Ralph spotted this female Red-Necked Phalarope in the French Creek area, she is on her way to the northern tundra to breed. The females are larger and more brightly coloured and they pursue the males and it is the males who raise the young!
Photography courtesy of Ralph Hocken
Ralph was at the right place to photograph this Great Northern Diver or Common Loon and it’s amazing red eye. Imaging the loonie in your pocket with ruby eyes!
Ralph’s timing was just right as these Black Turnstones land on a large rock in Parksville. A very dramatic bird to see in flight, and interesting to watch as they look for food amongst the rocks and shells.
Photography courtesy of Ralph Hocken.
Making a mid flight call this Black Brant was spotted flying along the shores of Qualicum. Ralph identified that the leg band was placed on the bird at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, in Western Alaska. It was probably banded during the 1999 breeding season.
Make sure you keep your dogs off the beach during the Brant Season. Help them make it back to Alaska!
Photography courtesy of Ralph Hocken.
Ralph’s timing was perfect to find this meeting of Barrow’s Goldeneyes in Parksville. Hope all your meetings this week turn out to be mutually beneficial and productive!
Wow! Ralph had great timing once again to catch this Glaucous Gull in Nanaimo wasting no time getting his herring dinner finished up.
Photography courtesy of Ralph Hocken.