Waiting for Phoebe

Late July 2017 Iona Inner Ponds Richmond BC.

The Black Phoebe was proving to be elusive. Eventually an hour into our search Tom Platt and his son located the flycatcher over the sewage lagoon. The bird was hawking insects low to the water, we never did get close enough for a photo, just fleeting views but views nevertheless. It was a lifer for many of us. Over the next few days the bird proved to be incredibly elusive, finally disappearing into the ether never to be seen again.

During the wait an American Goldfinch landed close to me and began to feed on thistle seeds plucking several at a time sending the feathery part into the air like a miniature parachute.

An American Goldfinch plucks seed from a thistle.

Below, a Kildeer chick scurries along the 'muck' at Iona. Since I took up birding I have visited more sewage lagoons than medieval cathedrals...just saying! 

Kildeer chick.

Least Sandpiper.

Long-billed Dowitcher.

Long-billed Dowitchers illuminated by the early morning sun.

Spotted Sandpiper at sunrise.

Western Sandpiper.

Now in the first week of August the shorebirds the migration is beginning to get into full swing. I've 

visited Boundary Bay a few times where Westerns and Baird's are now turning up on a regular basis. One evening there were just flocks of Least Sandpipers. The flocks of Black-bellied Plover are worth looking over for American Golden Plovers.

Now that I have sorted the garden, the repairs to the house are completed I can get back to the birds. I hope to see you out there. Good birding to you all.

John Gordon

Langley Cloverdale

BC Canada