2022 City Nature Challenge April 29 - May 2
Started in 2016 as a competition between San Francisco and Los Angeles,
the City Nature Challenge (CNC) has grown into an international event,
motivating people around the world to find and document wildlife in
their cities. Run by the Community Science teams at the California
Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
County, the CNC is an annual four-day global bioblitz at the end of
April, where cities are in a collaboration-meets-friendly-competition to
see not only what can be accomplished when we all work toward a common
goal, but also which city can gather the most observations of nature,
find the most species, and engage the most people in the event.
Delta, Richmond, Surrey, Tri-Cities, Abbotsford and Chilliwack have separate City Nature Challenge projects.
The Fraser Discovery Centre will coordinate observations for other Greater Vancouver areas (Village of Anmore, Village of Belcarra, Bowen
Island Municipality, City of Burnaby, Electoral Area A, City of Langley,
Township of Langley, Village of Lions Bay, City of Maple Ridge, City of
New Westminster, City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver,
City of Pitt Meadows, Tsawwassen First Nation, City of Vancouver,
District of West Vancouver, and City of White Rock).
All observations (animals, birds, insects, plants, fungi) taken in those areas on those 4 days and uploaded to iNaturalist by May 8 will be automatically pulled into the projects.
There are 2 ways to add photos to iNaturalist. Get the iNaturalist app on your smartphone and use it to take photos and upload them to iNaturalist. OR
On your computer go to the iNaturalist website (iNaturalist.ca) and upload photos from your computer. iNaturalist will suggest possible IDs and Identifiers will agree or correct the IDs.
Terry Carr Delta Naturalists Society
|
Virtual Bird Monitoring and Banding Workshop
The Vancouver Avian Research Centre is pleased to offer our acclaimed Virtual Bird Monitoring and Banding Workshop: ·??????? May 7-8 This program is perfect for people with little to no bird banding experience. However, those with existing knowledge have benefited enormously from the classroom sessions, building solid technical foundations for ageing and sexing North American landbirds in the hand. ? Most of all, these workshops are designed to be a fun and interesting experience and a way to take your interest in birds to the next level. Please join us and see why our average participant rating is 9.5 out of 10! ? Full details of the course schedule, content and registration information can be found online: ?
? Thank you! ? Derek 
| Derek J. Matthews
Chairman, ?Director Communication
NABC Certified Trainer
Vancouver?Avian Research Centre
Registered Canadian Charity #82118 2656 RR0001
4115, East Braemar Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 3C9
T: (604) 218-1191
E: Derek@...
W: |
? ?
|
Re: Surrey's City Nature Challenge, April 29-May 2!
Thank you, Derek, that is kind of you to say, and appreciated!
?
Pamela
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Derek Matthews via groups.io
Sent: April 19, 2022 3:42 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [vanbcbirds] Surrey's City Nature Challenge, April 29-May 2!
?
Thanks Pamela – It really is so good to see cities like the City of Surrey working to conserve biodiversity like this. We all know the environmental
issues facing our birds and other wildlife in urban and suburban areas and unless cities and municipalities take these issues seriously, nothing will change.
?
We know issues like bird window strikes and free roaming house cats kill billions of birds each year in NA, despite being easily preventable, and
it really is time that cities and municipalities lead by example and put in place the necessary by-laws to prevent them.
?
Thanks again.
?
Derek
|
|
Derek J. Matthews
Chairman, ?Director Communication
NABC Certified Trainer
Vancouver?Avian Research Centre
Registered Canadian Charity #82118 2656 RR0001
4115, East Braemar Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 3C9
T: (604) 218-1191
E: Derek@...
W:
|
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
Hello everyone! We are excited to be heading into our 3rd annual
for the City of Surrey. This year the CNC will overlap with
and the launch of the !
?
New for this year will be the added competition from other cities, the most since we started participating in 2020. The Tri-cities (Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam), Delta, Richmond and other one-off events will be happening across
Metro Vancouver. So far, we’ve held a spot nationally as one of the top five cities participating.
