As August 2021 rolls in we are still dealing with nearby wildfires and near-constant smoky conditions in the Logan Lake and Nicola Valley areas. But there are some semi-clear days when it is good to be out exploring nature. Here are some more photos from Mamit Lake, just 12 km from our home, where we often go paddling in small kayaks – perfect for drifting up to birds and other wildlife for closer looks and photos.
In late summer Mamit Lake acts as a stopping place for shorebirds migrating south from their breeding grounds further north. For many species this means the high arctic tundra, so it is always a treat to see them here.
Long-billed Dowitchers are regulars at Mamit Lake in late July through September. On August 3rd there were 6 in one flock – these are some of them, still in their breeding plumage. Photo: © Alan Burger
Greater Yellowlegs are also regulars at Mamit Lake in late summer. This looks like a juvenile bird with fresh plumage. Mamit Lake, 3 August 2021. Photo: © Alan Burger
Lesser Yellowlegs can often be found alongside the Greaters. Their smaller size and shorter bills are diagnostic features, especially when they are seen close to Greaters. Mamit Lake, 3 August 2021. Photo: © Alan Burger
Our smallest sandpiper, aptly named Least Sandpiper, is easily recognized by its greenish-yellow legs. Mamit Lake, 3 August 2021. Photo: © Alan Burger
Semipalmated Sandpiper is marginally larger than Least and can be separated from that species by its thicker, straight bill, blackish legs and slightly different plumage. Mamit Lake, 3 August 2021. Photo: © Alan Burger
Here we have two peeps (small sandpipers) side-by-side: Semipalmated at the back and Least in front. Note the differences in their leg colour, beak shape and plumage. Mamit Lake, 3 August 2021. Photo: © Alan Burger
Mamit Lake is unusually full in 2021, with many lake margins covered with emergent vegetation. This has provided good feeding opportunities for Wilson’s Snipe and they are much more conspicuous than in previous years. Mamit Lake, 3 August 2021. Photo: © Alan Burger
Spotted Sandpipers breed on many of the gravel and sand beaches of Mamit Lake and by the end of July most of the chicks are flying and semi-independent. Notice that there is still a tuft of chick down on the neck of this juvenile. Mamit Lake, 3 August 2021. Photo: © Alan Burger
In late summer Mamit Lake is loaded with waterfowl – including many recently-fledged juveniles. This adult female Green-winged Teal had a brood of 5 almost-full-grown ducklings nearby. Mamit Lake, 3 August 2021. Photo: © Alan Burger
The hundreds of ducks and dozens of shorebirds on Mamit Lake have attracted an immature Peregrine Falcon. 3 August 2021. Photo: © Alan Burger
Several pairs of Bald Eagles breed around Mamit Lake. Judging by the size of this nest, it has been used by eagles for many years, with another layer of sticks added each year. Mamit Lake, 3 August 2021. Photo: © Alan Burger
These two Great Blue Herons are newly-fledged juveniles, part of a family that was flapping around Mamit Lake on 3rd August 2021. © Alan Burger
A close look at one of the juvenile Great Blue Herons. Mamit Lake, 3 August 2021. Photo: © Alan Burger
Beavers are an unusual sight on Mamit Lake. This one emerged near my kayak and immediately got my attention by slapping its tail like a gunshot. It had a water-level burrow in one of the shoreline mudbanks. Mamit Lake, 3 August 2021. Photo: © Alan Burger
There were few shorebirds on 12 August – not surprising since the air was full of smoke and there were advancing fires near Logan Lake. In fact the town was given an evacuation order later that day so we left. But here are a few photos from 12 August.
Buffleheads – some of these are nearly full-grown ducklings. Mamit Lake 12 August 2021 © Alan Burger
This newly-fledged juvenile Sora was very curious about my slowly drifting kayak. This species is normally very secretive and hard to see. Mamit Lake 12 August 2021 © Alan Burger
Killdeer breed on the shores of the lake and at times one can see over a dozen around the lake. Mamit Lake 12 August 2021 © Alan Burger
Willow Flycatchers are fairly common in the shrubs bordering the lake. This is a newly-fledged juvenile with brownish wing bars and unworn plumage. Mamit Lake 12 August 2021 © Alan Burger
This group of Mule Deer were wading along the shore. Note the bambi – this year’s fawn. Mamit Lake 12 August 2021 © Alan Burger
By 22 August the evacuation order of Logan Lake had been lifted, after fires had come very close to engulfing our town. We could once again bring our little kayaks to Mamit Lake. This time there were lots of shorebirds, with 11 species noted. Here are a few:
Greater Yellowlegs are regulars at Mamit Lake in late summer and fall – on 22 August there were 8 along the shore. © Alan Burger
Lesser Yellowlegs are also regularly found on the lake shoreline. © Alan Burger
By the end of August Least Sandpipers are generally the most common shorebird stopping at Mamit Lake. On 22 August 2021 there were at least 20 present. Note the yellowish legs which distinguish this species from other peep sandpipers. © Alan Burger
Wilson’s Snipe breed in the marshes around Mamit Lake. It is somewhat unusual to see one out in the open mudflat; they are usually among vegetation and harder to see. © Alan Burger
This Long-billed Dowitcher is a newly-fledged juvenile but has already flown hundreds of km from its arctic tundra birthplace. Mamit Lake, 22 August 2021. © Alan Burger
The first Pectoral Sandpipers appeared on 22 August at Mamit Lake. This species is identified by the speckled breast with a sharp lower margin, yellowish legs and a slightly down-curved bill. © Alan Burger
A highlight of my visit on 22 August was the sudden appearance of a huge scattered flock of over 160 Black Swifts. They were moving just ahead of a strong storm front which brought very welcome rain to our fire-ravaged area. True to their name these birds fly very fast and are hard to photograph.
Black Swifts over Mamit Lake, 22 August 2021. © Alan Burger
Part of a group of seven Great Blue Herons resting on the shore at Mamit Lake, 22 August 2021. © Alan Burger
For more photos from Mamit Lake in July 2021 click here: Mamit Lake July 2021
For more photos of Mamit Lake wildlife in 2020 click here: Mamit Lake August 2020
or here Mamit Lake September 2020
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