Mid Month

Today we got back to normal, including the weather….rain…again…at least we managed a mainly dry walk, must have been between ‘systems’

Bird activity was back to normal too….much vocalization from the many Steller’s Jay…

many, many Red-wing Blackbirds…..just as vocal

and almost as many American Robins!

once again there were no ducks of any sort in the area of the log bay and only a half dozen Mallard up at the other end….there had been a Bald Eagle circling this area as I approached…no doubt accounting for, at least in part, the lack of ducks.

I then noticed this pair of Canada Geese….obviously checking for a suitable nesting location.  Canada Geese are another bird that starts nesting very early, at least here on the lower mainland.  They too, nest on the ground.

So we are now pretty much at the mid point of the month and still waiting to see our first Swallow although both Tree and Violet Green Swallows have been seen over on the Chilliwack side of the river….I’m sure the first nice day we have (if we ever have one again!), will bring Swallows with it.  Another, as yet, absentee are Townsend’s Solitaire, although one has been seen in Agassiz….

There used to be a large stump covered in Virginia Creeper who’s crop of berries was a major attraction for migrating Townsend Solitaire – this file photo of the stump, Solitaire and  berries  was taken on April 12, 2006 – unfortunately this stump was located on the residential side of the park fence and so, without the protection the park status offers….for some inexplicable reason…has been removed.  That oasis of vegetation fed, housed and sheltered a multitude of birds and other little creatures.