?
I know a lot of birders prefer to use eBird, thanks to some tech savvy connections through the CNC’s international organizers, participating cities we will be testing out a complementary platform called BioSmart to help compile observations
from outside of iNaturalist. So we are going to see if will be able to grab eBird data for us this year.
?
I am deeply grateful for all your efforts to conserve biodiversity locally, regionally, and beyond and am looking forward to seeing Surrey’s citizen science community shine at the CNC again this year! ?
?
Sincerely,
Pamela Zevit RPBio | Biodiversity Conservation Planner
?
CITY OF SURREY
Parks, Recreation & Culture - Parks Division, Urban Forestry Section
6651 148 St.,, Surrey, BC, Canada V3S 3C7
T 604.590.7254 |
I am privileged to work on the traditional territories (tém:éxw) of the s?myám? (Semiahmoo), sq??c?iy?a?? (Katzie),
K?ik?????m (Kwikwetlem), q??ɑ:n????n? (Kwantlen), Qiqéyt (Qayqayt), Sc??waθ?n (Tsawwassen) and x?m?θk??y??m (Musqueam).
?
|
Re: Surrey's City Nature Challenge, April 29-May 2!
Thanks Pamela – It really is so good to see cities like the City of Surrey working to conserve biodiversity like this. We all know the environmental issues facing our birds and other wildlife in urban and suburban areas and unless cities and municipalities take these issues seriously, nothing will change. ? We know issues like bird window strikes and free roaming house cats kill billions of birds each year in NA, despite being easily preventable, and it really is time that cities and municipalities lead by example and put in place the necessary by-laws to prevent them. ? Thanks again. ? Derek 
| Derek J. Matthews
Chairman, ?Director Communication
NABC Certified Trainer
Vancouver?Avian Research Centre
Registered Canadian Charity #82118 2656 RR0001
4115, East Braemar Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 3C9
T: (604) 218-1191
E: Derek@...
W: |
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Pamela Zevit via groups.io
Sent: April 19, 2022 9:23 AM
To: Vancouver Birds list ([email protected]) <[email protected]>
Subject: [vanbcbirds] Surrey's City Nature Challenge, April 29-May 2!? ? Hello everyone! We are excited to be heading into our 3rd annual for the City of Surrey. This year the CNC will overlap with and the launch of the ! ? New for this year will be the added competition from other cities, the most since we started participating in 2020. The Tri-cities (Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam), Delta, Richmond and other one-off events will be happening across Metro Vancouver. So far, we’ve held a spot nationally as one of the top five cities participating. ? I know a lot of birders prefer to use eBird, thanks to some tech savvy connections through the CNC’s international organizers, participating cities we will be testing out a complementary platform called BioSmart to help compile observations from outside of iNaturalist. So we are going to see if will be able to grab eBird data for us this year. ? I am deeply grateful for all your efforts to conserve biodiversity locally, regionally, and beyond and am looking forward to seeing Surrey’s citizen science community shine at the CNC again this year! ? ? Sincerely, Pamela Zevit RPBio | Biodiversity Conservation Planner
 ? CITY OF SURREY Parks, Recreation & Culture - Parks Division, Urban Forestry Section 6651 148 St.,, Surrey, BC, Canada V3S 3C7
T 604.590.7254 | I am privileged to work on the traditional territories (tém:éxw) of the s?myám? (Semiahmoo), sq??c?iy?a?? (Katzie), K?ik?????m (Kwikwetlem), q??ɑ:n????n? (Kwantlen), Qiqéyt (Qayqayt), Sc??waθ?n (Tsawwassen) and x?m?θk??y??m (Musqueam). ?
|
Surrey's City Nature Challenge, April 29-May 2!
?
Hello everyone! We are excited to be heading into our 3rd annual
for the City of Surrey. This year the CNC will overlap with
and the launch of the !
?
New for this year will be the added competition from other cities, the most since we started participating in 2020. The Tri-cities (Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam), Delta, Richmond and other one-off events will be happening across
Metro Vancouver. So far, we’ve held a spot nationally as one of the top five cities participating.
