Tag: Pileated Woodpecker

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.

A birder initiation at Burnaby lake

She came from Australia to SFU for a semester on a student exchange program. She answered the ad Marc put in the local student newspaper, calling for people who want to go bird watching. She didn’t know what she was getting into.

We set up a birding tour at Burnaby lake. It was all staged. The most charismatic birds went on a parade in front of us: Wood Ducks, a Great Blue Heron, a Bald Eagle, a Belted Kingfisher. A Pileated Woodpecker was hammering at the closest tree trunk to us with his thick, strong bill. She was impressed. She didn’t suspect a thing.

After the show was over, I excused myself and pretended to go the the washroom. The Pileated Woodpecker was just around the corner. “You did a good job” I said. The Woodpecker’s red mustache didn’t flinch. I handed in the money.

Mallards, Green-winged Teals and Long-billed Dowitchers at Burnaby Lake

More birding at Burnaby Mountain

After a meeting at SFU I went birding at Burnaby Mountain, but this time through the residential area. Scanning some trees at the edge of a big parking lot I finally got my first view of the Golden-crowned Kinglet, a tiny 4″ bird who usually resides at the top of trees.

Just when I ruminated, “well, I saw all the birds I had last week on the forest trails except for the Pileated Woodpecker“, I saw a Pileated Woodpecker. It was standing on a large tree stump, close by, splendid as always.

Birding Burnaby Mountain

The Burnaby Mountain forest was quiet most of the time, with the occasional worthwhile sighting.

The first bird I saw was a lovely, tiny rodent.
The second bird was a dazzling Pileated Woodpecker in flight, who perched to allow a novice birder an identification.

As I was trying to ID some sparrows on a tree, handsome Wilson’s Warbler popped-up and said: “Hello! Are you trying to see ME? Here I am!”
These Sparrows were hiding, but I had 3 Savannah Sparrows at Centennial Park.

A Raven called, first from a distance, then getting nearer; he then came flying and landed on a nearby tree and I saw his tail; he saw me, got a little scared and had to leave right away.

Turning from Mel’s trail to Trans Canada trail I encountered a Black Bear!
The bear wished for a quite trail. I made noise. A cyclist showed up and ventured in the reported bear direction, then a couple of hikers. I figured the bear went to seek some privacy elsewhere and continued my walk.

After the bear came a small Coyote, an Eastern Gray Squirrel and a Douglas Squirrel. In some trips the mammals are as good as the birds.

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