Delta Naturalists Society

We met at Ladner Harbour Park at 8am on a cool, dry morning. Roger saw a Pied-billed Grebe by the bridge before the parking lot.

Our walk began along the recently completed Shirley’s Path with its impressive new bridge; then continued along the usual loop through the trees to the river and the viewing platform. Very few birds appeared. They included Starlings, Bald Eagle, Marsh Wrens, Anna’s Hummingbirds, Towhees and Song Sparrows. A Snipe flew out of its usual spot and disappeared into the reeds. Several noisy groups of Snow Geese flew overhead. Back at the parking lot we tried to photograph some very active Ruby-crowned Kinglets.

Our next walk was along the slough on the east side of Ferry Road. There were large groups of American Wigeon and Wood Ducks in the slough. Again the birds were very sparse but we did see Bushtits, Golden-crowned Sparrows and a Flicker.

Some of us carried on to Boundary Bay Dyke at 104^th since it was two hours before high tide when ducks and shorebirds are pushed towards the shore. The timing was perfect to see huge numbers of Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Black-bellied Plovers (with black armpits), Dunlin, Sanderling, and Pectoral Sandpipers. A Merlin flew by and raised some of the ducks and shorebirds.
Terry Carr

Photos on flickr