Post by Ben on Aug 11, 2021 20:00:41 GMT -8
I thought I'd share some photos and a short write-up about my recent trip to Sardis Park.
After dinner I thought it might be worthwhile to see if the pond had anything good. I didn't expect much, but while biking there I thought how phalaropes had been seen in the Vancouver area, and that they might be moving through at the moment. I dismissed the idea of one showing up at Sardis Park because I thought, if anything, "they'd show up at Harrison, not here".
Well, while passing by the south side, I heard and saw a Yellowlegs flying over the water! I was stoked! I'd never seen a yellowlegs at this location. I tried to remember the call and played both of the contending species calls (quietly) on my phone to see if I could match it. The calls are so similar to my ears though, so I wasn't sure. Luckily the bird didn't leave the pond, so I went to go find it. It was very tolerant of people, and right away I noticed how short the bill was, and that the bird was daintier than the more common Greater Yellowlegs! This was only my second time seeing a Lesser Yellowlegs in the valley
I texted Gord to let him know, and while awaiting his arrival went to walk the short loop around the pond. For the most part just the regulars were there -- Mallards. Mixed in were a couple Pintail, and a Northern Shoveler. Nearing the end of the loop--at the south side again--I spotted a small shorebird swimming in the pond. Yep, it was a Phalarope (Red-necked). Both birds allowed for photos, but the light was fading -- especially when seeing the Phalarope -- so the photos aren't the best (and Phalaropes are small!)
Both birds stuck around till I left. (this evening the yellowlegs was still present)
Here are some photos: The checklist has more: ebird.org/checklist/S93067269
Lesser Yellowlegs:
Red-necked Phalarope:
After dinner I thought it might be worthwhile to see if the pond had anything good. I didn't expect much, but while biking there I thought how phalaropes had been seen in the Vancouver area, and that they might be moving through at the moment. I dismissed the idea of one showing up at Sardis Park because I thought, if anything, "they'd show up at Harrison, not here".
Well, while passing by the south side, I heard and saw a Yellowlegs flying over the water! I was stoked! I'd never seen a yellowlegs at this location. I tried to remember the call and played both of the contending species calls (quietly) on my phone to see if I could match it. The calls are so similar to my ears though, so I wasn't sure. Luckily the bird didn't leave the pond, so I went to go find it. It was very tolerant of people, and right away I noticed how short the bill was, and that the bird was daintier than the more common Greater Yellowlegs! This was only my second time seeing a Lesser Yellowlegs in the valley
I texted Gord to let him know, and while awaiting his arrival went to walk the short loop around the pond. For the most part just the regulars were there -- Mallards. Mixed in were a couple Pintail, and a Northern Shoveler. Nearing the end of the loop--at the south side again--I spotted a small shorebird swimming in the pond. Yep, it was a Phalarope
(Red-necked). Both birds allowed for photos, but the light was fading -- especially when seeing the Phalarope -- so the photos aren't the best (and Phalaropes are small!)Both birds stuck around till I left. (this evening the yellowlegs was still present)
Here are some photos: The checklist has more: ebird.org/checklist/S93067269
Lesser Yellowlegs:
Red-necked Phalarope: