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Home > Grizzly Bear and Wildlife Tour Blog > Whale Watching > Wilson’s Phalaropes

Wilson’s Phalaropes

May 28, 2016 Lodge Guide

bird watching photo

Phalaropes are the only shorebirds that regularly swim in deep water. Every year in late summer, migrating Wilson’s Phalaropes put on an amazing show as enormous flocks pass through our area. There they spin round and round in the nutrient-rich waters, creating whirlpools that stir up invertebrates that will fuel their migration to South America. The flocks of birds dart about as if following a choreographed programmed flight. And yes many of the “birders” that visit Grizzly Bear Lodge want pictures.

Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles are frequently sighted in our area. At times they can be seen in large numbers. This is usually where food supplies are high. For example this could be in areas with high concentrations of baitfish or along the rivers in the fall when the salmon are spawning. They are not migratory, but do move around with the food supply. As mentioned earlier when the salmon are spawning we often see many along the rivers, while there will be fewer along the coastline. With little need for camouflage their white head and tail feathers can be spotted easily. The female is slightly larger and her white head extends down a bit farther onto the body, but it is subtle. It takes these birds 4.5 – 5 years to acquire this unique plumage. As juveniles they are a brown colour. With exceptional eyesight and the ability to view 270 degrees they are understandably often seen in high perches and in trees near points and passageways.

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