PHOTO: Northern Pintail by Brian Avent…..
We started out from the parking lot at Centennial Beach at 9am sharp. We were Bruce, Nicki, Brian, Louise, Chris, Doug, Erin, Lynne, Susan and Warren. It was overcast and although the forecast suggested we might see a shower, we never did.
Our first stop was at the pond behind the playground where we found Ruby-crowned Kinglets, several duck species, a Yellow-rumped Warbler and two Brown Creepers. There was also an Anna’s Hummingbird and several sparrow species. We headed over to the shore, but saw nothing but a lone gull floating on the water here.
We soon made our way over to the roped-off area where Brian and Louise had seen the continuing Mountain Bluebird earlier this morning. Right on cue the bird was seen on the fence posts and we watched it for a while as it was hawking insects in the washed-up eel grass. A flock of Brewer’s Blackbirds was harassing it. Excited to have seen our target bird, we made our way toward the observation tower where we got some better scope looks at the thousands of American Wigeon. Mixed in with them were Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Green-winged Teal and a few Buffleheads (and probably others). A couple of flocks of Brant flew by while we looked at the ducks.
Closer to the pumphouse, the ducks were closer to shore. We added some Long-billed Dowitchers, Greater Yellowlegs and Dunlin to the list here, along with a lone Cackling Goose. Throughout the morning Snow Geese were flying overhead in large flocks.
On the way back to the parking lot we spotted a couple of Northern Harriers and a number of the usual sparrow and finch species. Our species total was over 40 which is great for a late Fall day.
As we started making our way back on the inside trail, a Cooper’s Hawk had us guessing about it’s identity for a few minutes as it was quietly sitting in a tree with a noisy Bald Eagle.
Report by Nicki Brockamp
Photos are on Flickr
Next week (November 18 & 19) the outings will be to White Rock & Blackie Spit.
Meet at White Rock Pier at 9 AM. There is 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 