The Backyard's Weekly Bird Walk locations are found in the Backyard Bird Report at the very end of the most recent report. Any cancellations will be posted here by 8am the day of the walk. Our first bird walks of the year are going out on Sunday February 4th and Tuesday February 6th. Locations will be posted to our next Bird Report.

Monday 29 August 2011

Birding at Moorecroft Park




















Brown Creeper: Ralph Hocken Photo.

Hi birders,

The Early birders went to the newly opened Moorecroft Park in Nanoose Bay. The morning was sunny and warm with a breeze off the Strait of Georgia. We saw and heard Brown Creepers throughout the morning. A flock of Ruby-crowned Kinglets along with a Hutton's Vireo entertained us as they moved through the bushes not far from us. We watched a Warbling Vireo, Downy Woodpeckers and Hairy Woodpecker, feeding on bushes at the Beaver Pond.

Nine birders saw and heard the following twenty-eight species of birds:
Warbling Vireo
Canada Goose
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Bonaparte's Gull
Mew Gull
California Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
Eurasian Collared Dove
Barred Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Hutton's Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Northwestern Crow
Common Raven
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Bewick's Wren
Pacific Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
American Robin
European Starling
Red Crossbill

Good birding
Neil Robins
Parksville
British Columbia

Sunday 28 August 2011

Nanaimo bird report, August 28, 2011





















Eurasian Collared Doves: Ralph Hocken Photo.



NANAIMO BIRD REPORT

“GO BIRDING--EXPLORE NATURE”


Please remember, when reporting a sighting to leave your name and phone number along with the date, the species and location of your sighting.

To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 or e-mail us at thebackyard@shaw.ca

Sunday August 28, 2011:
The Sunday bird walk went to Neck Point Park in Nanaimo. The morning was sunny and warm.
Fourteen birders saw and heard the following twenty-four species of birds.
Harlequin Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Bald Eagle, Turkey Vulture, Great Blue Heron. California Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Black Oystercatcher, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bushtit, Brown Creeper, Bewick's Wren, Song Sparrow, Pacific Wren, American Robin, European Starling, Northwestern Crow and Common Raven.

Thursday August 25:
An Eurasian Collared Dove has been heard calling and seen periodically at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo.

Monday August 22:
The early birders went to Columbia Beach/French Creek. The morning was very windy. The surf was up and we had periods of throughout the morning. The big highlight of the morning was seeing and identifying a large number of shorebirds. Four Whimbrel flew past over the water near the parking area at Columbia Beach. At Pebble Beach we saw a large number of Black Turnstones and a flock of fifteen Whimbrel and one Short-billed Dowitcher disappear into the rocks along the shore. After finding the Whimbrel among the rocks we were able to identify the Short-billed Dowitcher. The Dowitcher is smaller than the Black-bellied Plover which were there in large numbers feeding among the rocks. Lots of Killdeer, two Spotted Sandpipers, four Western Sandpipers and ten Least Sandpipers were at the pond along French Creek.
Six birders saw and heard the following thirty-four species of birds:
Canada Geese, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Common Loon, Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer, Black Oystercatcher, Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black Turnstone,
Sanderling, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Bonaparte's Gull, Mew Gull, California Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Eurasian Collared Dove, Rock Pigeon, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Purple Martin, American Robin, European Starling, Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow and
Brown-headed Cowbird.

A Cooper’s Hawk was seen perched between Westhaven Place and Leslie Crescent in Nanaimo.

Sunday August 21:
A Great Horned Owl was spotted in a cherry tree along Villa Road in Nanaimo.

*************************************************
Nanoose Naturalists Meeting
September 8 at 7 P.M.
The Library Centre on Northwest Bay Road, Nanoose Bay.
Guest speaker -Tim Clemont
Topic--Restoration of the Englishman River Estuary
****************************************************
Everyone is invited to join us for a 2-3 hour bird walk on the Sunday and Tuesday mornings. We leave from the Store at 9 A.M. Sunday Mornings and go to a different location in and around Nanaimo and from the Parksville Beach Community Park at 9 A.M. on Tuesdays and go to different areas in and around the Oceanside area.

