PHOTO: American Kestrels by Pat Smart…..
13 Delta Naturalists met at Lighthouse Marine Park in Point Roberts, USA.
Close to shore were Common Loons and Horned Grebes – some still in colourful breeding plumage. These were joined by Harlequins, Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Mergansers and Surf Scoters. Many Pelagic Cormorants with their white-rumped breeding plumage flew by and one stopped to put on a show swallowing a fish.
As usual, we commandeered a passerby to take our first group photo. Lori S agreed while I held her dog. And she later turned it into an art work. Oystercatchers flew by and further along was a small group of Black Turnstones. Three Bald Eagles put on a flying show and then one landed on a house, looking like a weathervane. Turning away from the water, we heard a Killdeer very close. But it was so well camouflaged that we nearly stepped on it before we saw it. It stood very still, then sat down on its nest. Strangely, it did not try to lead us away with a broken wing dance – and there was no sign of its mate. In the bushes were Robins, Towhees, Starlings, Song Sparrows and Juncos. Owl whisperer Christine found a pair of Great Horned Owls. They were very well hidden high in the branches, but we managed to get some photographs. It was here that Debbi joined us and led us across the road where she had heard Savannah Sparrows. House Finches, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets were here as well. Paul took our second group photo including two missing from the first photo. Back at the shore, we had a good look at a Sea Lion popping up and down.
Our next stop was the east side of the marina. In the water were a Common Loon and Horned Grebe – both in breeding plumage – and a Common Goldeneye and a Pelagic Cormorant. A Northern Flicker landed on the top of a sailboat mast. Across the road was a Killdeer with a group of Starlings.
We drove to the jetties on the other side of the marina. Logs make beach access difficult but on the water were Red-breasted Mergansers and Horned Grebes. Harlequins were in their usual spot around the corner, along with Oystercatchers, Scaup and Bufflehead. A Kingfisher flew by. In the open, area two pairs of Killdeer did the broken wing dance to lead us from their nests.
Our last stop was Seabright Farm to look for the resident Kestrel. Lidia spotted it on top of a distant snag. Later its mate landed beside it. A female and two Rufous Hummingbirds were displaying. Red-flowering Currant and Oregon Grape were in full bloom, and the ground was covered with blooming Red Deadnettle.
It was another very enjoyable morning outing.
Report by Terry Carr
The outing on Saturday, April 6, is to Ladner Harbour Park. Meet at 8 am in the parking lot by the caretaker’s residence and playground. 4905 Mcneelys Way, Delta (off River Rd).
The outings on Tuesday & Wednesday, April 9 & 10, are to North 40 in East Ladner (3902 72nd St, Delta). Meet at 8 am in the parking area on Ontario St. From Hwy 10 turn south onto 72nd St. Turn left into North 40 Dog Park on Ontario St (before you get to the railway crossing).
To sign up for an outing, click on the DNS bird outing schedule sheet.
Delta Naturalists Society 