Glen Valley - May 16

[Krissi]

I got an unexpectedly long list of species on the Abbotsford side of Glen Valley today. I observed 46 species, including a few FOYs - Willow Flycatcher, and Lazuli Bunting on Dyke Rd. There were also two Black Headed Grosbeaks singing here, and three Killdeer right beside the road on the other side of the chain link fence.

Other highlights were all along River Rd East of Bradner, including a MacGillivray’s Warbler, a Warbling Vireo, an Olive Sided Flycatcher, two Bullock’s Orioles, and two Western Wood Pewees. This stretch of River Rd was very birdy with multiple other warbler species, swallows, blackbirds, and sparrows.

[Chris]

Great tally of species. Been waiting for my first Lazuli of the Spring. I think this weather has slowed a few birds from migrating.

[Krissi]

I thought that it would I slow things down for migration, but I don’t think it really has. Everything seems to be pretty on track, time wise, at least for FOY, maybe not for full numbers of everything. It just seems really odd to get things like a bright orange Bullocks Oriole, or vibrant yellow Western Tanager when it’s only 11 degrees outside, and raining. It just doesn’t feel right. Not that I’m complaining. I’d take the cool weather over scorching heat any day.