Delta Naturalists Society

Around 20 folk (I lost count) enjoyed a gorgeous Wednesday morning of birding at Pt. Roberts.  Check out the photo evidence at our DNCB Flickr site.

We met at Lighthouse Park in PR shortly after 8:00 am and the Strait was quite rough, although it was sunny and mild (Orcas were seen day before).  Some sightings from the boat launch included: both Surf and White-winged scoters (Roger saw Black Scoters later), both Pelagic and Double Crested Cormorants, Three Grebe species (Horned, Red-necked and Western), Common Loons.  We took a Group Photo here and another later at the Tower after more folk arrived.

At the Tower a flock of Sanderling on the shore was entertaining (Did someone see a Dunlin?).  A Harbour Seal looked like a Sea Lion to some.  Some saw at least one Parasitic Jaeger (our Target Bird), although several were seen later in the day, around the large flocks of Bonaparte Gulls.  We also saw Mew, Ring-billed and perhaps California Gulls (Roger?), but no Heermann’s Gull.  The very attractive Harlequin Ducks were close to shore and Killdeer occasionally flew in. Did anyone see Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots or Common Murres often seen there?

In the bushes some saw Savannah, White-crowned and Song Sparrows, both House and Purple Finches, Anna’s Hummingbirds, and Tall Rick saw a small flock of Warblers flit by.  Other common stuff around too, Northern Flickers, Towhees, Northern Harriers, photogenic Great Blue Herons.  The walk to the beach between the cottages produced more sightings of many of these same species, but nothing new.

At the Marina, no Western Meadowlarks yet (or Rock Wren), but Black Oystercatchers and at least a dozen Black Turnstones were up-close-and-personal.  I left here at 11:00 am to play Hockey, but many continued on to Lily Point Park.  A kettle of Turkey Vultures was seen there.  Not sure what else, or where people had lunch, and what they ate.  I had a couple of delicious cheap Keystone Beer after hockey (bought in PR with gas before hockey).

Next Tuesday, October 4, we will go to Queen Elizabeth Park, meeting at our regular spot near the Golf entrance parking lot around 8:15 am.

Don’t forget our monthly meeting and AGM on Tues. October 4 at Benediction Lutheran Church at 7:30 pm; guest speaker Emma Langson about “Devil in the Deep Blue Sea: Plastic!”  Also, today (Sunday) is our NatureKids event and Weiner Roast at Centennial Beach at 3:00 to 6:00 pm.  All invited.

Check out our website for more info.  Apologies for short report; I’m far too busy with golf, hockey, theatre, early Thanksgiving dinner last night, grand-parenting, etc.  Cheers: Tom

Tom Bearss, President, Delta Naturalists Society

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DNS Monthly Meeting (and AGM) on