PHOTO: Black-headed Grosbeak by Terry Carr……
Five Delta Nats met at Campbell Valley Regional Park in Langley – Lidia, Jacquie, Dottie, Terry and Christine.
Beside the parking lot we followed the sound of two Wilson’s Warblers, but we could not find them. We did see Song Sparrows, Robins, Cowbirds and Towhees. An Eastern Grey Squirrel ran up a tree. Later we saw and heard many native Douglas Squirrels. At the bridge was a Mallard with two ducklings. A singing Common Yellowthroat finally showed itself.
The ground was carpeted with Western Lily of the Valley, Starry False Solomon’s Seal, Bleeding Heart and more. Dottie helped us identify many more plants – then she spotted a tiny animal moving slowly through the brambles. It’s long nose identified it as a shrew. It is waiting for iNaturalist confirmation that it is a Trowbridge’s Shrew.
We finally got good looks at a singing Swainson’s Thrush. A large nest in the distance appeared to be empty, but photos showed a Robin sitting in it. A Black-capped Chickadee disappeared into a nest hole. We were surprised not to see more begging Chickadees here. We heard and saw Black-headed Grosbeaks high above us. A Heron and an Eagle flew over. Rufous Hummingbirds were perched on high twigs.
Following the path a little way past the fork to the Singing Bridge we saw a medium sized frog in a stream. Photos confirmed that it was the native Northern Red-legged Frog – skin ridges and no visible eardrum. Then we heard and saw a tapping Red-breasted Sapsucker. There were more Grosbeaks in the distance. A Bewick’s Wren and a Steller’s Jay sat long enough for photos. At the Singing Bridge – as promised – we had a Black-headed Grosbeak, up close and personal. We also had good views of Yellow Warblers here. Their bright yellow colour made them easy to spot in the foliage.
We walked up the hill to the pond where we saw the huge resident Bullfrogs, along with damseflies and dragonflies. A large garter snake appeared briefly. On the way back to the cars we added Bushtits and more plants. Chickadees, bees and dragonflies were active along here too.
On the way home, Lidia, Christine and I decided to drive to the nearby Fergus Biodiversity Preserve. Walking along the boardwalk and path loop there we added White-crowned and Savannah Sparrows, Barn Swallows, Tree Swallows, Violet-green Swallows, a Band-tailed Pigeon, a Flicker and more bees.
Report by Terry Carr
Photos are on Flickr
The next Saturday outing (May 18) will be to Delta Nature Reserve.
Meet at 8 am at the Planet Ice parking lot,10388 Nordel Court, North Delta.
The next Tuesday & Wednesday outings (May 21 & 22) will be to Ladner Harbour Park, 4905 Mcneelys Way, Ladner (off River Rd).
Meet at 8 am in the parking lot by the caretaker’s residence.
To sign up for future outings go to the signup form and put an x by your name.
https://tinyurl.com/dncb-signup
Delta Naturalists Society 