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Post by tmanson on Feb 3, 2006 9:33:20 GMT -8
Hi birders: I'm thinking of taking an early departure day trip to the Olympia area of Washington next week to seek out the reported Red-shouldered Hawk, and then possibly the Kent Tufted Duck on the way back. If anyone wants to come along and split the gas, you can reply to me at tmanson@sd78.bc.ca
Thor
Hope, B.C.
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Post by tmanson on Feb 9, 2006 18:40:47 GMT -8
To be more specific; heading down to the Olympia area this Sunday, February 12 to look for the Red-shouldered Hawk, and, possibly the Tufted Duck on the way back in Kent. Probably leave Hope around 5:30 a.m. Anyone interested, on the basis of splitting gas, contact me at tmanson@sd78.bc.ca.
Thor
Hope, B.C.
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Post by Gord on Feb 10, 2006 9:15:35 GMT -8
Wish I could Thor, but will have to pass.
Good luck! Weather should cooperate.
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Post by Dave on Feb 14, 2006 8:00:27 GMT -8
Did you go after the Red-shouldered Hawk, Thor? We are waiting for an update  Dave I have seen a few Red-shouldered Hawks last year on a California road trip in March. |
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Post by tmanson on Feb 14, 2006 11:12:32 GMT -8
Dave and fellow birders: Yes I did see the Red shouldered Hawk on Sunday.
I got an early start from Hope leaving at 4:30 a.m., and I had a relatively traffic free drive down past Olympia to Rochester, and eventually to the site where the hawk had been reported. This is a very birdy area. It seemed like Spring had begun, because the air was alive with birdsong I searced around for about an hour, and then the hawk announced its presence with its tell tale call. I walked towards the area, and it alighted and flew right towards me, with its dark organge breast, and distincitive tail, and black and white pattern on its back. A very handsome bird. In the early morning there was very little traffic in the area, and I was able to follow it around from a distance for about 3 quarters of an hour, getting great scoped views, as it landed in various trees. I tried to take a picture, but I need to buy an adapter, and I just couldn't get the hand held method to work.
It was a great road trip, as this area, although not far from I5 is a beautiful riparian area, with rolling hills farmland. Very peaceful, and a great setting for a Red shouldered Hawk.
Cheers. Thor
Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.
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Post by Dave on Feb 14, 2006 15:52:43 GMT -8
Sounds like a fun day!
Did you try at all for the Tufted Duck? There is a possible Tufted Duck around the Iona Jetties lately.
Dave
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Post by tmanson on Feb 14, 2006 19:12:11 GMT -8
Dave et al: Believe it or not, I did try for the Tufted Duck on the same day. I got about half way out the jetty, and I met some disappointed birders who reported that the Tufted Duck, and the Scaups had dispersed across Boundary Bay. It was seen earlier in the day, though, while I was still in Washington.
This could be a difficult bird to find at any given time; somewhat like the elusive King Eider. It would be a lot easier if it would just relocate to the Outer Pond!! I've been told that this is unlikely as there is some exotic plant life growing in there. On the other hand, there were Ring necked Gulls in there on Sunday.
I also had a quick look at the Delta Bewick Swan, and looked for an Iceland Gull in and around the fields surrounding 72nd, with a Vancouver birder; ( unsuccessfully ). All in all, it was kind of a long day by the time I made it back to Hope, but great fun nonetheless. If the weather isn't too bad, I'll probably take another run at the Tufted Duck on the weekend. Cheers, Thor
Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.
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Post by tmanson on Feb 14, 2006 19:14:36 GMT -8
Ring necked Gulls should read Ring necked Ducks in the previous post. Oops. Thor
Thor Manson
Hope B.C.
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Post by Gord on Feb 14, 2006 22:22:38 GMT -8
Thor, good report. Wish I could have gone.
I remember the tufted duck that was at the pond at Iona years ago. I didnt know it was there and thus, wasnt even looking for it. I enjoyed figuring out what it was. What a surprise!
How did that Bewick's look against the one out here? Looking at pictures, it's almost a twin!
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Post by tmanson on Feb 15, 2006 9:57:47 GMT -8
Gord: The Bewick's Swan in Delta was very similar looking to the one you found in Chilliwack. Wish I was around when that Tufted Duck was seen in that outer pond. It would make the process of finding one a heck of a lot easier!!. You are on such a run, maybe you can spot an Iceland Gull in one of the local fields. Thor
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