NORTH AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGIST UNION TOUR
VANCOUVER TO THE OKANAGAN
AUG 19 – 21, 2012
Led by: Dick Cannings & Chris Charlesworth
Participants:
Anna Scharnagl
John & Shirley Byrne
Peter Saenger
Frederic Bussiere.
DAY 1 – AUG 19
We gathered outside the Gage Residences at UBC in Vancouver at 6 AM, and made our way to a nearby restaurant to pick up breakfast. The drive through the Fraser Valley was rather uneventful, and we saw just a few species including Northwestern Crow and Glaucous-winged Gull. Once we reached the eastern Fraser Valley we stopped briefly along a side road to search for forest species. Of note were several Band-tailed Pigeons seen fairly well in the towering conifers. Steller’s Jay was also noted as it flew across the road. Hammond’s Flycatcher and Brown Creeper were heard, but remained concealed in the dense forest. Farther along in some open fields we had both White-crowned and Savannah sparrows.
We picked up lunch in Hope and then continued on to Manning Park, stopping first at Sumallo Grove. Here, amongst towering Western Hemlock and Western Red Cedar we followed trails along the Skagit River. Birding was a bit slow here, hearing Pacific Wren and Hammond’s Flycatcher. Seen overhead were a number of Vaux’s Swifts. Golden-crowned Kinglets called and were eventually seen, but left us with a desire to see them better. A Douglas Squirrel seen here was our only one encountered on the tour.
We then explored a road up to elevations of nearly 2000 meters just N. of the Manning Park Lodge. On the way up we stopped and found Western Tanager, Hermit Thrush, Townsend’s Warbler and Boreal Chickadee to name a few species. At a scenic viewpoint we enjoyed the fantastic mountain scenery, while Clark’s Nutcrackers and Common Ravens patrolled the perimeter of the area for food scraps. Several Cascade Ground Squirrels and a Yellow Pine Chipmunk were added to our mammal list. We then had a picnic lunch, accompanied by a curious group of Gray Jays that were eager to steal the food right from in front of our faces. After lunch we strolled along the Heather Trail, finding a hybrid Sooty X Dusky Grouse with at least three chicks following her. The female and one chick even enjoyed a dust bath on the trail right in front of us! Other goodies noted along the walk included Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Dark-eyed Junco and brief views of a Pacific-slope Flycatcher. Mountain wildflowers such as Paintbrush, Western Anenome and Lupine were scattered about in the meadows adding a dash of color to the scene. As we descended back to Hwy 3, we spotted another grouse with chicks, this time a family of pure Sooty Grouse.
From Manning Park we continued east along Hwy 3 to the town of Princeton. The habitat was considerably drier than the temperate rainforests we had spent much of the morning in. Along the Similkameen River we paused alongside the road to a group of Lewis’s Woodpeckers, adorned in pink, gray and dark green. A Mountain Goat was spotted resting in the shade of a tree on a hillside near Princeton. We couldn’t blame the goat for resting in the shade, as the outside temperatures were nearly a hundred degrees.
After a quick stop at the Mariposa Fruit Stand on the outskirts of Keremeos, we carried on to Chopaka, an area of extensive sage brush. Just as we turned onto Nighthawk Rd, we immediately found a small mixed flock of sparrows containing Vesper, Lark and Brewer’s sparrows. We searched for Sage Thrasher here, with no luck, but did see our first Western Meadowlarks.
A stop along Hwy 3 at Richter Lake was very productive. American Coot, Ruddy Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Redhead, and Hooded Merganser were all tallied as were Pied-billed Grebe and a couple of juv. Red-necked Phalaropes. After another quick stop along the hwy to see a roadkilled Chukar, we continued to Spotted Lake. Highlights here, in addition to the oddly spotted pattern on this lake, included a Western Kingbird and an imm. Red-tailed Hawk spotted by Frederic. Anna and Chris had fleetingly quick view of a Montane Vole as it scurried beneath our feet. We reached our accommodations in Osoyoos by around 6:30 PM.
After a delicious supper we tried our hand at some night birding on Anarchist Mountain. Luck was not on our side as we searched for owls. We did hear a Common Poorwill along Chapman Rd however, and we watched a Deer Mouse scurry about on a downed tree in the beam of a spotlight.
DAY 2 – AUG 20
Departing our hotel at Osoyoos at 6 AM we picked up breakfast, then made our way to an area of flooded fields at the north end of Osoyoos Lake. This spot was buzzing with activity! Shorebirds were numerous with Western, Least, Semipalmated, Baird’s, Pectoral, Spotted and Solitary sandpipers, Greater and Lesser yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher, Red-necked Phalarope, Wilson’s Snipe, Killdeer and Semipalmated Plover all seen. These sorts of numbers of shorebirds are very rare in the southern Okanagan Valley. In addition to the shorebirds there were Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Bald Eagle, and Marsh Wrens seen. A couple of imm. Soras were seen as they foraged on mud flats, while up to 20 Great Blue Herons were seen as well.
