PHOTO: Eight-spotted Skimmer by Terry Carr…..
Fifteen Delta Nats met at Alaksen on our continuing heat wave.
From the parking area we saw a Great Blue Heron on a piling in the slough and a family of Brown-headed Cowbirds in the trees. Barn Swallows were stopping in the mud in the slough on the other side of the road. Later we saw Barn Swallows flying near the buildings and adding fresh mud to a nest.
We could not see any Barred Owls in the cedars where we have seen them in the past, but Roger did find some owl pellets. We added White-crowned Sparrows, Cedar Waxwings, Anna’s Hummingbird and House Finches. There were no ducks in the slough on the other side of the buildings, but there was a turtle on a log. Dragonflies, Damselflies and other insects were active in the sunshine.
Next we headed for the shady loop trail leading along the Fraser River. The birds were not showing themselves in the hot weather, but we did see Chickadees, Goldfinches, Robins, Juncos, Towhees and Song Sparrows. We heard but did not see Willow Flycatcher, Common Yellowthroat and Black-headed Grosbeak.
Despite the few birds seen it was a very pleasant walk and great to meet up with other Delta Nats. To make it even more pleasant, several of us stopped at Emma Lea Farm for sundaes and milk shakes.
Report by Terry Carr
Photos are on flickr.
Next Tuesday & Wednesday (July 23 & 24) outings are to Deas Island Regional Park, 6090 Deas Island Rd, Delta (off River Rd east of the Massey Tunnel). Meet at 8 am in the parking area near the rowing club.
To sign up for an outing, click on the DNS bird outing schedule sheet.
Delta Naturalists Society 