Eighteen DNCBers, including four South African Newbies, enjoyed a rain-free morning along the DeBoville Slough trail, then the boardwalk around the Blakeburn Lagoons. We had lots of neat species, and some almost-interesting chatter; check out the brilliant photo evidence on our DNCB Flickr site.
Just after 7:30 a.m., seven of us car-pooled together from Petra’s in Roger’s Chariot. As always, it was an interesting and historical hour-long “Roger Ride” winding through the streets of Delta, Surrey, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam to reach our first destination, the entrance to the DeBoville Slough trail. The others were excitedly awaiting our arrival and, following introductions, we began a leisurely walk along the slough trail toward the Pitt River.
No American Dippers were in the tunnel, but we had good looks at several waterfowl species along the way, Common Mergansers, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. Lots of Kinglets, both Golden– and Ruby-crowned, Brown Creepers, Bushtits, Anna’s Hummingbirds, several Sparrow species, Northern Flickers, and an active pair of Hairy Woodpeckers in the trees. Richmond Brian’s first eBird count for the day was 34 species (see below).
We got to the Pitt River around 10 a.m. and Roger took the Group Photo, with a pair of gorgeous Hooded Mergansers diving together behind us in the river.
The walk back to the vehicles was basically a chatfest in the pleasant dry conditions, enjoying the scenery over the Blueberry fields and Minnekhada Park mountain, with mostly the same species seen as on the walk out.
We drove on to a new spot for me, Blakeburn Lagoon Park in Port Coquitlam, arriving there around 11:00 am. This recently-created park had well-groomed trails around the two lagoons, with several lookouts and informative signage. And lots of species, up-close-and-personal. We added Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Lesser Scaup, American Coot and Northern Shoveler to our list, plus a leucistic Canada Goose. A perched Red-tailed Hawk was good for our photogs, and a secretive Varied Thrush excited a few as it skulked under the bushes. Backyard Feeders at homes along the trail attracted lots of Sparrow species, plus a small flock of Pine Siskins and a Steller’s Jay.
It was past noon when we decided to head off for lunch at The Arms Pub in Port Coquitlam. Nine of us were entertained and happily served by the lovely Lara. My veal cutlet special was delicious, with water, (I gave my beer sleeve to Mike B). The ride home was chatty and uneventful as Roger didn’t get lost. It was approaching 3 p.m. when I picked up food at Tsawwassen Tim Horton’s to take home for Sandra. I had time to relax before our monthly Nats meeting and Lena Azeez’s informative presentation on BC Salmon. Another awesome DNCB outing.
The 18 were: Roger and his carload of Mike B, organizer Terry, returnee Marian P, Ladner Pam, North Delta Johnny Mac and me, the four South African Newbies Richard & Rosemary Beckman (Ladner residents) and their daughter and partner (excellent birders and I forget their names, would like an email address), Ladner Bryan w/o Masae, West Van Lori, South Surrey’s Colin & Wazza, eBirder & Photog Richmond Brian & Louise, and North Delta Photog Pat S.
On Tuesday, March 10, we’ll leave Petra’s at 7:30 a.m. for Iona Regional Park, meeting others at the washroom parking lot around 8:15 a.m.
For more info on our outings, events, reports and photos, check out our website. As always, your comments are welcome. Cheers: Tom
Tom Bearss, President, Delta Naturalists Society
eBird Checklist Summary for Mar 3, 2020
Number of Taxa: 34
Checklists included in this summary:
(1): DeBoville Slough, Coquitlam Mar 3, 2020 at 8:27 AM
(2): Port Coquitlam–Blakeburn Lagoons at 11:35 AM
93 Canada Goose — (1),(2)
60 Northern Shoveler — (2)
2 Gadwall — (2)
83 American Wigeon — (2)
70 Mallard — (1),(2)
10 Green-winged Teal (American) — (1),(2)
1 Lesser Scaup — (2)
2 Bufflehead — (1),(2)
3 Common Goldeneye — (1),(2)
7 Hooded Merganser — (1),(2)
2 Common Merganser — (1)
5 Anna’s Hummingbird — (1),(2)
8 American Coot — (2)
7 Great Blue Heron (Blue form) — (1),(2)
2 Bald Eagle — (1),(2)
1 Red-tailed Hawk — (2)
2 Hairy Woodpecker — (1)
11 Northern Flicker — (1),(2)
2 Steller’s Jay (Coastal) — (1)
25 Northwestern Crow — (1),(2)
6 Black-capped Chickadee — (1)
8 Bushtit — (2)
3 Golden-crowned Kinglet — (1)
2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet — (1)
5 Brown Creeper — (1),(2)
55 European Starling — (1),(2)
2 Varied Thrush — (1),(2)
25 American Robin — (1),(2)
5 Pine Siskin — (2)
22 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) — (1),(2)
2 White-crowned Sparrow — (2)
4 Golden-crowned Sparrow — (2)
11 Song Sparrow — (1),(2)
7 Spotted Towhee — (1),(2)
