Delta Naturalists Society

More photos on the DNCB Picasa website

Seventeen DNCBers converged on Mill Lake, Abbotsford, on a gusty dull August day, the group from Petra’s being unusually late.  There were few birds to be seen on the 2.7 km walk around the lake, which included a variety of habitats from open park, many tall trees, lots of scrub by the water, reeds, the lake,  forested area, lots of viewpoints, areas of stony beach and generally what could be great habitat during the right season.  Many ducks use this lake during the spring and winter, including Ruddy Ducks in the spring, which stay there until they leave to nest elsewhere.  There were lots of Blackberries as well.  A lovely boardwalk over the water at the west side of the lake can be very productive on a good day.  Our trip ended with a well needed rain, and many decided to go to eat or have coffee.

Our first sighting was a Pied-billed Grebe which was difficult to spot, but which became easier to find as we advanced around the lake.  One was exciting enough, but when the count became four later on, we became jaded.  We were entertained by a pair of Steller’s jays, an Eight-spotted Dragonfly that didn’t seem to be doing too well, Tom getting hung up on a blackberry vine, Northwestern Crows, many Canada Geese, Mallard Ducks, an empty Bald Eagle’s nest, one Great Blue Heron, a lovely Catalpa tree with long bean-like seed pods hanging from it, American Coots, white lily pads galore, a green cricket, and a blooming Monkey Puzzle tree.  Some heard and/or saw a Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, and Cedar Waxwing.  Maureen managed to find and photograph a Spotted Sandpiper.

Next week, Wed. August 12, we will leave Petra’s at 7:30 am to go to Rocky Point, Port Moody.  Meet at Murray St. parking lot around 8:30 am.  Map at https://goo.gl/4hteU9, directions at https://dncb.wordpress.com/maps/#rockypoint