Post by Gord on Nov 5, 2015 0:41:12 GMT -8
I took a short but very productive walk at the Harrison Lagoon today.
Over the boat launch a flock of Pine Siskens and two Common Redpolls circled around and landed briefly on a cedar tree. There has been a few largish flocks of Pine Siskens I've noticed lately.
In the launch parking lot there were three Snow Buntings. Later in the walk I would come across six feeding on the grass seed. I think the original three joined three more.
I also spotted this American Tree Sparrow hanging out with a young Horned Lark.
Things were just as interesting out on the water. There are now lots of Bufflehead around the checklist area and I tallied 61 of them here. I also saw a pair of Surf Scoter. Then...I got a glimpse of a more duck-like scoter as it dove. When it emerged I saw I had a male Black Scoter which is quite exciting. There is only one other record of three that showed up on October 20 2009. While this guy was also too far out to get any photos, I did manage a video through the scope to document the discovery which turned out ok surprisingly enough. It's a ugly piece of work but the bird can be seen in it. I hoped to see a White-winged Scoter too to complete the hattrick and a short look produced a female. Very neat.
Hold on to your hats while you watch the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mbvyhffyKE
Information on our website about these guys: www.fraservalleybirding.com/Species/Bird%20Accounts/Black%20Scoter.htm
There were several Horned Grebe including this one close in to shore
And a raft of divers including some Greater and Lesser Scaup
Greater Scaup
A Lesser Scaup
A bit dreary and cool day but nice all the same with lots of birds to see. Bruce and Joanne, thanks for the call and good find on the buntings and Am Tree Sparrow!
Over the boat launch a flock of Pine Siskens and two Common Redpolls circled around and landed briefly on a cedar tree. There has been a few largish flocks of Pine Siskens I've noticed lately.
In the launch parking lot there were three Snow Buntings. Later in the walk I would come across six feeding on the grass seed. I think the original three joined three more.
I also spotted this American Tree Sparrow hanging out with a young Horned Lark.
Things were just as interesting out on the water. There are now lots of Bufflehead around the checklist area and I tallied 61 of them here. I also saw a pair of Surf Scoter. Then...I got a glimpse of a more duck-like scoter as it dove. When it emerged I saw I had a male Black Scoter which is quite exciting. There is only one other record of three that showed up on October 20 2009. While this guy was also too far out to get any photos, I did manage a video through the scope to document the discovery which turned out ok surprisingly enough. It's a ugly piece of work but the bird can be seen in it. I hoped to see a White-winged Scoter too to complete the hattrick and a short look produced a female. Very neat.
Hold on to your hats while you watch the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mbvyhffyKE
Information on our website about these guys: www.fraservalleybirding.com/Species/Bird%20Accounts/Black%20Scoter.htm
There were several Horned Grebe including this one close in to shore
And a raft of divers including some Greater and Lesser Scaup
Greater Scaup
A Lesser Scaup
A bit dreary and cool day but nice all the same with lots of birds to see. Bruce and Joanne, thanks for the call and good find on the buntings and Am Tree Sparrow!
