PHOTO: Long-billed Dowitchers & Great Blue Heron by Colin Huggett……..
Our group met at the White Rock Pier at 9am sharp. We were Freddie, Claude, Colin, Stephanie, Brian, Louise, Richard, Lindly, Bruce and Nicki. Margaretha joined us at Blackie Spit.
Basking in the unseasonably warm morning, we scanned both sides of the pier to find the usual Surf and White-winged Scoters and Buffleheads. At the breakwater we used the scope to scan some far off grebes which turned out to be both Red-necked and Western species. We also had Black Oystercatchers and Black Turnstones on the breakwater and learned the difference between Anchovies and Pacific Herring from a fisherman. There were also both Pacific and Common Loons. We soon made our way back to the parking lots and then headed off to Blackie Spit.
The group headed out to the spit where the waters were not super productive for birds but we did spot a couple of Eurasian Wigeon, a Common Goldeneye and more loons and Buffleheads. Through the scope we could see a couple hundred Harbour Seals hauled out on a beach on the far shore.
Our walk through the Savenye area got interesting at the far end where we saw large flocks of Long-billed Dowitchers, some Greater Yellowlegs and several duck species. A Belted Kingfisher entertained us as we were leaving the area. As we were making our way past a marshy area and over to the forest Colin pointed out a Wilson’s Snipe to the group and with all eyes on the area, we counted at least 9 of them. This was our highlight of the day. It was a most enjoyable and relatively balmy morning.
Report by Nicki Brockamp
Photos are on flickr
eBird checklists
White Rock Pier
Blackie Spit
Next Tuesday & Wednesday (February 10 & 11) the outings will be to Boundary Bay Dyke at 64th Street.
Meet at the south end of 64th St at 9 AM.
To sign up for an outing, click on the DNS bird outing schedule sheet.
Delta Naturalists Society 