PHOTO: Harlequin Ducks by Brian Avent….
A very select group of birders gathered today at Lighthouse Park, Point Roberts, WA – Brian & Louise, Lee, newbie David and me (Anne) who was recovering from an intensive birding trip in Central America.
We started by looking for the Great Horned Owl seen by yesterday’s group and were quickly successful. After that, we turned our attention to the ocean, which was at high tide and calm. However, there were not as many birds as usual out on the water. Renowned birder Kevin was also there and told us about a recent herring spawn that attracted thousands of birds to the area. Clearly most of the birds had gorged and moved on, as the ocean was quiet. However, surprisingly, the reported, rather scruffy-looking Yellow-billed Loon – a rare species for our area – was giving good views not far off the boat ramp.
A few small flocks of Brant flew past, about 30 in all, and ducks such as Harlequins, Red-breasted Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, White-winged and Surf Scoters were scattered in the water or flew overhead. A few other species – Horned Grebe, a Black Oystercatcher and Killdeer were also observed. The sparrow bushes were also relatively quiet, but further into the park we saw House Finches, Yellow-rumped Warblers, American Goldfinches, and Chestnut-backed Chickadees.
We drove over to the jetties area, where a pair of Killdeer warned us off their nest area on the open grassland. The piles of logs still covering the beach prevented good views but a flock of 25 Harlequin Ducks, some White-winged Scoters and Red-breasted Mergansers were in the water. There were 5 Horned Grebe too.
Next stop was Seabright Farm. This location was also relatively quiet for birds, although a number of brilliant Rufous and Anna’s Hummingbird males were sat on top of the bushes. We searched and listened in vain for the Kestrel regularly seen at this spot – in fact, the group yesterday saw two here! But we were out of luck, and the trail was pretty quiet. Brian flushed two Wilson’s Snipe from the ditch, but I missed seeing them. Other birds spotted included Northern Flicker, American Crow, a few overhead Glaucous-winged Gulls and Bald Eagles, but not much else. A Bewick’s Wren called loudly but the rest of the group were already in their cars – heading home for coffee!
It was a pleasant morning in good company with some nice birds, if not too many species. My favourites of the day were the Rufous Hummingbirds flitting around the flowering currant.
Report by Anne Murray
Anne’s eBird checklists
Lighthouse Marine Park
Point Roberts Jetties
Seabright Farm
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).
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).
To sign up for an outing, click on the DNS bird outing schedule sheet.
Delta Naturalists Society 