Trip report by Jan Lowcock and Janet Snell 

On Sunday June 11, seven members of Nature Vancouver and guest expert Melissa Hafting joined birding trip leader Janet Snell and Jan Lowcock (scope carrier) to check out birds at two locations – Lily Point and Seabright Farm – in Point Roberts, Washington.

The walk began in the parking lot of the Lily Point, a 111-hectare Marine Reserve including rocky tidal areas and forested uplands. The forested section, with massive Big-leaf Maples and Douglas Firs was ringing with bird song from Western-slope Flycatchers, Spotted Towhees, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and more.  At the base of the trail, in a meadowy section were the American Goldfinch, Barn Swallows, Willow Flycatchers, Wilson’s Warblers and other meadow birds. 

A spectacular view was found at the bluff with views of the San Juan Islands beyond. More than 50 circling Bald Eagles gave us a display of flying prowess and plumage, from the immature bird to mature adult. A large group of Violet-green Swallows were swirling in the updrafts. And swimming on the ocean’s surface below was a group of 200 Surf Scoters. What a sight!

Janet noted that Lily Point had been an important salmon fishing ground for the Lummi, Saanich and Semiahmoo people and later was the site of a salmon cannery, the remnant pilings of which remain. Morning weather was comfortably cool and overcast with the sun breaking through by later morning. We did see Pelagic Cormorants and a Common Loon out in the ocean, though recent migrants had left for the season.

At Melissa’s suggestion, we moved on to Seabright Farm, a largely open, grassy area bordered by trees and shrubs with some housing development. We observed additional 9 species including the promised Band-tailed Pigeons and an American Kestrel.   

Although the walk was late for spring migration, we were rewarded with ample birdsong and several cooperative birds who posed for the scope and camera. We were very appreciative that Melissa Hafting had taken the time out of her busy birding schedule to join us. It all made for a very special day.

The group eBird count, kept by Michelle Baudais, totalled 28 species plus Red Crossbills heard by Melissa. Checkout the combined eBird list by Michelle Baudais, Harvey Dueck and Jan Lowcock from Lily Point and Seabright Farm.  https://ebird.org/canada/checklist/S141274454