For its final outing of the Season, some of our members headed for a new trail, one we have titled "Gate 88". The trail is parallel to the Comox Airbase fencing and starts from the parking area to the left of Kye Bay Rd just before it takes a hairpin curve to descend to shore elevation. It is termed Gate 88 as that is the number of the gate which is found at the end of the trail and it's a good route due to the mix of grasses, bushes and trees found along the way (not to mention the view over the shoreline from trails-end).
Seventeen was our bird count on this occasion. Most are ones we commonly see, but highlights were the Savannah Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows, American Goldfinches, Warbling Vireo and Yellow Warbler. Others noted were: a raptor flying by in the distance, Spotted Towhees, swallows, Northwestern Crows, American Robins, Bald Eagles, Northern Flickers, European Starlings, gulls, Anna's Hummingbirds, Song Sparrows and Great Blue Herons. A number of young birds of various species were noted, as well as a Chipping Sparrow nest plus two European Starling chicks sticking out their heads from a nest-hole.
After the outing, we adjourned to the lovely nearby property of Ann and Joe Z. for refreshments. It was so nice to end up there on their deck overlooking garden and shore, enjoying conversation along with the refreshments while keeping our eyes peeled for more birds (Cedar Waxwings, White-crowned Sparrows, Spotted Towhee and House Finches). Thank you both so much for hosting us, Ann and Joe - we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly!
Seventeen was our bird count on this occasion. Most are ones we commonly see, but highlights were the Savannah Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows, American Goldfinches, Warbling Vireo and Yellow Warbler. Others noted were: a raptor flying by in the distance, Spotted Towhees, swallows, Northwestern Crows, American Robins, Bald Eagles, Northern Flickers, European Starlings, gulls, Anna's Hummingbirds, Song Sparrows and Great Blue Herons. A number of young birds of various species were noted, as well as a Chipping Sparrow nest plus two European Starling chicks sticking out their heads from a nest-hole.
After the outing, we adjourned to the lovely nearby property of Ann and Joe Z. for refreshments. It was so nice to end up there on their deck overlooking garden and shore, enjoying conversation along with the refreshments while keeping our eyes peeled for more birds (Cedar Waxwings, White-crowned Sparrows, Spotted Towhee and House Finches). Thank you both so much for hosting us, Ann and Joe - we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly!