Hi Naturalists
This past Wednesdays count was attended by 6 counters so we all squirmed into one vehicle which did help with keeping everyone warm, not that we needed it with a balmy 10c outside.
My day started with a nice cuddle in the carpark, I knew then that this was going to be a good day.
A small squabble happened between two participants over who was going to keep the days tally, this was quickly sorted as seniority takes precedent.
Lot’s of Geese and Swans were in the Somenos area and were quickly added to our total. A immature Bald Eagle scared up 3 Great Blue Herons out behind the DU pond and the Hooded Mergansers, Gadwall, Ring-necked Ducks and two adult Mute Swans swam on the pond.
We quickly moved north to the Quist Farm in hopes of big numbers, but we were disappointed as far as swans went but Oh! the eagles put on a marvelous display 42 birds were in and around the farm with a line of at least 15 mostly immatures lined up around the flooded field as if they were waiting for something to leap out into their beaks.
On to Richards trail where we found a nice group of swans, Tanya who has eyes in the back of her head had already spotted a few in the fields as we drove along, but the big group was on Pastula’s farm with over 70 birds present.
From here it got rather slow we entered our pit stop at A&W in good time and then it was south to Sahilton Road where last week we saw hundreds of birds, this week was a different story with just a handful of flying swans. It was here that we encountered our first of three Northern Shrikes, this first one flying quickly and over the hedge before most got to see it clearly.
Koksilah Road west was next and here we found a nice group of swans close to the road for easy counting, quickly we racked up over 130 birds and moved on further down the road where we found a lovely adult Coopers Hawk sitting on a hydro pole
Next it was Bench Road where a few swans tried to evade our prying eyes, but with senior Derrick’s intuition we added them to our list.
There were no birds at Dougan’s Flats, but a pair of Red-tailed Hawks put on a nice courting display.
We crossed the Hwy and headed to St. Catherine’s Drive where we got our second Northern Shrike, it was a nice adult sitting far away across the fields. After checking the sparrows it was then onto Koksilah Road east where we hit paydirt. The first group of swans had a nice adult Tundra Swan with them and as we checked the field marks our third and final Northern Shrike flew right over the head of the Tundra, this brought a comment from a wit in the back bench of ” Three Shrikes and you’re out” this in turn brought a large groan from the assembled crowd.
A lovely Peregrine Falcon sat watching the birds from a dead snag in the field and made for wonderful watching from the truck.
We then moved on to Wilmot Road where another large group of geese and swans were gathered, low and behold another adult Tundra was spotted, I knew then that the hug had worked wonders.
Dinsdale’s Farm was a bust, so we headed straight on to the Dock Road, the rain started to spit, but the hardy group were out the truck in a flash avoiding many little piles left by fido to catch the counters unaware. The rain really started to come down as I set up the scope to count some far distant swans, after a quick scan I turned to record my numbers only to find that my fellow counters were all sitting in the dry truck, what a hardy bunch I have to work with.
Well that was it we were done for 2011 and I’d like to thank all those that have taken part, your good company is much appreciated.
Here’s to lots of hugs and a good 2012.
Derrick
who’s eyes are always forward