Transitions, Transformations and a Little Photography
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Bluebird Time of Year Again
I am always amazed at how quickly the new mountain bluebird monitoring season comes around, but I anticipate it with enthusiasm and curiosity about what I will observe and learn this year. This is the 5th year that I will be monitoring these wonderful birds with CANMS (Calgary Area Nestbox Monitoring Society). I really appreciate being part of this network of bird enthusiasts who support education, networking, information and data collection around the monitoring activities. I must say out of the gate that there is a workshop being held May 23, 2026 at the Leighton Art Centre outside of Calgary. I attended this session last year and it is a great way for people to learn about the bluebird monitoring process and especially for children and young teens to increase their knowledge of birds and conservation. It is also a great place for anyone interested in taking on a Nestbox monitoring run to learn what is involved. Information for registration is supplied on the link on the website.
Haida Gwaii Naturalist Perspective - Birds and Plants (part 2)
One of the many things that I enjoyed about our recent trip to Haida Gwaii was being able to visit a number of abandoned Haida villages which are hosted by Haida Watchmen and also having the opportunity to get off the boat for kayaking and nature walks. There was so much to see and learn during this trip - I felt like a sponge - in a good way! The coastal islands have such a diverse ecosystem with their rock and sand beaches, shear cliffs, old growth forests, natural hot springs, protected inlets and bays, fresh water streams and bogs.
Bogs you may be wondering - why would she be so excited about a bog? Well our most learned guide, Danny Katt
Kayaking Trip - how it went
I’m a planner - I think that anyone who knows me or has read a few editions of this blog will know that. I mean I have an app with photos of all my clothes which I use to make detailed packing lists for trips - as I said I’m a planner.
This trip - I was not a planner - in fact I was so out of sync with my usual approach that when asked where we were going a few days before our vacation - I struggled to articulate anything beyond Northern British Columbia and inland passage. Our friends actually pointed out to us where we were going. This is sooooo not like either Kory or me.
Making Mountain Bluebird Nestboxes
A couple of years ago I found out that a work colleague was also into birding and that he had a mountain bluebird nest box monitoring run. For those not familiar with this program, it started in the 1970’s when mountain bluebird numbers were on the decline due to loss of nesting habitat. They typically nest in tree cavities at the edge of wooded areas and are quite particular about where they nest.
There is also a lot of competition for nest locations amongst other birds
Birding
I think that my interest in birds surprises people as I don’t necessarily fit the stereotypical view of a bird photographer and I think it’s likely time to debunk that stereotype. Many different people (young and old) have found pleasure in bird watching and photographing them as it’s an interest that can be practiced on a short neighbourhood walk or a more lengthy birding destination trip. The stereotype of someone wearing a multi pocketed khaki coloured vest bulging with various birding accessories and a pair of