The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store

Nanaimo Bird Report

May 27, 2025
“EXPLORE NATURE” --- GO BIRDING:
To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 or e-mail us at birding@thebackyard.ca. Please remember, when reporting a sighting to leave your name and phone number along with the date the species was seen and location of your sighting.
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American Dipper (R. Hocken)

Tuesday May 27, 2025: 

The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Little Qualicum Fish Hatchery in Qualicum Beach. Weather was overcast, and 14C. A few highlights from the walk was watching the American Dipper flying up the fish channel with nesting material and so close the binoculars could not focus on the bird. Cedar Waxwings were hanging out in the fir trees at the far end of the hatchery property and Red Crossbills flew overhead.

17 birders saw and heard the following 34 species:

Canada Goose

Common Merganser

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Belted Kingfisher

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Northern Flicker

Western Flycatcher

Hammond’s Flycatcher

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Violet-green Swallow

Warbling Vireo

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Pacific Wren

American Dipper

American Robin

Swainson’s Thrush

Cedar Waxwing

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Yellow Warber

Orange-crowned Warbler

Wilson’s Warbler

Western Tanager

Black-headed Grosbeak

Spotted Towhee

Song Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Brown-headed Cowbird

Red Crossbill

Pine Siskin

Sunday May 25, 2025:

The Sunday Bird Walk went to Neck Point Park in Nanaimo. Weather was a mixture of sun and cloud, 13C, and the tide was low. A few highlights from the walk were two Barred Owls that were seen near the parking lot, a Pacific Loon in breeding plumage close to shore which made it easy for everyone to see. There were also a five Marbled Murrelets near the mouth and in Hammond Bay.

14 birders saw and heard the following 42 species:

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

White-winged Scoter

Surf Scoter

Pacific Loon

Double-crested Cormorant

Pelagic Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

California Quail

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Black Oystercatcher

Pigeon Guillimot

Glaucous-winged Gull

Marbled Murrelet

Barred Owl

Anna’s Hummingbird

Northern Flicker

Western Flycatcher

Violet-green Swallow

Warbling Vireo

American Crow

Common Raven

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Bewick’s Wren

Pacific Wren

American Robin

Swainson’s Thrush

European Starling

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Orange-crowned Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Wilson’s Warbler

Western Tanager

Spotted Towhee

Song Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

American Goldfinch

Pine Siskin

Western Wood Pewee was seen at Legacy Marsh on Normarel Drive in upper Lantzville.

Northern House Wren were heard singing at the top of Colbourne Drive Nanaimo.

Western Tanager (J. Morrison)

If you have any bird sightings to report or need help identifying, just email or call the store, birding@thebackyard.ca or 250-390-3669, toll-free 1-888-808-BIRD (2473)

The Backyard Bird Walks

Our bird walks go out Sunday mornings in Nanaimo and Tuesday mornings in Parksville and Qualicum Beach area, are easy walks that go for two to three hours (back for lunch is the plan). Bring binoculars and a field guide. The walks are weather pending.

Please check our blog (www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com) for any cancelations.

Sunday Bird Walk, June 1, 2025.

Sunday Bird Walk will be going to Legacy Marsh in Lantzville.

Meet at The Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store at 9:00 am or at the corner of Normarel Drive and Sywash Ridge Road at 9:10 am. Weather cooperating.

Tuesday Bird Walk, June 3, 2025.

Tuesday Bird Walk will be going to the Plummer Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville.

Meet at the Parksville Tourist Information Center parking lot, located by Hwy 19A, Northwest Bay Road and Franklin’s Gull Road in Parksville, at 9:00 am or meet at the trail entrance by Plummer Road and Shorewood Drive at 9:10am. Weather Cooperating.

Good birding! Colin Bartlett

 The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store

Nanaimo Bird Report

May 22, 2025
“EXPLORE NATURE” --- GO BIRDING:
To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 or e-mail us at birding@thebackyard.ca. Please remember, when reporting a sighting to leave your name and phone number along with the date the species was seen and location of your sighting.
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Olive-sided Flycatcher (R. Hocken)

Wednesday May 21, 2025:

Cooper’s Hawk was seen at The Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store in Nanaimo.

Tuesday May 20, 2025: 

The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. Weather was cloudy with sunny breaks, 12C, and was low tide. A few highlights from the walk were Olive-sided Flycatcher perched for all to observe, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Red Crossbills that were close and great to see.

11 birders saw and heard the following 49 species:

Canada Goose

Mallard

Common Merganser

Great Blue Heron

Pelagic Cormorant

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Killdeer

Oystercatcher

Bonaparte’s Gull

Glaucous-winged Gull

Eurasian Collared Dove

Anna’s Hummingbird

Belted Kingfisher

Downy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Western Flycatcher

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Tree Swallow

Violet-green Swallow

Barn Swallow

Warbling Vireo

Common Raven

American Crow

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Bushtit

Bewick’s Wren

Pacific Wren

American Robin

Swainson’s Thrush

European Starling

Yellow Warber

Orange-crowned Warbler

Spotted Towhee

Song Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

Savanah Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Black-headed Grosbeak

Red-winged Blackbird

Red Crossbill

House Finch

Purple Finch

American Goldfinch

Pine Siskin

A Swainson’s Thrush was heard singing at the Willow Park Estates on Nanaimo Lakes Road.

