Delta Naturalists Society

The forecast was for wet weather, but five birders had a good hour in Point Roberts before the rain started. Mike, Lorna and Terry stopped at Kiniski’s where a juvenile Bald Eagle and a flock of Double-crested Cormorants were perched on the pilings.

At Lighthouse Marine Park we met up with Debbi and Point Roberts Paul. The tide was very low and it was cool but there was no wind. Common Loons and Horned Grebes were diving close to shore and two Bald Eagles were sitting on the lighthouse tower. Flying by were Cormorants, White-winged and Surf Scoters, Red-breasted Mergansers and Long-tailed Ducks. A Glaucous-winged Gull with a starfish was being harassed by other gulls. Farther along, two pairs of Harlequin Ducks were diving close to shore. We did not set up the scope but in the distance we could see Pigeon Guillemots and Western Grebes.

Since it looked like the rain was approaching, we turned around and walked back to the cars. Flitting back and forth across the path were two relatively rare Lapland Longspurs. There were also House Finches, Juncos, Starlings, Crows, Herons, a Song Sparrow, a Chickadee, a Flicker and a rabbit. High above, a large flock of Robins flew over.

We drove to the pond on Edwards Drive. On the water were Canada and Cackling Geese, Mallards and Greater Scaup. A Belted Kingfisher caught a fish on the far side.

Our next brief stop was at the western side of the marina where we had a closer view of a Belted Kingfisher perched on a boat. While driving to the other side of the marina, we saw a Red-tailed Hawk and a male Northern Harrier. Before we got to the marina the heavy rain began – so we called it a day. With any luck, the rain will stop in time for the Wednesday outing.
Terry Carr

Photos on Flickr

Debbi’s eBird checklists
Lighthouse Park (incl the pond) 32 species
Near the marina 9 species

Next Tuesday & Wednesday we will go to
Iona Beach Regional Park in Richmond
via Templeton St & Ferguson Rd
Meet at 8:30am by the washrooms.

To sign up for future DNCB outings go to the signup form and put an x by your name.