Along the rivers on the east coast of Vancouver Island Black Cottonwood (Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa) is now producing seed. In fact, there is so much Cottonwood fluff in the air at times that it seems like it is snowing beside the Courtenay River on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The seeds gather in drifts along the edge of trails and …
Courtenay Riverway Walk
Cedar Waxwings Along the Courtenay River
Over the last couple of days I’ve noticed cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) along the Courtenay River during my regular nature walks to the Courtenay Airpark with the kids. The waxwings are named for the waxy red secretions at the tips of secondaries. While it is not 100% clear, the red tips may help males attract females. The distinctive black mask, …