Trip report by Sarah-Jane McAuley

Twelve enthusiastic birders tested out their rain gear on a cool, wet morning in the rain forest.

After admiring the (still empty) heron rookery, we started the morning with the sounds, but no sights, of a Red-breasted Nuthatch and an Anna’s Hummingbird in the parking lot.

Once at Lost Lagoon, we came across the expected Canada Geese and Mallards, as well as distant views of Short-billed Gulls and half a dozen Gadwalls. Along the forested portion of the trail, we had excellent views of four types of sparrows: Dark-eyed Juncos, Spotted Towhees, Song Sparrows, and Fox Sparrows. Seeing the four species together was a helpful opportunity to compare field markings, sizes, and behaviours. On the north-western edge of the lagoon, six zoomy female Buffleheads dove to feed, while two female Green-winged Teals floated quietly.

The rain picked up as we walked to Second Beach. However, enthusiasm was renewed by plenty of Barrow’s Goldeneyes, a Common Goldeneye, Bonaparte’s Gulls, and small groups of Surf Scoters and Horned Grebes. The group was kept busy pointing out Double-crested Cormorants flying by, and distant Red-breasted Mergansers. The final species of the day was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, seen feeding, flitting between branches along the sea wall.

Our eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293519822