Post by Gord on Nov 10, 2012 9:52:47 GMT -8
After work I need to head home via Promontory Mountain so figured I would drive by a couple spots to see if the dusk would bring out a Short-eared Owl.
First stop was along Chilliwack Central near Prest Road. I've seen them here several times over the years. It was quiet and none popped up in the 5 minutes I looked.
Then it was over to Banford Road. This also has been a reliable spot so long as some longer grass habitat is available. This year there is plenty of that, but might be a bit wet. However, a Rough-legged Hawk flew over and even stopped and hovered over this area a couple times before continuing on no doubt to its roost. No Short-eared Owl were seen either.
Final stop was more of a long shot in my mind. At the Bailey Landfill there's some suitable looking habitat that can be seen from Teskey Way. I pulled in to the short little road to the right about 200 meters from Bailey Road and right away, there was one hunting actively over the field! This was at about 4:45. I enjoyed it for about five minutes and saw it go down into the grass a couple times without success. It is amazing how agile they are and can turn on a dime and go down when they see or hear a mouse.
I bet it will be there again this evening if anyone is interested in looking for it. The habitat I was expecting to see one is better viewed from further up Teskey Way. Just past a big white sign there's an opening in the trees and a couple concrete barriers. You can see into the landfill a bit too (see the gulls!) from here. Last time I was there I do not believe it's private property or otherwise but I will check to confirm later today.
Chris tells me this is species 242 for the year for our checklist area. Very good work everyone!
First stop was along Chilliwack Central near Prest Road. I've seen them here several times over the years. It was quiet and none popped up in the 5 minutes I looked.
Then it was over to Banford Road. This also has been a reliable spot so long as some longer grass habitat is available. This year there is plenty of that, but might be a bit wet. However, a Rough-legged Hawk flew over and even stopped and hovered over this area a couple times before continuing on no doubt to its roost. No Short-eared Owl were seen either.
Final stop was more of a long shot in my mind. At the Bailey Landfill there's some suitable looking habitat that can be seen from Teskey Way. I pulled in to the short little road to the right about 200 meters from Bailey Road and right away, there was one hunting actively over the field! This was at about 4:45. I enjoyed it for about five minutes and saw it go down into the grass a couple times without success. It is amazing how agile they are and can turn on a dime and go down when they see or hear a mouse.
I bet it will be there again this evening if anyone is interested in looking for it. The habitat I was expecting to see one is better viewed from further up Teskey Way. Just past a big white sign there's an opening in the trees and a couple concrete barriers. You can see into the landfill a bit too (see the gulls!) from here. Last time I was there I do not believe it's private property or otherwise but I will check to confirm later today.
Chris tells me this is species 242 for the year for our checklist area. Very good work everyone!
