Tag: Christmas Bird Count

Rarity: Pinyon Jay

The Pinyon Jay ranges from central Oregon to northern Baja, California. This was the second time ever it visited British Columbia. It’s a beautiful blue bird with a long sharply pointed bill.

It was a chilly autumn day, and a small group of us brave souls were out there for the Christmas bird Count. A bird landed at the top of a five storey high conifer. It was blue. No crest! And a VERY long bill. This was not a regular sight in our region. We manage to take a poor picture, and the bird flew away. I didn’t think it will be spotted again.

The next morning some most ambitious bird watchers went on a reconnaissance trip. It was quickly spotted again! In the following month, birds from all over BC, and some from more Eastern provinces, flocked to see the bird. It was soon discovered that the Jay is a regular visitor at a bird feeder in a yard of an old couple. The couple was sympathetic with the plight and determination of the ample of watchers and photographers descending on their streets, and let people in their yard, occasionally into their living room!I am responsible for hundreds of bird watchers from all over Canada descending on a quiet neighbourhood in North Vancouver with their binoculars, cameras, and scopes.

Surrey – White Rock Christmas Bird Count

I still have a lot to learn. Some bird watchers can recognize birds by their shadows… Cumulatively about 70 bird species were counted in our sub-area and I gained two lifers – a group of 7 Mourning Doves, an American Kestrel – and maybe a birding pal!

Other notable species: a Pileated Woodpecker in flight, another evasive Wilson’s Snipe, a Hermit Thrush who decided wintering here is ok, Red-tailed Hawks in every corner and two triads of River Otters.

What a grand day. Doug, thank you for the ride.

Snipe in a snap

My contribution to the Vancouver Christmas Bird Count was Wilson’s Snipe. Long was this bird hiding among the grasses from me. Today’s sighting was short – I flashed the bird, and observed it as it flew away.

From all places, I found it in the Hastings racecourse infield – a habitat which is slated to become a parking lot in a 20 years redevelopment plan for Hastings Park. Contended with this plan are The Friends of Hastings Park, who would like to have a real park in the neighborhood.

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén