Post by Gord on Dec 29, 2005 22:15:22 GMT -8
Went out this afternoon for a half hour walk along the dike at Lickman Rd (not the Rotary Trail which is just a few yards closer to the river).
Highlight of the walk was a first year green heron in the salmon rearing pond just east of Lickman Rd. Also nice to see was a large flock of bushtits numbering close to 20 birds and two very vocal fox sparrows who provided great views as they scolded me while I 'pished'.
This is a very birdy area with lots of varied habitat. Only annoyance are the dogs, and I was hesitant to come here in the first place.
This area and the Rotary Trail seems to be overrun and firmly in control by loose dogs and their ignorant owners (many owners are good owners, but I dont see many). When walking, one quickly goes cross-eyed trying to keep an eye on the ground to prevent stomping in what dogs naturally leave behind while still attempting to enjoy the walk and scenery. (there is a LOT to step around) You are also keeping an eye on all the dogs that come running up to you. Most just want to say "hi" and maybe give you a few muddy paw prints on your clothes, but bites are not unheard of from other trail users. You never know, and a guy yelling from a distance (Did he say the dog's friendly, or I should start running?) is in no way controlling the dog responsibly. Today's worst incident was the dog comically shuffling around on three legs trying desperately to moisten my leg and/or scope tripod. 
Unreal. I should mention the lady who respected my request to hold on to her very friendly dog while she was close to me and others. Sure, the dog's friendly (let's say overly friendly if you get my drift), but it is the courteous thing to do.
I love dogs, but when it comes to the point where I feel uncomfortable to go to a certain area (and would never bring my family) something needs to be considered to accomodate all users. Also, one needs to consider the impacts dogs running loose cause on wildlife.
Sorry for the rant.
Here's the list of what I saw.
20-+ Bushtits
4 Black-capped chickadee
2 Steller's jay
18 Dark-eyed junco
6 House finch
1 Bewick's wren
2 Fox Sparrow
5 Ruby-crowned kinglet
3 Golden-crowned kinglet
1 Winter wren
30 American wigeon
40 Mallard
5 Hooded merganser
10 Bufflehead
3 Song sparrow
1 Spotted towhee
14 Ring-necked duck
Tons of gulls
1 Green heron
Highlight of the walk was a first year green heron in the salmon rearing pond just east of Lickman Rd. Also nice to see was a large flock of bushtits numbering close to 20 birds and two very vocal fox sparrows who provided great views as they scolded me while I 'pished'.
This is a very birdy area with lots of varied habitat. Only annoyance are the dogs, and I was hesitant to come here in the first place.
This area and the Rotary Trail seems to be overrun and firmly in control by loose dogs and their ignorant owners (many owners are good owners, but I dont see many). When walking, one quickly goes cross-eyed trying to keep an eye on the ground to prevent stomping in what dogs naturally leave behind while still attempting to enjoy the walk and scenery. (there is a LOT to step around) You are also keeping an eye on all the dogs that come running up to you. Most just want to say "hi" and maybe give you a few muddy paw prints on your clothes, but bites are not unheard of from other trail users. You never know, and a guy yelling from a distance (Did he say the dog's friendly, or I should start running?) is in no way controlling the dog responsibly. Today's worst incident was the dog comically shuffling around on three legs trying desperately to moisten my leg and/or scope tripod. 
Unreal. I should mention the lady who respected my request to hold on to her very friendly dog while she was close to me and others. Sure, the dog's friendly (let's say overly friendly if you get my drift), but it is the courteous thing to do.I love dogs, but when it comes to the point where I feel uncomfortable to go to a certain area (and would never bring my family) something needs to be considered to accomodate all users. Also, one needs to consider the impacts dogs running loose cause on wildlife.
Sorry for the rant.
Here's the list of what I saw.
20-+ Bushtits
4 Black-capped chickadee
2 Steller's jay
18 Dark-eyed junco
6 House finch
1 Bewick's wren
2 Fox Sparrow
5 Ruby-crowned kinglet
3 Golden-crowned kinglet
1 Winter wren
30 American wigeon
40 Mallard
5 Hooded merganser
10 Bufflehead
3 Song sparrow
1 Spotted towhee
14 Ring-necked duck
Tons of gulls
1 Green heron