PHOTO: Common Yellowthroat by Terry Carr
8 Delta Nats met at the North 40 Park Reserve in East Ladner. As soon as we got out of the car we heard the “witchity whichity” song of a Common Yellowthroat. It soon made a few brief appearances. It was singing in the same area at the end of our walk. In fact we heard several more on the walk and a few did show themselves.
This was the site of the Vancouver Wireless Station until 1971. The buildings in the residential community were moved away, leaving the foundations and streets as remnants. Although it is a popular off-leash dog park, it is still a good birding location and the paved streets are pleasant for walking, and there are many mature trees.
We soon had Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Savannah Sparrows, Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds, Towhees, Chickadees, Robins, Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers. There were several Bald Eagles perched and flying and some active nests. A group of crows seemed upset about something but we could not see what.
Some of us decided to drive to Beach Grove Park to see the Great Horned Owls that nest there each year. One owlet was peeking out of the nest hole. Then it hopped out beside a parent and practiced flapping its wings. Then a second one popped out and they interacted with each other. A third owlet peeked out but did not join the others. The other adult was perched in a nearby tree. It is always such a privilege to watch the owl family here every year.
Great Horned Owls by Terry Carr
Report by Terry Carr
Photos are on flickr
Upcoming Outings
Saturday, April 25: Deas Island Regional Park, 6090 Deas Island Rd, Delta (off River Rd east of the Massey Tunnel)
Meet at 10 AM in the parking area near the rowing club.
This is iNaturalist City Nature Challenge weekend.
Sunday, April 26:Centennial Beach, Tsawwassen
Meet at 10 AM in the concession/washroom parking lot.
This is iNaturalist City Nature Challenge weekend.
Tuesday & Wednesday, April 28 & 29: Joe Brown Park, Surrey
Meet at 9 AM at 5381 125A St. There should be enough room to park below the traffic circle on 125A St.
To sign up for an outing, click on the DNS bird outing schedule sheet
Delta Naturalists Society 