Swamp Sparrow Cheam Lk March 25

[Gord]

This morning Randy and I saw a Swamp Sparrow about 100m in on the Loop Trail. It was looking nice in almost breeding colours.
Later John and I looked for it again with no luck. John did find a bold Virginia Rail which we enjoyed watching feed near the Sparrow sighting location. What a beautiful day!

[Wetlander]

is Cheam Lake still open to public?

[Randy]

Mar 25, 2020 17:45:25 GMT -8 Wetlander said:

is Cheam Lake still open to public?

Yes it is. As long as you don't need the bathroom

[Randy]

Just thought I would follow-up on this thread from the 25th with a full report. When I arrived there just before Gord there were 8 wood ducks in a tree on the lake. I had actually never seen them in a tree before!



Gord was complaining about the geese eating his fresh grass seed that he had placed. This goose was denying any involvement in the scheme:



As Gord mentioned he amazingly spotted a swamp sparrow fly across the path in front of us. We both managed good views but were unable to get any photos. It didn't stick around too long. Another highlight included the two cinnamon teal that I flushed when crossing the floating bridge prior to Gord's arrival.

Here's the complete list with a decent 39 species:

Canada Goose 75
Trumpeter Swan 1
Wood Duck 8
Cinnamon Teal 2
Gadwall 30 Many seen on lake. Easily identified.
American Wigeon 20
Mallard 70
Northern Pintail 8
Green-winged Teal 6
Ring-necked Duck 35
Bufflehead 8
Hooded Merganser 1
Common Merganser 20
Pied-billed Grebe 1
American Coot 2
Wilson's Snipe 1
Bald Eagle 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 4
Steller's Jay 1
Northwestern Crow 1
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 1
Tree Swallow 2
Violet-green Swallow 3
Brown Creeper 1
Pacific Wren 1
Marsh Wren 2
Varied Thrush 4
American Robin 10
House Finch 1
Purple Finch 1
Pine Siskin 3
Dark-eyed Junco 12
Song Sparrow 4
Swamp Sparrow 1
Spotted Towhee 4
Red-winged Blackbird 14