Submitted by Jan Lowcock.

Saturday April 20 and Sunday April 21, 2024

Neill Vanhinsberg and Jan Lowcock led 2 birding Welcome Walks in Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park. Advertised through Nature Vancouver and Meetup, the two walks attracted 22 birders, 11 of whom were not members of Nature Vancouver. Many were brand new to birding and appreciative of the loaner binoculars now available for NV field trips.

The sunny and slightly warmer temperatures on Saturday were enjoyed as we scoured the formal gardens, brush and open field areas, yielding 21 species. Migrants were in short supply but we did get good views of Yellow-Rumped Warblers. Year-round residents like the Spotted Towhee and Pacific Wren gave us lengthy song performances. Ruby-Crowned Kinglets tested our binocular skills. 

Sunday’s walk was overcast and cooler with a count of 27 species. We identified two cavity nests (Black-Capped Chickadee and Red-Breasted Nuthatch) in birch snags in the park. Flyover birds included a Great Blue Heron, adult Bald Eagle and Red-Tailed Hawk.

Notable were the small number of warblers for this time of year and the quietness of the rose garden for sparrows. The garden has been cut back considerably, possibly due to plant damage from last winter’s cold snap.

We were delighted to be able to share some tips and stories with brand new, enthusiastic birders. Both Neill and Jan frequently bird QE Park and are hopeful for a big surge in avian visitors in the next couple of weeks.