Delta Naturalists Society

Four birders met on a cloudy, cool morning in the Ladner Harbour Park parking lot – Jack, Roger, Jonathan and Lorraine. We were serenaded by throngs of Robins and Song Sparrows.

After about a ten minute wait to see if any other Nats appeared, we set off. Our first stop was the bird feeders in the back of the caretaker’s house. There we spotted an American Goldfinch couple, eating a yummy breakfast of seeds. Following the calls of birds, we continued along the new pathway. We saw a Bald Eagle flying over, a Barn Swallow, American Crows, Red-winged Blackbirds, Black-capped Chickadees and a House Finch. There appeared to be no activity in the Eagle’s nest.

At the bridge, Jack pointed out there was a beaver dam underneath the bridge that caused the different water levels on either side. As we looked towards the river, we saw several Anna’s Hummingbirds. One hummer in particular seemed determined to pose for the photogs. In a far tree we saw a flock of 5 Cedar Waxwings.

At the next bridge, Jack flew his drone with attached camera to do an overview of the marsh area in an attempt to spot any other species. A real technological advance in our birding techniques! Jack decided to stay and work further with his drone.

As the rest of the group turned back, a Yellow Warbler flew across our path. A Flicker greeted us as we crossed the picnic area. We saw little as we walked through the trees, and Roger commented that he had never known it to be so quiet. Jonathan looked up and spotted a Barred Owl just snoozing in a tree. No one seemed to be home in the Downy Woodpecker nest that had been occupied earlier in the season.

We continued on around the perimeter of the dog park through beautiful yellow broom. At the viewing platform we saw Canada Geese and Mallards leisurely swimming among the boats in the harbour. Three House Sparrows in mating plumage were feeding in the grass by the red Harbour Master’s house. Along the road, Bushtits darted from tree to tree, and a Black-headed Grosbeak was heard. Tree swallows swooped here and there high above the car park. Roger made a detailed count and determined there were exactly 27. Amazing!

At 10:30 we decided to head for home and a second cup of coffee.
Lorraine Mwenifumbo

Photos are on Flickr