Western Wood-pewee

The Western Wood-pewee (Scientific name - Contopus sordidulus) is a small flycatcher that can be found throughout western North America. This bird hunts for insects aerially similar to the way swallows do.  These birds are migrants and winter as far south as Columbia and Bolivia. They are a fairly drab bird, mostly grey with two pale white wing bars.  The photos were taken on the Matsqui Trail in Abbotsford, British Columbia in July 2015.

Ruddy Duck

The Ruddy Duck (Scientific Name - Oxyura jamaicensis) is a small duck that can be found through much of North America. They can be found as far north as the northern parts of the Western Canadian provinces. They migrate south into Central America.  The males have a dark head and bright white cheeks. During breeding their bodies are more chestnut in colour and their bills a bright blue.  Females are mostly brown with a stripe across their cheek. The Ruddy Duck has a thick neck and a longish tail that they often hold cocked upright. They are nocturnal and often can be seen sleeping during the day. The photos were taken in May 2015 in Valemount (breeding male), British Columbia and in November 2014 in Abbotsford, B.C.

Female

Female

Daytime sleeping

Male Breeding Colours

Blue-winged Teal

The Blue-winged Teal (Scientific Name - Anas discors) is a small dabbling duck found throughout North America. They winter as far south as the northern part of South America. Because they migrate long distances, they often leave to head south earlier than some other species. They are mainly brown ducks, with the male displaying distinctive white facial crescent. In flight the powdery blue forewing can be seen giving them their name. The photos were taken in Abbotsford, B.C. in June 2015 (single male) and in Valemount, B.C. in May 2015 (pair).

Brown-headed Cowbird

The Brown-headed Cowbird (Scientific name - Molotrus ater) is a stocky blackbird and is common throughout most of North America and down into Central America.  They are a brood parasite and have become a threat to songbirds. This is because they lay many eggs in the nests of other species.  Adult males have a glossy black body and a brown head. The females are fairly plain brown birds.  Juveniles display streaking on back and underparts. Photos taken in Manning Park, British Columbia in May 2013 (female) and May 2015 (top two males); Mission, British Columbia (Juvenile) in July 2015 and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in May 2015 (male)

Juvenile

Female

Willow Flycatcher

The Willow Flycatcher (Scientific name - Empidonax traillii) is a small fairly drab looking flycatcher found usually in wet bushy areas. They range across the entire United States and up into the more southern parts of Canada. They migrate south into Central and South America. They have a brownish back with white bars on the wings with white underparts. In less mature birds the underparts may display a yellowish wash. They are very close in appearance to the Alder Flycatcher.  Photo taken at Rolley Lake Provincial Park, Mission, British Columbia in July 2015.

White-crowned Sparrow

The White-crowned Sparrow (Scientific name - Zonotrichia leucophrys) is a large sparrow with a distinctive head that is found throughout North America from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico. They are mainly brown with white wing bars and a distinctive black and white striped head. They are often seen hopping on the ground or on low branches. Photos taken (top to bottom) at the Great Blue Heron Wildlife Reserve in Chilliwack, B.C. in April 2014; Whistler, B.C. in September 2013; Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in May 2015; and Yellowstone National Park in May 2013. 

Juvenile

          

Harris's Sparrow

The Harris's Sparrow (Scientific Name - Zonotrichia querula) is a large sparrow with a striking head. It can be found in the central part of North America as far north as the Northwest Territories of Canada and as far south as southern Texas. It is rarely found in the eastern or western parts of the continent. It has a distinctive head with a black bib, forehead and crown. Photos taken in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in May 2015.      

          

White-throated Sparrow

The White-throated Sparrow (Scientific Name - Zonotrichia albicollis) is a large sparrow found throughout the eastern and midwestern North America.  It ranges as far north as the Northwest Territories of Canada and as far south as Mexico. They are rare on the west coast but can be found in California. They have a fairly distinctive head with a white throat and black and white head with a yellow stripe between the eye and prominent bill. Photos taken in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in May 2015.

       

Cinnamon Teal

The Cinnamon Teal (Scientific name - Anas cyanoptera) is a small dabbling duck found in ponds and marshes throughout western North America as far north as mid British Columbia and Alberta. They are also found in western South America. The males are brightly coloured  with a cinnamon coloured head and body during breeding season. The female is fairly plain brown with a scalloped pattern on the back and flanks. Photos taken in May 2015 in Valemount, British Columbia.

           

Purple Martin

The Purple Martin (Scientific name - Progne subis) is the largest of the swallows found in North America. In North America they range from the Eastern Seaboard out to the prairies and can also be found in smaller numbers on the West Coast. They breed in North America and migrate south as far as South America. They feed on ariel insects and like to stay and nest in large groups.  The photos were taken in May 2015 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.

Male

Female