Post by Gord on Dec 27, 2023 23:27:00 GMT -8
It's probably because I'm getting sleepy that the thread title amuses me more than it should with the rhyming/rap potential. Or is it something to try and say three times fast? 
Anyway, we had a good day. Randy, his brother Rob visiting for the holidays, Chris and Benny braved the early morning wind to do the count. It was better than about 5:00 where it was both windy and heavy rain that woke me up. We started on Angus Campbell Road where we usually start our morning on this count. We were getting buffeted by the wind and were talking about maybe going to sheltered areas of our route to start and to work our way back to the Prairie later in the day in hopes the wind would settle. We stuck it out for a few minutes and it was surprisingly good. We tallied six raptor species in quick succession including a nice dark phase Rough-legged Hawk that Randy pointed out. Not far away was a Peregrine Falcon too which would make seven raptors in the first 20 minutes.
We did head to the western part of the route where it was less windy but didn't find it overly 'birdy' in much of the areas.
Costco parking lot was busy with blackbirds but we couldn't get the Rustys. We settled on 24 Brown-headed Cowbirds and just over 100 Brewer's though. If anyone is surprised why they all congregate there, well wonder to longer. We watched less fewer than three different people putting down birdseed or bread for them in just the short time we were there. We had Brewer's striding with purpose towards the vehicle while we were scanning the flocks. I assume our open windows means food is going to be tossed out.
UFV Campus was a worthwhile stop. We got Wood Duck which we don't always get on this route, and also a lucky Northern Shoveler flying past with some Mallards. Most of our Anna's Hummingbirds were here probably attributed to the mild winter we've had so far.
On Mackenzie Road we came across big flock of Red-winged Blackbirds. There were about 100 in one area, all females. It's interesting how the red-wings often do this. We did find seven just down the road but was a mix of male and females.
We enjoyed finding this Northern Shrike on South Parallel Road.
_0233471 by Geordie LaForge, on Flickr
Orange-crowned Warbler also are enjoying the mild winter and we found one near the shrike. It was getting late and I was feeling a bit rushed to cover the route and forgot to snap a photo!
We didn't get any Varied Thrush at the usual location at UFV and we had given up on them but had a nice surprise of three at Hougan Park. It was quiet here for waterfowl with singles (and our only finds of the day!) of Common Goldeneye and Merganser. Earlier we had a single fly by Hooded Merganser which was also our only encounter for the species
Some of the last birds we found at the end was a young Tundra Swan with some adult Trumpeter Swans. The smaller size and whiter plumage caught our eye first but we checked it a bit more to be sure as it was an odd sight as often young birds stick with their parents if they can. No doubt it was a Tundra who almost always who whiter plumage while young Trumpeter Swans are usually grey up into early spring when they start to molt in some whiter feathers.
_0233475 by Geordie LaForge, on Flickr
Waterfowl was incredibly low for us this year with no large flocks of Mallard or wigeon. We did wind up with 61 species for the day. Thanks to the guys for a great day of good birding and companionship. Chris for keeping the checklist which isn't always easy and, of course, to the count organizers.
Anyway, we had a good day. Randy, his brother Rob visiting for the holidays, Chris and Benny braved the early morning wind to do the count. It was better than about 5:00 where it was both windy and heavy rain that woke me up. We started on Angus Campbell Road where we usually start our morning on this count. We were getting buffeted by the wind and were talking about maybe going to sheltered areas of our route to start and to work our way back to the Prairie later in the day in hopes the wind would settle. We stuck it out for a few minutes and it was surprisingly good. We tallied six raptor species in quick succession including a nice dark phase Rough-legged Hawk that Randy pointed out. Not far away was a Peregrine Falcon too which would make seven raptors in the first 20 minutes.
We did head to the western part of the route where it was less windy but didn't find it overly 'birdy' in much of the areas.
Costco parking lot was busy with blackbirds but we couldn't get the Rustys. We settled on 24 Brown-headed Cowbirds and just over 100 Brewer's though. If anyone is surprised why they all congregate there, well wonder to longer. We watched less fewer than three different people putting down birdseed or bread for them in just the short time we were there. We had Brewer's striding with purpose towards the vehicle while we were scanning the flocks. I assume our open windows means food is going to be tossed out.
UFV Campus was a worthwhile stop. We got Wood Duck which we don't always get on this route, and also a lucky Northern Shoveler flying past with some Mallards. Most of our Anna's Hummingbirds were here probably attributed to the mild winter we've had so far.
On Mackenzie Road we came across big flock of Red-winged Blackbirds. There were about 100 in one area, all females. It's interesting how the red-wings often do this. We did find seven just down the road but was a mix of male and females.
We enjoyed finding this Northern Shrike on South Parallel Road.
_0233471 by Geordie LaForge, on FlickrOrange-crowned Warbler also are enjoying the mild winter and we found one near the shrike. It was getting late and I was feeling a bit rushed to cover the route and forgot to snap a photo!
We didn't get any Varied Thrush at the usual location at UFV and we had given up on them but had a nice surprise of three at Hougan Park. It was quiet here for waterfowl with singles (and our only finds of the day!) of Common Goldeneye and Merganser. Earlier we had a single fly by Hooded Merganser which was also our only encounter for the species
Some of the last birds we found at the end was a young Tundra Swan with some adult Trumpeter Swans. The smaller size and whiter plumage caught our eye first but we checked it a bit more to be sure as it was an odd sight as often young birds stick with their parents if they can. No doubt it was a Tundra who almost always who whiter plumage while young Trumpeter Swans are usually grey up into early spring when they start to molt in some whiter feathers.
_0233475 by Geordie LaForge, on FlickrWaterfowl was incredibly low for us this year with no large flocks of Mallard or wigeon. We did wind up with 61 species for the day. Thanks to the guys for a great day of good birding and companionship. Chris for keeping the checklist which isn't always easy and, of course, to the count organizers.
