Delta Naturalists Society

Eight birders met at the Viewpoint on Old Marine Drive below the UBC Botanical Garden – Debbi, Lorna, Janet, Susan, Lee, Jacquie with her Italian visitor Fio from Genova, and Terry.

On the river below and flying above, were Canada Geese, Gulls, noisy Caspian Terns, Eagles, Cormorants, Swallows, Crows and a Raven. In the foliage along the roadside we saw or heard Cedar Waxwings, Robins, Cowbirds, Anna’s Hummingbirds, Pacfic-slope Flycatchers, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pacific Wren, Towhees, Song Sparrows, Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Wilson’s, Townsend’s and Yellow-rumped Warblers. A Swainson’s Thrush gave us an unusually long view.

We moved the cars up to the garden parking lot before the 10am opening time to check that area before going into the garden. There were Bushtits, and in the Thimbleberries were 2 Bumble Bee species. We had a brief sighting of a singing MacGillivray’s Warbler, which was first recorded at the garden earlier this month.

At the garden, we were joined by Marion, Dottie and Bob which brought our group up to eleven. Debbi, who is a member of Friends of UBC Botanical Garden (FOGs), shared her knowledge of the garden and her amazing ability to bird by ear. High in cedar trees near the entrance we saw a Cowbird and a female Western Tanager.

Walking through the garden, we added Rufous Hummingbird, White-crowned Sparrow, Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, House Finch, Purple Finch and Red-winged Blackbird. Warbling Vireos and Wilson’s Warblers kept us busy trying to spot them moving quickly through the canopy. Views of blooming plants and the dry weather added to a very enjoyable outing.
Terry Carr

Photos on flickr

Debbi’s eBird lists
Old Marine Drive
UBC Botanical Garden