium photos the bulk of my adult life.  There is the personal connection - just the joy associated with doing something well and the praise we seek when others recognize it.  There is the professional connection - doing something as part of a job, assignment, or class.  Then there is the financial connection - the hope to win a contest, publish an image, or sell prints.   These are all worthy goals in their own right, but none of them should be the reason behind disturbing a species, especially ones that are endangered or are at a critical period in their life cycle.  Essentially it boi...
Read more