Say's Phoebe
Several species of flycatcher found here in summer depend on flying insects to survive. The Say's Phoebe is first to come north followed later by the larger flycatchers, Eastern and Western Kingbirds. (In spite of the names, both species are found here). By the end of May the remaining species of flycatcher have arrived. All flycatchers have slightly domed heads and flat beaks, all the better to crush their prey. Shown below left is a Western Wood Pewee, abundant in our valley woods in late spring and summer and right a Willow Flycatcher, common in wetter areas such as the edges of marshes and small ponds.
Our grassy hillsides above the valley floor are good places to see Western Bluebirds and sometimes Mountain Bluebirds, though the latter, as the name implies, prefer to breed at higher elevations in openings in the forest. Volunteers maintain the many bluebird nest boxes you see along the field fences, which has proved crucial in ensuring the survival of these lovely little birds. Males are a rich blue with red below while females look washed-out by comparison, far less likely to draw the eye of a predator. Notice how the male Mountain Bluebird (bottom left below) nearly vanishes against the blue of the sky behind him.
(Move mouse over images below to enlarge &/or see captions.)
(Move mouse over images below to enlarge &/or see captions.)
Mountain Bluebird male, stunning against a contrasting background
Western Meadowlarks fling their liquid songs across the grassland hillsides. These two photos below of Western Meadowlarks were taken on Beaver Lake Road in Lake Country.
Grasslands also host Vesper Sparrows (below left), frequently found singing from fence posts. White-crowned Sparrows, (middle) pass through the Okanagan north bound in huge numbers in late April and early May, and will often turn up under backyard feeders at this time. Some stay to breed. Chipping Sparrows (below right) can be found in grassland bushes, or in the higher forests.
