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Post by Randy on Jan 28, 2012 13:32:12 GMT -8
Today I was treated to common redpolls in a tree beside my place amongst a flock of siskins. This increased my yard list to 54, which I'm pretty happy with since I just moved here in July.
This morning I had 5 species of sparrow under my feeder at the same time - house, Lincolns, golden-crowned, fox, and song. A couple towhees were bouncing in and out as well.
I went for a quick stroll to the marsh and lagoon. The marsh treated me to about 25 long-billed dowitchers. Otherwise, just green-winged teals and mallards here.
The lagoon had the usuals - mallards, mergansers, shovellers, goldeneyes, etc. but of note was a tatty-looking canvasback. First one I've seen here since about September/October. Ring-necked ducks were new for me for this location as well.
Sorry I don't have any pictures, I just quickly ran out to check out the area.
In case anyone is interested, I used the ABA checklist and created an Excel document that allows you to list easily, and it will automatically tally the species count. You can copy the worksheet and create numerous other sheets - for instance, I have a "Life" sheet and a "Yard" sheet. I know a lot of people use eBird (I do as well) but I haven't figured out how to add birds that I saw prior to using this website. Anyway,should anyone find it useful please send me an email (ra.walker@shaw.ca) and I am happy to send it to you (I wasn't able to figure out how to attach it to this message).
Randy - Langley
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Post by Chris on Jan 28, 2012 21:42:32 GMT -8
That's a great number for a yard list with only a few months Randy.
I have been checking for a Redpoll almost daily among the Siskens that come to my feeder but so far no luck.
I wonder if that Canvasback is the same one that was there in September.
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Post by Randy on Jan 29, 2012 10:10:38 GMT -8
Thanks Chris, I'm pretty happy with the yard number. I definitely have an advantage with all the waterfowl I can see from my place though. I was also wondering if that canvasback was the same one...if so, it looks like he's had a rough couple months!  I'll keep my fingers crossed for you getting a feeder redpoll! Randy |
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Post by kestrel on Jan 29, 2012 16:24:50 GMT -8
Nice list.
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Post by martin on Jan 30, 2012 12:22:47 GMT -8
No a bad list for a quick jaunt
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Post by Randy on Jan 30, 2012 13:21:29 GMT -8
Thanks guys. I'm pretty lucky. I'll routinely see 23-30 species in a 30 minute walk. I believe this day was 25 species in about 15 minutes Randy |
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Post by bonjuan3 on Feb 6, 2012 10:03:29 GMT -8
Your report inspired me to head out to Brydon Lagoon for the first time last Thursday. First time I've seen a Long-billed Dowitcher. Very exciting!  I haven't seen a Canvasback for over 40 years so I tried to position myself for a good photo, but they moved to the other side of the lagoon. Still an interesting shot, I think.  And a couple more:  Hooded Merganser  Common Goldeneye Thanks again for your report. I'll definitely make Brydon Lagoon one of my go to spots! John |
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Post by beyondhope on Feb 6, 2012 14:23:09 GMT -8
I stopped in to Brydon today, around 80LBD, lots of GW.Teals, Bufflehead, Common & Hooded Merg, N.Shovelers, L.|Scaup, 2 pair of Canvasbacks now. Was just the one female a couple of weeks ago. Did not walk all the way around or try to do a species or total count so I know I missed some. PB.Grebe is usually present etc...
54species must be what you can see from your yard Randy, not a count at your feeders/in your yard?
I'm at 39 Species in my yard, have not counted flyovers etc... WSJay, BT.Pigeon, MoDo, RB.Sapsucker and Red Crossbills are my rarer yardbirds.
Rocky
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Post by Randy on Feb 6, 2012 15:34:18 GMT -8
Hi Rocky,
I suppose I'm liberal with my "yard count" and yes, I include anything I can see from the confines of my yard/house. I only count those I see, not just hear. They don't have to cross my fenceline to be counted though. Not sure what I would be at for within my fenceline....certainly wouldn't be 39 though, that's pretty impressive.
I'm glad to hear others are enjoying Brydon - I think it's a beautiful area to get out and see a nice variety of species.
Hopefully I run into some others while on one of my strolls. Also, feel free to let me know if anyone wants some company in the area - I'm the last house before you get to the lagoon so pretty easy access for me.
Randy
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Post by Randy on Feb 6, 2012 16:44:41 GMT -8
By the way John, Great pics, and I'm glad the dowitchers were there for you. Looks like there was a good amount of them. I've actually never seen more than 1 canvasback there so that's interesting to hear. I like how your picture makes it look like a 2-headed canvasback The female hooded merganser does not look quite as impressed by your presence Randy |
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Post by beyondhope on Feb 6, 2012 18:16:42 GMT -8
Nice yard/house/feeders Randy, great habitat/place to have a stones throw throw from your place (almost call it waterfront property!) Jealous! I remember a dog always used to bark in that yard, so didn't bird the brambles much.
I have only seen the one Canvasback over the years too. It used to come close to where all the Mallards are. 2male 2 female was a first for me today too at the lagoon.
Always think I will bump into you when there, one day!
Cheers, Rocky
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Post by Randy on Feb 25, 2012 9:46:24 GMT -8
I just took a quick peek at the lagoon and it appears that there are now at least 8 canvasbacks there.
Also, I nabbed another new yard bird yesterday - a varied thrush. I actually hadn't seen any of these here since I arrived in June so it was a nice treat.
Randy
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