Delta Naturalists Society

We had an eccentric group of 10 birders on a rainy and discombobulated outing to Point Roberts this morning. First-timer Judy Kilcup along with Anne’s present and future New York City children, Catharine & Chris, were welcomed by the regulars. Photo evidence of the group taken at Petra’s (without Roger and photog Don), along with a few shots of some birds we saw today (taken by Rochelle) are attached. Following introductions, a driving tour of Tsawwassen in search of a Passport and chats with US Customs, we all eventually met up at Lighthouse Park. The tide was high and the temperature was not too cold (~9 degrees C), but the off-and-on drizzling rain was more than a nuisance (e.g. constantly fogged-up bins).  However, we (that’s the “Royal we” which does not necessarily include me) had some neat sightings; including: lots of Common Loons (and a Red-throated but no Pacific’s seen), Surf Scoters (and probably White-winged, but no Black seen), Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Harlequin Ducks, Greater Scaup, three Cormorant species (Double-crested, Pelagic and Brandt’s), Brant Geese and Pigeon Guillemots in their white Winter plumage. A flock of about 20 Black Turnstones entertained us as they were feeding along the shore, up-close-and-personal, with a few Sanderlings joining them.  We walked the bush trail back to the parking lot, and between chats, we saw a few birds, including nice looks at Golden-crowned Kinglets and Fox and Song Sparrows.

At the pond down the road from the Park, was a flock of Scaup along with a few American Wigeon and Mallards. Several Bald Eagles and many Robins and Great-Blue Herons around.  Near the marina, White-crowned Sparrows posed for us while a couple of Northern Flickers and a small flock of Sanderlings flew by. We scoped the resident Red-tailed Hawk. A lone Red-breasted Merganser was among a raft of Surf Scoters close to shore. It was close to Noon and we were soaked, so we got gas, a packet of Mike & Ike’s and returned to Canada. I like to bitch; that being said, I had a ball this morning.

Tom Bearss

Surf Scoters in deep water off Point Roberts