Nature Vancouver

Shorebirds on the inner ponds included 100 Yellowlegs, both Greater and Lesser, 300 Dunlin, 2 Short-billed Dowichers, about 60 Sandpipers, mostly Least and some Western. Ducks included Gadwall, Shoveller, Green Winged Teal, etc, and a pair of CINNAMON TEAL. A Canada Goose had 5 young.

A PEREGRINE FALCON flew over several times, flushing the shorebirds but not the ducks. Sometimes only the Dunlin flew while the Yellowlegs stood and watched attentively. A couple of Bald Eagles flew over causing the ducks to fly while the shorebirds stayed.

On the outer ponds we had good looks at a Marsh Wren, Yellow-headed Blackbirds and a Redbreasted Merganser. Along the river swallow species lined up on a wire: Barn, Tree, Violet green, and Northern Rough-winged. We also saw Purple Martin and a Cliff Swallow flying over. Small groups of Least Sandpipers flew along the shore, and a group of Caspian Terns were downstream on a sandbar. Also seen:  a pair of Osprey, a lone swan.

The sun turned into an orange globe, the terns noisily flew about, ending a great evening at Iona. Thank you,  John.