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Post by Wetlander on Sept 30, 2009 12:58:02 GMT -8
Janne stopped in at the gallery this morning from her walk and told me she had spotted a tonne of Am. Pipits at the Lagoon. She also mentioned that the Scaup I've been seeing might be a Ringed-neck, so at lunch I headed out to try for some photos. No good shot at the mystery duck and the Pipets had moved on...  Took a walk around the Lagoon and found over 10 Savannah Sparrows then 6 Horned Larks with 2 Lapland Longspurs. ;D   Out on the Lagoon, were over 100 C. Geese, with almost 100 Am. Widgeons. A few Mallards and G.W. Teals were mixed in as well as 2 N. Pintails. Am. Coots have returned in numbers as well. On the Lakeside edge of the spit around the Lagoon were 4 Harlequin Ducks. ;D I think they must be juveniles due to plummage.  |
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Post by Janne on Sept 30, 2009 15:20:07 GMT -8
Wow great finds Kevin a Lapland Longspur and 3 Harlequins. Where were they when I walked the lagoon? Hiding amongst the American Pipits? Flying away with the American Coots? Maybe tomorrow. Here's two photos of the American Pipits - one shows the flock. I estimated at least 50 individuals. . They look like ones from the population that nest in Rocky Mountain - pale plumage.    Here's a photo of waterfowl I thought was a Ring-necked duck. I think I see a white outline of the bill and a faint white spur just back of the breast on the shoulder. I figure they are juvenile birds:  And another:  Having some issues with my camera and can't get the focus under control these days. Sorry about that. Janne Perrin Harrison Hot Springs |
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Post by Wetlander on Sept 30, 2009 19:06:48 GMT -8
Yah, weird... You look for one thing and find 3 others!!!  The Lagoon was very active today, with groups of geese coming in 15-20 at a time.  There were actually 4 Harlequins.  Here is a photo of most the the H.Ls and L.Ls, while I'm at it.  I only got 1 okay shot of the duck, but I don't know if it is good enough to tell anything until I post it...  |
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Post by Wetlander on Sept 30, 2009 19:11:53 GMT -8
Well, that was no help... Yah Janne, yours look ring-necked.
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Post by Gord on Sept 30, 2009 20:06:59 GMT -8
Wow Kevin and Janne!! Kevin, super shots of the Lapland Longspurs! Janne, way to capture the American Pipits!! Horned Larks, Pipits, Longspurs...you guys are due for a Snow Bunting or maybe even a Wagtail or rare Pipit!! Look closely and take lots of photos! You never know. Love the Harlequin Ducks! Yes, probably are young ones probably with females. Males leave soon after the eggs are laid and head to the ocean. More info on these guys here! fraservalleybirding.com/Articles/Species%20Spotlight/harlequinduckl.htm Also think this may be the latest record we have for the species. I agree that those are Ring-necks too. That Harrison Lagoon and lake area is a goldmine! You guys are lucky!  |
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Post by Dave on Oct 1, 2009 19:51:56 GMT -8
Great Work on the Lapland Longspurs, Kevin! WOW!! A bird I have only seen on the coastline in "less than ideal" conditions....
Great Record for the area (and a nice pic too!),
Dave
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