Cowichan Valley Naturalists

Friends, It is a hard life being a Swan and Goose count leader, you have to make sure that the right people are in the right vehicles and that we have all the gear required to ride around in a nice warm car on a nippy spring morning, for the most part our group knows exactly what to do and are ready to go right on the dot of 10am then sometimes there is a little hiccup when one group decides to change cars and all the gear that was loaded into one car has to reloaded into another. This makes a delay of a few minutes which in birding times can make a hit or miss if you are going after a good bird. This week we saw a new counter who came all the way from Victoria, yes they know about us down in the big city. Emma is our newest and youngest counter and it was nice to see a fresh face on the count. Also this week one of the counters decided that winter was over and arrived in full summer plumage complete with shorts, socks and sandals, such a hardy fellow. After enduring a full day out in the sunshine watching birds and having a laugh with my friends I then have to try and remember all that had taken place that day and try to put into words which people tell me that they wait in anticipation of the weeks report. I do try my hardest but so much happens during each count my poor old brain can’t retain it all. I then have to go through all the pictures submitted and try get put together the full report. I have to put all the numbers into the spreadsheet and get them ready after all this my wife wonders why I have a little nap after dinner in the chair in front of the telly. Not bad I think for a guy that finished bottom of the class each year in secondary school.
This week saw the departure of some of our swans and geese, not sure when they left but we were down to just half of last week’s numbers and with the forecast of hot and sunny weather for this weekend we could find ourselves wanting for the last two counts. We counted #311 Trumpeters and 1 Tundra Swan along with just #670 Canada Geese which was almost half of last weeks total, we did manage to find 23 Snow Geese at Dougan’s Flats and 43 Ruddy Ducks at Somenos Lake. Also at Drinkwater Road 2 male and a female Downy Woodpecker were having a chase around. At the old golf driving range we had a pair of Northwestern Crows who definitely were ready for spring as they were copulating right in front of the stands, no shame in the bird world I’m afraid.
Raptor numbers were good with # 45 Bald Eagles, 11 Red-tailed Hawks, 1 Peregrine Falcon only seen by Barry and our first Turkey Vultures of the season with their telltale gliding flight making them easy to pick out. To make sure spring had finally sprung we saw several Tree Swallows with one already sat up on a nest box at Somenos Marsh. This weekend should see a major influx of many swallows. Another little flight master who should turn up this weekend should be the Rufous Hummingbird who has already hit feeders down in Washington State.
We tried hard to find the Elk for Emma but the beasts must have been hiding back in the woods as they were a no show. We did mange to show her plenty of ducks along Lakes Road and a nice display by by Bald Eagles and Red-tailed Hawk who put the fear into the poor duckies who took flight across the wet fields.
Most of the Swans and Geese were in the west and south end of our count which is what we have found in the latter days of their stay over previous years, not sure why only the birds know.
All in all it was a good day, weather was fine as we have become accustomed to getting on a Wednesday, will we make it through the last tw counts without getting a few rain drops, we will see.
Big thanks to the drivers and to Dorothy who keeps the tally up to date. Those photographers excelled this week so a bumper crop for you to enjoy.
Until next week.
Derrick

Photo Credits
female Brewer’s Blackbird by Derrick Marven
give us a kiss on the cheek Mallard by Derrick Marven
immature Bald Eagle by Zan Stenhouse
Tree Swallow by Zan Stenhouse
Swans getting ready for migration by Zan Stenhouse
soaring Red-tailed Hawk by Zan Stenhouse
Downy Woodpecker by Barry Hetschko
Take off Swans by Barry Hetschko
Eagles in flight by Denny Wagg
Swans in flight by Denny Wagg
Great Blue Heron by Denny Wagg

South side of Cowichan Bay.
Six intrepid birders (who had all remembered to change their clocks) watched sunrise on a cold but beautiful morning by the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre: Donna Zipse, Ken Bendle, Bruce Coates, Linda Hill, Gail Mitchell, and John Scull saw two harbour seals, a group of pine siskin, and the following:

Trumpeter Swan, 10; Mallard, 20; Bufflehead, 96; Common Goldeneye, 5; Hooded Merganser, 4; Common Merganser, 5; Duck sp., 100; Gull sp., 15; Double-crested Cormorant, 3; Great Blue Heron, 12; Northwestern Crow, 4.

On a clear cold day with rippled seas at high tide at 10 AM on March 10, 2019, a group of three birders identified 14 species of waterbirds from Khenipsen Road on Cowichan Bay North.
The birders with cold fingers included Daryl Johnson, Kurlene Wenberg, and Carol Hartwig.

Canada Goose, 12; Horned Grebe, 1; Great Blue Heron, 1; Trumpeter Swan, 27; American Widgeon, 4; Mallard, 43; Common Goldeneye, 2; Surf Scoter, 17; White-winged Scoter, 4; Bufflehead, 48; Common Merganser, 2; Red Breasted Merganser, 4; Bald Eagle, 4; Gull sp., 53.

On a calm, clear March 10, Bryon Thompson, Jim Wisnia, and Lyn Wisnia saw in the Verdier Point area:

Surf scoter, 11; Bufflehead, 22; Common goldeneye, 34; Barrow’s goldeneye, 11; Red-breasted merganser, 14; Horned grebe, 14; Western grebe, 275; Mew gull, 26; Glaucous-winged gull, 30; Gull sp., 7; Common loon, 2; Pelagic cormorant, 1’ Cormorant sp. 1; Bald eagle, 2; Belted kingfisher, 2.

And in the Mill Bay area:

Mute swan, 10; American wigeon, 18; Mallard, 6; Surf scoter, 23; Bufflehead, 45; Common goldeneye, 18; Hooded merganser, 4; Common merganser, 6; Red-breasted merganser, 7; Horned grebe, 15; Red-necked grebe, 2; Mew gull, 18; Glaucous-winged gull, 47; Gull sp., 7; Common loon, 5; Pelagic cormorant, 2; Double-crested cormorant, 2; Cormorant sp., 1; Great blue heron, 1; Northwestern crow, 8; Cooper’s hawk, 1.

