Spring seems to have arrived in Central B.C. this week.
During the last week I have seen 12 trumpeter swans fly over but since they
often winter in the area that is not a true sign of spring here. However the
20 or so Robins that have been frequenting the yard are certainly. They have
also been accompanied by a Varied Thrush most of the time.
This morning when opening the blind on the livingroom window I found a
Northern Shrike sitting in the Mountain Ash that is in front of it. He sat
there looking about for a minute or two then flew to the vacant lot across
the street. From there he flew up and was immediately chased by about 6
Common Redpoles. The Redpoles followed the Shrike high into the air until
they were out of site over the house.
Also during the week a small flock of Canada geese was seen heading across
the Nechako River towards the Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Obviously the first
of the thousands to come. They are about 10 days later than last year but
within the normal range for first arrivals.

Louise Levy
Vanderhoof B.C.
blast at uniserve.com