Bird Watching During a Pandemic

 

A few weeks ago Black Press contacted me about an article they were putting together about birding for seniors. Birding has seen a huge spike in popularity in recent years among all age groups but particularly seniors. Despite the current situation with Covid-19 many groups and clubs are still offering opportunities for seniors and others to get out in a responsible manner. One example is the Langley Field Naturalists, other groups are also offering walks that follow strict social distancing and health protocols. We have had numerous walks around the Lower Mainland and we even have some new faces attending. I've met many who are despondent and are having a tough time with the isolation. To those I  I urge you to get out on your own, with your family unit or in a safe group and take walk in the forest, listen to the birds, take a very deep breath, relax and try to put everything into perspective. Nature is perfect and it will see us all  through these uncertain times.

*Note: Since the article was published just a few weeks ago cases of Covid-19 have begun to rise and the health authorities are asking everything to take even more precautions. Please keep this in mind when you read the article.

Follow the link below to read the whole story. 

John with Canada Jay/Photo Carlo Giovanella

Link to Birdwatching during a Pandemic

                                                              Birding for Seniors/Covid19

 

   Langley Field Naturalists

"Its never too late to get out birding"

John Gordon

Langley/Cloverdale

BC Canada

 

Langley Field Naturalists Field Trips May/June

The Langley Field Naturalists (LFN) meet at 7.00 p.m. the third week of the month at the Langley Music School Sept through June. Each meeting features a speaker. Below is a list of field trips which are held throughout the Lower Mainland and beyond. To find out more about LFN new members always welcome.

Langley Field Naturalists

                       Note: See my Princeton blog where we joined the Vermillion Forks Naturalist Group.

Saturday, May 21st
Iona Beach Regional Park & Sewage Lagoons - Yellow-headed Blackbirds.
Leader: Josh Inman
Time: Meet in the parking lot at 9:00 am Iona Park
Join the Langley Field Naturalists and expert birder Josh Inman while we explore this amazingly rich and varied bird life area. We will welcome back the Yellow-headed Blackbirds & Purple Martins who return to nest each spring in the ponds and on the Fraser River. One year we counted 61 species of birds!
Phone: 604-532-0455 for info or to let us know to expect you.

Tuesday, May 31st
Grant Narrows Provincial Park/Addington Marsh Wildlife Management Area.
Leader: John Gordon
Time:  9:00 am at Grant Narrows Provincial Park parking lot.
Join our leader John and the Langley Field Naturalists as we look for nesting Ospreys and perhaps Sandhill Cranes. This large dyke/marsh area, with several viewing towers, is a major migration route for bird life and has the largest tidal lake in the world. It also has a great variety of bird life making it very popular with bird watchers. Please note there is a charge for parking.
Phone: 604-533-7171 for info or to let us know to expect you.

Pix from last years walk.

Saturday, June 4th,
Glen Valley Bird Count

Friday, June 10th
Skagit Valley Provincial Park
Leaders:  Al & Jude Grass
Time:  8:45 at the junction of the Hope Flood Road and Silver Skagit Road (take exit #168 from Highway 1 East).
Come join Al and Jude as they take us to the Skagit Valley. Birds and wildflowers should be at their best including the beautiful pink Rhododendron which should be in bloom. This is a full day trip, so please bring lunch, snacks, water, (sunscreen and bug repellent) and a variety of clothing and footwear for the weather.
Note: please make sure you have enough gas as it is 130 km round trip to Ross Lake and back to the highway.
Phone: 604-538-8774 for info or to let us know to expect you.
Wednesday, June 15th


Wednesday, June 15th
Campbell Valley Regional Park
Leader: Viveka Ohman
Time:  9:00 am at 8th Avenue parking lot across from the Nature House.
This is our "welcome back" for our annual "yellow-themed" Warbler and other summer birds with expert birder Viveka. We will be looking for Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson’s Warbler, Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks and many more. We will walk the Ravine Trail first, then return through the meadow past the farm house across from the Nature House and  head north on the central main trail. Following I Km we will turn left on the Vine Maple Trail and end up at the 16th avenue parking lot. From here we walk east on the Little River Loop trail towards the Listening Bridge where we will have a water break and listen for more birds. Then we head south and return to the 8th avenue parking lot via the main central trail. Walking distance is approx. 5km so please wear appropriate footwear.
We plan to eat lunch in the park in the gazebo by the pond afterwards.
Phone: 604-534-3401 for more info or to let us know to expect you.

