A typically rural/suburban cart, the field habitat of the Black Barred Camel-Cart is slowly being encroached upon by big box stores and residential development. Black Barred Camel-cart Classification: B/1 or possibly A/9 Earlier this week I spotted a cart in an all too common situation. Clearly disturbed by the noise of the near constant traffic of Comox Road this Black …
Odds and Ends
Shy Blue Tipper
Shy Blue Tipper showing its characteristic defensive position. Shy Blue Tipper Classification: B/1 or possibly A/9 The defensive behaviour of this cart makes it easy to identify. When approached by a perceived threat it immediately places the nose of its basket to the ground and raises its rear wheels to the sky. Shy Blue Tipper with wheels raised in defense. …
West Coast Rollout
I love this time of year when spring migration is just starting and the number of shopping carts on Vancouver Island are starting to build. Hard to believe with the recent snow fall we’ve had that last week we were battling through a couple of windy and wet days. It’s often said that storm days are great for birding since …
What was that Bird?
OK folks – here’s a little challenge for you on a gray west coast Sunday. It’s time to crack open those bird books and see if you can figure out what bird this is. Post a comment below with the field marks that you used to help you identify the bird. I’ll post a couple of better photos (which show …
Beige Rustler Returns
Beige Rustlers are early winter migrants on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Look for them in back alleys and other edge habitat, particularly in areas thick with fallen leaves. Beige Rustler Classification: B/1 or possibly A/9 While out on a family walk around the neighbourhood I spotted another lifer for me – the Beige Rustler. These large carts are late winter …
Silver Rivercarts Return to Spawn
Salmon aren’t the only species returning to the Courtenay River to spawn. The Courtenay River is awash in life and death these days. Spawned out salmon litter the banks of the river. Gulls have gathered to feed on the carcasses and countless diving ducks are feasting on salmon eggs washed downstream. With death comes new life. Silver Rivercart Classification: B/12 …
If You Go Out in the Woods Today…
A Slime Mould (Myxomycetes) slowly advancing over moss. The wet and cool conditions in the woods are ideal for all sorts of strange things in the woods. This week I came across some very cool slime mould at Miracle Beach Provincial Park. Because they are small, slime moulds are often overlooked. However, their weird appearance usually results in a double-take. …
Crimson Wanderers
In this second post about feral carts on Vancouver Island, a small herd of Crimson Wanderers is discovered on a back lot in Courtenay, British Columbia. These fascinating shopping carts are common throughout the city. Crimson Wanderers Crimson Wanderer Classification: B/1 Fairly common in my neighbourhood near downtown Courtenay, Crimson Wanderers tend to graze in small herds or singly. They …