Trip report by Kelvin Yip; Photos by Richard L & Kelvin Y

Thirteen early birders joined trip leaders Neill and Kelvin at Burnaby Lake to audience the daily “dawn chorus” when the birds all wake up right before sunrise and start singing their songs. The birds didn’t sing for very long and within half an hour started their day of searching around for food and going about their day. We heard mostly Song Sparrows, American Robins, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Spotted Towhees.

The group watched a Black-headed Grosbeak near the viewing tower perform a long-winded solo while a Sandhill Crane had enough, gave us a few calls, then proceeded to take flight and flew west. In the water, a male and female Blue-winged Teal were spotted swimming with a group of Wood Ducks and Mallards. It seems there have been reports of a bear in the area and signs were posted to not feed the birds at Piper Spit.

Heading east, some Orange-crowned Warblers refused to make their appearance and a Swainson’s Thrush was heard from at a distance. Overhead, a flock of 13 Black Swifts flew into the clouds. Continuing onwards, the group was greeted in “Rufous Alley” by at least 3 Rufous Hummingbirds perched at the tips of short trees nearby. A Pileated Woodpecker was heard calling and we headed in its direction, and he gave the group a nice long showing of how he pecked away at the bark of a snag in search of food.

On our walk back towards the entrance, we discovered a frog in a puddle next to the pathway which we attempted to identify, but in the end it was inconclusive. Two Cedar Waxwings landed in some branches to bid us farewell on a great morning of birdwatching.

Thanks to all that came out, and hope to see everyone again at another walk!