Friends
Today ended the tenth season of our count and with sunny weather that we have come to expect every Wednesday. 8 counters set out from the dog park in two cars, this week we were missing our good friend Barry and our thoughts were with him today on what could be our last Swan and Goose count.
What made this day special was that this was the highest count of Trumpeter Swans recorded on the last day of any season ever with #260 adults and #51 immature, what has made these birds stay so long, well warmland hospitality with good food and friendly people, also the cold snap might have had something to do with it, putting back their feeding, as you may know they have to build up fats for the flight north especially the immature birds.
Our raptor numbers took a hit this week with immature eagle numbers and Red-tailed Hawks making the biggest drop. Again this week we were treated to a Peregrine Falcon showing other species that it weren’t going to be pushed around as it jousted non stop with a bunch of Ravens which attacked and were attacked right above Westholme Road for all to see, well the ones that got out of the vehicles anyways.
We think we spied a big black Bear in a field as we drove by on the west side of town and a Muskrat sat in a ditch until the silly leader pointed too it out the window where upon it dived under the water just as Zan was about to take it’s portrait. Another strange sight today was a cow patty spotted by our resident patty specialist, she’s good at seeing them, having been a regular at A&W, this one was covered in a bright orange/brown flies who seemed to be enjoying this quarter pounder. We saw Killdeer and a few sundry dickie birds, this has been the case from previous weeks passerines have been in low numbers. We got good looks at a Northern Shrike and at the wet fields on Herd Road I tentatively counted over 300 Northern Shoveller, this has to be the largest congregated flock in Canada at this time of year, a wonderful sight along with many other duck species. This area has been especially good to us this year. One of the last birds of the day was our first of the season Rufous Hummingbird on the wires along the Dock Road.
We were lucky to find two Tundra Swans again this week both of which I don’t think we have encountered before after looking and comparing photo’s from previous years. While we were admiring the Tundra Dorothy’s eyes were a wandering and she came on the walkie-talkie to say, you do know there’s a Red-tailed Hawk sitting on a post opposite you car, a wonderful specimen it was, as soon as it saw Kurlene’s camera it took off, guess like an ex teacher we also need eyes in the back of our heads.
With the last report comes lot’s of pictures for your enjoyment.

I want to thank all our team for all the good work and fun that we have had over the years, especially Eric and Dorothy who have been on the count since day one, Kurlene, Zan Jane, and Barry and all the dozens of others who have given up time to come out and join us. Big thanks to the drivers who have kept us safe over the years and who have obeyed my every command, well most of the time.
This year saw us get some sponsorship from the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society who gave us a grant for gas, we thank them big time for their kindness. We have over the ten years put a great deal of money in the pockets of the gas giants and our governments. This is one of the reasons that I am not sure whether we will continue as the costs are becoming prohibitive. There are many other ways for us to spend our sunny Wednesdays without using our vehicles so much and still collect some good data for other important bird projects and locations around the valley. Somenos Marsh, Quamichan Lake and Cowichan Bay could all do with a regular citizen science data collection Wednesday.
We as a group will discuss what we are going to do, but be sure there will be many reports coming to you what ever we decide and as long as my fingers work.

Derrick Marven

Photo Credits
Northern Shrike by Kurlene Wenberg
Anna’s Hummingbird by Kurlene Wenberg
Trumpeter Swan with a lump by Zan Stenhouse
Raven and Peregrine Falcon by Zan Stenhouse
Flying Wigeon by Zan Stenhouse
Rufous Hummingbird by Zan Stenhouse
Red-tailed Hawk by Denny Wagg
Canada Geese by Denny Wagg
Tundra Swan by Derrick Marven
Cow patty and flies by Derrick Marven
Belted Kingfisher by Derrick Marven
Goodbye to the swans by Derrick Marven

Immature Bald Eagle

Friends
10 counters set out in 3 cars and with gas now sitting just below the $1.40 mark, talk of using bikes next year could be heard although some baulked at this suggestion.
What a day we had, the weather was tremendous although it made it hard to tell immature swans when they were way off.
We had two new counters today, Beverly and Katherine, It was nice to see new faces out with us, I think they had a good time.
To defy all notions we had of a departure by the waterfowl we got high numbers of swans and geese, where did they go last week that is the question. I am sure I saw a couple of Canada Geese with sunglasses out in Dougan’s Flats.
I have a question for you all, what bird would put the fear into four Bald Eagles and chase them off with no problem. The answer later in the report. We got 26 Bald Eagles, 2 Turkey Vultures, 1 very handsome Merlin that sat still on top of a snag on Westholme Road for all but one of us to see, sorry Zan. 7 Red-tailed Hawks and 3 Peregrine Falcons. We got great looks at many birds this week and I hope that the new counters were won over with what we get up to on a Wednesday. Just a few deer this week and sundry farm animals spread out around our route, the piggies on Wilson Road were having a nice sunbath in their mud holes. Smoked side bacon came to mind.
Trumpeter Swans were at #399 adults and # 72 immature, 1 Mute Swan, 1 adult Tundra and 1 immature. Something I picked up on this week was the immature Trumpeters molt from the backside up, see attached picture and how do you tell a sleeping Tundra from a Trumpeter, also see attached picture. There was a lot more vocalizing with the swans and a lot’s of head bobbing and a bit of dancing, it can’t be long before the big flocks test those mighty wings and head north.
It appeared that some sort of plague had gone through the ranks of the counters as many of us where a little horse and the sounds of cough sweets being opened were heard along the route. We do know who started this as she was sick last week, but you know us counters and birders we love to share everything.
Many Tree and Violet-green Swallows were seen with the boxes at Somenos were near to capacity when we went by. A Northern Shrike was seen by a couple, but most missed it.
This week we were treated to one of those wonders of nature, as we came along Herd Road a Peregrine Falcon was spotted circling around near Osbourne Bay Road and then quick as a flash it was off towards the wet fields further east, when we got there there was no sign of it but a massive bunch of ducks were out on the water, lot’s of Northern Shoveller and Ring-necked Duck, then they all started to fidget and some were taking flight as several Bald Eagles were flying out over the water, the photographers attention was drawn to one impressive immature bird. Then all of a sudden this screaming banshee comes across the flooded fields in hot pursuit of a adult Eagle, yes it was the Peregrine with claws and bill at the ready to run up the back of the quickly retreating Bald Eagles, the noise that the Peregrine was making would scare the feathers off even the strongest of birds. It appeared that one of the Eagles had got a duck and the Peregrine was not amused. The Eagle dropped the duck on the road and Barry was lucky to capture another eagle retrieving this poor duckie. One can only imagine how all those ducks must feel when those eagles take it upon themselves to go a hunting.
What a wonderful treat for us all and something I don’t think we will ever encounter again. The things you see when you’re out counting swans and geese, I tell you.
Well here we are nearly at the end of March and just one more count to go for the season, will we return next year, who knows, we have been at it now for 187 counts and 10 seasons. we have collected a great bit of data on our big white and brown birds. We have seen some wonderful things over the years. I personally have been counting swans for more that 25 years now, I guess that’s why I am always trumpeting in my English accent.

Derrick

Photo Credits

Sleeping Tundra Swan by Derrick Marven
moulting Trumpeter Swan by Derrick Marven
Tree Swallows by Barry Hetschko
Bald Eagle and Ducks by Barry Hetschko
Bald Eagle with dinner by Barry Hetschko
Peregrine Falcon by Barry Hetschko
immature Bald Eagle in flight by Zan Stenhouse
immature Bald Eagle hiding by Zan Stenhouse
Red-tailed Hawk by Zan Stenhouse
Trumpeter Swans by Zan Stenhouse

I often wonder how the birds cope in these harsh conditions, we see the swans asleep in the fields I assume they are saving energy, when I go to Art Mann park in the morning the ducks are all huddled together and the gulls look a bit fatter than usual with their feathers all fluffed up. Then I meet our counters at the dog park and they all look a little plump as they have several layers of clothes, Our most senior distinguished counter even had his hood up. Which brings me to the point that it is easy for us humans, we can stay warm by many methods, sadly our feathered friends have to make do with what they have and it is a live or die situation for them.
This brings me to another point about our counters who it seems the more layers they put on the harder it is for them all to fit in the vehicles. When these car manufacturers create their models do they ever think of swan counters in winter, of course not, and so the process of squeeze and push starts at 10:00am at the dog park. In the end they give up trying to get three in the rear seats of these so called big SUV’s and take another car. I being kind do not think it had anything to do with the Christmas holidays and the trouble of trying to hold ones size down.
9 counters left the dog park in three vehicles and we were soon counting geese at the school, Somenos Marsh had Red-tailed Hawk and several Red-winged Blackbirds sitting up on territory. Somenos Lake had a nice flock of Ruddy Ducks and many more Canada Geese. Our numbers this week were not too bad although many locations lacked any swans. I am trying to write this from memory at the moment as I am using my wife’s computer as mine has gone on the blink, so numbers are hard to pull out from the back of my bread box. That’s the brain to those who don’t know what it’s called.
We did see an American Kestrel and Virginia Rails and Wilson’s Snipe, more Red-tailed Hawks this week and back to many more Canada Geese. A group of 20+ Snow Geese at Dougan’s Flats. A large herd of Elk up Hwy 18 brought joy to all the faces and pictures were taken from a fair distance away.
The day was cold and the wind in places was a little brisk but we had a great day. With Just four more counts to go in March we hope that the temperature go’s up a bit. Do you know we have had swallows by now some years.

I am sorry short report this week.
Derrick

Photo Credits
Red-tailed Hawk By Barry Hetschko
Starlings by Barry Hetshcko
Northern Shoveller and Northern Pintail by Barry Hetschko
Elk by Eric Marshall
Virginia Rails By Kurlene Wenberg
Swans by Zan Stenhouse
Bald Eagle by Zan Stenhouse

“Swings and Roundabouts”
That is what it was like today,swans,geese and eagles were down again this week and the unexpected also happened. 8 people left the dog park under sunny Wednesday skies and at the site of the soon to be built new retirement home for swan and goose counters on York Road we had a couple of Killdeer hunkered down in the field. We seemed to have found many birds sleeping this week, I believe it is their way of seeing out this snowy bad weather, just taking it easy and saving energy.
Trumpeter Swan numbers were at a all time low with just #108 adults and #19 immature seen this week, the Canada Goose number went up a bit at # 447. Sadly our raptor numbers dropped way down but we did get a nice American Kestrel on Richards Trail and we finished off our day with a Northern Harrier and a Short-eared Owl on the Dock Road.
In between these ups and downs we found a new species for our count, a species of bird unaccustomed to these freezing temperatures. Along Boy’s Road while admiring a Wilson’s Snipe another funny looking little chicken type bird was running around in the ditch and then suddenly there were two Virginia Rails right beside us. They scampered in and out of the bramble thicket eking out some food of some sort. I failed miserably getting any pictures and I was the closest to the birds, the camera not liking all the brambles to focus on, my best shot being a butt of one of the birds. Our photo’s this week will show how hard it was getting a good picture. Seeing this species in winter is a rare occasion on Vancouver Island and here we were blessed with two.
On Richard’s Trail a small Sheltie running on the road tried to befriend us as we watched all the new lambs, we managed to leave him behind for the girls who succumbed to it’s charms and let it in their car. It belonged to a house near by and was dispatched to it’s owner who was worried about a Bald Eagle that was up in the tree, it appears that the eagle was intently looking at lamb rather than dog for supper.
It was hard going for our task today with many of our so called good spots missing any birds at all. We were not to be put off by all the snow and a group of Snow Geese that the leaders failed to see were found by our lovely ladies who as usual were dragging their feet far behind, thank you girls.
Stark contrast to last week when we saw upwards of 50 Varied Thrush, this week 1 with Richards Trail failing to show us one.
We pushed on not knowing what was just around the corner, sadly there was not much and even the Red-tailed Hawks let us down with just #3 found
How could such a lovely day not show us more, well that’s birding for you. Our day was nearly done as we hit the Dock Road and we were surprised to see so many Trumpeter’s out in the bay, just goes to show they know were they are well off. A flyby Northern Harrier caught us all unawares and Barry who has become the owl spotter found the Short-eared Owl and once again it was well off over the other side of the estuary. I spotted a Eurasian Wigeon and gingerly headed along the old railroad track to get a few pictures getting caught up on the brambles a few times, those devils bite even harder when your legs are cold.
We were done for the day, we did our best that’s all we could ask. I have cheated a little this week and added two pictures from our team that were seen the previous day.

