Dear Birders
Four D’s and a E, it is possible that these were my grades when I left school back in England many moons ago, but no, these are the first initials of the participants in this weeks survey. While 2 D’s and an E kept watch for birds, two D’s were doing a crossword; it is no wonder that for the first half of our count in the northern sections not many birds were counted. I must admit that 1 D dragging herself away from four down did spot a Eurasian Wigeon and then a Pied-billed Grebe in Somenos Marsh, but this D missed completely the Tree Swallow sitting on one of my nest boxes, the first to set up home this year.
Before I get into too much waterfowl I have to comment on the raptors for this week which put on a good show with 30 Bald Eagles, 4 Turkey Vultures and 3 Red-tailed Hawks. Quist Farm came through with 13 Bald Eagles which seem to like these fields and trees for some reason.
Several times this week my birding skills were called into question only to be accepted on further investigation and identity proved, the penalties will be payed next week; the last count of the season. So I missed a few swans, so what.
Anyways, I was surprised to see that our count was not missing too many swans for this week as I had thought that many had left already, although adult numbers were down, maybe some eager adults had left for northern climes in anticipation of getting the best nesting spots.
With good warmer weather forecast for this weekend you might want to look up now and again while cutting the grass or whatever you do outside on warmer weekends.
Our first swans of the day did not come until we were on Highway 18 heading towards Drinkwater Road, 10 birds were feeding in a large field.
The next group came in a new field off of Sahilton Road where over 150 were fattening up on the new grass.
Corfield Road once again had the Common Teal the Eurasian counterpart of our Green-winged Teal and also another Eurasian Wigeon, I think we ended up with four for the day. Here we had our first of the year Killdeer playing with the ducks.
Koksilah Road west had a few swans and Bench Road came through with over 50. Dougan’s Flats had a handful of swans in a far off field and over 250 Geese, our largest flock of the day.
We quickly nipped around to St.Catherine’s Road where we picked up another 45 swans and a few dickie birds.
Koksilah Road east was next with over 170 swans and 130 geese. Because of the lack of exercise made by the counters I made them get out on Wilmott Road to walk back and forth while I checked the swans, in doing so I found our old friend 01UK, the neck banded swan, feeding away with it’s buddies.
Onwards and down through Cowichan Bay village a soaring Turkey Vulture was spotted and at Dinsdale’s Farm 7 Great-white-fronted Geese were seen with 135 Canada’s.
We did the Dock Road without much success and then headed home seeing another 3 Turkey Vultures soaring up towards Mt. Tzouhalem.
Next week sees the last count of the season and so if you think you’re missing something be at the dog park at the corner of Lakes and Beverly at just before 10:00 am.
Big thanks to my CVNS friends for reminding me that it is my wedding anniversary this weekend, good job as I had forgot, I was sure to end up as Cassowary food if it was not for their lovely card; she who must be obeyed was very impressed.
Good Birding
Derrick