?
I know a lot of birders prefer to use eBird, thanks to some tech savvy connections through the CNC’s international organizers, participating cities we will be testing out a complementary platform called BioSmart to help compile observations
from outside of iNaturalist. So we are going to see if will be able to grab eBird data for us this year.
?
I am deeply grateful for all your efforts to conserve biodiversity locally, regionally, and beyond and am looking forward to seeing Surrey’s citizen science community shine at the CNC again this year! ?
?
Sincerely,
Pamela Zevit RPBio | Biodiversity Conservation Planner
?
CITY OF SURREY
Parks, Recreation & Culture - Parks Division, Urban Forestry Section
6651 148 St.,, Surrey, BC, Canada V3S 3C7
T 604.590.7254 |
I am privileged to work on the traditional territories (tém:éxw) of the s?myám? (Semiahmoo), sq??c?iy?a?? (Katzie),
K?ik?????m (Kwikwetlem), q??ɑ:n????n? (Kwantlen), Qiqéyt (Qayqayt), Sc??waθ?n (Tsawwassen) and x?m?θk??y??m (Musqueam).
?
|
Whooper Swan in the Yukon
Check out the article, including a photo:? ?
keith taylor
victoria bc
|
Newest Birds of Vancouver Island
This book can be viewed in PDF form at the links below:?
?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F34HPP5GGQfTzeDGj0IJpDFb9OT18Sl2/view?usp=sharing
?
above passerines
?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hAaICQ8o9pQVWnKrHmC5dHQSwXsmeFmC/view?usp=sharing
?
above non passerines
?
The above was updated on April ?2022 and will only be renewed 12 months in the future. Click on the down pointing arrow. Be very patient as the file is large and takes 2-3 minutes to load. Ignore the fact that it cannot be scanned for viruses, it is fine.
?
This version includes links to the online jpeg version, an index, links to bird-finding data, et cetera.
?
Click on each page to increase size.
|
Re: Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening
Thanks Mahara, then it might be the same bird as I saw because I saw it in the same area.
Hi,
One of our White Rock and Surrey Naturalists has one in her backyard, near Maple and Kent between 14th and 15th.
Mahara
|
Re: Keeping bird baths hygienic
Thanks Daniel and Derek
Derek, the video is amazing, it helps me get an idea about what I could do. Many thanks.
Nikhil
On Sat, Apr 9, 2022 at 4:41 PM Derek Matthews < Derek@...> wrote: Sorry Nikhil – that was an older video and much longer – this is the one I meant to point you to from June last year! ?
? Derek ? ? Hi Nikhil, ? The only real solution is to have running fresh water. We have a number of water features in our garden specifically designed for birds, and each has circulating water that is fed by a drip hose so that they are always being topped up with fresh water. ? It is a lot of effort and there is some cost depending on how much you can do yourself, but let me tell you, it is so worth the effort. In fact, the number one best way to attract birds to your garden is to offer copious amounts of clean, fresh water. ? Here is a video of the birds at one of our ponds during just a few days last summer – you’ll see the diversity of species is pretty amazing: ?
