Bear Sparrow Hawk
British Columbia and the North West
We went to British Columbia this summer, leaving 101 degrees F temperatures and the dog days of Texas for the cool NW. Temperatures of 57-71 degrees F. gave BC We flew into Seattle and rented a hybrid to jump Tsawassen take the ferry to Iceland, where we spent Galiano two days. From there we crossed back to the mainland, and walked the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish and Whistler Area (site of the Olympic Winter Games 2010) for two more Days. We spent several days in Vancouver before returning home. I made no secret of my intentions to find good birding and inquired of many. Canadians would be a Request with greet "Oh ya" before the conclusion of an answer.
Pigeon Guillemots, herring gulls and double crested Cormorants were observed on the body to Island over. Great Blue Heron wading the creeks. On Galiano, we saw seven bald eagles. Four of them were so far while traipsing the Bodega Ridge Trail at the northwest end. Three more were found at Bellhouse Provincial Park at the southern end of the island. Two of the three chicks were in Bell House, for the first time in the morning we were flown there to watch. I added Townsend warblers, my life list Bodega Ridge. Northwest Crow, American Robin, and Rufous Hummingbirds Canada geese, Lincoln and White Crowned Sparrows, Northern Juncos, Bewick Wrens, and Turkey Vultures were spotted on the island. Butterfly bushes on the island are like trees. Drawn to them were impressive swallow tails.
Horseshoe Bay, the gateway to the Sea to Sky Highway, produces Glaucous Winged Gulls and ravens. It is a great Provincial Park near Squamish named Alice Lake, which was both the male and female Varied Thrush found. Steller's Jay A was also found in Squamish. Squamish are warnings everywhere about Grizzlies. Seed feeders are here because of the bears is prohibited (Hummingbird feeders are okay). Last year Grizzly wandering downtown and had to be removed. Nature provides some beautiful and spectacular phenomena on this trek. Shannon Falls, the highest decline in North America at 70 meters, south of Squamish is easily accessible. Brandywine Falls, south of Whistler, is half as large, but very beautiful.
The South Area Salt Marsh WMA in Ladner, BC, south of Vancouver, Bushtits produced for my life list. Spotted Towhee and Black Capped Chickadees were probably the most common birds seen, everywhere we went here. Downy Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Western Wood Pewee, and American Goldfinch were also found. Three other Bald Eagles found. Two young birds were flying into the swamp. A roosted on my head as I watched the Bushtits.
The Campbell Valley Regional Park south of Langley, BC, and north of the U.S. Border produces another Bird for my life list, the Chestnut-backed Chickadee. Barn swallows were on the Little River Loop, a marshy area, abundant, while Lincoln and Fox Sparrows and Spotted Towhee populated the roads.
Saving the best for last, was George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary my favorite place to bird. When asked where every bird mentioned in BC Reifel, and I would agree. George Reifel donated his farm and associated salt marshes to the province under two conditions, that it forever retained as a migratory bird sanctuary and that they always carry his father's name. It is wonderfully maintained and developed as a wetland. Most people I talked to were apologetic that this not the season for Reifel, migration as a far more productive. However, there was to observe many species. The ponds were full of mallards, Canada and Lesser Canada geese, Western Sandpiper, Long billed Dowitcher, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Pied Bill Grebe, Great and Small Yellowlegs, Killdeer, Red Winged Blackbirds, Tree Swallows, Great Blue Heron and Marsh Wren. Cranes were on the Wadden Sea. Four other Bald Eagles and Red Tailed Hawk worked overhead. Black Capped Chickadees produce the trails, Brown Cowbird, House Sparrow, Bewick Wren, American Robin, European Starling Headed, house finches, warblers Wilson, Red Breasted Nuthatch, Spotted Towhee, and a common Yellowthroat.
Of course, we had a great time. Canada is a great place to visit and bird. Oh ya!
About the Author
Roy Smallwood is the owner of Kingbirdfeeders.com. Roy began this enterprise after a 26 year career as a teacher of science. His love and enjoyment of the outdoors and birding in particular is the impetus for the company. He is an active member of the Central Texas Audubon Society. He encourages everyone to participate and enjoy birding whether in the backyard or in the field. Visit www.kingbirdfeeders.com for , binoculars and spotting scopes and happy birding!
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Earth Dragon Canon--Walking, Martial Arts, and Self Evolution $14.95 This DVD describes functional practices for the Chinese internal martial art known as Baguazhang (Eight Trigram Palm).The DVD illustrates a series of standing exercises that stress good posture before introducing the circle walking practice of Baguazhang.In the walking section, you will learn three "Stepping" patterns and eight "Standing Palms" that will prepare you for the ten classical postures ... |