************************************************************
The Tuesday Bird Walk season has come to a close. The bird walks will resume on September 6, 2011. Have a great summer!

******************************************************
The Sunday Bird Walk on September 04 will be going to the Plummer Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. We will meet at the Birdstore at 9:00 A.M. or at the corner of Plummer Road and Shorewood Drive at about 9:30 A.M.
*****************************************************************
Good birding
Neil Robins


THE BACKYARD Wildbird & Nature Store
6314 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8
250-390-3669
thebackyard@shaw.ca
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG---> www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com


“Pelagic birding trip in September”

WildResearch, a Vancouver base non-profit, is pleased to be offering a pelagic birding trip departing from Ucluelet on the Sunday the 18th September 2011. The ship we will be using is the M.V. Frances Barkley, a 39m (128ft), 300 ton coastal freighter. The cost per person is $200 for WildResearch members.

For details visit: www.wildresearch.ca

Monday 22 August 2011

Whimbrels at Columbia Beach




















Least Sandpiper: Ralph Hocken Photo.

Hi birders,

The early birders went to Columbia Beach/French Creek. The morning was very windy, with the surf up and it did rain throughout the morning. The big highlight was the sighting of four Whimbrel flying past over the water near the parking area at Columbia Beach. We went to the Pebble Beach area and after spotting a flock of California Gulls, a large number of Black Turnstones we saw a flock of fifteen Whimbrel and one Short-billed Dowitcher fly into the shore and disappear into the rocks along the shore. After finding the Whimbrel,the Black-bellied Plovers and the Short-billed Dowitcher among the rocks we were able to identify the Short-billed Dowitcher. The Dowitcher is smaller than the Black-bellied Plovers which were there in large numbers feeding among the rocks. Lots of Killdeer, two Spotted Sandpipers, four Western Sandpipers and ten Least Sandpipers were at the pond along French Creek.

Six birders saw and heard the following thirty-four species of birds:
Canada Goose
Mallard
Northern Pintail
Common Loon
Pelagic Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Black-bellied Plover
Killdeer
Black Oystercatcher
Spotted Sandpiper
Whimbrel
Black Turnstone
Sanderling
Western Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Short-billed Dowitcher
Bonaparte's Gull
Mew Gull
California Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
Eurasian Collared Dove
Rock Pigeon
Belted Kingfisher
Northern Flicker
Northwestern Crow
Common Raven
Purple Martin
American Robin
European Starling
Spotted Towhee
White-crowned Sparrow
Brown-headed Cowbird

Good birding!
Neil Robins
Parksville
British Columbia

Sunday 21 August 2011

Nanaimo bird report, August 21, 2011




















Yellow Warbler: Ralph Hocken Photo.

NANAIMO BIRD REPORT

“GO BIRDING--EXPLORE NATURE”

Please remember, when reporting a sighting to leave your name and phone number along with the date, the species and location of your sighting.

To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 or e-mail us at thebackyard@shaw.ca

Sunday August 21, 2011:
The Sunday bird walk went to Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo. The morning was sunny and warm. We saw a large number of Bushtits, Yellow Warblers, Orange-crowned Warblers and a Warbling Vireo near the parking area along Jingle Pot Road.
Sixteen birders saw and heard the following forty-five species of birds:
Canada Geese, Mallard, Wood Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Merlin, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Osprey, Virginia Rail, Rock Pigeon, Band-tailed Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Anna’s Hummingbird, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Purple Martin, Black Swift, Barn Swallow, Common Raven, Northwestern Crow, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Marsh Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Bushtit, Pacific-sloped Flycatcher, Yellow Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Warbling Vireo, Cassin’s Vireo,, Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, Western Tanager, European Starling, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Purple Finch, House Finch and House Sparrow.

