Post by Wetlander on Aug 14, 2009 20:07:54 GMT -8
Was on the island for a couple days and hoped to get in a bit of salt water birding for the first time. We were in Victoria on family business...
That right, I've been at this for over 8 years, and I haven't made it to the coast with a pair of bins.
Tuesday, We almost made it on the ferry... about 5 cars short. Did mind cause I grabbed my bins and headed for the water. Immediately rewarded with a Pelagic Comorant (Lifer #1). They are clearly smaller and more delicate looking than double cresteds. Couldn't get a good photo, but shortly after spotted a number of Black Turnstones (L#2).
Just under way and heading through Active Pass, spotted a bunch of dark coloured, fair sized ducks, with a distinct white wing patch. The ride was a little rough and it was hard to hold the bins steady, but I think they were White-winged Scoters (L#3?)... But isn't this to early?
Wednesday, Got down to Ogden Pt. and spotted some sandpipers on the beach. I think they are Westerns (L#4).
Walked out along the breakwater. Spotted some Caspian Terns (L#5) fighting over a fish. Then a couple of odd birds flew up into a small ledge along the pier across the water. later they jumped back into the water and it was a couple of Pigeon Guillemots (L#6).
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Also spotted a number of Black Oystercatchers (L#7) during the trip.
Also got a quick look or two at a mottled brown Marbled Murrelet (L#8).
Thursday, made down to Clover Pt. and spotted more of the same birds, plus about a dozen Heerman's Gulls (L#9).
Then a wonderful surprise on the beach!
Cant wait for next time to see the Skylarks or Purple Martins and, and, and....
That right, I've been at this for over 8 years, and I haven't made it to the coast with a pair of bins.
Tuesday, We almost made it on the ferry... about 5 cars short. Did mind cause I grabbed my bins and headed for the water. Immediately rewarded with a Pelagic Comorant (Lifer #1). They are clearly smaller and more delicate looking than double cresteds. Couldn't get a good photo, but shortly after spotted a number of Black Turnstones (L#2).
Just under way and heading through Active Pass, spotted a bunch of dark coloured, fair sized ducks, with a distinct white wing patch. The ride was a little rough and it was hard to hold the bins steady, but I think they were White-winged Scoters (L#3?)... But isn't this to early?
Wednesday, Got down to Ogden Pt. and spotted some sandpipers on the beach. I think they are Westerns (L#4).
Walked out along the breakwater. Spotted some Caspian Terns (L#5) fighting over a fish. Then a couple of odd birds flew up into a small ledge along the pier across the water. later they jumped back into the water and it was a couple of Pigeon Guillemots (L#6).
[img src="
Also spotted a number of Black Oystercatchers (L#7) during the trip.
Also got a quick look or two at a mottled brown Marbled Murrelet (L#8).
Thursday, made down to Clover Pt. and spotted more of the same birds, plus about a dozen Heerman's Gulls (L#9).
Then a wonderful surprise on the beach!
Cant wait for next time to see the Skylarks or Purple Martins and, and, and....