Derrick

Photo Credits

Short-eared Owl by Barry Hetschko
Bald Eagle by Kurlene Wenberg
Virginia Rail by Kurlene Wenberg
Snow Geese and mates by Zan Stenhouse
Resting up by Zan Stenhouse
Swans making snowman by Zan Stenhouse
Wilson’s Snipe by Derrick Marven
Eurasian Wigeon by Derrick Marven
Killdeer by Derrick Marven

Slipping and a sliding, swans were a hiding
Rain was a long time ago.
Little Richard new we were going to get it all those years ago.
This week we had a unexpected guest when my wonderful son Gary decided he wanted to see what I got up to on a Wednesday and he even volunteered to take us around in the safety of his big Dodge 4×4. We sat up high waving at all those people still digging out their driveways, even stopped for a chat a few times. There was just 4 of us today with our other friends unable to get out of their driveways. This heavy snow over the past few days had a major impact on our swan and goose numbers with just #190 Trumpeter Swans, 4 Mute Swans and 2 Tundra’s, the biggest drop was with the Canada Geese who knew better than to hang around in this weather and we only recorded #124.
Raptors fared well with #48 Bald Eagles both Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks and the Red-tailed Hawks bounced back up this week to #9, we also had a single Peregrine Falcon and an elusive to some a female Northern Harrier.
Many photo’s were taken this week of not so often seen species, Gary and I started our count at Art Mann Park and the poor old duckies were sat around in a huddle and they were not amused, a nice pair of Common Mergansers were seen but the old man kept his head down while the female beckoned him out into the water telling him that it felt good on the legs and feet.
Several places we could not visit because of piled up snow and Quist’s farm got a big drive past as it was too dangerous to pull over on the highway. Richard’s Trail was as it’s name says a trail with just enough space for a single vehicle to pass. I saw a new born lamb and those who know me know I have a thing for all animals. It stayed close to it’s mom’s woolly side, it was obviously not a spring lamb as it had nowhere to jump for joy.There were an amazing number of Varied Thrush all along the trail with between 40 and 50 seen in 5 km, all trying to get either salt or grit off the road. I think if we were to have added up all the Varied Thrush we had around our route the total would have been greater than the Canada Geese. As we reached the east end of Richard’s Trail Gary shouted there’s a bird in that bare piece of snowy field and with a quick reverse and a hold up of traffic we had our first Wilson’s Snipe of the day. Many photos were taken as the other travelers waited patiently. This snipe was the first of 3-4 that we uncounted today, with one other being chased off by a crow as it was having it’s picture taken.
We took a little diversion this week up to Tansor crossroads to see if there were any swans around the school and farm fields but we found none. As we passed one big field my son shouted there’s a hawk down on the snow with his wings spread, after going a few houses and turning around in a cleared driveway we slowly made our way back with cameras at the ready and there it was a Sprinkler Hawk sticking up out the snow, this was a first for the swan and goose count and my son Gary can have all the glory for this one, sorry son know-one’s exempt on the swan and goose count.
The best of the day was on Sahilton Road where one Wilson’s Snipe sat motionless right beside the truck while the shutters of both Nikon and Canon played a little tune. I had to hold my camera up in the air while struggling to get a picture from the passenger side and hold and push the shutter all at the same time not knowing what I was photographing. Many shorebirds like Snipe, Killdeer and Dunlin home in on any unfrozen water in these conditions, you just have to find them and we were lucky to get two out of three with a Dunlin eluding us.
Another species that put on a wonderful display for us was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet who enticed both sides of the vehicle, allowing passengers to take his picture, at times displaying his red top notch for all to see.
We spent a lot of time scanning off into large fields hoping to glance some swans hidden down in the snow to no avail.
Our last stop of the day as always was the Dock Road and what has become the norm, it delighted us with a few goodies. a Raccoon looking for some tasty morsels along the banks of the estuary, a flyby Northern Harrier that caused problems for one photographer and an adult and immature Tundra Swans that gave us time to capture their beauty.
We can only hope that in the few weeks we have left on the count that the weather improves greatly from this past week. That was it we had run the route of the storm of 2019 and didn’t we do well.

Derrick

Photo Credits
Spring Lamb by Derrick Marven
female Common Merganser, by Derrick Marven
flying Northern Harrier, by Derrick Marven
Richard’s Trail Wilson’s Snipe, by Zan Stenhouse
Snowy swans and geese, by Zan Stenhouse
Tundra Swans by Zan Stenhouse
Flying Red-tailed Hawk by Gary Marven
Sahilton Road Wilson’s Snipe x 2 by Gary Marven

A cold and beautiful morning on the south side of Cowican Bay. A bald eagle flew over and a mink entertained us as we began the count. The estuary was mostly frozen, which sent many birds to unusual places. The path was frozen, too, and the air was well below freezing, but that didn’t deter the eight field observers: Donna Zipse, Ken Bendle, Jan Kotaska, Wilma Harvie, Gail Mitchell, John Scull, Christina Cutbill, and Barry Hetschko. The large number of “ducks sp.” does not indicate a loss of birding skills on behalf of the crew; the birds were crowded in the open water near the far shore, too far away even for the telescope. The treats for the day were a pair of Killdeer on the shore and 7 Hooded Mergansers.

