A walk over at the bay

Have had a hard time finding the time to get out for a decent walk the last few days....and seems that when we do get out, there isn't much to see, but we did manage a walk at the dike yesterday....

was a beautiful day....

and look at this....catkins already!

Not a lot of birds around though....

although all the fields are still soggy and full of waterfowl, including Trumpeter Swans, Mallards, Northern Pintail and American Wigeon ducks.  Also lots of Canada Geese - must have been 300 or more as they were in large groups in several different spots.

there was one Bald Eagle up by the nest, and a couple more around.

What was a surprise....

was a Fox Sparrow - actually there were two of them.  Winter is the time we expect to see these guys, but these were the first I'd seen this 'non winter'.  Couldn't get a picture but there was also a Ruby Crowned Kinglet.  Not sure if it has arrived back extra early or just never left.

a Song Sparrow was there as well.  What is the difference?  Well Fox Sparrows are 'chunky' and have inverted check marks on their breast and a bicoloured bill, while Song Sparrows are streaky all over the place with an all dark bill.  There are other differences as well, but those are the main ones.

Have been noticing that the crows are pairing up already and there was a small flock of starlings around as well.  Back here at the estuary, the Purple Finch are hanging about, still feeding on the Pacific Crabapples, there has been a flock of Pine Siskin seen occasionally, but sticking to the tree tops....and the Robins are still here.  Just can't get used to hearing Robins in the middle of winter!