Report & Photos Submitted by Doug Cooper

This is a summary of my observations of the happenings in the green spaces of Hastings Park since early last fall. 

Access to the infield of the Hastings racecourse was again made possible for a few months during the latter part of 2021, after the pandemic closure of the racetrack grounds was lifted and the horse racing season had ended. The training and racing season has started again, and access to the racecourse infield is once again prohibited when horses are present. Birds of interest that I did see during the time access was permitted included Cackling and Snow Geese hanging out with the Canada goose flock that often congregates on the infield grass in the winter. It has also been a reliable place for Wilson Snipe and proved so again during several visits.

Non-avian sightings at the racecourse included a healthy-looking Coyote. An unusual visitor the sanctuary in October was an American Coot, a species that used to be more common in the winter.

A Red-breasted Sapsucker made one of that species’ infrequent visits to the sanctuary in November.
A species that does seem to have become more common in the Vancouver area is White-throated Sparrow. This one was hanging out with other sparrows at the sanctuary in late October. In December the American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) bushes in front of the daycare centre north of the collegium were magnets for a variety of hungry fructivorous birds such as Hermit Thrushes and robins, Cedar Waxwings and even opportunistic Song Sparrows. I was hoping one of the irrupting Bohemian Waxwings would make an appearance but I had no such luck.

A handsome drake Mallard x Northern Pintail hybrid was present on the pond in the early part of 2022, likely the same individual that was first noticed in the winter of 2021. Notice the bluish beak, noticeably different from that of a male Mallard. As noted earlier, I didn’t see any of the Bohemian Waxwings that were reported elsewhere in the Vancouver area, but I did see another irruptive species, Common Redpoll, twice in the sanctuary. I was first alerted that they were something unusual but their distinctive calls.

I can’t resist taking photos of Varied Thrushes. I have to be quick and the shots are usually from a distance, as they are shy creatures. This female was seen at the sanctuary a few days ago. She and her ilk will likely be migrating soon to higher elevations, taking their hunting songs with them.

The Cooper’s Hawk pair that successfully nested last year appear to be doing the same thing again this year. Recently I noticed the male tidying up a possible nest for his mate to judge on. 

In November of 2021 I photographed a Cooper’s Hawk, a female I think, with a band on its right leg. I was not able to read the band number so was not able to get any more information. I hope to get a good look at the legs of the female of the nesting pair, to see if she has a band. I would appreciate hearing reports from any other birders regarding banded Cooper’s Hawks in Hastings Park.

Looking forward to spring migration!