Here’s what we saw:
Trumpeter Swan 19; American Wigeon 1; Mallard 14; Bufflehead 42; Common Goldeneye 2; Hooded Merganser 7; duck sp. 100; Killdeer 2; Mew Gull 8; Glaucous-winged Gull 2; gull sp. 24; Double-crested Cormorant 10; Belted Kingfisher 1; Northwestern Crow 2

Ray Demarchi and Carol Hartwig, conducted a Coastal Bird Survey on Cowichan Estuary North-Khenipsen Road on a clear, sunny morning. The calm waters of high tide and the clear cold air made our job easy in spotting 11 species for a total of 270 water birds.

They included:
Canada Goose 16; Trumpeter Swan 58; American Wigeon 50; Mallard 43; Green-winged Teal 2; Bufflehead 107; Common Goldeneye 1; Hooded Merganser 4; Common Merganser 1; Glaucous-winged Gull 36; Bald Eagle 2

Lyn and Jim Wisnia braved the chilly winds that drove large numbers of waterfowl to seek shelter in the mouth of Shawnigan Creek in Mill Bay.

Verdier Point
American wigeon 161; Mallard 3; Surf scoter 91; Bufflehead 37; Common goldeneye 45; Barrow’s goldeneye 12; Common/Barrow’s goldeneye 5; Hooded merganser 2; Red-breasted merganser 16; Horned grebe 6; Mew gull 12; Glaucous-winged gull 52; Gull sp. 15.

Mill Bay
Canada goose 231; Mute swan 8; American wigeon 132; Mallard 177; Surf scoter 24; Bufflehead 23; Common goldeneye 9; Barrow’s goldeneye 18; Hooded merganser 10; Common merganser 7; Red-breasted merganser 6; Mew gull 9; Glaucous-winged gull 15; Common loon 1; Cormorant sp. 1; Bald eagle 1; Belted kingfisher 1; Northwestern crow 7.

The next count is planned for 8 am on Sunday, March 10.

Friends and others,
We started today’s count with 6 people and without a Red-tailed Hawk which Barry has been relied on for finding our first of the day along the dike. It was still a little nippy although the sun was up and starting to gain strength. The fields were all frozen as were most water lying in fields so the going was slow until we hit Somenos Lake which had a nice smattering of ducks with over 50 Ruddy Ducks which was nice although hard to see in the misty bright light. Lots of ducks from the fields off Herd Road had moved over to Quamichan Lake and early on my way to meet my friends I got a nearly close Barrow’s Goldeneye
Our first 4 Trumpeter Swans were seen which started this weeks count off well with #560 seen all day which was right on the average, 4 Tundra Swans, 1 adult and #3 immature were mixed in with cousins and I am sure there could be a few more in the far off crowds. Canada Geese went down at #989 but we did get 1 Greater White-fronted Goose and #14 Cackling Geese which were our first for the year on our count. We found a few Killdeer sunning themselves on a grassy slope up Richard’s Trail and one flyover on Hillbank Road.
Hawk numbers took a tumble this week with the Red-tailed Hawks causing much concern among the ranks, no accipiters or Falcons, we were glad that the Bald Eagle numbers grew a little with more immature this week, some of these birds will soon head off up island for the the Gull and Duck spectacular in Parksville. We were lucky to witness a pair of Bald Eagles chase ducks on the Dock Road and one of the pair got lucky and landed up on an old hydro pole for all to admire and get a few snaps, not so good for the poor old duck, but better this way than with a gun.
We had some nice Ruby-crowned Kinglets working the ditches along Boys Road, amazing what they can find clinging to leaves and branches. Along St. Catherine’s we saw lots of White and Golden-crowned Sparrows at a local feeder and one big black thing which we won’t mention feeding on the seed.
Now about those Red-tailed Hawks who had been so obliging these past weeks, we were long past lunch and gone from the east and well into the last quarter of our count before good old Barry spotted our first on Wilson Road which opened the flood gates slightly and we finished with #5 which was just half our total of last week, maybe they just didn’t like us this week or they were off starting with a bit of nest building, whatever they were doing w wish them well.
The stars of the count this week were the hundreds of American Robins that were on every little bit of unfrozen ground, not sure how many have descended into the valley this week but it could be in the thousands.
I was busy on Richards Trail and Wilson Road getting pictures of some old friends and chatting with one large buddy who gave me a few good snorts of appreciation of what we were doing.
What can i say about the weather, we are some lucky swannies to be out there and having so much fun, we finished off our day along the Dock Road as usual and the Mars bar kid brought out a bag full to offer round to build our strength up for next week.
I am sure there were many other little highlights that I have forgot but my brain is not responding today to my commands, think I might have a virus or something. I am sorry for no real funny stories this week, sadly my buddies are learning to keep their mouths shut in front of me.
With just 7 counts to go for the season if your thinking you’d like to come along best hurry up and make good use of this great citizen science venture that we do.

