Yesterday was bright sun, 6oC, a glorious dayI led an eight km. 4 ½ hour TFN outing to the spit. South winds forced ducks close to shore where we had brilliant views of ~3,000 ducks of 13 species. Most were in the sheltered cells but offshore we noted White-winged Scoter (1) and Red-necked Grebe (1). There was also one Horned Grebe in the second cell.
An adult Red-shouldered Hawk was the highlight of the day and a lifer for several. It flew low over our heads down to the tip, then reversed and flew back towards the city. A late migrant? At the moment there are virtually no passerines (we saw only two Black-capped Chickadees and two Am. Tree Sparrows) or raptors (male Am. Kestrel the only other raptor) on the whole spit including the base. The abundant Coyotes, as evidenced by scat, may out-compete raptors. On the plus side we were not bothered by Starlings, House Sparrows, Rock Pigeon and most blessedly, Canada Geese. We saw six Great Blue Herons including a pair arriving over the lake from points east. More late migrants? How many will remain for next Sundays CBC? Note: On Sunday, you need a vehicle to get to the huge spit as the closest public transit is two kms. away. The best way to cover it is by bicycle and scopewe observed several birders doing so. George Bryant
