Subject: [Tweeters] Salmon Arm birding - raptors and waterfowl
Date: Oct 30 16:02:20 2004
From: Chris Charlesworth - c_charlesworth23 at hotmail.com


Birders,

Today a small group of birders from Kelowna ventured N. to Salmon Arm. We
braved all sorts of weather, from pleasant, scattered clouds in the early
AM, to stiff winds, heavy rains, sleet, thunder and and chilling
temperatures. All this ugly weather, however, was worth it. Waterfowl have
gathered along the foreshore in huge numbers. Most impressive were the
numbers of Green-winged Teal and American Wigeons. My estimated GWTE numbers
were around 1500, while AMWI numbers were in the 1500 range as well. Canada
Geese have also gathered in huge numbers (my estimate was 2000).

Our day began at CHRISTMAS ISLAND. The walk out to the island was
uneventful, with just a few BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, DARK-EYED JUNCOS, MARSH
WRENS and SONG SPARROWS seen. Once we arrived at the island we paused to
scan through the ducks. There were hundreds of GREEN-WINGED TEAL and
AMERICAN WIGEON with fewer numbers of NORTHERN PINTAIL, GADWALL and
MALLARDS. As we were scanning through the ducks, they suddenly peered
skyward, bodies raised in alert-mode then took to the air. Terror was in the
air! The culprit was a large gray-phase GYRFALCON. The falcon swooped and
sailed through the air, hot on the heels of the ducks, but his attempt
seemed a feeble one, for such a skilled hunter. He flew low over the shore
and landed on a rock, then began calling. This was a great start to our day.
As we walked around the island we picked up an AMERICAN TREE SPARROW in the
weeds on the N. shore. A RED-TAILED HAWK called as it soared overhead, and
an imm. ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was spotted across the lake as it hovered over a
field. The resident juvenile NORTHERN HARRIER patrolled the long grasses of
the island centre. A gorgeous adult NORTHERN SHRIKE instilled terror in the
souls of the songbirds as it perched, quietly tracking their movements.

We then headed for the wharf. From the wharf we scanned through a huge flock
of GREEN-WINGED TEAL, AMERICAN WIGEON and CANADA GEESE. An EARED GREBE
popped up under the dock as did a female RUDDY DUCK.

At the Nature Park we scanned through the distant flock of swans, too far to
make any identifications. Three birds flew closer, however, and were IDd as
TRUMPETER SWANS. Perched in a cottonwood was a stunning adult PEREGRINE
FALCON! The bird, with crop full, was vociferating from its perch. When the
winds picked up the Peregrine lifted off of his perch and pursued one of 2
imm. RED-TAILED HAWKS. The falcon had the upper edge on the hawk. While
screeching, it dove relentlessly at the hawk, before retreating. Scanning
through the huge flock of nearly 2000 CANADA GEESE, I was a bit surprised to
find no other goose species.

Our final stop in Salmon Arm was at Tappen Bay. Here, a flock of swans was
much closer. We were able to discern both TUNDRA and TRUMPETER SWANS. In
addition, a flock of RING-NECKED DUCKS and GREATER SCAUP were there and an
imm. BALD EAGLE (2nd yr) was perched in a cottonwood.

At Goose Lake, near Vernon, there were many ducks, including a few hundred
COMMON MERGANSERS. At least 3 GREAT BLUE HERONS were on the shoreline of the
NW. portion of the lake. THe weeds at the NW. corner of the lake had quite a
few SONG SPARROWS and at least 2 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS mixed in. All in all
a great day.

Chris Charlesworth