Hooded mersangers at the shoal 9-06

I saw these birds on the shoal for a couple of days in a row.

I had to use to use the binos to see what they were.

they were HOODED MERSANGERS. Nice looking ducks.
the photo by Jameson is one I just picked off the net.

I have been looking into digibirding or digiscoping over the last few years. What you do is atttach a digital camera to an expensive spotting scope. my favorite site for this is:

MIKES DIGISCOPING AND BIRDING BLOG

his shots are amazing. I might spring this income tax return for a scope. I'm drooling now just thinking about it!

DI September 2006

More september shots in the woods.

The second picture is of a big hole under some rocks. The dogs
are always very interested and give the area a complete smell check.
Must be some critter that lives under there.

Woods and Dogs September 2006

There is nothing better than to walk in the woods and take in
all she has to offer.

Drummond woods leave me in a happy mood........

We cut over the fields....straight as the crow flies. September 2006

This crow was waiting by the ferry on my trip off the Island. He (or she) was very inquisitive.
The crow and my dogs spent about 10 minutes looking at each other before he flew off.

While I was on the island I was reading a book about Crows. It is:

IN THE COMPANY OF CROWS AND RAVENS

here it is

I believe the bird above is an American Crow.
Corvus Brachyrhynchos

Corvids have a long history as inspiration for Legend, Literature, and Art.

I especially like the art of the Pacific Northwest.

Another interesting fact I had never heard of. Crow in criminal parlance, means one who keeps watch while another steals. Members of a burglary team, called crows, assist by remaining outside as the crime was being committed and kept watch. They alert the burglars inside if someone is coming. Flocking Corvids are known to post sentinels that will alert their feeding brethren if danger approaches.

"well,Ile breake in: go borrow me a crow
-Shakespeare, The comedy of errors, 1590