Phalaropes aplenty May 21

[Gord]

First thing this morning I drove through East Chilliwack for a little look to see what was out in the rain. The most exciting find was at the Annis Road pond where I first saw a little group of four Red-necked Phalaropes swimming around. Then I saw five more...and then a further five. Fourteen Red-necked Phalaropes together is by far the most I've seen here or even heard of on the mainland for that matter. There were also three Wilson's Phalaropes, three Long-billed Dowitchers and a lone Least Sandpiper. Among a good number of swallows was a single Bank Swallow.

The weather sure can bring out interesting things as at Cheam Lake Wetlands later that morning I counted 108 Cliff Swallows perched on the dead trees over the lake. A good 20 or so more were flying around over the lake. By far the most of that species I've seen at one place before too!

Nice birds, but what a cruddy day!

Ill post a couple photos later.

[10aciousfaith]

Thanks for your report Gord. I'll record your 14 Phalaropes on our May Challenge.

[bonjuan3]

Is Annis pond just south of Hwy 1? Where is the best place to stop?

I'm hoping to get out that way next week so hopefully the Phalaropes will still be around.
Thanks,
John

[Chris]

John, it is on the north side of the highway. What you want to do, is take the Annis exit. Turn left then take the west on ramp on Annis Rd. You can pull off the side of the on ramp and look at the flooded field.

If that doesn't make sense let me know.

[Gord]

Pictures, finally.

From the morning. Four closer to the road.



Five further out.



The other five were along the grass near the Wilson's Phalaropes and even further away. At the end of the day I checked on them again and the Red-necked Phalaropes were all together. One wonders if preparing to continue migrating together as a flock? When I counted in the photograph, there are actually 15 Red-necked Phalaropes there!