Sunday May 18, 2025:

The Sunday Bird Walk was canceled for the long weekend.

Swainson's Thrush (J. Morrison)

A pair of Swainson's Thrush were seen in the backyard on Honeysuckle Terrace in Nanaimo.

If you have any bird sightings to report or need help identifying, just email or call the store, birding@thebackyard.ca or 250-390-3669, toll-free 1-888-808-BIRD (2473)

The Backyard Bird Walks

Our bird walks go out Sunday mornings in Nanaimo and Tuesday mornings in Parksville and Qualicum Beach area, are easy walks that go for two to three hours (back for lunch is the plan). Bring binoculars and a field guide. The walks are weather pending.

Please check our blog (www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com) for any cancelations.

Sunday Bird Walk, May 25, 2025.

The Sunday Bird Walk will be going to Neck Point Park in Nanaimo.

Meet at The Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store at 9:00 am or at Neck Point Park parking lot at 9:10 am. Weather cooperating.

Tuesday Bird Walk, May 27, 2025.

The Tuesday Bird Walk will be going to the Little Qualicum Fish Hatchery in Qualicum Beach.

Meet at the Parksville Tourist Information Center parking lot, located by Hwy 19A, Northwest Bay Road and Franklin’s Gull Road in Parksville, at 9:00 am or meet at the Little Qualicum Fish Hatchery on Claymore Road, located off Laburnum Road, Qualicum Beach about 9:15am. Weather Cooperating.

Good birding! Colin Bartlett

 The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store

Nanaimo Bird Report

May 16, 2025
“EXPLORE NATURE” --- GO BIRDING:
To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 or e-mail us at birding@thebackyard.ca. Please remember, when reporting a sighting to leave your name and phone number along with the date the species was seen and location of your sighting.
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Spotted Sandpiper (R. Hocken)

Tuesday May 13, 2025: 

The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Lot 10, the end of Kinkade Road, in Qualicum Beach. Weather was sunny, 13C, and a light breeze at the nature viewing stand on the water where we started. A few highlights from the walk were Pacific Loon in close to the viewing stand, Northern Rough-winged Swallows were seen using the cavities along the river bank, and seeing our first Black-headed Grosbeak of the season.

13 birders saw and heard the following 34 species from both locations:

Canada Goose

Red-breasted Merganser

Surf Scoter

Common Loon

Pacific Loon

Great Blue Heron

Turkey Vulture

Cooper’s Hawk

Bald Eagle

Oystercatcher

Spotted Sandpiper

Glaucous-winged Gull

Anna’s Hummingbird

Belted Kingfisher

Western Flycatcher

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Violet-green Swallow

Warbling Vireo

American Crow

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Pacific Wren

American Robin

Swainson’s Thrush

European Starling

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Wilson’s Warbler

Yellow Warber

Orange-crowned Warbler

Spotted Towhee

Song Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pine Siskin

Sunday May 11, 2025:

The Sunday Bird Walk went to Bowen Park in Nanaimo. Weather was cloudy and 11C. A few highlights from the walk were watching the Hairy Woodpeckers communicating near their nest. A Downy Woodpecker that was working a tree looking for food and one early birder was able to see the Barred Owl.

14 birders saw and heard the following 29 species:

Mallard

Red-tailed Hawk

Bald Eagle

Turkey Vulture

Barred Owl

Band-tailed Pigeon

Anna’s Hummingbird

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Norther Flicker

Western Flycatcher

Cassin’s Vireo

Common Raven

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Bewick’s Wren

Pacific Wren

Golden-crowned Kinglet

American Robin

European Starling

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Wilson’s Warbler

Spotted Towhee

Song Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Pine Siskin

American Goldfinch

Pacific Wren (J. Morrison)

Saturday May 10, 2025:

A Black-headed Grosbeak was visiting a backyard in Willow Park Estates on Nanaimo Lakes Road.

Birding Notes:

New visitors to the bird feeders, well not new species but new birds. The newly fledged, Red-breasted Nuthatches and Chestnut-backed Chickadees have been visiting the suet feeder with the adults. Sitting on top of the feeder or shepherd hook shaking their wings begging to be fed because they can not do that. But just like teenagers when the adult leaves the young fledgling jumps on the feeder and feeds for itself.

There have also been juvenile Dark-eyed Juncos, Spotted Towhee and Pine Siskins about. It is fun when the juvenile Northern Flickers and Pileated Woodpeckers arrive and their constant communication looking for mom and dad and wanting food.

If you see a juvenile bird that is just quietly sheltering either on the ground or perched, they are just fine. Keep an eye on them from predators if they are in a vulnerable spot. They have not been abandoned, the adults know where they are and are keeping an eye on them, they are just off finding food for them and will be back soon.

