Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve
August 21st to 23rd 2010
Our walks at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve are always fun but the last three days have been particularly exciting.
It is migration time and that means that flocks of warblers are passing through the reserve, finding a place to rest and eat before heading on their long journey south. It also means that birds that winter at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve will be starting to return.
It is a busy time and we always make sure that the birds are given a comfortable space while we enjoy their activities.
Bush Tits flock together in large flocks; one such flock was present during a welcome rain; the first rain in days.
Flycatchers bounce from branches to mid-air to catch insects.
Damselflies are often seen along the edges of the water.
A very wet male American Goldfinch stopped during the rain to wait for his family flock.
A few Pied-billed Grebes were seen; two juveniles were present.
We saw three Green Herons flying and resting at several spots on all three days.
Three Black-headed Grosbeaks were found near the main bridge stocking up on seeds and insects.
Great Blue Herons were found in several locations.
A Muskrat swam up the Salwein Creek while we watched from one of the bridges.
Sandpipers and Yellowlegs enjoyed the logs to find nourishment.
Hundreds of Swallows lined up on the overhead wires and swarmed the lagoons.
A few female Western Tanagers were seen on a couple of our walks.
Wood Ducks were easy to find.
Black-capped Chickadees are residents and often point us in the direction of the latest arrivals.
A few young Common Yellowthroat Warblers accompanied the dozens of other warblers passing through.
Yellow Warblers were another of the warblers seen.
Orange-crowned Warblers and MacGillivray’s Warblers were seen in the massive warbler flocks.
Dozens of Black-throated Grey Warblers were one of the favourite warblers that we found in the large flocks passing through.
Warbling Vireos were also in the large flocks of migrants.
We stopped in at the Rotary Interpretive Centre for visits with Gordon, Ivy, Dylan, Barb, Val, Jean, Janet, Michelle and John. John LeFlock had some of his absolutely stunning artwork on display at the Great Hall this week. There was a Slow Food Cycle Tour this weekend and the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve was one of the host sites on the tour. Here is a link to information on this excellent event: http://www.slowfoodvancouver.com/index.php/ChilliwackTour/
We also enjoyed a nice visit with Len while we had a rest near the main bridge on the 23rd. He is another photographer that we really admire; it was nice to see you there today and have a chat Len.
We are not authorities on birds, wildlife, plants, cameras or photography, if you are doing research on any subjects, please refer to a more educational site for advice and double-check whatever you research.
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