Saturday August 20:
Purple Martins, Cedar Waxwings, Common Yellowthroat, Orange-crowned Warblers and Black-throated Grey Warblers were seen at the Morningstar Ponds at French Creek.

Three Greater Yellowlegs and several Sandpipers were seen on the Englishman River, Plummer Road side, in Parksville.

Over twenty Common Nighthawks were seen flying over Hammond Bay Road in Nanaimo.

A Bewick’s Wren is visiting yards in the 800 block of Harewoods Mines Road in Nanaimo.

Friday August 19:
A flock of Common Nighthawks were seen hawking insects over Twiggly Wiggly Road in Nanaimo.

Over twenty Common Nighthawks were seen flying over Arrowsmith Street in French Creek.

Four Common Ravens were spotted hanging around a nest in Colliery Dam Park in Nanaimo.

Thursday August 18:
An Osprey was seen flying over Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo.

Wednesday August 17:
An American Dipper was spotted at the upper lake in Colliery Dam Park in Nanaimo.

Tuesday August 16:
Sixteen Common Nighthawks were spotted flying heading west low over houses in the one hundred block of Meridian Way in Parksville.

A Pectoral Sandpiper was seen at French Creek today on the marina side of the Creek.

A Barred Owl chick was seen at Colliery Dam Park in Nanaimo.

Monday August 15:
The early birders went to Rathtrevor Provincial Park in Parksville. The morning was sunny and warm. We spotted a Sanderling in with a large flock of Western Sandpipers and Least Sandpipers. We heard Red-breasted Nuthatch singing throughout the morning. We saw two Barn Swallows dipping and diving for insects above the water.
Seven birders saw and heard the following thirty-eight species of birds:
Canada Geese, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, White-winged Scoter, Red-necked Grebe, Pelagic Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, Sanderling, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Bonaparte's Gull,
Mew Gull, Ring-billed Gull, California Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Anna's Hummingbird, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker
Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Barn Swallow, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Bewick's Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Purple Finch, Red Crossbill and Pine Siskin.

Sunday August 15:
A Peregrine Falcon was spotted flying over the top of Colbourne Drive in Nanaimo.

****************************************************
Everyone is invited to join us for a 2-3 hour bird walk on the Sunday and Tuesday mornings. We leave from the Store at 9 A.M. Sunday Mornings and go to a different location in and around Nanaimo and from the Parksville Beach Community Park at 9 A.M. on Tuesdays and go to different areas in and around the Oceanside area.

************************************************************
The Tuesday Bird Walk season has come to a close. The bird walks will resume on September 6, 2011. Have a great summer!

******************************************************
The Sunday Bird Walk on August 28 will be going to Neck Point Park in Nanaimo. We will meet at the Birdstore at 9:00 A.M. or at the parking lot at Neck Point Park off Hammond Bay Road at about 9:20 A.M.

*****************************************************************
Good birding
Neil Robins


THE BACKYARD Wildbird & Nature Store
6314 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8
250-390-3669
thebackyard@shaw.ca
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG---> www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com


“Pelagic birding trip in September”

WildResearch, a Vancouver base non-profit, is pleased to be offering a pelagic birding trip departing from Ucluelet on the Sunday the 18th September 2011. The ship we will be using is the M.V. Frances Barkley, a 39m (128ft), 300 ton coastal freighter. The cost per person is $200 for WildResearch members.

For details visit: www.wildresearch.ca









Monday 15 August 2011

Rathtrevor Provincial Park birding





















Red-breasted Nuthatch: Ralph Hocken Photo.

The early birders went to Rathtrevor Provincial Park in Parksville. The morning was sunny and warm. We spotted a Sanderling in with a large flock of Western Sandpipers and Least Sandpipers. We heard Red-breasted Nuthatchs singing throughout the morning. We saw two Barn Swallows dipping and diving for insects above the water.