June 17th to 19th
Manning Bird Blitz

Tuesday, June 28th
Coquitlam Dykes
Leader: Larry Cowan
Time:  8:30 am in the parking area at Victoria and Cedar Drives in Port Coquitlam
Our half day bird walk will be at DeBoville Slough/Minnekhada RP. In June you can expect Green Heron, Sandhill Crane, warblers, vireos and a multitude of waterfowl species. We will position an appropriate number of vehicles in the Minnekhada parking lot off Quarry Rd. for our return trip.
Phone: 604-307-0931 or e-mail lawrencecowan@shaw.ca for more info or to let us know to expect you.


The Skagit Valley walk with the Langley Field Naturalists

Oct 16/15 Skagit Valley with the Langley Field Naturalists 22c Warm and Sunny.

The Langley Field Naturalists run a variety of indoor and outdoor programs throughout the year. I have included a link at the end of the blog for those who are interested in our programs. The destination this weekend was the scenic Skagit Valley. 

This rock face loomed above us at our first stop. It reminded me a little of Yosemite, albeit on a much lesser scale. 

I couldn't resist this reflection, especially when the sun peeked out from behind the clouds.

The lake was like a mill pond.

We were lucky to have Al Grass leading the tour. He found us many types of fungi. Now I need fungi field guide!

I am still working to I.D this plant as the dew drops clinging to the leaves were truly fascinating. I could have spent hours with this plant but alas it was time to move on with the rest of the group.

A Painted Lady feeds on a thistle.

Strong backlight sets off this stand of Popular trees.

American Dipper.

Our group enters Chittenden Meadows with its rare stand of Ponderosa Pine.
This is good place to see Common Nighthawks in the summer. 

Our group pose at one of the Ponderosa Pine.

A 'selfie' from the bridge leading to Chittenden Meadows where a ten acre meadow is a naturalist's delight.

Red Osier Dogwood is found from Mexico to Alaska.

Take exit 167 off Hwy 1 just before Hope and drive 75 kms to Skagit Valley Provincial Park. Horse riding and camping facilitiesare available in season. 

                                                  All images with the Nikon P900

It was a long but rewarding day. Leaving Langley at 7.30 a.m and returning back home at 6.30 p.m We didn't see too many birds except for a few American Wigeon and Mallard, A Hairy Woodpecker, a single Sandhill Crane, a few American Goldfinch, a flock of American Robins as well as both Golden and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. A Raven greeted us loudly and a single Northern Flicker flew overhead while we were in the meadows. We also saw a few American Dippers and Common Merganser.

The youngest person on our walk was six weeks old and the eldest in their 80s. It was another beautiful day out in the nature and although I can't speak for the others but I for one was rewarded by a sound night's sleep.

                                                          

       Link:  Langley Field Naturalists

"It's never to late to go on a nature walk"

John Gordon

Langley /Cloverdale

BC Canada

Date Change and Birding Links

24th April, Friday

Grant Narrows Park & Pitt Polder Ecological Reserve/Pitt-Addington Marsh Wildlife Management Area. Leader: John Gordon Time:  9:00–  Grant Narrows  Park parking lot. Come join our leader John and the Langley Field Naturalists as we go to see nesting Ospreys and perhaps Sandhill Cranes. This large dyke/marsh area, with several viewing towers, is a major migration route for bird life and has the largest tidal lake in the world. It also has a great variety of bird life making it very popular with bird watchers.  Meet Douglas Cres Rec Centre in Langley at 8:00  for car pool or 9:00 at Grant Narrows Park parking lot. Phone: 576-6831 or 888-1787  for info or to let us know how many for car pooling.

      No charge. Sponsored by the Langley Field Naturalists

                                                            langleyfieldnaturalists.org
                                                                 

                                                                     ***********

"Get Inspired"  flower photography workshop Sat April 18th 

Thanks everyone who attended.
Here are a few demonstration pictures I took with the P900

P900 Handheld with soft filter for 'artistic effect'

P900 Handheld

P900 Telephoto shot handheld

 P900 Macro shot/handheld 

Vancouver City Bird Vote

Rare Black Flamingo

8 year old girl gets gifts from crows she has been feeding

Birding is Hard

Langley Field Naturalists Visit Reifel

Nov 8 2014 Reifel Sunny and 5c

Oops! This blog was lost in cyberspace so here it is again with story by Langley Field Naturalist's Anne Gosse.

The walk was led by all-round naturalist Al Grass. Check out the Langley Field Naturalists website for more of our walks. We meet the third Thursday of the month at the Langley Music School. Newcomers welcome. Here is one account of what we get up to when we have too much time on our hands!

