Trip Report by Leona Axbey

Sunday, January 29, 2023

On a cold, crisp January morning, fifteen members of Nature Vancouver ventured out to Vanier Park for a birding field trip. As on past trips to this locale, one of the first birds to greet us was an Anna’s hummingbird. Close by a bald eagle was being murdered by crows. (Not really folks.)  

We headed east towards the ponds, our arrival announced by a singing House Finch’.

Here we viewed Mallards, American Widgeons, American Coots, and a Green-winged Teal. Heading down to the saltchuck, we noted the new platform that has been erected by the water. Possibly to encourage the bald eagles.

Following the seawall and walking east, we seemed to be followed by a lovely flotilla of Barrow’s Goldeneye, males and females.  The bright, sunny day made the colours of the male heads shine with an iridescence.  We also spotted Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye,  Hooded Mergansers, and Double-crested Cormorants.

In all we observed 25 species. Thanks to all the spotters, and big thanks to John Martin for taking some lovely photos.