At Road 22, Dick spotted a group of up to 20 Bobolinks feeding in some weeds on the south side of the road. Overhead a Wood Duck sailed past, while numerous Osprey and Red-tailed Hawks were also found. A group of migrants near a bridge over the Okanagan River included several Lazuli Buntings, even a couple of brilliantly colored males. Also here were Bullock’s Orioles, House Wren, Gray Catbird, Lark Sparrow, Yellow Warbler and more. After we departed the Road 22 we drove N. along Black Sage Road. People in Dick’s van spotted a Black Bear running across the road into a vineyard. Those in Chris’s car were treated to a fantastic view of the bear as it strolled through the vineyard and entered a clearing.
Farther north along River Road we glimpsed a female type Calliope Hummingbird at a feeder, but could not see the usual Black-chinned Hummingbird often found in the area. A small group of Western Bluebirds were nice to see as was a single Red-eyed Vireo.
The cliffs above Vaseux Lk provided fantastic scenery, as usual with views of Macintyre Bluff to the south. A single Canyon Wren was seen well as it clambered about on a boulder. Three White-throated Swifts zipped over the top of the cliffs, along with a couple of Violet-green Swallows. We had both Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks here, and another Lewis’s Woodpecker at this location as well. A visit to the Vaseux Lake banding station was worthwhile. We watched Doug Brown, the local bander in charge, band a female Yellow-rumped Warbler. Just as we were leaving Chris identified a Northern Waterthrush flying overhead, and as if just to help us confirm its identity, the bird fell from the sky and flew smack dab into the middle of a mist net! It was a Northern Waterthrush indeed.
At Okanagan Falls a female Barrow’s Goldeneye was added to our list. In the fragrant Ponderosa Pine forests along Green Lk Rd we had our first Western Wood-Pewees, along with our first Pygmy Nuthatches and a Hairy Woodpecker. Townsend’s Solitaires called, but couldn’t be seen. Explorations or White Lk Rd produced many interesting species. The highlight, however, was a Gray Flycatcher, an empidonax flycatcher that is exceedingly rare in Canada, nesting only at a few sites in the Okanagan Valley. Also of note were several more Lazuli Buntings, Spotted Towhee, a juvenile Red-naped Sapsucker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Say’s Phoebe and an adult Golden Eagle sighted by ‘eagle-eye’ Frederic.
We picked up lunch in Penticton and made our way to Dick’s house on the West Bench. We were greeted by his wife Margaret. We enjoyed lunch while watching birds in their yard, where a female Black-chinned Hummingbird visited flowers.
After lunch we drove north along Hwy 97, following Okanagan Lake to the town of Peachland where we had a stroll up Deep Creek to a lovely spot at Hardy Falls. Our goal was to find an American Dipper here, an odd songbird that lives along streams of western North America. We found our dipper right near the falls and watched it bob up and down on the boulders. Other species noted in the park included Western Tanager, with a stunning male spotted by Peter, and a small group of Evening Grosbeaks, one of which paused long enough to be seen through the scope. A family group of Pileated Woodpeckers provided an excellent sighting, as did our first Swainson’s Thrushes.
We drove through the sprawling city of Kelowna, pausing briefly at a pond at the local landfill where Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Barrow’s Goldeneye, and Redhead were seen. The large flock of gulls we hoped for here was not in attendance, and just one immature California Gull was seen.
As we neared Vernon, we did some birding along the Commonage. A pair of Swainson’s Hawks, one light-morph and one dark-morph gave us excellent views as we watched them close by their nest. In a patch of rose bushes we spied a couple of Clay-colored Sparrows, rare breeders in the Okanagan. Our final stops of the day were at Swan Lake where Common Loons and Red-necked Grebes were scattered across the lake. We arrived at our accommodations in Vernon just before 6:30 PM and were joined for dinner by local birder Chris Siddle.
DAY 3 – AUG 21
Carrying on with our 6 AM departure time this morning, we made our north and west out of the Okanagan Valley to the tiny town of Westwold where we met up with the Douglas Lake Road. The road first followed the Salmon River where we stopped several times adding MacGillivray’s Warbler, Warbling and Cassin’s vireos, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Willow Flycatcher to our bulging bird list. The road then traverses the extensive grasslands of the Douglas Lake Ranch. As we drove through these grasslands, we saw Western Meadowlark, Vesper Sparrows, American Kestrels, Eastern Kingbirds and several species of raptors including our first Merlin. Occupants of Chris’s van were treated to views of a male Mountain Bluebird, but surprisingly in this area often full of Mountain Bluebirds, we could not track another down for the others. More Lewis’s Woodpeckers, another Red-naped Sapsucker and our one and only Olive-sided Flycatcher of the trip were tallied along the way. Lakes and ponds added Horned and Eared grebes to our bird list, as well as Lesser Scaup. Frederic spotted a trio of Sandhill Cranes, two adults and a young bird, wading through long grass at the back of a large meadow. We had two sightings of Coyote along the road, one of which was in fantastic condition with a very nice coat and a bushy tail.
