The fourteen DNCBers who met at Centennial Beach in Tsawwassen on a cold, wet morning, questioned their sanity. They were Roger M, Mike B1, Lorna, Glen, Jack, Jim, Jacquie, Lee, Dottie, Bob, Lindly, Joe, John, and Terry. But it was not supposed to rain until 11am!
Several Bald Eagles were keeping watch from the trees. In the field was a large flock of American Wigeon, and at least two Eurasian Wigeon. With them were Mallards, Crows, European Starlings, and beady-eyed Brewer’s Blackbirds.
In the pond were Mallards and five male Northern Shovelers. Roger got a shot of a female Common Goldeneye there. On the beach a flock of about 30 Sanderling were scurrying back and forth. Through the drizzle we identified some Brant Geese on the water.
As we walked along the dyke trail we watched (unsuccessfully) for Mountain Bluebirds. They usually pass through here in late March or early April. In fact, the cold wet weather kept most of the birds hidden. We did see Robins, Golden-crowned Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Juncos, Towhees, Red-winged Blackbirds, Chickadees, Herons, and one Northern Harrier. Although Tree Swallows have been seen, we did not see them today. In the lagoon were Green-winged Teal and a Gadwall.
We returned to the cars cold and wet at 10am. As we were leaving we heard a Northern Flicker calling. We will have to return in better weather to look for the bluebirds.
Terry Carr
Delta Naturalists Society 
Leave a comment