Derrick

Photo Credits

Bald Eagle with duck, by Eric Marshall
Tundra Swan by Barry Hetschko
Trumpeter Swans in flight, by Barry Hetschko
Canada Geese in flight, by Zan Stenhouse
Canada Geese on ice, by Zan Stenhouse
Chatting Swans by Zan Stenhouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, by Zan Stenhouse
Barrow’s Goldeneye, by Derrick Marven
Trumpeter Swan family, by Derrick Marven

Trumpeter swans

Today just 5 counters turned up on this wonderful winter day, the sun shone and the temperature was great, what more could a swan and goose counter ask for, well. Not 1 but a flock of Snow Geese, not 1 but a flock of Great White-fronted Geese, not 1 but flocks of Trumpeter Swans, we did only have 1 American Kestrel though this week.
It is strange when you try to fit 3 people in the back of one of the SUVs which all advertising tells you it is a 5 passenger vehicle, what they don’t tell you is that this does not count for 3 adults dressed for winter with only two weeks past all the Christmas cheer inside them. Did I mention stuffing, well if you could have seen the state that our rear passengers got into with seatbelts today, all that advertising is false. Poor Dorothy was in tears with laughter as she tried relentlessly to insert her seatbelt into who knows where, Jane had to get out for fear of being speared with this mettle clip. Eric on the other hand was strapped in and was not going to budge out of his bit of space. Barry had to set the child locks in fear that the doors would burst open on a bend.
Back to the birds, my day always starts by checking Quamichan Lake for swans Geese and Eagles before heading to the dog park and this morning i was lucky to see two Ruddy Ducks somewhat close, this species has been in short supply this year. I was even lucky to see a couple of Barrow’s Goldeneye out on the lake.
Barry found out on his walk this morning that the art of Ti Che is enhanced if you have a can of Black label to quench your thirst.
This week saw a drop in numbers for Trumpeter Swans and Canada Geese as the fear of bad weather subsided and birds returned to other pastures. What we got in return was 28 Snow Geese and 15 Greater White-fronted Geese, what a surprise it was to see the 14 speckled bellies which had earlier flown out of Somenos Marsh as witnessed by Barry. The other single bird was up on Hwy 18 with a flock of swans and geese. It was so nice to see such a wonderful flock of waterfowl off of St.Catherine’s Drive although distance was a problem for me as trying to distinguish little white geese from big white swans was hard as the kept moving about.
Earlier when we passed Somenos Marsh a Northern Shrike was sitting right close to the road, sadly Barry was accelerating back into traffic and it was too late to stop for a photo shoot.
We did manage to get back for our break with all intact and the sound of relief as the airlocks were released and the three scrunchies fell out. Then they started eating again and we went through the whole procedure of the seatbelt saga again.
Most of the big numbers of eagles were gone as all raptors appeared to be thinking of other things in this very unseasonable weather, we failed miserably with no accipiters and if it weren’t for our American Kestrel we wouldn’t have had any falcons. We were lucky at Dinsdale’s Farm as we watched a Short-eared Owl and a immature Northern Harrier have a argy-bargy over territory. Too far away for any pictures.
Off the Dock Road we witnessed a pair of Trumpeter Swans come down the river and pass another going the other way, funny they just kept going their own ways with just a small trumpet to say hello?
At the end of the day we had recorded Trumpeter Swans # 456 Canada Goose # 1279 White-fronts # 15 Snow Goose # 28, we all went home well pleased for what we had achieved on this glorious day.
There will be another short video added to the facebook pages of the Cowichan Valley naturalists and the Somenos Marsh groups. It was taken from Westholme Road looking across to the island highway at Quist’s farm

Photo Credits

Barry Hetschko Red-tailed Hawks

Barry Hetschko Tai chi
Derrick Marven Ruddy Duck
Derrick Marven American Coot
Derrick Marven lazy day Trumpeter Swans

When we arrive at the dog park on Wednesday mornings we really have no idea what the valley will show us, we know that there will be a Trumpeter Swan or two, may be a handful of Canada Geese, a few Bald Eagles and if we are lucky a small number of Red-tailed Hawks, other than that who knows. We do welcome all other bits and bobs and sometimes the birds throw us a tasty morsel to make us keep coming around. Today was one of those days we all wish for, I knew it was going to be good when I met Barry at the meeting point and he said look what I just got, not sure if it is rare or not. The camera lit up and there was a stunning picture of a Lincoln’s Sparrow, a species that has been sorely lacking this winter in the valley. I knew then this was the day, so 8 eager birders were off and running, we saw Canada Geese and some Red-winged Blackbirds on territory around Somenos Marsh and by the time we had reached the lake we had put together a tidy number of species. It was at the Lake that we got a nice start with 10 Ruddy Ducks way out, keeping out of harms way. Our first Red-tailed Hawk was up on top of a big fir in the forestry center.
The weather could not have been better as we sped up the highway to Quist’s farm picking up a Bald Eagle or two and another Red-tailed Hawk, at Quist’s we added our first Trumpeter Swans and more Canada Geese, a large flock of American Wigeon took flight and landed in the flooded fields beside us. This week we detoured up Westholme to the Crofton Road and a nice adult Bald Eagle sat up high in a fir, then a small bird landed behind it, I thought robin or Starling and so did Barry but when we positioned ourselves properly this small bird was a Merlin and i can just imagine what it was saying to the eagle “heh baldy get off my spot”
On we went counting all the way down to the Herd Road fields and here where a Bald Eagle sat was a Peregrine Falcon admiring all it’s little finger bites that were swimming below him. Through the scope I did find a Redhead duck although it was way out in among a group of American Wigeon
Good numbers of Trumpeter Swans were found up on Hwy.18 along with many more Canada Geese. We then hit Drinkwater and Auchenachie Roads where a nice Pileated Woodpecker sat up high in a tree. By this time we were a bit behind so I urged Barry to give it a bit of welly sadly we should have waited before we flew off because the slowpokes in the following vehicle scored a Sharp-shinned Hawk.
We had reached halfway and a nice rest at A&W which by this time was full of rugrats who had found a new found wealth and were buying up all that the fast food store had to offer.
As always on our day some juicy little tit-bit comes along, now you know I am hard of hearing and not one to spread gossip so I hope this is right. One of our counters had been having trouble with a pilot who was not lighting her fire anymore, she was so fed up that she had invited a gas mechanic around to see if he was any better at it, he was too slow and wanted paying for it, luckily another friendly man in her life with a fully charged battery had managed to fight off the others and was going to keep her warm. I tell you the things that you hear counting birds. I can’t imagine what she would have got up to if she hadn’t come with us.
Back to birds Corefield Road was our next major birdy spot, here a large group of Trumpeter Swans were very close, I did not want to disturb them so told everyone to stay in the cars. Here I was lucky to find our first of three immature Tundra Swans. See if you can spot it in the picture.
On we went over to the west side which was slow until we hit Bench Road and Trumpeters were spread out in three big groups and in the crowd were two more immature Tundra Swans. A nice Cooper’s Hawk sat on a hydro wire had us screeching to a halt on Wilson Road.
At Dougan’s Flats we got a female American Kestrel the first female we have had for a while. Back over to the east and more swans at St.Catherine’s Road along with several assorted sparrows.
We headed down along Cowichan Bay Road and got our first Peregrine Falcon of the day, the fields at Dinsdale’s just had a few Canada Geese and ducks. The Dock Road was next and up and over the new bridge found us staring at a nice female Northern Harrier and then Barry spotted a goody in the trees out on one of the dikes, me looking the other way thought he had got a Short-eared Owl, but this was better a bold strikingly beautiful Peregrine Falcon of the anatum species. Just too far away for a picture to share with you. Here we also had a Great Blue Heron trying to set up shop in a swallow box, I can see we will have to make the holes bigger for these guys/
At the end of our count we had #554 Trumpeter Swans, #3 Tundra Swans, #1443 Canada Goose and a large smack of hawks and eagles, it don’t get better than that, or could it? Stay tuned for next weeks thrilling episode of the swan and goose count.
That was it we had a wonderful day full of birds and nice weather to go with it.

