Trip report by Jan Lowcock

Cloudy skies and cool temperatures greeted 10 Nature Vancouver members plus 8 guests at ƛ̓éxətəm Regional Park  in Coquitlam on Saturday April 19. A flock of close to 200 Cackling Geese flew over as we prepared to leave the parking lot.  Near the community garden we were amused by peek-a-boo glimpses of a Ring-necked Pheasant as it moved around a deer resting in the field. After the garden, we crossed the Millennium Bridge and made our way along the Wilson Farm Dyke Trail toward the marsh at the northern section of the park. En route to the bridge we were treated to a trail-side view of a female Downy Woodpecker. From the bridge deck, we had a good view of Common Mergansers as they dove and fed. Common Yellow Throat Warblers were, as is often the case, heard but not seen. Skyward,  we noted Bald Eagles, Red-tailed and Cooper’s Hawks. As the air warmed later in the walk, Larry spotted Turkey Vultures riding the thermals. Our turn around point at the marsh was quite productive with Hooded Mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks and Gadwall. The woodland yielded American Goldfinches, Yellow-rumped Warblers and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Three species of swallows were included in the count: Tree, Violet-green and Northern Rough-winged.

Neill recorded 42 species in total with 375 individual birds, not bad for a cool April morning. For variety, we also observed a mink moving along rocks in the adjacent channel.

Thanks to all the birders who joined the walk and shared sightings, photos and expertise.