Seven birders saw and heard the following thirty-eight species of birds:
Canada Goose
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
White-winged Scoter
Red-necked Grebe
Pelagic Cormorant
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Cooper's Hawk
Sanderling
Western Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Bonaparte's Gull
Mew Gull
Ring-billed Gull
California Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
Anna's Hummingbird
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Northwestern Crow
Common Raven
Barn Swallow
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Bewick's Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
American Robin
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Western Tanager
Spotted Towhee
Song Sparrow
Purple Finch
Red Crossbill
Pine Siskin

Sunday 14 August 2011

Nanaimo bird report, August 14, 2011




















Red Crossbill: Ralph Hocken Photo

NANAIMO BIRD REPORT

“GO BIRDING--EXPLORE NATURE”

Please remember, when reporting a sighting to leave your name and phone number along with the date, the species and location of your sighting.

To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 or e-mail us at thebackyard@shaw.ca

Ann Thompson who is known as the most enthusiastic and keen birder from Sunday morning bird walk suffered a stroke last month. She is in the Rehabilitation Ward of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and doing well with her rehab. Our very best to you Ann—we have missed you.

Sunday August 14, 2011:
The Sunday bird walk went to Linley Valley in Nanaimo. The morning was sunny and warm. The highlight of the morning was seeing a family of three Merlin perched in a snag. The Merlins flew to the top of cedar trees and then hawked dragonflies from just above our heads and then headed back to the cedar trees only to fly out once more. It was a most spectacular show!
Eleven birders saw and heard the following twenty-two species of birds:
Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Merlin, Glaucous-winged Gull, Hairy Woodpecker, Anna’s Hummingbird, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Band-tailed Pigeon, Common Raven, Northwestern Crow, Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick’s Wren, Common Yellowthroat, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow and Red Crossbill.

“Rare bird alert-Ruff”
A Ruff was seen at French Creek along the main creek channel from the Columbia Beach side.
The Ruff is a rare but regular Eurasian visitor to our area.

Saturday August 13:
A Black-headed Grosbeak was seen in a backyard off Bay Street in the Departure Bay area of Nanaimo.

Tuesday August 09:
Two male Western Tanagers were seen at Colliery Dam Park in Nanaimo.

Monday August 08:
The early birders went to the Plummer Road side of the Englishman Rive in Parksville. The morning was sunny and warm.
Seven birders saw and heard the following forty-nine species of birds:
Canada Geese, Mallard, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Common Merganser, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Merlin, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Bonaparte's Gull, Mew Gull, California Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Brewer's Blackbird, House Finch, Red Crossbill and American Goldfinch.

Black-bellied Plovers, Black Turnstones, Rock Pigeons, Black Oystercatchers, Greater Yellowlegs, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, California Gulls and Bonaparte Gulls were seen at Columbia Beach, near the Pebble Beach Townhouse complex.

****************************************************
Everyone is invited to join us for a 2-3 hour bird walk on the Sunday and Tuesday mornings. We leave from the Store at 9 A.M. Sunday Mornings and go to a different location in and around Nanaimo and from the Parksville Beach Community Park at 9 A.M. on Tuesdays and go to different areas in and around the Oceanside area.
************************************************************
The Tuesday Bird Walk season has come to a close. The bird walks will resume on September 6, 2011. Have a great summer!
******************************************************
The Sunday Bird Walk on August 21 will be going to Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo. We will meet at the Birdstore at 9:00 A.M. or at the parking lot at Buttertubs Marsh off Bowen Road at about 9:15 A.M.

*****************************************************************
Good birding
Neil Robins


THE BACKYARD Wildbird & Nature Store
6314 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8
250-390-3669
thebackyard@shaw.ca
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG---> www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com


“Pelagic birding trip in September”

WildResearch, a Vancouver base non-profit, is pleased to be offering a pelagic birding trip departing from Ucluelet on the Sunday the 18th September 2011. The ship we will be using is the M.V. Frances Barkley, a 39m (128ft), 300 ton coastal freighter. The cost per person is $200 for WildResearch members.

For details visit: www.wildresearch.ca













Monday 8 August 2011

Englishman River birding


























Bonaparte's Gull, Ralph Hocken Photo.

Hi birders,

The early birders went to the Plummer Road side of the Englishman Rive in Parksville. The morning was sunny and warm.
Seven birders saw and heard the following forty-nine species of birds:

Canada Goose
Mallard
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Common Merganser
Double-crested Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle
Merlin
Killdeer
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Western Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Bonaparte's Gull
Mew Gull
California Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
Rock Pigeon
Eurasian Collared Dove
Anna's Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Northern Flicker
Willow Flycatcher
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
Northwestern Crow
Common Raven
Violet-green Swallow
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Bushtit
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Bewick's Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Swainson's Thrush
American Robin
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Orange-crowned Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Spotted Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Brewer's Blackbird
House Finch
Red Crossbill
American Goldfinch

Good birding
Neil Robins
Parksville
British Columbia

Sunday 7 August 2011

Nanaimo bird report, August 07, 2011




















Bald Eagle: Ralph Hocken Photo.

NANAIMO BIRD REPORT

“GO BIRDING--EXPLORE NATURE”

Please remember, when reporting a sighting to leave your name and phone number along with the date, the species and location of your sighting.

To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 or e-mail us at thebackyard@shaw.ca

Sunday August 07, 2011:
The Sunday bird walk went to Bowen Park in Nanaimo. The morning was sunny and warm. We spotted a Black Swift soaring high overhead. A flock of Red Crossbills sang as they landed for a brief time on the top of a conifer tree.
Sixteen birders, including visiting birders from the United Kingdom, Ontario and Texas saw and heard the following twenty-five species of birds:
Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Cooper’ Hawk, Eurasian Collared Dove, Rock Pigeon, Belted Kingfisher, Anna’s Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Black Swift, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Pacific Wren, Bewick's Wren, Dark-eyed Junco, European Starling, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Spotted Towhee and Red Crossbills.

Monday August 01:
A Barred Owl adult and chick, a Great Horned Owl chick with adult Great Horned Owl and one Common Nighthawk were seen at Colliery Dam in Nanaimo.

Saturday July 30:
Forty-two Common Nighthawks and two Band-tailed Pigeons were seen flying over Colliery Dam Park heading towards Mount Benson in Nanaimo.

Friday July 29:
Two Barred Owl chicks were seen at Colliery Dam Park in Nanaimo.

Thursday July 28:
One American Goldfinch was spotted in 600 block of Howard Avenue in Nanaimo.

****************************************************
Everyone is invited to join us for a 2-3 hour bird walk on the Sunday and Tuesday mornings. We leave from the Store at 9 A.M. Sunday Mornings and go to a different location in and around Nanaimo and from the Parksville Beach Community Park at 9 A.M. on Tuesdays and go to different areas in and around the Oceanside area.
************************************************************
The Tuesday Bird Walk season has come to a close. The bird walks will resume on September 6, 2011. Have a great summer! ******************************************************
The Sunday Bird Walk on August 14 will be going to Linley Valley in Nanaimo. We will meet at the Birdstore at 9:00 A.M. or at the end of Burma Road at about 9:15 A.M.

*****************************************************************
Good birding
Neil Robins


THE BACKYARD Wildbird & Nature Store
6314 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8
250-390-3669
thebackyard@shaw.ca
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG---> www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com


“Pelagic birding trip in September”

WildResearch, a Vancouver base non-profit, is pleased to be offering a pelagic birding trip departing from Ucluelet on the Sunday the 18th September 2011. The ship we will be using is the M.V. Frances Barkley, a 39m (128ft), 300 ton coastal freighter. The cost per person is $200 for WildResearch members.

For details visit: www.wildresearch.ca