PHOTO: Honeysuckle by Warren Fenton…..
On Wednesday, May 15, two DNCBers headed east through the morning truck parade on 16th Ave in South Surrey to the peace and quiet of Campbell Valley Regional Park. It turned out that Lynne and I (Warren) were the only participants this morning – but that was fine, it was a lovely morning.
We proceeded along the River Loop and took short side trips towards the Nature House and former Langley Speedway Bowl. From the start of the walk it was clear that the greening up of the forest would make this outing a challenging one for seeing many birds. However, hearing them was another matter. The trees were alive with bird song and thank goodness for Merlin!
Early on we encountered Towhees and a Song Sparrow and heard something like a warbler. Merlin said it was a Wilson’s Warbler and sure enough we were able to find one. Further along there were Black-headed Grosbeaks and wrens (Bewick’s – again first heard and then seen). The path seemed quieter with “hopping birds” (sparrows, chickadees, juncos) than when we have been on this trail before – due to green up and absence of seeds provided by walkers; also a few squirrels – Douglas and Eastern Gray (both phases ) and a chipmunk but not as many as in fall/winter. Wildflowers were out and outstanding – including flowering shrubs and small trees. Honeysuckle, Saskatoon, Hawthorn, etc put on a great show!
Merlin kept identifying Western Tanagers in the treetops but we could not find them. Given the similarity in the sound to Black-headed Grosbeaks, not sure if they were there or not. At the listening bridge there was one lonely female Mallard on the boardwalk – no sign of the rest of the family. Saw and heard 3 Yellow Warblers (not Canada as initially thought); Song Sparrows and (maybe) one Lincoln’s Sparrow – looked like one to me and Merlin confirmed. Also 2 swallows in the distance swooping over the valley – couldn’t determine species – too far away and too fast. A Cedar Waxwing in a snag and a Mourning Dove nearby made things interesting. A soaring Red-tailed Hawk circled over the valley as well.
Headed back towards the second bridge – lots more wildflowers. The Skunk Cabbage meadow was quiet – Grosbeaks (only one!!!) a Chickadee, a couple of Towhees and very vocal Song Sparrows. At the second bridge we were surprised not to see any more ducks – we have seen Mallards and Wood Ducks there before. One lone Canada Goose called out from somewhere. Saw a second large raptor but couldn’t ID – it was quite dark (juvenile Bald Eagle?) Heading back to the parking lot it was fairly quiet. Merlin continued to insist that there were Western Tanagers overhead!
It was a very pleasant morning. We saw/heard a total of 23 species and enjoyed the forest/wetland environment very much. Hoping for more colleagues next week – more eyes/ears and experience helps us very casual birders greatly. But anyway – a late spring morning well spent!
Report by Warren Fenton
Poppies and Bleeding Heart by Warren Fenton
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 