Delta Naturalists Society

Four Delta Nats (Christine, Roger, John W and Terry) met at Brunswick Point. Although there had been heavy rain the previous day and night, we had a dry, relatively warm morning. We grumbled about the new parking lot being so far from the previous parking area and that the city has not provided a portable toilet.

Small flocks of Trumpeter Swans, Cormorants, European Starlings, Eurasian Collared-Doves and Rock Pigeons flew by. Several White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows were feasting on some discarded vegetables, and a Downy Woodpecker was busy in a nearby tree. There was the usual group of Double-crested Cormorants at the pilings. Huge shorebird murmurations passed back and forth – probably Dunlin. Short-eared Owls and Northern Harriers were patrolling the marsh. We heard, but did not see, Virginia Rails. Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons posed all along the way.

We were very excited to see a Northern Shrike and two Western Meadowlarks in the same bush. There were thousands of ducks in the water – Wigeon, Mallards, Shovelers, Green-winged Teal and Gadwall. Also added to our list were House Finches, Towhees, Robins, Juncos, Bushtits, Chickadees, Red-winged Blackbirds, Song Sparrows, Golden-crowned Kinglet and Flicker. We were surprised that we did not see Killdeer or Snipe.

Just before we got back to our cars an American Kestrel flew past – making a nice ending to another enjoyable outing.
Terry Carr

Photos on Flickr

eBird checklist

Next Tuesday & Wednesday (Dec 12 & 13) the outings will be to
Boundary Bay Dyke at 64th St.
Meet at the south end of 64th St at 830 am.

SUNDAY Dec 17
LADNER CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT (including Tsawwassen).
If you can help in Tsawwassen please contact Anne Murray birdingannie@gmail.com
For other areas in the Ladner count contact Yousif Attia ysattia@gmail.com