Doug Cooper will lead a bird walk on a particularly birdy stretch of the Trans Canada Trail east of its intersection with Penzance Drive in North Burnaby this coming Sunday, June 15th. Over the last few years the area remains quite active when the sanctuary of Hastings Park goes into its June doldrum. The trip will start at 8, in order to take advantage of the hours when the birds seem most vocal.

The trail is above the Parkland oil refinery. The dull roar of the burn-off stack is present in the background but the birds don’t seem too put off by its presence. Recently there were singing Black-headed Grosbeaks, Western tanagers, Wester Wood-pewees and Western (Pacific-slope Flycatchers), Warbling Vireos, a particularly vocal Bewick’s Wren, many singing and calling Swainson’s Thrushes, several singing Black-throated Gray Warblers and many Singing Wilson’s Warblers.

There are a couple of caveats. The main trail and the feeder trails I propose to explore are very steep in places. The total distance will likely be around two(2) kilometres. It’s not suitable for anyone with a mobility limitation. The trail is also used by bikes and other walkers.

There is side parking on Penzance Dr on both sides of the trailhead, with space for two or three cars on the north side west of the pedestrian crossing and more spaces available on the south side east of the crossing.

Pre-registration is required and the event is limited to 12 participants. Registration by email at hdcooper@gmail.com on a first come, first serve basis.