Hi Tweets

This is a shortened account of a rewarding trip on the 24th and 25th Jan to
Vancouver, BC. In spite of rather dire weather forecasts we left Federal
Way, WA early and met Michael Price in Vancouver.

First stop was looking for the COMMON EIDER at all of its recent reported
haunts. This was without Joy -- the weather was cold, wet and rainy.
While in the Stanley Park area we checked for HARRIS'S SPARROW at the
'stone bridge'. There are a number of bird feeders in the area with
numerous 'sparrows' and some very dark (some nearly spotless) towhees. We
had been told that the Harris''s was wandering the area. A short wait was
rewarded with its presence and departure after a short but great look.

Heading south we checked gulls in the fields toward Boundary Bay for
GLAUCUS GULL (including the field west of the Nursing Home where one was
found and reported on the Vancouver RBA msg tonight). Lots of gulls but
nothing that we could hang "Glaucus" on. Next to Crescent Beach for
YELLOW-BILLED LOON. Not found. Lots of great looks at 'regular' birds in
miserable weather. A very distinct front moved over and we were rewarded
with a spectacular, bright, full rainbow with a bright to faint to bright
secondary reversed colors rainbow.

A check for owls at Iona was negative. Gate was closed and we were late
for Short-eared Owls.

Next morning (Sun) took ferry to Gibson's for XANTU'S HUMMINGBIRD. Easily
found and watched. Seen both perched and at feeders. Also, very dark Song
Sparrows with an unusual 'chink' or 'chit' vocalization. The folks that
are so friendly and welcoming to all the birders indicated that the count
in their 'sign-in' book far exceeds 800 and probably closing on 1000! In
the morning I will forward a suggestion that ABA provide them with
appropriate recognition. I hope others that have benefited from seeing
this southern visitor will consider making their appreciation known. (Even
if the Xantu's was a stowaway on a freighter!!)

On the way back to Vancouver we stopped at one of Michael's friend's home
and got close-up views of ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD. At least two birds were
present at one point -- an adult male and a juvenile male.

West Vancouver was checked for COMMON EIDER and TUFTED DUCK. No luck.
Across Lion's Gate Bridge to check the straight from Prospect Point and on
to the other beaches. In a large flock of scoters at Second Beach, there
were all three scoters and the v-nigra COMMON EIDER. Outstanding views and
a lot of questions from Sunday walkers about the 'white duck' out with
those 'black ducks'. Included was a birding couple from Quebec that had
seen the eastern race and truly appreciated the 'tangerine orange bill' of
Vancouver's v-nigra. As we were about to leave, an extraordinarily strong
gust of wind came through and ripped off some very large branches from firs
near the point to the north. The branch crashed onto the walking path and
walkers/bikers/runners scattered. Almost immediately after, a large tree
was heard to crack and fall -- possibly blocking the road.

Tried for 'Clint', the Peregrine, but the weather had him hiding elsewhere!

All told, 10 new birds for Elaine (including the Xantu's) and the Xantu's
for me. Excellent looks, at close range, of some regular birds and a taste
of Canadian hospitality. Personal thanks to the folks at Gibsons,
Michael's friend in West Vancouver, and special appreciation for the
persistence, humor, assistance, company and patience of Michael Price. He
knows his birds and the area and we wish we had a week to explore the
Vancouver scene more thoruoghly.

Michael, Suann, Gerrie and Lloyd ----- Thank you,

Bob/Elaine
Federal Way, WA
taylorrt at foxinternet.net