Owls! two types of secretive Rails! two hunting Northern Shrikes! plus two “Lifers” for several of our group – including myself! Seventeen members from three different naturalist clubs joined our leader Al for another great birding adventure in Reifel Refuge on a warm sunny day. Before we had travelled a 100 feet into the bird sanctuary we had checked off nearly 20 species!  A fantastic day’s search then followed as we wandered the trails spotting and counting. The usual gang of Black-crowned Night Herons are back wintering. The Sandhill Cranes gave a low saluting flying bypass to Kathleen’s trilling – then they greeted us along the paths. Several species of sparrows and waterfowl were seen diving and dashing for cover as a predatory Merlin sped by. Song, Fox and Golden-crowned Sparrows, plus Towhees, Juncos, American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Golden Crowned Kinglets were all duly recorded plus many more usuals. Great views of the Red-breasted Nuthatches and Rufous Hummingbird were given on the feeders. We stopped to adore the small wide-eyed Saw-Whet Owl high up in the fir branches. In all the excitement two birders were knocked off the trial into the bramble bushes in the rush! On the outer dykes we excitedly spotted two Northern Shrikes and heard the Virginia and Sora Rails amongst bullrushes answering Al’s call. With John G’s help we got to view a Swamp Sparrow – giving many of us a “Lifer”!  Thanks John! 

Swamp Sparrow (Melosspiza georgiana)

Lovely Wood Ducks, graceful Pintails, black-bottomed Gadwall, diving Canvas Backs, busy Northern Shovelers, Buffleheads and Pied-billed Grebes and my favorite Hooded Mergansers along with Ring-necked Ducks and blue-footed Coots were seen. We also watched Red-tailed Hawks, Common Raven, and a Sharp-shinned Hawks along the outer dykes. Caught up in this exhilarating day of plentiful sightings, we all set off to see the wayward Tropical King Bird with John guiding us to Brunswick Point. This wonderful yellow-coloured flycatcher was atop a bush busy catching flies and giving great views to birders and photographers. We all were quite enthralled. Unexpectedly we found a Barn Owl in the trees behind us – and in the same tree a Great Horned Owl!  It was then agreed we just as well record the Short-eared Owls on Brunswick Point dyke as well – so off we went!  Three lovely butterfly winged Short-eared Owls were seen out on the foreshore along with flocks of Dunlin, and Meadowlarks. Then along the dyke Marsh & Bewick’s Wrens, White-crowned Sparrows, and Orange-crowed Warblers along with Bushtits and House Sparrows were found. However, on this day we did not find the Wagtail or the Townsend Solitaire that had been seen in this area. Our day’s count ended up with an astonishing 66 different species!  We were so excited about our adventures that some forgot the time and had to phone spouses to check in – (a marathon 7 hour birding day!).  

Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)

Whee – what a day! These are the days you remember and they make you feel alive! We send our thanks to Al for leading our group.

Anne Gosse

"It's never too late to start birding"

John Gordon
Langley/Cloverdale

Birding Talk/Langley Field Naturalists

You are all welcome to the following meeting of the Langley Field Naturalists at the Langley Music School at 4899 207 St Langley.

Langley Field Naturalists Outing Feb 21/14

                                                                                                  Anne Gosse Photo
Looking for the the elusive Golden Eagle.

Feb 21/14 Sumas Prairie Sunny and Cold.

Although much of my birding is done alone the opportunity to go out as a group offers some great benefits. The obvious being more eyes scanning fields, trees and fences and of course, the camaraderie. Secondly there're always a few experienced birders who can help the rest of us who are still on that steep learning curve. As was the case Friday, when a group of Langley Field Naturalists and others drove through Sumas Prairie in search of the elusive Golden Eagle. Alas we could not locate the bird but did find a rare Harlen's Red-tailed Hawk. For many in the group it was their first ever sighting of this magnificent raptor. 

Anne Gosse who organized the trip is on the far left.

                                      Anne Gosse Photo
John shows Monica Pearson the difference between the
 Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk(sub species) and the more common Red-tailed Hawk.

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
We saw at least six American Kestrel hunting, this one at the Great Blue Heronry in Chilliwack.

Good Birding 

 John Gordon            

 Next Field Trips Langley Field Naturalists. contact information below

Saturday, March 8

Meet time: 8:15am at Douglas Park or 9:30 at Maplewood Park

Start time: 10am

What is for Dinner? Raptors of the Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats, North Vancouver

Leader:  Al Grass

Join us as we search out why are flats critical habitats for wildlife. The walk will focus on the importance of raptors such as eagles, hawks, and owls. Meet 8:15 am Douglas Cres. Langley or 9:30 at Maplewood Park. Phone 604-538-8774 for information.

Saturday, March 22, 2013

Time: 9:00 to 12:00

Aldergrove Regional Park

Leader: Bob Puls

Come join the Langley Field Naturalist to awaken your curiosity and engage your senses while exploring nature and the changing seasons in this beautiful regional park! We will check out the winter bird & water fowl activity around the ponds and look at some of this parks features.  Meeting at Aldergrove Regional Park central parking.  Phone 888-1787 or Bob 856-7534 to let us know if you are coming or to carpool from Douglas Crescent.