Getting ready for spring migration

[paulos]

Some of the first spring arrivals might come any day now. I am wondering if people might want to share where they have found some of the best spring birding, and what might be good places to catch certain birds.

I was very impressed last year with the flooded field on Luckakuck for shorebirds. Right now the field is covered; I don't know if it is a winter cover that they will plow later this year to make the field more bare. I saw a Wilson's Phalarope, lots of peeps, Dunlin, Black-bellied Plovers and some maybe pectorals. I believe others saw Semipalmated Plovers and Sandpipers there as well.

The upper Ryder Lake neighbourhoods were great for Townsend's Solitaires and Hammond's Flycatchers in April, Nashville Warblers on the April/May divide, all the other local warblers in May, Cassin's Vireos and Band-tailed Pigeons a little later.

Browne Creek Wetlands is a favourite of mine for Red-eyed Vireos and Bullock's Orioles.

Any other suggestions?

[Gord]

Definitely Hope Airport for bluebirds and Say's Phoebe but anything is possible given that spring is one of the best seasons for the site.

I like that Luckakuck as well. There's lots of great looking areas out there this spring in east Chilliwack and Sumas Prairie. I wonder if the snow helps flatten the grass to give better views of these sites? All depends on the spring though if we get some good puddles or not.

I'm looking forward to spring. Perhaps today we'll get a swallow coming out here in the warm sun.

[Chris]

Harrison Lagoon and Columbia Valley are very good places as well for spring migrants.

[Gord]

Yes, Columbia Valley is a favourite of mine as well. Good for bluebirds too and a nice drive. I think it's a natural corridor for migrants.