The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store

Nanaimo Bird Report

September 25, 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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Black Oystercatcher (R. Hocken) 

Tuesday September 25, 2024:

Unfortunately, there was no Tuesday Bird Walk this week

Monday September 23, 2024:

Barred Owl was seen in the tot lot near Eagle Crescent and Thunderbird Drive in the hospital area.

Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1^st winter (R. Hocken

Sunday September 22, 2024:

The Sunday Bird Walk went to Maki Road Trail located at the end of Maki Road in south Nanaimo. The weather started off cloudy but shortly after we started it began to rain, 12C, and the tide was high. With the change in the weather birds were quiet. Many species were heard and seen near the parking lot before the walk started. A few highlights were a Peregrine Falcon perched on a branch feeding, three Northern Shovelers feeding in the marsh along with a couple of Greater Yellowlegs.

13 birders saw and heard the following 20 species:

Mallard

Northern Pintail

Green-winged Teal

Northern Shoveler

Peregrine Falcon

Greater Yellowlegs

Glaucous-winged Gull

Anna’s Hummingbird

Belted Kingfisher

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Common Raven

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Bewick’s Wren

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Spotted Towhee

Dark-eyed Junco

Red-winged Blackbird

House Finch 

Birding Notes:

With the change in weather, you will begin to see a few new visitors to the backyard feeders. At my feeders there have been Song Sparrows, Golden-crowned Sparrows, Spotted Towhees and a few more Dark-eyed juncos returning. During the summer we had a flock of 20 or so American Goldfinch but they left as they do in September, feeding on natural seed such as thistle seed. A small flock returned the other day competing with the House Finch for the feeders. Anna’s Hummingbirds are busy again at the feeders and chasing each other off the feeders. They could be nesting again as they do nest year-round.

Other birds to watch for in the backyard, Hermit Trush and Yellow-rumped Warblers as they move south. Cedar Waxwings feeding on berries such as mountain ash. Fox Sparrows, and Golden-crowned Sparrows.

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, September 29, 2024.

The Sunday Bird Walk is canceled this long weekend

The Tuesday Bird Walk, October 1, 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

 The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store

Nanaimo Bird Report

September 17, 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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Bonaparte’s Gull, non-breeding plumage (R. Hocken) 

Tuesday September 17, 2024:

The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Rathtrevor Provincial Park in Parksville. Weather was sun/cloud, 12C, tide was out, and the winds were calm. It was a good day for a bird walk and a few highlights were Greater Yellowlegs, good views of Common Loons, and a flock of Red Crossbills up close and able to see the crossed bill.

10 birders saw and heard the following 29 species:

Canada Goose

Mallard

American Wigeon

Surf Scoter

Common Merganser

Pacific Loon

Common Loon

Horned Grebe

Red-neck Grebe

Great Blue Heron

Turkey Vulture

Merlin

Greater Yellowlegs

Bonaparte’s Gull

Short-billed Gull

Glaucous-winged Gull

Anna’s Hummingbird

Common Raven

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Bewick’s Wren

Cedar Waxwing

Spotted Towhee

Song Sparrow

Golden-crowned Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Red Crossbill

American Goldfinch

Sunday September 15, 2024:

A white Common Raven was seen overhead on Grovehill Road in Qualicum.

Northern Harrier (J. Morrison)

Sunday September 15, 2024:

The Sunday Bird Walk went to Buttertubs Marsh. Weather was sunny, a bit of a breeze, 13C. A few highlights from the walk were two Northern Harries flying over the marsh putting on a great show. Also seen near the miner’s cabin part of the marsh were Long-billed Dowitcher, Least Sandpiper and Pectoral Sandpiper.

16 birders saw and heard the following 31 species:

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

American Wigeon

Mallard

Northern Pintail

Green-winged Teal

Hooded Merganser

Pied-billed Grebe

Great Blue Heron

Northern Harrier

Red-tailed Hawk

Turkey Vulture

Killdeer

Least Sandpiper

Pectoral Sandpiper

Long-billed Dowitcher

Band-tailed Pigeon

Rock Pigeon

Anna’s Hummingbird

Belted Kingfisher

Northern Flicker

Barn Swallow

American Crow

Common Raven

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Bushtit

European Starling

Spotted Towhee

Red-winged Blackbird

House Finch

Purple Finch

Wednesday September 11, 2024:

Savanah Sparrow was seen at Pipers Lagoon in Nanaimo. 

Birding Notes:

Interested in seeing Turkey Vultures and other raptors? September through mid-October raptors are moving south down the island before launching across the water to the Olympic Peninsula. A good spot to watch Turkey Vultures and other raptors launch from is East Sooke Regional Park around the last week of September, beginning of October. Park at Aylard Farm parking lot off Becher Bay Road and watch from there or follow the trail to Beechey Head. There is also a Hawk Watch drop in event on October 5, 2024, by the CRD Region Parks. Here is a link to the website https://www.crd.bc.ca/about/events/event/2024/10/05/default-calendar/hawk-watch---drop-in-event-all-ages.

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, September 22, 2024.

The Sunday Bird Walk will be going to Make Road Trail in south Nanaimo.

Meet at The Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store at 9:00 am or at the end of Maki Road by Living Forest Campground at 9:15 am.

The Tuesday Bird Walk, September 24, 2024.

The Tuesday Bird Walk is CANCELED for this week. We will be back at it on October 1^st.

