Hi all

Yesterday I had the good fortune to run from the Robert's Bank coal terminal
to North Bend BC. This particular route goes through some of the most
spectacular birding areas that I know of. It was early morning and the
conditions were either low light or too much light as we travelled into the
rising sun.

There was a noticeable increase in the number of bird flocks throughout the
run. The most prominent was a flock of about 50 American Robins around
Nicomen Slough. I also saw separate flocks of 15 to 20 Cedar Waxwings and
Western Tanagers near Agassiz. There was also a possible (strong emphasis on
possible) flock of 10+ Horned Larks near the Serpentine Fen area of Surrey.

Turkey Vultures were seen in two areas, The first 3 were seen, travelling in
a westerly direction, At Katz which is near Hope BC. One of the group was
being harassed by a small falcon that appeared to be a Merlin. The second
group of three was at North Bend and these birds seemed to be searching the
area for a meal.

Also, as we were pulling up to a stop at North Bend, we passed a recently
excavated bank that has been replanted with slope stabalizing grasses and
American Kestrels were popping out of this as we went by.
Three of them in short order.

A little later I noticed two more Kestrels flying overhead in a southerly
direction. It is the time of the year when they will congregate around North
Bend before they move out of the Fraser Canyon. I have seen as many as 23 in
a matter of minutes. I suspect that their migration has started and will
pick up over the next few days.

There were still significant numbers of Band-tailed Pigeons although they
seem to be thinning out.

Well, that's it for now. Good birding all.

Roger Craik
Maple Ridge BC
rcraik at home.com