Kane Valley July 15

[Chris]

We did a trip through the Kane Valley today. Kane Valley is just south of Merritt and eventually connects with Highway 5A. It is very scenic with a nice mixture of grasslands and forests with a few lakes and wetlands sprinkled in.

The west end is good for Meadlowlarks and Bluebirds but I couldn't get some photos of them. A lot of Dusky Flycatchers calling and Vesper Sparrows as well.

We stopped at Harrison Lake.

This Song Sparrow was belting out its song



Killdeer



Eastern Kingbird with a mouthful



We were going to walk at Harmon Lake but the mosquitoes were quite bad. The only area we encountered them.

At another stop we saw a Red-naped Sapsucker and a Spotted Sandpiper





Once we got on Highway 5A we took Lundbom Lake Rd. Not too many birds but the grasslands were picturesque.

Finally, we saw this Say's Phoebe near Nicola Lake



Mammals seen, Deer, Chimpmunks and Yellow-bellied Marmots.

I've been to Merritt and surrounding areas quite often and I am always impressed with the scenery.

[Harrier]

Next time you’re around that area, Kidd Lake is worth checking out as well. It’s a beautiful habitat for various wetland species and the most dependable spot I know in this part of the world for Black Terns.

[nickinthegarden]

I have only been in the Kane Valley during the spring it is nice to see a report for the summer. Very nice images, I particularly like the Spotted Sandpiper on the lily pads.