Good birding! Colin Bartlett

 The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store

Nanaimo Bird Report

September 10, 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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Warbling Vireo (J. Morrison) 

Tuesday September 10, 2024:

The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. Weather was sunny, 14C, tide was out. It was a great day for a bird walk and a few highlights from were Greater Yellowlegs, one seen on the river and two seen in the estuary. A lone Bonaparte's Gull was seen in with California Gulls on the gravel bar, and a Northern Harrier was seen landing out in the field near the community park. Highlight of the walk was the Warbling Vireo and for a few a Western Flycatcher, both seen by the Mills Street entrance to the estuary.

17 birders saw and heard the following 40 species:

Canada Goose

Northern Pintail

Harlequin Duck

White-winged Scoter

Common Merganser

Red-breasted Merganser

Great Blue Heron

Northern Harrier

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Bald Eagle

Killdeer

Greater Yellowlegs

Bonaparte’s Gull

Short-billed Gull

California Gull

Glaucous-winged Gull

Eurasian Collared Dove

Anna’s Hummingbird

Belted kingfisher

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Warbling Vireo

Western Flycatcher

Common Raven

American Crow

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Bewick’s Wren

Pacific Wren

Golden-crowned Kinglet

European Starling

Spotted Towhee

Song Sparrow

Golden-crowned Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow

Red Crossbill

House Finch

Pine Siskin

American Goldfinch

Monday September 9, 2024:

Barred Owl was heard calling in the hospital area near Thunderbird Drive and Eagle Crescent.

Red Crossbill (R. Hocken)

Sunday September 8, 2024:

The Sunday Bird Walk went to Neck Point Park for the first outing this fall. Weather was sunny, 16C and the tide was high. A few highlights from the walk were California Quail behind the board walk, Rhinoceros Auklet and a Bald Eagle the flew over us with a fish in its talons.

15 birders saw and heard the following 24 species:

Canada Goose

Double-crested Cormorant

Pelagic Cormorant

California Quail

Great Blue Heron

Bald Eagle

Turkey Vulture

Glaucous-winged Gull

Rhinoceros Auklet

Eurasian Collared Dove

Anna’s Hummingbird

Northern Flicker

American Crow

Common Raven

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Bewick’s Wren

Golden-crowned Kinglet

American Robin

Spotted Towhee

Dark-eyed Junco

Red Crossbill

Pine Siskin

Their back, Pine Siskins. The siskins have already been visiting backyard feeders this summer, but we are now hearing more reports of them around. Typically, we see Pine Siskins on a two year high then two year low rotation and this is the start of the high years.

Dark-eyed Juncos will begin to return in numbers to the backyards soon. Other returning sparrows to watch for are the Spotted Towhees, Golden-crowned Sparrows, Song and Fox Sparrows.

The backyard feeders are a little quieter right now, but the flocks of Bushtits have replaced that lost activity. These flocks are visiting the suet feeder and take over when they arrive but they are also checking out the medium sunflower chip feeder and annoying the hummingbird as they try to figure out what that feeder is.

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, September 15, 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.

The Tuesday Bird Walk, September 17, 2024.

The Tuesday Bird Walk will be going to the Rathtrevor Provincial Park.

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 beach entrance of the main parking lot at 9:10 am.

Good birding! Colin Bartlett

The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store

Nanaimo Bird Report

September 6, 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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Friday September 6, 2024:

Red Crossbills were heard calling in the trees on Elm Road in Lantzville.

Tuesday September 3, 2024:

The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Plummer Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. Weather was sunny, 17C, tide was out. The walk started out quiet and picked up as the walk went on. Along the river a Spotted Sandpiper was observed and, in the estuary, Western Sandpipers and two Semipalmated Plovers were seen. The parking lot bird at the end of the walk were Cedar Waxwings.

22 birders saw and heard the following 34 species:

Canada Goose

Northern Pintail

Green-winged Teal

White-winged Scoter

Common Merganser

Common Loon

Red-necked Grebe

Pelagic Cormorant

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Turkey Vulture

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Bald Eagle

Killdeer

Semipalmated Plover

Western Sandpiper

Spotted Sandpiper

Bonaparte’s Gull

Short-billed Gull

California Gull

Glaucous-winged Gull

Eurasian Collared Dove

Anna’s Hummingbird

Belted kingfisher

Common Raven

American Crow

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Bewick’s Wren

Cedar Waxwing

European Starling

Spotted Towhee

House Finch

Pine Siskin

American Goldfinch

Sunday September 1, 2024:

Approximately 20 Common Nighthawks were seen feeding over the Englishman River Estuary.

American Goldfinch – male, winter plumage (R. Hocken)

For the backyard feeders, there have been a few reports of Steller’s Jays returning and families of Northern Flickers. The American Goldfinch have moved on from some backyard bird feeders, as they prepare to move southward. Although, some American Goldfinch will stay for the winter. A few Rufous Hummingbirds have arrived for a short stay before continuing the migration south. I had a female Rufous Hummingbird for about a week visiting and spending lots of time feeding on the salvia hot lips and fuchsia plants on my patio.

Fall is a time that the suet is busy with all the woodpecker families visiting, along with the newly formed flock of Bushtits. Chickadees, nuthatch and jays will be busy caching seed for the winter and a favorite for them is the black oil sunflower seeds and peanuts. If you are not using these seeds, try adding a small amount to your feeding station.

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, September 8, 2024.

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 parking lot at 9:10 am.

The Tuesday Bird Walk, September 10, 2024.

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

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 end of Shelly Road, off of Hwy 19A, at 9:10 am.

Good birding! Colin Bartlett