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Post by Gord on Mar 20, 2007 19:50:35 GMT -8
Im trying to get a picture of where and, more importantly, when people might be interested in organizing birdwatching walks on a regular basis during the following months.
I have made a poll option for those who would rather make their voice heard in that manner. I tried to cover all possible options. This is just to get an idea of what days might work the best for as many as possible.
Of course, morning and later afternoon walks are the best for birding as midday the birds often are a bit more quiet but this is definitely not a rule to follow.
Feel free to join in on discussing the logistics of this idea! I think it will be lots of fun to get out in the field for all birders of any level.
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Post by Dave on Mar 20, 2007 21:41:54 GMT -8
Good Idea, Gord!
When? I have voted for Saturday AM, as I work the other days (I am getting close to retiring age....well...sort of), and Sunday I try to reserve for special worship. I often work on Saturdays as well, but if I knew ahead of time, I could see things working out from time to time.
Where? Anywhere. I would enjoy going to Hope to have Thor show me some bluebirds and my long lost Northern Pygmy-Owl. I would gladly go to Langley to see a Shrike and Pileated Woodpeckers (nice pictures, by the way)!! And how about that Campbell Valley area? Cheam Wetlands would be great during migration. Kathy's stomping grounds sound awesome too, would love to check it out. Maybe Gord could lead us on a survey of gulls/raptors next winter on Evans/Prairie Central, etc... Island 22 for buntings and tanagers! Lots of options!
DB
P.S. (You don't all have to betray your private voting like me!)
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Post by Janne on Mar 20, 2007 23:46:45 GMT -8
Hi Gord,
I voted for Saturday pm as you only allowed me one choice. Anytime on the weekend suits me as long as I know in advance. Janne
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Post by kastern on Mar 21, 2007 11:47:19 GMT -8
Much as I'd love to join in on some of your walks, if you decide to do them, I know that birders don't appreciate people with dogs joining in.  I've never found them (the dogs) to be a problem but I seem to be in the minority....with an 8 week old pup my birding is really hindered at the moment...mainly because the water is too high to take the short cut across to the park and she isn't quite old enough to go for the longer trek.....as soon as she is, she will be taught to sit and wait while mom looks at birds.....in the meantime I just hope I'm not missing anything exciting. Kathy |
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Post by tmanson on Mar 21, 2007 16:31:52 GMT -8
Fellow Fraser Valley Birders: Just to be obstinate, I am not going to vote!! Actually, in truth, I don't know how to respond. Being happily part of the retirement community, I guess I can say anytime is good.
I am more than happy to lead/participate in any bird walks around Hope, and would look forward to participating in others furhter afield.
We talk a lot about the airport for good reason, but the Sucker Creek Trail, and pond is really good for birding as well. I saw my " local ", Long-eared Owl in there last fall.
Other Hope area walks to consider:
1) Out Deb's way by the Fraser River
2) The Hope Lookout- good for owls, grouse, and other mtn/forest birds
3) Kawkakwa Lake; can be dead or really good
4) Down the Silver Skagit Rd as far as the U.S. border, or hike the Skagit Trail in Manning Park from Summalo Grove to this road- would want to organize it, so we had cars at both ends.
5) Boston Bar/North Bend/Nahatlatch area. I worked up there for five years, and it is a totally different ecosystem, less than an hour from Hope. Opportunity to see birds of a drier environment close to home. Saw Nashville Warbler in there a few years ago.
I am happy to organize any of these walks/hikes if folks are interested.
Cheers, Thor
Thor Manson
Hope, B.c.
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mac
Member
Posts: 72
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Post by mac on Mar 21, 2007 17:04:12 GMT -8
Gord
Like Thor I am retired so virtually any day can suit. For obvious reasons I prefer weekdays, when good birding areas might be quieter but if pushed I would come out on the weekends ;D.
It would be great to get the benefit of experienced birders knowledge so count me in.
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Post by josterhold on Mar 22, 2007 10:11:58 GMT -8
hello birders
i voted for sunday am but i am willing to lead or participate in any early morning walk any day of the week. any am walk will most likely start at 7am or earlier as from sun up until 9 or 10 is the most productive during migration and into the summer. so it might be possible for some to go birding early and then off to work or whatever else you might wish to do. also any evening would do, as well, as the days are getting longer and longer. i just want to go birding!!
jason
ryder lake,bc
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Post by Gord on Mar 22, 2007 21:21:04 GMT -8
Good to have all the input.
It looks like weekends, specifically Saturday, will be a good bet.
Im also keen for weekday mornings here and there too before work. Jason and I got the scarlet tanager in such a birding adventure last year.
So maybe the next step, possibly a little into April, would be just to plan outings to get things started. It can be pretty simple. Pick a place and a time and if it works for others, a group can go. Like Jason says, getting out in the field will be the best part! As we go along and refine this idea I think it will turn into fun events where knowledge can be shared and more eyes see more things. If the times that we seem to be going out just doesnt work for some people, Id be glad to planning some outings to include these people too. Mornings are for sure the best, but there are birds to be seen all day long.
For further abroad outings such as Thor mentioned, these can be planned further ahead with more details as needed. I've always been keen to bird up around Boston Bar and will be most glad to have someone who knows the area (I think I must have blinked each time Ive drove by...or is that for Spuzzum Creek?) better than I do show the highlights.
Let's keep the ideas coming, and once we start to get some decent weather and maybe a little further into April, Jason and I will certainly be doing some morning outings in the local area for starts.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2007 11:30:44 GMT -8
Hi, folks.
I like this idea, and I voted for Saturday morning as that would generally work best for me. Like some others, I will soon be retired and then I will have more flexibility. At least in theory.
I live in Abbotsford so I'm more toward the west end of the area. I would enjoy going to areas further east and I know there are some good birding locations there. I would also like to suggest the possibility of occasionally going to places like Boundary Bay or Reifel or Iona for fall shorebirds or wintering raptors or waterfowl or gulls in appropriate seasons. That sort of birding is not limited to early mornings and it could well turn into a full day. Once or twice a year might be plenty for most people.
I also think that since there are always some people who have other commitments and can't make it on any particular day, it might be good to plan varying types of walks and some variation in times, so there would be something for everyone even if they had to wait for the next one sometimes. But it is good to have a regular routine also, to make it easier for people to plan ahead and reserve dates.
Thanks for getting the ball rolling on this.
Stan
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I've never found them (the dogs) to be a problem but I seem to be in the minority....with an 8 week old pup my birding is really hindered at the moment...mainly because the water is too high to take the short cut across to the park and she isn't quite old enough to go for the longer trek.....as soon as she is, she will be taught to sit and wait while mom looks at birds.....in the meantime I just hope I'm not missing anything exciting.