Derrick

Photo Credits
Lincoln’s Sparrow by Barry Hetschko
female California Quail by Barry Hetschko
Trumpeter Swans by Zan Stenhouse
Great Blue Heron by Zan Stnehouse
Cooper’s Hawk by Derrick Marven
Swans and Geese by Derrick Marven

Seven eager counters met at the dog park with one newbie, Elodie who had heard all about our escapades and was ready to join in the fun, welcome Elodie. We piled into two vehicles and were off flying.
I really don’t know how I do it with the weather, must have something to do with my ancestry being related to Merlin the magician. It was a wonderful day with temperatures reaching up around 13c by mid afternoon. We saw some wonderful birds and did well with our count with high numbers all around. Trumpeter Swans at #582 of which there were #62 immature, Canada Geese #1439 a Redhead, 3 Northern Shrikes, a Short-eared Owl and the raptors were especially obliging this week with #11 Red-tailed Hawks, #40 Bald Eagles, 2 Peregrine Falcons, 2 Cooper’s Hawks one of which was tentatively identified as a Red-tailed Hawk until we got alongside it. We had a chat with Barry’s cousin who we thought was coming with a gun to get us off his property, that was a close one, Barry gave him a nice book to keep him happy and we swiftly retreated after counting the swans. At this same spot I was sure I had found a Tundra Swan, but couldn’t find it to show the others, so Zan and I took loads of pictures and what do you think, we found 2 adults and a immature when seen up on the computer. We give thanks to the inventor of digital photography.
I got up nice and personal with a big old pig who I disturbed from it’s lovely muddy bed, I did apologize for rousing it from a lovely dream of buckets of swill, I patted it on it’s nose which was just caked in mud and old pigsley gave a few encouraging snorts as we parted company.
A Long-eared type Owl was trying to catch a Dark-eyed Junco on Richard’s Trail and there are now several Wood Owls sitting in the trees along this birdy road.
We did run into a adult Bald Eagle that was sitting in a field just looking around, I was personally worried as it is not the sort of place you would see one just sat sitting, so I gave a couple of shouts to make sure it was alright and eventually it took of to chase a goose or two. Good job it did as the fence was one of those tall Elk fences along Hwy18 and I’m not sure we could of encouraged newbie Elodie to climb it.
We did find just one Redhead on the Herd Road flooded fields, I am sure with a good scope and plenty of time all three from last week are still around.
Finishing our wonderful count with a little sunburn, we were treated to super views of a Great Blue Heron sitting at a nest site and a way off in the distance Short-eared Owl, now you can’t get better than that.

Derrick

Photo Credits
Northern Shrike by Barry Hestchko
Flying female Wood Duck, by Barry Hestchko
Trumpeter’s flying out of the morning mist, by Barry Hestchko
Piggy by Barry Hestchko
Great Blue Heron at nest site, by Zan Stenhouse
Peregrine Falcon by Zan Stenhouse
Long-eared type Owl attacking Junco by Derrick Marven
Short-eared Owl by Derrick Marven
Cooper’s Hawk by Derrick Marven

The Swan and Goose counters can not be put off by some inclement weather, so 8 counters in two cars left the dog park. It was nice to have our good friends Bob and Helen along this week who needed a break from moving and also to freshen up their skills for the upcoming Christmas Bird count. You could tell from the wind that winter was only a couple of days away as in some locations it bit at the joints whenever one got out the car.

Our Trumpeter Swan numbers dropped by about 100 birds this week mostly adults, I guess they heard about the storm coming in and left for better weather. Most swans being up on Bench Road. Canada Geese numbers remained pretty much the same and a nice Greater White-fronted Goose was off Herd Road. Gone were the 14 Snow Geese seen the day before along Willmot Road, but I have added in the picture for your enjoyment.

As I type this today a massive storm has just gone through the valley with trees down and no power. Sirens are going off all over. Oh well we got our count done yesterday just in time.

Eagle numbers dropped way down this week and so did other raptor species, we did add the American Kestrel from Richards Trail and a Merlin flew over A & W as we broke for lunch. Also at our break a flock of 200 Canada Geese passed over and landed in Somenos Marsh so as we had already counted the area they were added to out total.

It appears that my bird identification skills were down this week as a possible Golden Eagle along Herd Road turned out to be a Red-tailed Hawk and a Red-tailed Hawk along Boy’s Road turned out to be a immature Bald Eagle, well what can I say I was in with the ladies this week and my mind was very taxed. It is hard to concentrate when you keep getting asked what’s that and what’s this especially when we have gone passed it and I can’t bend my neck around like an owl.

