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Blog: DNCB Birds on the Bay Outing No. 2017-36 in Boundary Bay Regional Park

Around 20 participants enjoyed another glorious Wednesday morning on our quarterly Birds on the Bay outing in Boundary Bay Regional Park. We reversed our route to accommodate the tide and had some neat sightings.
geese
Canada Geese

Around 20 participants enjoyed another glorious Wednesday morning on our quarterly Birds on the Bay outing in Boundary Bay Regional Park. We reversed our route to accommodate the tide and had some neat sightings. Check out some spectacular photo evidence on our Flickr site at: https://www.flickr.com/search/?group_id=3027315%40N23&text=2017-36&view_all=1.

We gathered at historic Cammidge House at 9 a.m. and following introductions, especially of the newbie Renda, and “irregulars” White Rock/Surrey Gareth, Ansa, Gabriele and Marian, and saying farewell to New Yorkers Chief Bill & Caroline, Terry took a group photo and we started our 2 ½ hour amble. A couple of Red-tailed Hawks were circling above along with a Northern Harrier as we walked out the driveway. Since high tide was not until 1:30 p.m., we decided to take the inland trail first and return via the outer Bay trail. It was a good decision; we saw much more stuff on the inland trail than we normally do. Indeed, our Guru Anne and Gareth spotted an Orange-crowned Warbler and several Sparrow species for us. We saw Lincoln’s, Fox, Savannah, Song, both White- and Golden-crowned. That’s six sparrow species, seven counting invasive House Sparrows which aren’t really sparrows. Then Liz heard a Bewick’s Wren and we all got good looks. Then a flock of “starlings” landed in a tree; on closer examination they were Purple Martins. Some were quite excited at seeing this species here, even suggesting that we install Nest Boxes to attract future residents.

We walked by several of our Delta Nats Swallow Boxes, and Chris reported that Nats and Delta NatureKids had examined and cleaned them all on Tuesday and early results are that we had our most successful nesting season in BBRP. Other sightings along the way included: iridescent Anna’s Hummingbirds, Cedar Waxwings, Downy Woodpecker and Northern Flicker, brilliant American Goldfinches, House Finches, Spotted Towhees, and other common stuff, including the always photogenic Great Blue Herons. The blackberries, although almost finished, were quite tasty too. Approaching the pumphouse, there were lots of Mallards in the pool and a couple of Gadwall in the adjacent stream. From the observation lookout, there were tonnes of waterfowl on the shore and large rafts in the 'Bay too. Other than Mallards and Canada Geese, most were American Wigeon, Northern Pintail and some Green-winged Teal. With them were Ring-billed and Glaucous-winged Gulls (perhaps other Gull species) and at least a half dozen Caspian Terns. Roger took another group photo here at the lookout including Terry, and time-challenged Margaretha.

Along the dike trail we saw our first shorebirds. They were close enough to shore that we even identified a Least Sandpiper with a few Western Sandpipers. A flock of Yellowlegs (~six birds) flew across and we saw the Killdeer too. Not much else new seen along the trail back. Scoters were in the distance, only seen through the scope. Lots of chatter though, and I think most were getting anxious for the Delta Nats Ladies’ Goodies. We got back to Cammidge House at the scheduled 11:30 a.m. where always smiling Jennifer and Elizabeth met us with their array of scrumptious home-made Scones and Cookies, Sandra’s renowned egg salad sandwiches, cheeses, crackers, fruit and coffee. A fitting end to another enjoyable and “birdy” Birds on the Bay outing.

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, we will meet at and leave from Petra’s at 7:30 a.m. for the White Rock Pier, then Blackie’s Spit. We should be at the WR Pier around 8:15 a.m. (free parking), then go to Blackie Spit for around 9:15 a.m. Check out our website at www.dncb.wordpress.com for more info on this and other outings, and photos and reports. Also next week is the BC Nature FGM Conference in Vernon, Sept. 21 to 24; still encouraging Nats to attend. As always, your comments are encouraged. Cheers: Tom

Tom Bearss, President, Delta Naturalists Society