Mavimet's Weblog

I had no idea that I would be seeing a Hummingbird at the end of November – but it seems the Anna’s Hummingbird actually stays here all winter. Until this year, I have always lived in Winnipeg (aka Winterpeg). In July of this year, I moved west to Chilliwack, British Columbia and I knew winters would be much milder here. Of course anything would be better than days of -40C.

A couple of days ago, I was looking out my window and saw a hummingbird land on a twig on a tree just off my balcony. I was shocked! It had never entered my mind that I would be seeing a hummingbird at the end of November. It was a dull cloudy day, so my first photos were not great. I was shooting through the window so I wouldn’t scare him and he was on the tip of a twig that was swaying in the wind. The first photos were good enough that I could tell that it was an Anna’s Hummingbird and that is when I found out that they often stay here for the winter. The next day was also cloudy, but I did finally get a decent photo of this gorgeous little bird. I hope to get many more in the future.

This morning I headed over to the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve for a walk. With all the bush there, the wind should be easier to handle. I was amazed to see that there were still a few Salmon in the creeks there. They did not provide me with any photo opportunities, but it was fun to watch them anyway.

I stopped near the bird feeders and found A Spotted Towhee and House Finches

Just outside the first bird blind, I found a little Dark-eyed Junco.

Just a quiet little spot to stop and look around.

More Ducks. I guess they aren’t in any hurry to leave – wonder if some will stay for the winter.

Guess it is time to go!

And they’re off. The splashing was just to get my attention.

I don’t remember seeing all these nests in the trees before, but obviously they must have been there in the summer. Maybe the leaves on the trees blocked them from view. I am guessing that these are Great Blue Heron Nests. The 2nd photo are the same nests, but zoomed in. This is in an area that is closed off during breeding season, but the photo was taken from across the water. I took the photo from a spot that is not closed during breeding season and now I know where to go for photos next year.

On the way home, I stopped at a Wild Bird Store and bought a Hummingbird Feeder. It is now hanging in my balcony. 🙂