PHOTO: Mallard Family by Susan Gemeihardt…………
Six DNCBers met at 8am at the TFN ponds on a brisk morning – intrepid leader Chris together with David, Noreen, Jim and Susan. Although the temperature was 17 the cold wind brought the temperature down.
We were greeted by the usual Yellow-bellied Marmot together with an Eastern Cottontail Rabbit. Marsh Wrens were instantly chirping together with the noisy Red-winged Blackbirds. There were many Mallards in the ponds together with an American Wigeon and a solo Pied-billed Grebe. A total of 13 bird species were seen.
At Reifel we were greeted by Lynne, Warren, Jeff and Newbie Dawne. Dawne had tried to find us at TFN but was unsuccessful. Its not an easy location to find. The wind dropped and we started to shed out outer clothing.
There were many young birds around as families are leaving the nests. We tried to go our usual route but the northern trail was closed so we detoured via the ponds cutting back up to join the northern trail. There were mosquitos on the trail. Those of us wearing shorts started to question our choices.
At this time of year there aren’t too many different birds. We did manage to see both Pied-billed Grebe and Cinnamon Teal. It was also noted there there were so many Marsh Wrens. Midway on the Southern Trail we spotted a Mink. A total of 33 bird species were seen here.
Pleasant walks with good company.
David and Noreen saw a Northern Shrike along the main road on the power lines when they headed home.
Report by Chris McVittie
Photos are on flickr
eBird checklists:
41B Pond & Dyke
Reifel
UPCOMING OUTINGS:
SUNDAY, JUNE 7: Reifel Bird Sanctuary
Meet at Reifel at 9 AM. DNS has been booked as a group. You do not need to book parking – just tell the gatekeeper that you are part of the DNS group booking.
Non-Reifel members will need to pay admission.
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9 & 10: Joe Brown Park, Surrey
Meet at 8 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 