Good morning Tweeters,

Dave and Sherry Hayden and I visited Reifel Bird Sanctuary and Boundary Bay in BC Canada. We lucked out with the weather, with the rain holding off all day. The bird of the day had to be the BALD EAGLE. At first, we tried keeping track of the number of individuals seen, but we eventually gave up. One group that we spotted while driving, soon after crossing the border into BC, contained at least 50 birds. We definitely saw well over 100 eagles throughout the day.

As usual with Reifel, it was the shear number of birds and their approachability that impress. Because feeding is allowed there (bags of bird food are sold at the sanctuary), many of the birds actually chase the people. Being so close to such birds as NORTHERN PINTAILS, A. WIGEONS, or SANDHILL CRANES allowed us to see details in coloration and pattern that is normally not possible. I have mixed feelings about the policy of allowing the birds to be fed as it habituates them to humans and may result in some of them being more likely to to be shot when off of the refuge during hunting season, but the experience of being surrounded by dozens of birds is really amazing.

On the way to Boundary Bay from Reifel, we drove along the road to the Tswwassen Ferry terminal. While we didn't spot anything unusual, we did see a couple of BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS along the rocky shore.

Boundary Bay was amazing. Even though it was crowded, people were very polite and obviously enjoying the experience, and all were keeping their distance from the snowies with the exception of a lone butt head photographer who kept approaching them to make them flush, apparently to get some action photos. In all, we counted 32 SNOWY OWLS, and that was without leaving the levee trail. I'm sure that there were a few more tucked out of sight as well. Some were very close to the trail allowing for excellent photos. In one location, I could see 15 birds without having to turn my head or use any optics. In addition to the snowies, we saw 3 SHORT-EARED OWLS, including one that was perched close to the trail. Other raptors included RED-TAILED HAWKS, N. HARRIERS, 1 PERGRINE FALCON, and numerous BALD EAGLES. In addition, we came across a mixed flock of ducks near the trail where it bends 90 degrees, not far from the 64th St. entrance (when walking from the 72nd St. entrance). Among them were 14 male EURASIAN WIGEONS, a few of which were obvious hybrids, but most did not appear to be. That is the largest concentration of this species that I've personally seen. Overall, this was one of the most impressive birding experiences that I've had yet and was worth the long drive.

Now maybe some of you can convince the McKay's Bunting to hang around for another week. Good birding,

Lonnie Somer
Olympia
wheelermombi at comcast.net