Post by Gord on Jun 27, 2024 22:16:16 GMT -8
A little late sharing a fun day trip we had to Merritt. We planned to bird Midday Valley Road and they Beaver Ranch Flats to give ample time to enjoy what there was to find. The weather was quite nice and not very windy.
We did Midday Valley Road first. House Wren and Vesper Sparrow were common and singing all over. Quite a few Mountain Bluebirds as well. Dusky Flycatcher seemed more numerous than in the past. It was a good chance to hear them singing as we rarely do when they pass by on migration. We also found Williamson's Sapsucker. The female posed nicely for us. We also scored a couple Cassin's Finch. We heard a song we were not familiar with and were pleased to confirm the male and soon after a female as well.
_0246411 by Geordie LaForge, on Flickr
_0246407 by Geordie LaForge, on Flickr
Over to Beaver Ranch Flats to finish our day. On the way, we saw a couple Swainson's Hawk. At the Flats, it was nice and busy with quite a few Wilson's Phalarope swimming about. Four Bonaparte's Gull, all young ones, were not expected. Several Common Nighthawks were flying about in the daylight. We didn't see any Eared Grebe or Ruddy Duck which was a bit of a surprise as in the past we've seen lots.
A Yellow-headed Blackbird posed nicely for us and we spent a bit of time photographing and enjoying their antics.
_0246494 by Geordie LaForge, on Flickr
We were ready to head for home and none too soon as some good thunder and lightening showed up along with heavy rains.
We did Midday Valley Road first. House Wren and Vesper Sparrow were common and singing all over. Quite a few Mountain Bluebirds as well. Dusky Flycatcher seemed more numerous than in the past. It was a good chance to hear them singing as we rarely do when they pass by on migration. We also found Williamson's Sapsucker. The female posed nicely for us. We also scored a couple Cassin's Finch. We heard a song we were not familiar with and were pleased to confirm the male and soon after a female as well.
_0246411 by Geordie LaForge, on Flickr_0246407 by Geordie LaForge, on FlickrOver to Beaver Ranch Flats to finish our day. On the way, we saw a couple Swainson's Hawk. At the Flats, it was nice and busy with quite a few Wilson's Phalarope swimming about. Four Bonaparte's Gull, all young ones, were not expected. Several Common Nighthawks were flying about in the daylight. We didn't see any Eared Grebe or Ruddy Duck which was a bit of a surprise as in the past we've seen lots.
A Yellow-headed Blackbird posed nicely for us and we spent a bit of time photographing and enjoying their antics.
_0246494 by Geordie LaForge, on FlickrWe were ready to head for home and none too soon as some good thunder and lightening showed up along with heavy rains.