Almost Spring

During the last week I have been hoping to spot some bushtits building their nests because this is usually the time of year they begin.


I have been unlucky so far, but I took a quick walk around Dawson Creek today to see if my luck would change.

At first, I did not see or hear any bushtits at their usual spots, but there were plenty of ducks to view. This time of year, I see mallards sitting on the grass instead of floating in the water. A flock of American wigeons chewed on the grass, as usual.

The local beavers have been busy working on the large willows.

A glaucos-winged gull has been frequenting this perch.

As I was about to leave, I heard the spishing calls of a bushtit pair in a grove of trees across the street from where they previously nested.

After a few minutes of watching, I saw them bring material to some droopy branches a few feet above the water. A pair of lesser goldfinches and a pair of black-capped chickadees joined the bushtits for some small-bird companionship. Maybe they will nest nearby.