A large group of over 20 birders joined us at Queen Elizabeth Park on a cold, but sunny morning. While still in the parking lot, a flock of Canada Geese flew over with 6 Cackling Geese tagging along. After introductions, we headed to the Rose Garden where some roses were blooming! In and around the garden were a few Song Sparrows and Spotted Towhees. A number of American Robins flew about the garden, and in and out of the cedars by the lawn bowling pitch. A Varied Thrush was briefly glimpsed darting into the cedars with the Robins. A male Anna’s Hummingbird posed for several minutes on top of a shrub giving us some very good views.

A brave rose

As we moved on, things quieted down a bit until we came to the Red Cedars in the small quarry. On the Eastern side of the cedars in the sun, there was a lot of activity above us. Several Golden-crowned Kinglets flitted about with a Ruby-crowned Kinglet or two. A Hutton’s Vireo, the Ruby-crowns near twin, appeared briefly and sang momentarily a little later. Kelvin spotted some Chestnut-backed Chickadees, and while we were enjoying these little guys, a Red-breasted Sapsucker appeared about 20 metres up in a cedar. Sitting on a branch in the sun we managed good, if neck straining views. A Bald Eagle was also spotted on the top of a cedar in the little grove there.

Red-breasted Sapsucker

The duck pond was mostly frozen over, but about 20 Mallards had kept a small section open. We moved on towards the big quarry garden, and heard a Brown Creeper in the cedars on the way. Above the big quarry garden, a Pacific Wren called while we watched another Hummingbird. A Red-breasted Nuthatch then crawled out a branch of a cedar right above our heads. Taking little notice of us, she systematically worked along the branches, probing the bark for bugs, and gave us nice close looks.

By the Cedar grove

We returned to our starting point and talked about our favorite birds of the day. The Sapsucker, Hummingbirds and Nuthatch took top honours. After most folks had departed, three Eagles soared over head, circling high above. A nice end to a fun walk.

Our ebird list is here. https://ebird.org/checklist/S296049033

All photos by Harvey Dueck. Thanks Harvey!