? So, stick with it and try to get some friends to help you build something that works for your garden – it doesn’t have to be too fancy or large but I guarantee it will be worth the effort! ? Derek ? Derek Matthews
Vancouver Avian Research Centre ? ? -----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Daniel Bastaja
Sent: April 9, 2022 8:26 AM
To: Vanbirds <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [vanbcbirds] Keeping bird baths hygienic ? Nikhil…. my mom used to have the same problem with her bird bath. The birds would always make a mess. I think a bath with flowing water (like a fountain) eases the problem somewhat but only a little. Those fountains usually just re-circulate a set amount of water so once it gets dirty it stays dirty. When it got dirty, my mom would just dump the water, hose it off and then fill it again with clean water. That’s all. Don’t know what else can be done. ? Daniel Bastaja danielbastaja@... ? > On Apr 8, 2022, at 9:17 PM, Nikhil Patwardhan <Nikhil.pirate@...> wrote: > > I recently have started maintaining a bird bath in the backyard that's attracting a lot of juncos, a few pine siskins, and rarely a black squirrel or chickadee. The juncos love to bathe especially on sunny afternoons and I even suspect one or two birds are dominating over others in having access to the bath. The juncos almost form a waiting line on the nearby hedge because as soon as one is done, the next one will pop in from the hedge. The bird bath is made of stone, and is shallow (less than an inch of water) and wide (less than 2 feet in diameter). While I change the water daily in the morning, I often discover bird droppings either in the bath or on the edge when I do this. For now I just rinse it out with a coarse brush and plain water, but I'm wondering if it needs more aggressive cleanings with either soap, vinegar, etc. At some point in the future I'd like to install a small water fountain (one used in an aquarium) that can throw water up about 3 inches. What is the general advice for maintenance of a healthy bird bath? > > -- > Nikhil Patwardhan > ? ? ?
? ?
|
Re: Keeping bird baths hygienic
Sorry Nikhil – that was an older video and much longer – this is the one I meant to point you to from June last year! ?
? Derek ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: derek@... <derek@...>
Sent: April 9, 2022 4:27 PM
To: '[email protected]' <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: [vanbcbirds] Keeping bird baths hygienic? Hi Nikhil, ? The only real solution is to have running fresh water. We have a number of water features in our garden specifically designed for birds, and each has circulating water that is fed by a drip hose so that they are always being topped up with fresh water. ? It is a lot of effort and there is some cost depending on how much you can do yourself, but let me tell you, it is so worth the effort. In fact, the number one best way to attract birds to your garden is to offer copious amounts of clean, fresh water. ? Here is a video of the birds at one of our ponds during just a few days last summer – you’ll see the diversity of species is pretty amazing: ?
? So, stick with it and try to get some friends to help you build something that works for your garden – it doesn’t have to be too fancy or large but I guarantee it will be worth the effort! ? Derek ? Derek Matthews
Vancouver Avian Research Centre ? ? -----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Daniel Bastaja
Sent: April 9, 2022 8:26 AM
To: Vanbirds <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [vanbcbirds] Keeping bird baths hygienic ? Nikhil…. my mom used to have the same problem with her bird bath. The birds would always make a mess. I think a bath with flowing water (like a fountain) eases the problem somewhat but only a little. Those fountains usually just re-circulate a set amount of water so once it gets dirty it stays dirty. When it got dirty, my mom would just dump the water, hose it off and then fill it again with clean water. That’s all. Don’t know what else can be done. ? Daniel Bastaja danielbastaja@... ? > On Apr 8, 2022, at 9:17 PM, Nikhil Patwardhan <Nikhil.pirate@...> wrote: > > I recently have started maintaining a bird bath in the backyard that's attracting a lot of juncos, a few pine siskins, and rarely a black squirrel or chickadee. The juncos love to bathe especially on sunny afternoons and I even suspect one or two birds are dominating over others in having access to the bath. The juncos almost form a waiting line on the nearby hedge because as soon as one is done, the next one will pop in from the hedge. The bird bath is made of stone, and is shallow (less than an inch of water) and wide (less than 2 feet in diameter). While I change the water daily in the morning, I often discover bird droppings either in the bath or on the edge when I do this. For now I just rinse it out with a coarse brush and plain water, but I'm wondering if it needs more aggressive cleanings with either soap, vinegar, etc. At some point in the future I'd like to install a small water fountain (one used in an aquarium) that can throw water up about 3 inches. What is the general advice for maintenance of a healthy bird bath? > > -- > Nikhil Patwardhan > ? ? ? ? ?
|
Re: Keeping bird baths hygienic
Hi Nikhil, ? The only real solution is to have running fresh water. We have a number of water features in our garden specifically designed for birds, and each has circulating water that is fed by a drip hose so that they are always being topped up with fresh water. ? It is a lot of effort and there is some cost depending on how much you can do yourself, but let me tell you, it is so worth the effort. In fact, the number one best way to attract birds to your garden is to offer copious amounts of clean, fresh water. ? Here is a video of the birds at one of our ponds during just a few days last summer – you’ll see the diversity of species is pretty amazing: ?
