The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store
Nanaimo Bird Report
November 19, 2024
“EXPLORE NATURE” --- GO
BIRDING:
To report your
sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 or e-mail us at thebackyard@shaw.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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Mallard (R. Hocken)
Tuesday November 19, 2024:
The Tuesday Bird Walk was canceled today due to the weather.
Monday November 18, 2024:
A report of a white Common Raven seen last week in the area of French Creek and highway 19A.
Sunday November 17, 2024:
The Sunday Bird Walk went to Maki Road Trail, located at the end of Maki Road in south Nanaimo. Weather was sunny with some cloud, 4C, winds calm, and the tide was high. A few highlights from the walk were the Northern Harrier that was seen flying over the estuary near the river. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet put on a show low in a small Arbutus tree and a Bewick’s Wren that perched on a branch in the sun for all to see. Pacific Tree Frogs could be heard along the trail as well.
15 Birders heard and saw the following 38 species:
Trumpeter Swan
American Wigeon
Mallard
Northern Pintail
Bufflehead
Common Merganser
Great Blue Heron
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Short-billed Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
Anna’s Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Common Raven
Steller’s Jay
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Pacific Wren
Bewick’s Wren
Marsh Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
American Robin
Varied Thrush
Spotted Towhee
Song Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Savanah Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
House Finch
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
House Sparrow
Birding Notes:
Colder nights are on the way and for most of our backyard
birds, keeping the bird feeders filled with good seed is a great help, but what
about those bird that eat insects and berries like American Robins?
To make sure that these birds also have a supply of
food, place a tarp, piece of plywood, or other object on the lawn or garden to
create a warm spot, free of snow and frozen soil. To feed the birds, simply
move the object and allow the birds access to the unfrozen soil and the insects
within. You can also turn the garden soil, about 12" deep, to allow access
to insects.
Other foods that can be placed out for robins and thrush are grated suet, apples, blueberries, and cranberries. Towhees and juncos can also enjoy these treats.
If you have any birds 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.
The Sunday Bird Walk, November 24, 2024.
The Sunday Bird Walk will be going to Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo.
Meet at The Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store at 9:00 am or at the Second Street entrance by the Miners Shack at 9:10 am. Weather cooperating.
The Tuesday Bird Walk, November 26, 2024.
The Tuesday Bird Walk will be Going to Columbia Beach in French Creek.
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 sandy beach parking lot located on Admiral Tyron Blvd, located off Columbia Drive and HWY 19A, at 9:15am. Weather Cooperating.
Good birding! Colin Bartlett