Western Bluebird male in migration, February, Vaseux cliffs
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.
