Hello Birders
This week saw a major rise in numbers of Trumpeter Swans with the highest total #635 this is the best for two years. We also had 3 adult Tundra Swans and 5 Mute Swans. In the raptor species we had a Peregrine Falcon, Merlin and a high number for this season of Red-tailed Hawks #7.
We started off slow as usual with 6 participants soon getting into the swing of things. Somenos Lake lacked any Ruddy ducks this week, but some Common and Hooded Mergansers were seen along with a couple of adult Bald Eagles. A group of skulking Double-creasted Cormorants tried in vain to avoid my prying eyes.
Quist Farm had lot’s of American Wigeon and just a few swans and eagles. Westholme had hardly any birds with just with just 14 trumpeter’s trying to hide in the sedges.
Richard’s Trail fell flat as has been the case for most of this season.
As we got to the top of the trail a Red-tailed Hawk sat down on a hydro pole to our “RIGHT” this was met with a correction as the location was dispatched to the following car by walkie-talkie. It appears that one of the counters does not know her left from her right and twisted and turned like a contortionist so that she had the bird on her left, which made no earthly difference as the bird was clearly on the cars right. After this all conversation went totally down hill over the airwaves, as the following car lost all confidence in our sightings.
Onwards we went adding eagles and red-tails, but a lack of swans was sadly lacking.
After a quick stop, it was Sahilton Road next where a major flock of swans was found, just under #180 birds were seen along with #550 Canada Geese, #18 White-fronted Geese and #14 Cackling Geese. On Corfield Road I spotted a Peregrine Falcon but before the group could get on it, it flew off behind some trees.
Off to the west we failed to find anything of note until Riverside Road where #24 swans and a handful of Cackling Geese were found. Bench Road came next and we had the blue necked banded tundra swan again at this location with just over #60 Trumpeters.
At Dougan’s Flats we hit the major flock with #280 Trumpeters and #355 Canada Geese, all birds were counted at this location with a counter for a more accurate number.
Koksilah Road east had a small flock of swans which did include our third Tundra.
A few more swans were added in Cowichan Bay along with Buffleheads, Common Goldeneye and way off Surf Scoters. One more Trumpeter was added on the Cowichan River to finish off our day in a light rain, for the most part the weather was good with a light wind.
Next week sees a hand over of the reins as Dorothy and Eric take a welcome break from the pressures of counting swans, it should be a very exciting few weeks with a new tally person and me teamed up with the ladies.
Enjoy the spring as i fear were not done with winter yet.
Happy Birding
Derrick