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Post by Chris on Mar 28, 2023 17:56:10 GMT -8
Did some birding around the Merritt area today. The weather was great. The first stop was Monck Park. It was nice to get Pygmy and White-breasted Nuthatch. The Pygmy Nuthatch was visiting a tree cavity, possibly nesting. This Merlin was quite vocal. Merlin at Monck Provincial Park Coming back from Monck Park managed to see at least five Mountain Bluebirds. One was fairly cooperative for photos. Mountain Bluebird at 4563–4599 Highway 5A, Thompson-Nicola CA-BC 50.16420, -120.66710There were a lot of waterfowl, swans, Buffleheads, American Wigeons, Mallards, Scaup, etc. on the west end of Nicola Lake. The lake seems to be quite low although it could be the time of year. Neat to see the diverse group of waterfowl on migration. The next stop was Planet Mine Rd. More bluebirds were present Mountain Bluebird at Planet Mine Road It was nice to see Townsend's Solitaire in a juniper tree. It flew off before I could take a photo. A couple of White-breasted Nuthatch were vocal. Didn't see one Red-breasted Nuthatch on the outing. It was also good to hear the song of Meadowlarks. White-breasted Nuthatch at Planet Mine Road Beaver Ranch Flats was mostly frozen still but waterfowl was present in the open sections. Good numbers of Lesser Scaup and also a few Redhead and Canvasback. Tallied 42 species. It was great to explore a different area.
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Post by Gord on Mar 28, 2023 22:40:12 GMT -8
Nice trip and photos, Chris. Good work on the White-breasted Nuthatch. Still one I've yet to see in B.C. The boys and I are thinking of a trip up there soon ourselves and maybe this will be the year.
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Post by paulos on Mar 29, 2023 9:48:08 GMT -8
You can always come a little bit further and see Black-backed Woodpeckers and Black Terns in 100 Mile...
But great birds Chris. I'm still looking for my Thompson-Nicola WBNU.
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