PHOTO: Northern Flicker by Terry Carr…..
10 Delta Nats met at the 8th Avenue entrance to Aldergrove Regional Park in Langley – Terry, Lee, Lidia, Bob, Dorothy, Connie, Vicky, Christine, Lorna, Dottie.
This huge 280 hectare Metro Vancouver Park used to be the site of man-made Aldergrove Lake which was a popular local swimming hole. Metro Vancouver had grandfathered the lake from the previous owner who operated it as a part of a private, commercial campground beginning in the 1960’s. But in 2011 it was decided to fill in the lake. There were serious environmental risks due to it being next to a sensitive habitat. Chlorine had been used to keep the water clean and it could have damaged the surrounding ecosystem. The former lake is now the site of the Nature Discovery Area.
High in the treetops, Merlin heard and we saw, Robins, Flickers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Evening Grosbeaks, Steller’s Jays, Western Wood-Pewees, Willow Flycatchers and Purple Finches. In the Nature Discovery Area, Christine found a very cute Townsend’s Vole. It ran along the path and then thought it was hiding by sitting very still. We soon added Orange-crowned Warbler, Chickadees, Song Sparrows, Juncos, Starlings, Red-winged Blackbirds, Bewick’s Wren, Swainson’s Thrush and Downy Woodpecker.
Lee spotted a Pileated Woodpecker land on a large snag and we all had a good clear view. Anna’s Hummingbirds were active, including 3 that were ascending and diving together. There was no activity in the small pond. We had hoped to see the Bittern that we saw here last August.
After returning to our cars, we drove to the Aldergrove Bowl entrance to the park on Lefeuvre Road, where we walked around the large pond. This area of the park was not as birdy – maybe because it was later in the day. We did see a few of the same birds and there was a Mallard in the pond. The warmer temperature brought out some dragonflies and other insects. Back by the parking lot a flock of Cedar Waxwings landed in a nearby tree and were joined by a Swainson’s Thrush.
This was a very pleasant morning outing in a new area for many. The drive was pleasant, too, because we took Zero Avenue which had very little traffic, no trucks and no traffic lights.
Report by Terry Carr
Photos are on Flickr
Next Tuesday & Wednesday (Aug 26 & 27) the outings will be to Terra Nova Rural Park in Richmond.
Meet at 8 am by Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment, 2340 River Rd. (at the west end of River Rd and west of the north end of No 1 Rd).
Delta Naturalists Society 