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 June 2020


The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store

Nanaimo Bird Report
June 29, 2020

“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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Photo: Yellow-headed Blackbird female (k. White)
Friday June 26, 2020:

A female Yellow-headed Blackbird was seen in the marsh at the end of Fielding Road and behind Blue Heron Crescent.

Tuesday June 23, 2020:

The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Top Bridge Trail. The weather was sunny and a light breeze. At the start of the walk we had great views of a Willow Flycatcher and Black Swifts that flew over.

7 birders saw and heard the following 36 species:
Bald Eagle
Turkey Vulture
Anna’s Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Black Swift
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pacific-sloped Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher
Common Raven
Northwestern Crow
Violet-green Swallow
Warbling Vireo
Hutton’s Vireo
Cassin’s Vireo
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Red-Breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Bushtit
Bewick’s Wren
American Robin
Swainson’s Thrush
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Black-throated Gray
MacGillivray’s Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Western Tanager
Spotted Towhee
White-crowned Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Purple Finch (R. Bodaruk) 
Sunday June 28, 2020:

The Sunday Bird Walk went out to Morden Colliery Historic Park south of Nanaimo at the end of Morden Road. Weather was sunny with strong winds. We had a great view of the Red-breasted Sapsucker and Black-headed Grosbeak in the parking lot and only heard the Red-eyed Vireo and Hutton’s Vireo.

10 birders saw and heard the following 25 species:
Bald Eagle
Turkey Vulture
Band-tailed Pigeon
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Red-eyed Vireo
Hutton’s Vireo
Common Raven
Northwestern Crow
Violet-green Swallow
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Bushtit
Bewick’s Wren
Pacific Wren
American Robin
Swainson’s Thrush
European Starling
MacGillivray’s Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Black-headed Grosbeak
Spotted Towhee
Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Purple Finch
Backyard Feeder Notes:
My Backyard feeders have been invaded by juvenile birds, flickers, chickadees, nuthatch, finches and starlings. The suet has been going quicker than usual with all the juveniles and I thought (blamed) it was mostly the starlings but after watching for a while I realized that the flickers were going through the suet just as quick. The House Finch still fit their way in amongst all the activity and I have also seen the occasional American Goldfinch visit. Nesting is continuing with second broods as the chickadees are back in the nest box.
Looking for a new place to walk and explore check out East Wellington Park located on East Wellington Road and Moxey Road where you will find a small parking area. This is a new park that is in the development stages with the City of Nanaimo. It is just over 29 acres of open field with the Millstone River on one side and a rocky escarpment on the southeast side with lots of vegetation.

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.
Please check our blog (www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com) for any cancelations.
The Sunday Bird Walk
This Sunday Bird Walk will be taking a break until mid August. Check our blog for updates and weekly reports.
The Tuesday Bird Walk June 30, 2020
This Tuesday Bird Walk will be going to the Englishman River Estuary, Shelly Road side, 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 parking lot at the end of Shelly Road at 9:10 am.

Photo: Red-eyed Vireo (J. Purvis)

Good birding!
Colin Bartlett

The Backyard
Wildbird and Nature Store
6314 Metral Drive V9T-2L8
Phone: 250-390-3669
NEW WEBSITE: www.thebackyard.ca

Thursday 25 June 2020

The Store Will Be Closed for Canada Day



Happy Canada Day



We will be closed Wednesday July 1 for Canada Day. 

We will re-open Thursday July 2 from 9:30am - 5:30pm.

Sunday 21 June 2020

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Happy Father's Day
Wishing a great day to all the father's

The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store

Nanaimo Bird Report
June 21, 2020

“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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Photo: Barred Owl (J. Morrison)
Tuesday June 16, 2020

The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Little Qualicum River Hatchery. The American Dipper was seen in the river and flying under the bridge up the water channel. Highlights from the walk were, Barred Owl, Willow Flycatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler and Cedar Waxwing.

11 birders saw and heard the following 36 species:
Mallard
Red-tailed Hawk
Bald Eagle
Turkey Vulture
Barred Owl
Rufous Hummingbird
American Dipper
Belted Kingfisher
Black Swift
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Pacific-sloped Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher
Common Raven
Northwestern Crow
Violet-green Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Warbling Vireo
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Bushtit
Pacific Wren
American Robin
Swainson’s Thrush
Cedar Waxwing
Orange-crowned Warbler
Black-throated Gray
Yellow Warbler
Western Tanager
Black-headed Grosbeak
Spotted Towhee
White-crowned Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Pine Siskin
Cedar Waxwing (J. Morrison)
Sunday June 21, 2020:

The Sunday Bird Walk went out to Maki Road Trail located at the end of Maki Road in south Nanaimo. There was plenty of activity with great views of Cedar Waxwings and an adult Cooper’s Hawk.   

7 birders saw and heard the following 42 species:
Wood Duck
Mallard
Hooded Merganser
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle
Turkey Vulture
Cooper’s Hawk
Glaucous-winged Gull
Anna’s Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Northern Flicker
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher
Common Raven
Northwestern Crow
Violet-green Swallow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Bewick’s Wren
Marsh Wren
American Robin
Swainson’s Thrush
Cedar Waxwing
European Starling
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Black-headed Grosbeak
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Spotted Towhee
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
House Finch
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch

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

The Tuesday Bird Walk June 23, 2020: 
This Tuesday Bird Walk will be going to Top Bridge Trail 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 parking lot on Industrial Way near Tulsa Road at 9:10 am.

The Sunday Bird Walk June 28, 2020 
This Sunday Bird Walk will be going to Morden Colliery Historic Park in south Nanaimo.
Meet at The Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store at 9:00am or at the end of Morden Road at the park parking lot at 9:15 am.

Photo:  (J. Morrison)
Good birding!
Colin Bartlett

The Backyard
Wildbird and Nature Store
6314 Metral Drive V9T-2L8
Phone: 250-390-3669
NEW WEBSITE: www.thebackyard.ca

Sunday 14 June 2020


The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store



Nanaimo Bird Report

June 14, 2020


“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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Photo: American Dipper (R. Hocken)

Monday June 8, 2020



Common Nighthawk was seen and heard over Coal Tyee School on Mountain Vista Drive Nanaimo.



Friday June 12, 2020



American Dipper was seen at the Little Qualicum River Hatchery.



Saturday June 13, 2020:



Common Nighthawks were seen over Forest Drive near the hospital.



Sunday June 14, 2020:


The Sunday Bird Walk went out to Legacy Marsh in upper Lantzville this morning. Morning weather was warm at 13 degrees Celsius, clear and sunny to start. A few clouds blew in with a shower before clearing up again. Some highlights from the walk were watching a family of Red-breasted Sapsuckers along the power line trail, a flock of 17 Canada Geese fly over, and Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle and Black Swifts overhead.



10 birders saw and heard the following 51 species:



Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Pied-billed Grebe

Bald Eagle

Turkey Vulture

Black Swift

Rufous Hummingbird

Northern Flicker

Hairy Woodpecker

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Hammonds Flycatcher

Pacific-slope Flycatcher

Willow Flycatcher

Warbling Vireo

Cassin’s Vireo

Hutton’s Vireo

Common Raven

Northwestern Crow

Violet-green Swallow

Tree Swallow

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Bushtit

House Wren

Bewick’s Wren

Marsh Wren

Pacific Wren

American Robin

Swainson’s Thrush

Cedar Waxwing

Townsend’s Warbler

Orange-crowned Warbler

Wilson Warbler

Black-throated Gray Warbler

MacGillivray’s Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Western Tanager

Black-headed Grosbeak

Red-winged Blackbird

Brown-headed Cowbird

Spotted Towhee

White-crowned Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Purple Finch

American Goldfinch

Pine Siskin


Photo: MacGillivray’s Warbler (J. Morrison)

  

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.

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



The Sunday Bird Walk June 21, 2020 

This Sunday Bird Walk will be going to Maki Road Trail in south Nanaimo.

Meet at The Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store at 9:00am or at the end of Maki Road parking lot at 9:15 am.



The Tuesday Bird Walk June 16, 2020:

This Tuesday Bird Walk will be going to the Little Qualicum River Hatchery.

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 hatchery parking lot located on Claymore Road off of Laburnum Road in Qualicum Beach at 9:20 am. 


Photo: Violet-green Swallow (R. Hocken)

Good birding!

Colin Bartlett






The Backyard

Wildbird and Nature Store
6314 Metral Drive V9T-2L8
Phone: 250-390-3669


Email: thebackyard@shaw.ca
Blog:
www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com

NEW WEBSITE: www.thebackyard.ca

Saturday 6 June 2020


The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store



Nanaimo Bird Report

June 6, 2020


“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.
*********************************************************

Photo: Common Nighthawk (Faulkner)



Tuesday June 2, 2020



Barred Owl was heard along the Millstone River near Buttertubs Marsh.



Wednesday June 3, 2020



Common Nighthawks were seen over Lost Lake Road and Redmond Road.



Friday June 5, 2020:



Red-breasted Sapsucker, Brown Creeper and Swainson’s Thrush were seen and hear at Anders & Doritt Community Park on Jingle Pot Road, Nanaimo. 


Photo: Red-breasted Sapsucker (J. Morrison)

Backyard Feeder Notes:



This week at my backyard feeders it has been busy with the Northern Flickers, Downy Woodpeckers, House Finch and the return of the chickadees, nuthatch and Bewick’s Wren. A male Anna’s Hummingbird makes regular visits but it was the female Rufous Hummingbird that let me know it was not ok to take the feeder away. It was good to see the Rufous Hummingbird as this is the first I have seen in my backyard in the last couple of years, the Anna’s Hummingbirds seem to have taken over.

This week was the first reports of Common Nighthawks which are one of the last of the migrating birds to return.

Looking to find a new park or birding area. I stop by the Anders & Dorrit Community Park on Jingle Pot road to check out the birding. I have been here before many years ago when Anders took me around the property showing me where all the birds were nesting. It is a great little spot, just over 6 acres and is surrounded by farms, forest, the Millstone River and there is open grass area, great for lunch. A quick walk through I watch a Brown Creeper foraging, was reprimanded for being too close to a Bushtit Nest, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Western Tanager was singing were just a few. It’s a great place for a picnic but parking is limited.

___________________



The Sunday and Tuesday Bird Walks

temporarily postponed



Sunday Bird Walks will resume on June 14, Legacy March Lantzville

Tuesday Bird Walks will resume on June 16, TBA



Here is a list of birds seen at Plummer Road side of the Englishman River Estuary on one of the Tuesday Bird Walk from July 2019. 37 species were seen and heard:

Common Loon

Canada Goose

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Common Merganser

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Semipalmated Plover

Western Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

Spotted Sandpiper

Glaucous-winged Gull

California Gull

Killdeer

Anna’s Hummingbird

Belted Kingfisher

Northern Flicker

Willow Flycatcher

Pacific-sloped Flycatcher

Northwestern Crow

Common Raven

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Bewick’s Wren

Warbling Vireo

American Robin

Swainson’s Thrush

Cedar Waxwing

European Starling

Orange-crowned Warbler

MacGillivray’s Warbler

Western Tanager

Spotted Towhee

White-crowned Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Purple Finch

American Goldfinch




Photo: Swainson’s Thrush (R. Hocken)



Good birding!

Colin Bartlett