PHOTO
We met in the parking lot just before 8am. It was already a warm 23C. As folk drove into the parking lot they were greeted by Chris picking blackberries. It looks like a bumper crop this year.
There were 7 people signed up but as we introduced, the group had grown to nine. The nine were: Chris, Stephanie, Colin, Grace, Naoko, Henry, Lindly, Dawne and Alex.
We started off down the path to the wetlands. The leader ventured into the frisbee playing area. This was probably the last assertive thing he did. The group steered him back down the hill onto the ‘regular’ route. There were a number of birds flitting on this easy part of the trail. Identification of some were hard because there were a number of young birds around. We did ID Willow Flycatchers, Cedar Waxwings, Black-capped Chickadees, House Sparrows, American Robins, Northern Flickers. The temperature was starting to climb.
Birds were not as plentiful as on previous outings and there were short stretches with no activity.
We eventually arrived at the wetlands. Quickly we saw Killdeer, Pied-billed Grebes (6 in one family), Canada Geese, Red-winged Blackbirds, Song Sparrows, Willow Flycatchers. Lindly heard a Hammond’s Flycatcher. Dawne heard a Blue-winged Teal. Chris though he found it until Colin pointed out it was a female Mallard. We hung around the ponds for a while more, logging some more species. The temperature was climbing some more and it was only 9.15am.
We then wandered towards the works yard and now the group was very spread out. People were starting to flag and so we headed to the parking lot.The last ones back were Colin, Stephanie and Lindly. They reported seeing a Swainson’s Thrush, Bald Eagle and Anna’s Hummingbird.
The lot was getting busy with many frisbee players arriving. It was early, 10am, but we called it a day. The temperature was still OK. It had reached 32C.
It was a very pleasant morning with some neat people. Much chatting and a few giggles. I would like to thank Colin (my ‘temporary’ Senior VP of route planning and bird ID) for his usual helpful assistance.
Report by Chris McVittie
Photos are on flickr
Next Tuesday & Wednesday (July 28 & 29) the outings will be to Aldergrove Regional Park, 27240 8th Ave, Aldergrove
Meet at 8 AM at the parking lot by the Blacktail Picnic Shelter near the end of the access road off 8th Avenue.
To sign up for an outing, click on the DNS bird outing schedule sheet.
Delta Naturalists Society 