Birding at Ambleside – April 2, 2023

Monday, April 3, 2023 Harvey Dueck

Trip Report by Harvey Dueck

16 participants joined leaders Michelle Baudais and Harvey Dueck for a birding field trip at Ambleside Park. We had a nice mix of beginners and more experienced birders. Several in the group live quite nearby.

The day started cold and wet, but the weather grew more pleasant as the morning progressed. We met by the Boatshed restaurant and spent some time looking at the birds out on the water. A bald eagle perched on a log nearby, affording wonderful close-up views until a dog chased it away. Two female red-breasted mergansers were diving offshore, as well as some goldeneye. At least five flocks of cormorants flew by, heading out from the Burrard Inlet toward the Georgia Strait.

A pair of Harlequin Ducks graced us with their presence quite close to shore, long enough for everyone in the group to get a good view.

From the shore, we made our way to the pond. A group of four killdeer was hanging out on the grass along the way, which was a treat. The pond had the usual mix of ducks and sparrows, though we did not see the wood duck who often hangs out there. A heron snoozed in a tree only a few metres over our heads. A pair of ring-necked ducks sat in the pond right next to the path and stayed there even when our large group came up to look at them. The ring-necked ducks were life birds for several participants, and even those of us who have seen them many times have rarely seen them from such a short distance.

From the ponds we made our way through a small copse of trees to the Capilano river, finding the usual suspects along the way. A list of the species I can remember is given below.

Thanks to John Martin and Selina Wong for sharing their photos and to all participants for making the walk so pleasant.