If you have any bird sightings to report or need help identifying, just email or call the store, birding@thebackyard.ca or 250-390-3669, toll-free 1-888-808-BIRD (2473)

The Backyard Bird Walks

Our bird walks go out Sunday mornings in Nanaimo and Tuesday mornings in Parksville and Qualicum Beach area, are easy walks that go for two to three hours (back for lunch is the plan). Bring binoculars and a field guide. The walks are weather pending.

Please check our blog (www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com) for any cancelations.

Sunday Bird Walk, May 18, 2025.

The Sunday Bird Walk will be CANCELED this week for the long weekend.

Tuesday Bird Walk, May 20, 2025.

The Tuesday Bird Walk will be going to the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary.

Meet at the Parksville Tourist Information Center parking lot, located at Hwy 19A, Northwest Bay Road and Franklin’s Gull Road in Parksville, at 9:00 am or meet at the end of Shelly Road, off HWY 19A, at 9:10 am. Weather Cooperating.

Good birding! Colin Bartlett

 The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store

Nanaimo Bird Report

May 9, 2025
“EXPLORE NATURE” --- GO BIRDING:
To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 or e-mail us at birding@thebackyard.ca. Please remember, when reporting a sighting to leave your name and phone number along with the date the species was seen and location of your sighting.
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Black-headed Grosbeak (J. Morrison)

Tuesday May 6, 2025: 

Unfortunately, the Tuesday Bird Walk to Lot 10 in Qualicum Beach was canceled this week.

Sunday May 4, 2025:

Black-headed Grosbeak was reported visiting a backyard bird feeder in Ladysmith.

MacGillivray’s Warbler was seen at the Lantzville woodlot north of Normeral Road.

Just beyond the woodlot along the Copley Trail Hammond’s Flycatcher, Wilson’s Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler and Townsend’s Warbler were seen and heard.

The Sunday Bird Walk went to Maki Road Trail in south Nanaimo. Weather sunny with some clouds, 10C, a little breeze, and the tide was high. A few highlights from the walk were hearing, and some got to see, a Virginia Rail, Purple Martins and Wilson’s Warbler.

17 birders saw and heard the following 37 species:

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Common Merganser

Great Blue Heron

Northern Harrier

Cooper’s Hawk

Bald Eagle

Turkey Vulture

Virginia Rail

Glaucous-winged Gull

Rufous Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird

Norther Flicker

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Violet-green Swallow

Tree Swallow

Purple Martin

Common Raven

American Crow

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Bushtit

Bewick’s Wren

American Robin

European Starling

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Orange-crowned Warbler

Wilson’s Warbler

Spotted Towhee

Song Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow

Brown-headed Cowbird

Red-winged Blackbird

Red Crossbill

Purple Finch

Pine Siskin

Cassin’s Vireo (J. Morrison

Friday May 2, 2025:

Cassin’s Vireo and Warbling Vireo, along with MacGillivray’s Warbler were seen and heard at the end of Vipond Road in Nanaimo.

Thursday May 1, 2025:

Red-throated Loon was seen off of Surfside Road in Qualicum Beach.

Baird’s Sandpiper was seen in the Englishman River Estuary at the end of Mariner Way, Parksville.

Birding Notes:

May 10^th – World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day promotes the importance of a healthy coexistence between humans and birds by focusing on creating bird-friendly communities and cities. The campaign raises awareness about the challenges migratory birds face due to human activities and urban development, promoting conservation and the creation of bird-friendly environments within our made-made communities.

In 2006, the United Nations established World Migratory Bird Day to be held on the second weekend of May every year.

If you have any bird sightings to report or need help identifying, just email or call the store, birding@thebackyard.ca or 250-390-3669, toll-free 1-888-808-BIRD (2473)

The Backyard Bird Walks

Our bird walks go out Sunday mornings in Nanaimo and Tuesday mornings in Parksville and Qualicum Beach area, are easy walks that go for two to three hours (back for lunch is the plan). Bring binoculars and a field guide. The walks are weather pending.

Please check our blog (www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com) for any cancelations.

Sunday Bird Walk, May 11, 2025.

The Sunday Bird Walk will be going to Bowen Park in Nanaimo.

Meet at The Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store at 9:00 am or at the upper parking lot by the lawn bowling area at 9:10 am. Weather cooperating.

Tuesday Bird Walk, May 13, 2025.

The Tuesday Bird Walk will be going to Brant Viewing Platform and then onto Lot 10 in Qualicum Beach.

Meet at the Parksville Tourist Information Center parking lot, located by Hwy 19A, Northwest Bay Road and Franklin’s Gull Road in Parksville, at 9:00 am or meet at the Brant viewing stand on HWY 19A (between Beach Terrace and Crescent Road West) at 9:15 am and then at the end of Kinkade Road, Lot 10, at 9:45 am. Weather Cooperating.

Good birding! Colin Bartlett