Post by Chris on Jul 20, 2011 11:44:44 GMT -8
I had to be in Surrey yesterday so I made time to visit a few locations to bird watch. I knew it wouldn’t be too active but shorebirds are starting to migrate. First stop was Blackie Spit. It was fairly quiet there but a few Caspian Terns and Purple Martins flew over. As for Shorebirds, there was a Long-billed Curlew and about 20 Yellowlegs.
Long-billed Curlew
I stopped in at Boundary Bay (104 street and walked east). The tide was going out but there were a number shorebirds. Black-belled Plovers were common along with Western and Least Sandpipers. There were a few Semipalmated Sandpipers as well. It’s sure cool to see the difference of plumage between individuals within the same species.
About halfway between 104th street and 112th street I spotted a Whimbrel. It took off before I could get a picture. New species for me.
My final stop was Tsawwassen Ferry Jetty. Caspian Terns flew over and on occasion plunged into the water. I walked both sides of the jetty. I was just going to cross over to the other side when another bird watcher told me that there were Black Turnstones, Black Oystercatchers and a Whimbrel just a little ways up.
Whimbrel
Black Turnstone looking for food.
It’s amazing how well they blend into the rocks.
Tomorrow I am off to Alberta for about a week to visit my cousin. I am hoping I return with a picture of a Moose! I might be able to get some bird watching in as well.
Long-billed Curlew
I stopped in at Boundary Bay (104 street and walked east). The tide was going out but there were a number shorebirds. Black-belled Plovers were common along with Western and Least Sandpipers. There were a few Semipalmated Sandpipers as well. It’s sure cool to see the difference of plumage between individuals within the same species.
About halfway between 104th street and 112th street I spotted a Whimbrel. It took off before I could get a picture. New species for me.
My final stop was Tsawwassen Ferry Jetty. Caspian Terns flew over and on occasion plunged into the water. I walked both sides of the jetty. I was just going to cross over to the other side when another bird watcher told me that there were Black Turnstones, Black Oystercatchers and a Whimbrel just a little ways up.
Whimbrel
Black Turnstone looking for food.
It’s amazing how well they blend into the rocks.
Tomorrow I am off to Alberta for about a week to visit my cousin. I am hoping I return with a picture of a Moose! I might be able to get some bird watching in as well.