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Post by Gord on Oct 29, 2005 11:48:07 GMT -8
What species of bird you have on your mind that you'd like to see in the area? There are always the vagrant and accidental species but for me, if asking about a bird that is around here, Id have to say northern goshawk for me. Been in places that look good for seeing them, but just seem to miss them!
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Post by JeffOver on Oct 29, 2005 15:45:10 GMT -8
For me, it is currently the western meadowlark (I'm sure it's around but I just haven't seen it yet). In fact, after reading through all the reports, on Tuesday I decided I couldn't bear staying inside and studying for the mid-term I had Tuesday night. The weather was just too beautiful. So I decided I'd do a bit of birding with the meadowlark as my focus. I checked out the two places mentioned, Banford rd (4) and Angus Campbell Rd where there was supposed to be 20 of them. I was told a while ago that they often hang out with starlings. In vain I searched through many, many starlings. In the end, I went home disappointed and disillusioned, realizing at the same time how much studying for my mid-term I could've done. As a result, my midterm...well, I'll find out Tuesday :-). Any tips on meadowlarks?
jeff
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Post by Dave on Oct 29, 2005 17:41:05 GMT -8
I could present a list of 'most wanted birds'!
Currently, I would like to see more Owl species. On my life list of owls are:
Barred Owl
Great Horned Owl
Snowy Owl
Barn Owl
Short-Eared Owl.
I would like to add Western Screech Owl, Northern Pygmy Owl, and Northern Saw-whet Owl. Any hints?
The Bar-tailed Godwits in Vancouver have tempted me a number of times to head west. If only it stayed light for a few hours after work........
Jeff, I have seen Meadowlarks around the Iona/Airport fields in October. (Then again, Banford Road is a shorter drive!)
Dave
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Post by Gord on Oct 29, 2005 17:55:17 GMT -8
Db, Ill certainly let you know on those owl species if seen. Often a saw-whet owl roosts at Cheam Lake Wetlands. Pygmy owl was also one I wanted to see for years, then last winter I found two different birds. One on the Christmas Bird Count and the second on a telephone wire over the road in Hatzic about three weeks later!! Jeff, the meadowlarks are hit and miss, but they are around for certain. Watch for the white edges of the tail feathers when checking out mixed flocks. They also fly a bit different and are appear a little lighter in colour. Ive seen them on Banford Road, McGuire Rd and well as at the end of Jesperson Road too. That's a great dyke to walk actually, and a great way to find things. Sumas Prairie is really good too. Bummer you missed out on studies...Ive done that too.  Meadowlarks are always a great sighting and are mentioned on the site. Ill make sure to make the info known in detail if I see any. I also remembered a bird that comes through each migration but I havnt had the pleasure of observing. That bird is the northern waterthrush!! |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2005 11:29:13 GMT -8
Dave, most winters a Pygmy Owl or two show up at Maplewood Flats Conservation Area in North Vancouver, and hang around for days or weeks. I went there several times when they were reported as present before I finally saw one. But that's a bit of a distance to go.
I've also been told that if you drive the road to Chilliwack Lake and watch the powerline wires along the road you have a chance to see them.
Saw-whets are often present at Reifel Sanctuary in Ladner in the winter.
Screech owls are getting scarce.
Stan
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Post by Gord on Nov 2, 2005 13:20:48 GMT -8
Last time I heard a screech owl was at the Great Blue Heron Reserve. That was some time ago now.  Good tip on Chilliwack Lk Rd. Ive often seen barred owls there on early, early morning drives up to the lake for fishing. Good owl area and nice and close by as well. |
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Post by kastern on Nov 2, 2005 15:08:52 GMT -8
A Blue Jay! Every winter I hope one will show up at my feeders along with the multitude of Stellars. One fall we had a Western Scrub Jay show up and that was really exciting but I'm still waiting for my Blue Jay.
As to Northern Pygmy Owls, well I had one in my front yard this morning, sitting in a Mountain Ash tree. They are uncommon, but regular visitors over here in Harrison Mills. I'd say if you have bird feeders out, sooner or later a Pygmy Owl will show up.
Speaking of Owls...my neighbour heard one the other night that we have been unable to identify. He said it's call was 'hoo hoo' very soft with a long pause and then the double 'hoo hoo' again. Anybody know what type if could be?
I've seen Meadowlarks, this time of year at Iona but I have also seen them here in Harrison Mills, on the Chehalis Flats. Not this year though as the 'flats' are covered in water.
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Post by Dave on Nov 2, 2005 16:09:02 GMT -8
kastern,
I am interested in this Northern Pygmy Owl/Feeder combination.
Is there a particular drawing food source that they are looking for?
DB
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Post by Gord on Nov 3, 2005 9:52:36 GMT -8
DB, you have a good chance to get one at your feeders since Ive seen them in your area, although uncommonly. Get a huge flock of pine siskins (feed them nyger) coming and I bet the chances will be good. Kastern may have some tips too. Good sighting btw!!  |
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Post by kastern on Nov 3, 2005 16:33:38 GMT -8
DB, re Pygmy Owls....the particular drawing food are the birds that are coming to the feeder. Pygmy Owls eat little birds. The interesting thing is that when a Pygmy Owl is around the usual 'alerting' feature is every Chickadee in the area 'mobbing' it and chattering away at full tilt. For some reason the Pygmy Owl just ignores them when he could easily grab one of them for a meal. Perhaps it is because the Chickadees are up in the trees. Any time I've seen a Pygmy Owl actually go for a bird, it's always been on the ground. I have, in fact had one hit my window while diving at a bird. Fortunately it did recover but not before flying into my house where one of my dogs promptly grabbed it. Quite an adventure getting it away from the dog and then back outside where it belonged, all without injury to either it or me.
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Post by Gord on Nov 5, 2005 20:48:26 GMT -8
Jeff
Kastern had a western meadowlark in the undeveloped section of Eagle Point Developments which borders on Eagle Point Community Park. A nice area to check out if you're in the area. I saw a tan-striped white-throated sparrow there Thursday. It's a real birdy area!!
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Post by JeffOver on Nov 7, 2005 8:42:58 GMT -8
Thanks guys (and Gord for the email). I'll try to head out there this week, maybe Friday afternoon or so, or maybe tomorrow morning if I'm so inclined and not getting anywhere with doing papers. |
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Post by JeffOver on Nov 9, 2005 7:18:24 GMT -8
What do you know. On Monday afternoon I was driving to school in Abbotsford and scanning the fence along the #1 for hawks and such like. Saw a red-tailed, and a second later saw a kind of tan bird with a distinctive black V on its neck, right by the Chilliwack aiport. Only a brief glimpse, but I think I can still add the meadowlark to my life list! Chau!
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Post by Gord on Nov 9, 2005 8:47:03 GMT -8
Well done!! That's a good area for lots of stuff. I remember a snowy owl some years ago in that area.
Hehe, Ive spotted lots of good birds at 100 km/h (ok...100km/h+) too!
Sounds like a good year for meadowlarks and I bet you'll see one where you get more time to look at it.
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Post by josterhold on Nov 9, 2005 9:17:38 GMT -8
hello birders
i agree with kastern. i have been wanting and waiting to see a blue jay in these parts for along time. they have been seen in this area maybe 10 or 12 years ago. it is one of my most wanted bc birds. not too hard to find in the peace river area, but that is far, far away. another species i would like to see here would be a red-shouldered hawk, i think i am asking for alot though as it has never been recorded in bc. though it does occur every winter in small numbers just south of us in washington state.
keep your eyes and ears open,
jason
chilliwack
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