My last birding destination for 2010 was Lighthouse Park with Debra and Harley the dog, in a calm, sunny day, -1°C. Old Harley was watching the squirrels and Debra and I were scanning the waterbirds.
After a few hours on the rocks of Eagle Point, with seven or more Bald Eagles hovering above and calling, we were rejoiced to see a flock of 20+ chirpy Surfbirds, an uncommon, stocky shorebird of the Pacific coast.
The Surfbirds put my Metro Vancouver bird species count for the year at 160 (starting from scratch in July!).
A large, mixed flock of Suft Scoters and Goldeneyes was also present, as well as a Loon, who chose to remain unidentified. Harley had some good squirrels too.
Tomorrow’s a new year.
Kelly Sekhon
Harley should not chase squirrels in Lighthouse Park. Those are native Douglas Squirrels and not introduced Grey Squirrels as in Stanley Park and other parts of the city.
Sigal
I concur.