Delta Naturalists Society

11 DNCBers met at White Rock Pier on a cool dry morning – Anne, Thea, Rosemary, Colin, Stephanie, Warren, Lynne, Roger, Rayme, Debbi and Terry.

There were large numbers of Surf and White-winged Scoters close to the pier.  Also present were Mallards, Bufflehead, Common & Barrow’s Goldeneye, Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, Long-tailed Ducks, Horned & Red-necked Grebes, Pelagic Cormorants, Common and Red-throated Loons, Canada Geese and Brant.

We then drove to Stewart Farmhouse on Crescent Road for the paths in Elgin Heritage Park, and along the Nicomekl River. Roger stopped first at the west end of White Rock Beach to look for Black Scoters. He photographed some rocks with interesting scenes painted on them.

Near the farmhouse there was a Red-tailed Hawk at the top of a Douglas Fir. Ducks nearby included American Wigeon, Mallards, Green-winged Teal, Common Goldeneye and Bufflehead. We were unsuccessful in finding a Varied Thrush among the many robins around the farmhouse. But Colin spotted a Bewick’s Wren skulking in low bushes.

A highlight was a group of 36 Greater Yellowlegs in a backwater. A flock of Pine Siskins passed back and forth. On the ground was a mixed flock of House Finches, Golden-crowned Sparrows, Black-capped Chickadees and Dark-eyed Juncos. Other birds seen along the way included Anna’s Hummingbird, Purple Finch, Song Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Red-winged Blackbird, Downy Woodpecker and Bald Eagle.

Another very pleasant outing.
Terry Carr

Photos are on Flickr

Anne’s eBird lists:
White Rock Pier
Elgin Heritage Park