? So, stick with it and try to get some friends to help you build something that works for your garden – it doesn’t have to be too fancy or large but I guarantee it will be worth the effort! ? Derek ? Derek Matthews
Vancouver Avian Research Centre ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Daniel Bastaja
Sent: April 9, 2022 8:26 AM
To: Vanbirds <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [vanbcbirds] Keeping bird baths hygienic ? Nikhil…. my mom used to have the same problem with her bird bath. The birds would always make a mess. I think a bath with flowing water (like a fountain) eases the problem somewhat but only a little. Those fountains usually just re-circulate a set amount of water so once it gets dirty it stays dirty. When it got dirty, my mom would just dump the water, hose it off and then fill it again with clean water. That’s all. Don’t know what else can be done. ? Daniel Bastaja danielbastaja@... ? > On Apr 8, 2022, at 9:17 PM, Nikhil Patwardhan <Nikhil.pirate@...> wrote: > > I recently have started maintaining a bird bath in the backyard that's attracting a lot of juncos, a few pine siskins, and rarely a black squirrel or chickadee. The juncos love to bathe especially on sunny afternoons and I even suspect one or two birds are dominating over others in having access to the bath. The juncos almost form a waiting line on the nearby hedge because as soon as one is done, the next one will pop in from the hedge. The bird bath is made of stone, and is shallow (less than an inch of water) and wide (less than 2 feet in diameter). While I change the water daily in the morning, I often discover bird droppings either in the bath or on the edge when I do this. For now I just rinse it out with a coarse brush and plain water, but I'm wondering if it needs more aggressive cleanings with either soap, vinegar, etc. At some point in the future I'd like to install a small water fountain (one used in an aquarium) that can throw water up about 3 inches. What is the general advice for maintenance of a healthy bird bath? > > -- > Nikhil Patwardhan > ? ? ? ? ?
|
Re: Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening
Hi,
One of our White Rock and Surrey Naturalists has one in her backyard, near Maple and Kent between 14th and 15th.
Mahara
|
Re: Keeping bird baths hygienic
Nikhil…. my mom used to have the same problem with her bird bath. The birds would always make a mess. I think a bath with flowing water (like a fountain) eases the problem somewhat but only a little. Those fountains usually just re-circulate a set amount of water so once it gets dirty it stays dirty. When it got dirty, my mom would just dump the water, hose it off and then fill it again with clean water. That’s all. Don’t know what else can be done.
Daniel Bastaja
danielbastaja@...
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 8, 2022, at 9:17 PM, Nikhil Patwardhan <Nikhil.pirate@...> wrote:
I recently have started maintaining a bird bath in the backyard that's attracting a lot of juncos, a few pine siskins, and rarely a black squirrel or chickadee. The juncos love to bathe especially on sunny afternoons and I even suspect one or two birds are dominating over others in having access to the bath. The juncos almost form a waiting line on the nearby hedge because as soon as one is done, the next one will pop in from the hedge. The bird bath is made of stone, and is shallow (less than an inch of water) and wide (less than 2 feet in diameter). While I change the water daily in the morning, I often discover bird droppings either in the bath or on the edge when I do this. For now I just rinse it out with a coarse brush and plain water, but I'm wondering if it needs more aggressive cleanings with either soap, vinegar, etc. At some point in the future I'd like to install a small water fountain (one used in an aquarium) that can throw water up about 3 inches. What is the general advice for maintenance of a healthy bird bath?
--
Nikhil Patwardhan
|
Re: Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening
Hi Nikhil,
I see that Merlin fairly often while walking in my neighbourhood... sometimes around Baker View Park and to the streets east of it. As someone mentioned they are nesting in the area.
