PHOTO: Ruby-crowned Kinglet by Glen Bodie….
Eleven of us gathered in the parking lot by the caretaker’s house where the feeders had plenty of seed and small birds were taking advantage of this. Glen was going to start with us on Shirley’s trail but not continue far and Margaretha joined us then keeping our total the same. Lynne & Warren, Christine & Douglas, Richard H, Chris McV, Teresa J, Noreen & David, Susan G., Glen B, Margaretha S.
Several Northern Flickers were calling as we started along Shirley’s trail with its Song Sparrows, Towhees and American Robins. Lots of boisterous Black-capped Chickadees were flittering about and Glen photographed a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and some American Goldfinch. A mature Bald Eagle was perched near the bridge, and in the opposite direction a Red-tailed Hawk could be seen. Across the marsh there were lots of ducks being lifted off by another pair of soaring and swooping Bald Eagles. Snow Geese were plentiful overhead and as we finished Shirley’s trail, 9 Cackling Geese flew over – their distinctive call and the fact they were flying in the opposite direction helped in their identification.
We looped back through the parking lot meeting Glen as he wound up and cut through the park, along the road where Margaretha and Noreen found the tasty apples, through the dog park and took the group photo at the lookout. There were a few Gulls along the river, one Ring-billed and several Glaucous-winged, although some of the latter could have been hybrids. Continuing back through the woods a noisy bird foiled the Merlin App but I’m quite certain it was a Bewick’s Wren with its own song variant. The woods were otherwise quiet except for a winter troupe of Bushtits so we ended up back at the Caretaker’s house to check the feeders before calling it a day about 11AM. The flowers under the Caretaker’s windows had several Anna’s Hummingbirds and more than a dozen Chickadees were busy along with a Downy Woodpecker at the feeders out front. All in all, the weather was great and it was just a pleasant fall morning for a walk through Ladner Harbour Park.
Report by David Hoar
Addendum by Debbi Hlady:
Wed. afternoon 3:30-4:30pm Oct 29, 2025
A fantastic mild calm clear sunny afternoon encouraged one DNS member to bird one of her favorite locations despite having mobility limitations due to an ankle cast. Late afternoon was perfect lighting conditions as the sun dropped towards the horizon. Beautiful reflections formed on the harbour slough which included a lone Pied-billed Grebe, a congregating mass of Red-winged Blackbirds, chattering Virginia Rails, Bushtits, Marsh Wrens, and Fox Sparrows. These species tend to be quite vociferous as dusk approaches.
The target bird was a Hairy Woodpecker seen the previous day by Terry Carr’s 8am Tuesday group. This bird frequents south Langley areas but is uncommon in South Delta/Richmond. Both Downy and Northern Flickers were heard, but no Hairy today!
A few skeins of Snow Geese headed to their evening roost sites along the waters edge after a day of feeding in farm fields and green areas. As I left, a silent Steller’s Jay floated to the condo buildings likely to awaken to some feeder peanuts! Ladner Harbour park is noted for an amazing three jay species congregation one year, with two rarities: Eastern Blue Jay and California Scrub Jay showing up to join our BC Provincial Bird – Steller’s Jay. Other recent rarities include an Acorn Woodpecker found by Anne Murray, and a Lesser Goldfinch.
Last but not least a quiet Merlin sat perched above the cattail marsh, likely pickling out its dinner prey! It was a very good birding day with over thirty species in an hour despite having to navigate with a wheelchair along Shirley’s loop walk, created for those less mobile for all to enjoy. I’m sure she would be very pleased!
Photos are on Flickr
ebird checklists
David’s
Debbi’s
Next Week (Tuesday only) November 4 the outing 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 