Post by tmanson on Jan 20, 2009 20:59:50 GMT -8
Hi all: Today, Brian Stech, and I took advantage of the sunny weather, and dry roads, and did a birding loop into the Interior. We left Hope around 8:00, and got back at 6:30.
Our route was from Hope to Manning, up to the Gibsons Pass Ski Resort, then east to Princeton, to Merritt via 5A, and 97C, and then up 5A to Kamloops. After running into thick fog just south of Kamloops, we returned on 5A to Merritt, and then the Coq. back to Hope.
The day couldn't have started off more slowly. Outside of Hope on highway 3 we saw a flock of PINE SISKINS by the road, and then all the way to Manning/Gibsons/Princeton, and up to 97C outside Merritt, all we saw were COMMON RAVENS, EUROPEAN STARLINGS, and BALD EAGLES. It looked like the day was going to be a bust, despite the great weather, and spectacular scenery. Lots of frost glistening on the trees, etc.
Our luck turned dramatically, on the way into Merritt on 97C. By Courtenay Lake, we saw this handsome bird.
The N. HAWK OWL looks a little dopey, but he, or she was definitely focused on the snow, and whatever was scurrying around down there.
And again.
.
On the Coq. between the exits for Kelowna, and the extension of 5A, we saw the leucistic Red Tailed Hawk, that has been reported from this exact location on a number of occasions. I saw it there 3 summers ago, and others have reported it as well. With my scope, I got great views, as it sat on the top of a tree. Brian, with his superior camera, got some distant shots. I think he will post to me, and I will try to re-post here; a very dramatic looking bird.
Almost as soon we got back on 5A heading towards Kamloops, we saw a ROUGH LEGGED HAWK, sitting on top of a utility pole.
.
And a little further up we saw the first of 3 flocks of Bohemian Waxwings. These two were part of a flock eating berries by the gas station on native land past the Douglas Ranch turnoff.
.
In the mostly open Nicola Lake we saw TRUMPETER SWAN, COMMON MERGANSER, COMMON GOLDENEYE, and CANADA GOOSE.
On the opposite side of the lake on the way to Monck Prov. Park were MOURNING DOVE, several CLARE'S NUTCRACKERS, BLACK CAPPED CHICKADEE, and the first of two TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES, seen on the day.
Back on the other side near Guichon Flats, while looking at the second TOWNSEND'S, two SHARP TAILED GROUSE flushed, and we were able to see them several times as they walked and flew around.
At both ends of Stump Lake we saw NORTHERN SHRIKE.
Finally, on the way back near Merritt in the gathering darkness, a GREAT HORNED OWL flew up onto the overhead wire.
A great day for birding, and, luckily, we saw a few birds. Cheers, Thor
Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.
Our route was from Hope to Manning, up to the Gibsons Pass Ski Resort, then east to Princeton, to Merritt via 5A, and 97C, and then up 5A to Kamloops. After running into thick fog just south of Kamloops, we returned on 5A to Merritt, and then the Coq. back to Hope.
The day couldn't have started off more slowly. Outside of Hope on highway 3 we saw a flock of PINE SISKINS by the road, and then all the way to Manning/Gibsons/Princeton, and up to 97C outside Merritt, all we saw were COMMON RAVENS, EUROPEAN STARLINGS, and BALD EAGLES. It looked like the day was going to be a bust, despite the great weather, and spectacular scenery. Lots of frost glistening on the trees, etc.
Our luck turned dramatically, on the way into Merritt on 97C. By Courtenay Lake, we saw this handsome bird.
The N. HAWK OWL looks a little dopey, but he, or she was definitely focused on the snow, and whatever was scurrying around down there.
And again.
.On the Coq. between the exits for Kelowna, and the extension of 5A, we saw the leucistic Red Tailed Hawk, that has been reported from this exact location on a number of occasions. I saw it there 3 summers ago, and others have reported it as well. With my scope, I got great views, as it sat on the top of a tree. Brian, with his superior camera, got some distant shots. I think he will post to me, and I will try to re-post here; a very dramatic looking bird.
Almost as soon we got back on 5A heading towards Kamloops, we saw a ROUGH LEGGED HAWK, sitting on top of a utility pole.
.And a little further up we saw the first of 3 flocks of Bohemian Waxwings. These two were part of a flock eating berries by the gas station on native land past the Douglas Ranch turnoff.
.In the mostly open Nicola Lake we saw TRUMPETER SWAN, COMMON MERGANSER, COMMON GOLDENEYE, and CANADA GOOSE.
On the opposite side of the lake on the way to Monck Prov. Park were MOURNING DOVE, several CLARE'S NUTCRACKERS, BLACK CAPPED CHICKADEE, and the first of two TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES, seen on the day.
Back on the other side near Guichon Flats, while looking at the second TOWNSEND'S, two SHARP TAILED GROUSE flushed, and we were able to see them several times as they walked and flew around.
At both ends of Stump Lake we saw NORTHERN SHRIKE.
Finally, on the way back near Merritt in the gathering darkness, a GREAT HORNED OWL flew up onto the overhead wire.
A great day for birding, and, luckily, we saw a few birds. Cheers, Thor
Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.