Cheers,
Mike Newey
|
Keeping bird baths hygienic
I recently have started maintaining a bird bath in the?backyard that's attracting a lot of juncos, a few pine siskins, and rarely a black squirrel or chickadee. The juncos love to bathe especially on sunny afternoons and I even suspect one or two birds are dominating over others in having access to the bath. The juncos almost form a waiting line on the nearby hedge because as soon as one is done, the next one will pop in from the hedge. The bird bath is made of stone, and is shallow (less than an inch of water) and wide (less than 2 feet in diameter). While I change the water daily in the morning, I often discover bird droppings either in the bath or on the edge when I do this. For now I just rinse it out with a coarse brush and plain water, but I'm wondering if it needs more aggressive cleanings with either soap, vinegar, etc. At some point in the future I'd like to install a small water fountain (one used in an aquarium) that can throw water up about 3 inches. What is the general advice for maintenance of a healthy bird bath?
-- Nikhil Patwardhan
|
Re: Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening
Thanks everyone, I'll keep an eye out for it whenever I go that way again.
On Thu, Apr 7, 2022 at 10:54 AM < ian@...> wrote: Hi Nikhil, ? The call is indeed that of a Merlin and, at this time of year, I believe that this is a “territorial” call. ? I live in South Surrey and, adjacent to my home, there is a grove of tall conifers in which Merlin nest in alternate years [last 6 years]. They nested last year in 2021 and flying around the immediate area calling as you have described, calling loudly, was a regular occurrence to proclaim their territory. Once nesting was in progress, the behaviour became more aggressive, especially whenever a Bald Eagle or Red-tailed Hawk was nearby. The Merlin, despite its smaller size, protected its nest and harassed the larger birds until they left the area. ? Hope this helps. ? Ian Tyzzer South Surrey ? ? ? Yesterday evening while on a walk, around 6:00 pm I saw a small falcon land atop a very tall conifer in White Rock some distance away. There were some high-pitched sounds coming from the general direction of the bird but I dismissed it as gulls, thinking the falcon's there just surveying the area for a meal, and continued on the walk. Not having binoculars or a camera, I only noted the silhouette in flight, which had long and very pointy wings. Then on the way back about a half hour later, I encountered it again, on a different tall conifer (again perched right at the top), but this time I noticed it was calling. It then flew north another 100m or so to yet another conifer's treetop, and I noticed the long thin flat-ended tail. Overall size very small (smaller than a pigeon). I made a recording of the call, attached here. This sounds like a Merlin, and I wonder what it was trying to say, e.g. territory marking, calling out for a mate, something else?
--
|
Re: Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening
Hi Nikhil, ? The call is indeed that of a Merlin and, at this time of year, I believe that this is a “territorial” call. ? I live in South Surrey and, adjacent to my home, there is a grove of tall conifers in which Merlin nest in alternate years [last 6 years]. They nested last year in 2021 and flying around the immediate area calling as you have described, calling loudly, was a regular occurrence to proclaim their territory. Once nesting was in progress, the behaviour became more aggressive, especially whenever a Bald Eagle or Red-tailed Hawk was nearby. The Merlin, despite its smaller size, protected its nest and harassed the larger birds until they left the area. ? Hope this helps. ? Ian Tyzzer South Surrey ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Nikhil Patwardhan
Sent: April-07-22 9:25 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [vanbcbirds] Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening? Yesterday evening while on a walk, around 6:00 pm I saw a small falcon land atop a very tall conifer in White Rock some distance away. There were some high-pitched sounds coming from the general direction of the bird but I dismissed it as gulls, thinking the falcon's there just surveying the area for a meal, and continued on the walk. Not having binoculars or a camera, I only noted the silhouette in flight, which had long and very pointy wings. Then on the way back about a half hour later, I encountered it again, on a different tall conifer (again perched right at the top), but this time I noticed it was calling. It then flew north another 100m or so to yet another conifer's treetop, and I noticed the long thin flat-ended tail. Overall size very small (smaller than a pigeon). I made a recording of the call, attached here. This sounds like a Merlin, and I wonder what it was trying to say, e.g. territory marking, calling out for a mate, something else?