A poor old Scarecrow along Richards Trail was failing in it’s duty as the geese had him surrounded.

Duck numbers are still low but all this rain might help to boost their numbers as the fields are getting really flooded.

Again this week dickie bird numbers were very low with a few Golden-crowned Sparrows and Dark-eyed Junco’s. One of the counters did see a Northern Shrike on the Dock Road but sadly when we all turned around the bird had flown.

There is not much more I

can say about the day, just thanks to all my friends for their help on the count and we will now take a two week break for Christmas and the New Year, so from all of us to all of you have a great winter break and we will be back at it in on January 8th 2019.

Derrick

Photo Credits

Not so scary Scarecrow, by Derrick Marven

Canada Geese on Richards Trail by Derrick Marven

Paddling gull by Derrick Marven

Snow Geese from Tuesday by Zan Stenhouse

Ring-necked Ducks by Zan Stenhouse

Swans and Geese by Zan Stenhouse

Cowichan Bay, South Side.
Rain, cold (5 C) and poor visibility did not deter six hardy counters this morning.
Donna Zipse; Ken Bendle; Barry Hetchsko, Willie Harvie, Steve Mitchell and Gail Mitchell

The highlight was much Bald eagle activity.
Gunshots coming from the end of the estuary were heard throughout the time.

1 Belted Kingfisher, 2 Northwestern Crow, 7 Gull sp., 5 Glaucous winged Gulls,10 Double-crested Cormorant, 8 Bald eagle, 3 Common Goldeneye, 90 Bufflehead, 5 Duck sp., 1 Hooded Merganser, 3 Mute Swan.

Cowichan Bay, North Side – no survey this month.

The birds didn’t mind the rain today, so neither did Jim and Lyn Wisnia.

In the Verdier Point area:
134 American Wigeon, 1 Surf Scoter, 42 Bufflehead, 45 Common Goldeneye, 1 Barrow’s Goldeneye, 12 Hooded Merganser, 7 Horned Grebe, 2 Red-necked Grebe, 1 Pigeon Guillemot, 17 Mew Gull, 8 Glaucous-winged Gull, 1 Gull sp., 3 Common Loon, 1 Brandt’s Cormorant, 1 Pelagic Cormorant, 1 Cormorant sp., 1 Great Blue Heron, 1 Bald Eagle.

In the Mill Bay area:
4 Canada Goose, 11 Mute Swan, 64 Bufflehead, 7 Common Goldeneye, 1 Hooded Merganser, 2 Common Merganser, 13 Red-breasted Merganser, 300+ Western Grebe (probably more beyond 500 m.), 46 Mew Gull, 6, Glaucous-winged Gull, 2 Gull sp., 6 Pacific Loon, 2 Brandt’s Cormorant, 2 Belted Kingfisher.

”

Warning”
Some parts (no pun) of this report are of a mature nature, viewer discretion is advised, no giggling.

Today we were 8 counters and we had a new participant today, Jan who came to the valley from the sunshine coast and what wonderful weather she brought us, brilliant sunshine all the way. Yes it was a tad nippy to start and it was time to discard the thongs and sandals and get out the woolly knickers and big boots.
We had ups and downs today with Swans going up and Eagles going down, we even had a nice dark Peregrine Falcon today which made me get out the scope for a better look as it was a long way off. This was possibly of the “Peales” variety and a dark immature. We even found a Peregrine with no head sitting in a tree. Sadly the Bald Eagles are departing us as the salmon run has ended and their food source is depleted.
I have to say that our Trumpeter Swan numbers may not be correct as we think that maybe the farmer chased a large group off the fields up on Bench just after we had counted them, many of which descended into Cowichan Bay We can never be sure with the birds getting disturbed and flying into a new locations, let’s just say that the numbers are in keeping from previous years and next week will hopefully set the numbers straight. I say we had we had 327 Trumpeters today, so if it’s wrong you can blame me, but that’s what I counted. Once again immature birds were in low numbers with just 29 but we are heading in the right direction.
Several Deer were seen today and even a herd of Goats, a Muscovy Duck for those who want to pad their lifelists was up on Richards Trail and several other sundry farm animals were observed.
One of the best sightings of the day was as we sped along Herd Road and Barry saw a nice Red-tailed Hawk sitting on the corner of Norcross Road, with the ease of a racing car driver Barry took the turn and we were faced with a lovely pale Red-tail Hawk, we don’t get that many opportunities to see one as pale as this. We did get a nice male American Kestrel this week, overall our numbers for Raptors was down.
A lot of still water was frozen and fields were white which made the ducks huddle into small groups, with Richards Trail an exception. Out in Cowichan Bay the numbers of diving ducks remain low. We did encounter 3 Killdeer at Quist’s Farm
We saw Trumpeter Swans in 13 different locations today which was a nice surprise and another good sighting was 3 Greater White-fronted Geese up on Bench Road and 5 Cackling Geese were added to our totals today from two different locations.
Many strange things are seen on our journey around the valley and there are many things to be learned, we all know that in most cases their has to be a male and female species for the said species to survive and I was lucky to see for the first time a male tree, it was a very mature tree, I had never noticed this before even though we have stopped at this location on every count, just amazing what you can catch on camera.
We all had a great day and I for one had a bit of a red face when I got home from the sun, such a wonderful day with my good friends the Swan and Goose counters.
Big thanks to Kurlene and Barry for driving us around and our sponsors the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society
Sorry but there are lot’s of pictures this week.

Derrick

Photo Credits,
Northern Shrike by Barry Hetschko
Red-tailed Hawk eyeing up Barry Hetschko
Male tree by Derrick Marven
Trumpeter Swans in front of Mt Tzouhalem by Derrick Marven
family group of 3 by Derrick Marven
Pale Red-tailed Hawk by Derrick Marven
Song Sparrow by Zan Stenhouse
Resting Swans by Zan Stenhouse
Bottom up by Zan Stenhouse