Ron Wilson shares images he captured of feathered friends enjoying the marshlands near Oasis, offering a timely glimpse into the avian activity unfolding this time of year in Greater Trail.
Among the images is a family of American Coots gliding across calm marsh water.
The adult, with its characteristic dark body and stark white facial shield, leads several fuzzy chicks with orange-tinged heads and downy grey plumage.
American Coots are not ducks but rather rail family members, and they thrive in the region’s wetlands, including the ponds and lakes near Trail and along the Columbia River.
This species nests in floating vegetation and can often be observed during early summer escorting broods across local waterways.
Another image shows a striking yellow-rumped warbler, perched delicately on a twig.
This small songbird is instantly recognizable by the bright yellow patches on its throat and sides, with an additional splash of yellow on its rump giving the species its name.
Warblers are regular migratory visitors to the West Kootenay, favouring open forests and riparian zones for nesting.
Their presence marks the return of spring and the richness of biodiversity in the local ecosystem.
Also captured is the sharp silhouette of a red-winged blackbird, its black plumage accented by brilliant red and yellow shoulder patches.
This territorial songbird is a familiar sight and sound in local marshes.
Males arrive early in the season to stake out nesting areas, their distinctive calls ringing out across the cattails and reeds.
These birds are among the most abundant in the Kootenays' wetland habitats, thriving in areas with tall vegetation and standing water.
Together, Wilson’s photographs offer a snapshot of the diverse birdlife that flourishes in the natural spaces surrounding Trail.
With wetland habitats supporting breeding, nesting and migration, the region remains an important refuge for many bird species, and a rewarding place for birdwatchers and nature photographers alike.
