PHOTO: Common Goldeneye by Terry Carr…….
Four DNCBers met at Deas Island Regional Park – Christine, Lorna, Dorothy and Terry. There was light rain – but it tapered off as we followed our usual route.
On the river were Red-breasted Mergansers and Double-crested Cormorants. Robins and two Canada Geese were feeding on the shore. In the slough were Mallards, Bufflehead, Scaup and Common Goldeneye.
Christine searched carefully for Great Horned Owls in the places that they have nested in the past – but no luck. Indian Plum was blooming all through the park and a few Salmonberry bushes had flowers. Skunk Cabbage was just starting to appear. There were signs of recent beaver activity.
Bald Eagles were perched everywhere. We soon added Towhees, Juncos, Song Sparrows and Chickadees. Anna’s Hummingbirds were zipping around. We heard, but did not see, Flickers. A Brown Creeper climbed up a dead stump.
Back at the parking area we heard and then saw a Belted Kingfisher fly from the river and up the slough. It did not stop for a photo. In the slough, Common Goldeneye males were performing their courtship display. The male would raise its neck upwards and then bring it back down low to the water surface before arching his head backwards and kicking up water, making a splash to display to the female.
It was good to be out in the fresh air, and we did not get too wet.
Report by Terry Carr
Photos are on flickr
Next Tuesday & Wednesday (March 18 & 19) the outings will be to Burnaby Lake Regional Park
Meet at 9 am by the Nature House (4519 Piper Ave) at the south end of Piper Ave (off Winston St).
To sign up for an outing, click on the DNS bird outing schedule sheet.
Delta Naturalists Society 