Hi Birders
I am so sorry for the delay in the report, but things have been a little hectic this week, what with filming the swans, digging the garden, getting ready for our wedding anniversary and all sorts of other things that take place in everyday life. Or I could tell the truth and say I plain forgot, so is life in the fast lane these days. anyways enough of this dribble.
The day got off to a great start with 8 birders full of enthusiasm and and this week we were joined by John from back east who wanted to film and record what we got up to as he is interested in Citizen Science and Swans of course, well he came to the right group for this, as we are about as much scientific as you can get. With precision stops and a route that was drawn up under meticulous conditions, reports and data to the highest standards.
What can I say about this week, raptors were down and so were swans, but there was a big change around in swans with many having disappeared and new stock taking their place. 9 Tundra Swans were found, a new high all time record for us, with 8 adults in one location along Koksilah Road east.
A lovely male Eurasian Wigeon was seen on Sahilton Road and Northern Shovellers and Lesser Scaup were on Jim’s pond.
The weather was kind to us with hardly any rain, but the wind was a little nippy and some participants had to be coaxed out of the cars on a few occasions.
A nice female Northern Harrier crossed in front of us in Cowichan Bay and a single Turkey Vulture was seen on Koksilah Road east.
Lots of swallows this week with birds being seen at several locations.
Yellow-rumped Warblers put in a appearance and a wonderful Audubon’s sub-species flitted around at the bottom of Corfield Road, they are so welcome in the spring and bring joy to all who get to admire them.
I’m sure I have forgotten some things, but when I let things go more than a day, they are gone.
This coming Wednesday the 27th see’s the last count for this season, so please if you thought of joining us come along and watch as we go about our business of counting the swans and geese. You never know you might end up on film. Remember the Big Year?
Happy Birding
Derrick