Where: Sapperton Landing, New Westminster Weather: Sunny, 25C
The Outing
I returned to Sapperton Landing, unsure of what I would see, as it tends to be hit or miss. The weather was still summer-like, but not as weirdly hot.
The river was higher, which I thought might lead to fewer shorebirds, but I did spot two herons a-hunting, along with some ducks, both expected and less so. A gadwall couple was on hand (or webbed foot), but they can summer in the area. I did see a lone bufflehead, and as far as I know, they usually migrate away for the summer. Maybe he just likes it here too much to leave. He actually started snoozing on the river current.
Several families of geese were around, with their new broods. I got the “I’m going to hiss at you” stare from several mothers, though I stayed clear of them. This is where a telephoto lens also serves to protect you.
Songbirds were scarce, though I spotted a song sparrow nestled in a tree, and a couple of tree swallows were out. I took some shots of bugs and bees on the flowers, but most did not turn out, sadly. A surprise cormorant and a crow on a rapidly drifting log rounded out the birds.
Overall, a good time was had by me. And presumably by the birds.
The Shots
The Birds (and other critters)
Sparrows and sparrow-adjacent:
- Song sparrow
- Tree swallow
Waterfowl:
- Bufflehead
- Canada goose
- Cormorant
- Gadwall
- Great Blue Heron
- Mallard
Common:
- Crow
Raptors:
- None
Non-birds:
- Some bees and bugs
