PHOTO: Downy Woodpecker by Terry Carr……
17 DNCBers, including several new members, met at Ladner Harbour Park on a lovely November morning.
From the parking lot we had good views of 3 Downy Woodpeckers on feeders in front of the caretaker’s house. After introductions we headed along Shirley’s Walk. With difficulty we finally focused on a small bird moving in and of the blackberries – a Pacific Wren. There were Eagles on treetops. We soon added Robins, Towhees, Juncos, Song Sparrows, Anna’s Hummingbirds, American Goldfinches, House Finches, Mallards, Flickers and a Bewick’s Wren. We heard a Virginia Rail. There were fresh beaver cuttings, including on a very large tree. A Northern Harrier was flying over the marsh, and a Cooper’s Hawk landed in a tree. There was fresh snow on the North Shore mountains with blue sky above.
Walking along the road beside the river we spotted a Pied-billed Grebe and a Heron – but no Kingfisher. Large flocks of Robins flew back and forth across the road. Heading back into the trees we were surrounded by a mixed flock of Orange-crowned Warblers, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Chickadees. Then a Yellow-rumped Warbler, a flock of Bushtits and another Downy Woodpecker appeared. Farther along a Wilson’s Snipe flew out of the marsh and along the river.
Heading back to the parking lot we heard, and some saw, a pair of Sandhill Cranes fly over. Canada Geese and Cackling Geese flew over. We had more Chickadees, Kinglets and Steller’s Jays. There was still a Downy Woodpecker at the bird feeders. As we were driving out we saw a beaver swimming in the river.
Most of us then drove to Ferry Road and walked along Windjammer Slough in bright sunshine. In the water were Wigeon, Mallards, a Coot and a Pied-billed Grebe. In the bushes were Chickadees, Juncos, Towhees, White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows, and a very noisy flock of House Sparrows. Farther along were Shovelers and a male Wood Duck. Sadly many of the large cottonwoods along this path have been cut down. There were some neat mushrooms and a dragonfly to cap off another pleasant morning outing.
Report by Terry Carr
Photos are on Flickr
eBird checklist
Ladner Harbour Park
Ferry Road
Next Tuesday & Wednesday (Nov 12 & 13) the outings will be to White Rock & Blackie Spit.
Meet at White Rock Pier at 9 am. Free parking on the waterfront until 10am.
After the pier we will go to Blackie Spit. Blackie Spit is at the NE end of McBride Ave in Crescent Beach. Park in the gravel parking lot past the paved parking lot and the sailing club.
To sign up for an outing, click on the DNS bird outing schedule sheet.
Delta Naturalists Society 