--
|
Re: Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening
I agree with Dan, Nikhil. We had Merlins nesting in what looked like an old Crow’s nest high up in the conifers at the back of our place at the top of the north shore, and they were constantly vocalizing. ? Gorgeous birds! ? Derek ? Derek Matthews Vancouver Avian Research Centre (VARC) ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Daniel Bastaja
Sent: April 7, 2022 10:24 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [vanbcbirds] Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening? Sounds like a Merlin Nikhil. It may have a nest nearby in the tall conifers. That’s why it is hanging around and being so vocal. My brother out in Maple Ridge has a lot of very tall conifers in his neighborhood and he has had Merlins around every spring for a few years now. Presuming they are nesting because he has observed mating-like behavior. They seem to like those tall conifers.? danielbastaja@... ? Yesterday evening while on a walk, around 6:00 pm I saw a small falcon land atop a very tall conifer in White Rock some distance away. There were some high-pitched sounds coming from the general direction of the bird but I dismissed it as gulls, thinking the falcon's there just surveying the area for a meal, and continued on the walk. Not having binoculars or a camera, I only noted the silhouette in flight, which had long and very pointy wings. Then on the way back about a half hour later, I encountered it again, on a different tall conifer (again perched right at the top), but this time I noticed it was calling. It then flew north another 100m or so to yet another conifer's treetop, and I noticed the long thin flat-ended tail. Overall size very small (smaller than a pigeon). I made a recording of the call, attached here. This sounds like a Merlin, and I wonder what it was trying to say, e.g. territory marking, calling out for a mate, something else?
--
|
Re: Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening
Sounds like a Merlin Nikhil. It may have a nest nearby in the tall conifers. That’s why it is hanging around and being so vocal. My brother out in Maple Ridge has a lot of very tall conifers in his neighborhood and he has had Merlins around every spring for a few years now. Presuming they are nesting because he has observed mating-like behavior. They seem to like those tall conifers.?
Daniel Bastaja
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 2022. Apr 7., at 18:25, Nikhil Patwardhan <Nikhil.pirate@...> wrote:
? Yesterday evening while on a walk, around 6:00 pm I saw a small falcon land atop a very tall conifer in White Rock some distance away. There were some high-pitched sounds coming from the general direction of the bird but I dismissed it as gulls, thinking the falcon's there just surveying the area for a meal, and continued on the walk. Not having binoculars or a camera, I only noted the silhouette in flight, which had long and very pointy wings. Then on the way back about a half hour later, I encountered it again, on a different tall conifer (again perched right at the top), but this time I noticed it was calling. It then flew north another 100m or so to yet another conifer's treetop, and I noticed the long thin flat-ended tail. Overall size very small (smaller than a pigeon). I made a recording of the call, attached here. This sounds like a Merlin, and I wonder what it was trying to say, e.g. territory marking, calling out for a mate, something else?
-- Nikhil Patwardhan
|
Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening
Yesterday evening while on a walk, around 6:00 pm I saw a small falcon land atop a very tall conifer in White Rock some distance away. There were some high-pitched sounds coming from the general direction of the bird but I dismissed it as gulls, thinking the falcon's there just surveying the area for a meal, and continued on the walk. Not having binoculars or a camera, I only noted the silhouette in flight, which had long and very pointy wings. Then on the way back about a half hour later, I encountered it again, on a different tall conifer (again perched right at the top), but this time I noticed it was calling. It then flew north another 100m or so to yet another conifer's treetop, and I noticed the long thin flat-ended tail. Overall size very small (smaller than a pigeon). I made a recording of the call, attached here. This sounds like a Merlin, and I wonder what it was trying to say, e.g. territory marking, calling out for a mate, something else?
-- Nikhil Patwardhan
|
Derek Matthews
Pamela Zevit
pat.mary.taylor