We met up with Hwy 5A near Merritt, and continued into town where we picked up lunch. We took our lunch up to the Britton Ck Rest Area on the Coquihalla Hwy where we enjoyed eating in the sunshine. Birds here were few and far between, but a Steller’s Jay did pay us a brief visit. As we descended down the west slope of the Coast Mountains we paid a short visit to Bridal Veil Falls where we did a short hike up to the base of the falls. Again, there were not many birds here, but we did hear a Pacific Wren, Steller’s Jay and a Brown Creeper. It was here we said our goodbyes and made our way into Vancouver with Chris and Anna heading to the airport and John, Shirley, Frederic, Peter and Dick heading back to the UBC area. All in all this was a very successful trip with over 150 species of birds tallied, as well as a dozen species of mammal and some of North America’s best scenery.
BIRD LIST:
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Common throughout.
Wood Duck Aix sponsa
One flew overhead at Road 22, Osoyoos.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Common throughout.
Gadwall Anas strepera
A few noted in flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk. Also seen on ponds and
lakes along Douglas Lake Rd.
Green-winged Teal Anas crecca
Seen at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
American Wigeon Anas americana
Small numbers noted at Richter Lake and flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Also seen on lakes and ponds along Douglas Lake Rd.
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
A few seen at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Blue-winged Teal Anas discors
Small group seen at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Redhead Aythya americana
A few noted on Richter Lake near Osoyoos. Pair seen on pond at entrance to
Kelowna Landfill and several seen along Douglas Lk Rd.
Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris
Seen at Richter Lk and along Douglas Lk Rd.
Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis
Several noted on Roche Lk on Douglas Lk Rd.
Bufflehead Bucephala albeola
Pair seen on pond at entrance to Kelowna Landfill. Seen also on ponds along
Douglas Lk Rd.
Barrow’s Goldeneye Bucephala islandica
One female on Okanagan River at OK Falls. Two also seen on pond at entrance
to Kelowna Landfill and on lakes on Douglas Lk Rd.
Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus
One seen at Richter Lk and two noted at pond at entrance to Kelowna Landfill.
Common Merganser Mergus merganser
Several noted along rivers as we drove through mountains between Hope and
Princeton on first day.
Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis
Noted at Richter Lk as well as at Okeefe’s Pond near Vernon. Several seen on
lakes along Douglas Lk Rd.
California Quail Callipepla californica
Common in small groups in the Okanagan Valley.
Sooty Grouse Dengragopus fuliginosus
Female with chicks seen in Manning Park along access road to high elevation
trails. Another female and chicks with Dusky Grouse genes seen along Heather
Trail in Manning Park.
Common Loon Gavia immer
Several seen on Okanagan Lake between Penticton and Peachland. Over a
dozen counted at N. end of Swan Lk in Vernon. Several noted on lakes on
Douglas Lk Rd as well.
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
Found at Richter Lk near Osoyoos and on flooded areas at N. end of Osoyoos
Lk. Also a few noted on ponds and lakes along Douglas Lk Rd.
Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus
A couple seen amongst Eared Grebes at Chaperon Lk on Douglas Lk Rd.
Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
A few on Chaperon Lk on Douglas Lk Rd.
Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena
One seen on Okanagan Lk between Penticton and Peachland. Several noted on
Swan Lk in Vernon and on lakes along Douglas Lk Rd.
American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Three on Salmon Lk along Douglas Lake Rd.
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
Fairly common, with highest numbers tallied at flooded fields at N. end of
Osoyoos Lk.
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
A few seen each day, most often from moving vehicle as we traveled from one
site to another.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Common throughout.
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
Adult seen soaring over cliff along White Lk Rd near OK Falls.
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucucephalus
Immature seen at flooded area at N. end of Osoyoos Lk. A few also noted along
Douglas Lk Rd.
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus
Male flew overhead on Vernon Commonage. Female type also noted along
Douglas Lk Rd.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus
One seen briefly at cliffs above Vaseux Lk. Two also seen along Douglas Lk Rd.
Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii
Seen several times, most often from moving vehicle. One seen at cliffs above
Vaseux Lk.
Swainson’s Hawk Buteo swainsoni
Pair seen near nest on Vernon Common included ad light morph and ad dark
morph. A couple also seen along Douglas Lk Rd.
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
Common throughout.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Common throughout, especially along Douglas Lk Rd.
Merlin Falco columbarius
One seen along Douglas Lk Rd.
Sora Porzana carolina
Three seen on mudflats at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Virginia Rail Rallus limicola
Heard at N. end of Osoyoos Lk and at Vaseux Lk Banding Station.
American Coot Fulica americana
Common and seen on most bodies of water.
Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis
Two ad and imm in meadow along Douglas Lk Rd.
Killdeer Charadrius vocerifus
Fairly common in open areas throughout, especially at flooded area at N.
end of Osoyoos Lk.
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus
One at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
Numerous at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
Numerous at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria
Several seen in flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk. Also heard and seen
flying overhead at our hotel in Vernon in the early AM.
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis mucularius
Several noted at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla
Small numbers at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri
Up to 20 noted at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla
Numerous at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii
Up to a dozen at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos
Three juv. at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus
One ad. at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Wilson’s Snipe Gallinago delicata
Up to 20 counted in flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
Up to 8 counted on pools in flooded area at N. end of Osoyoos Lk. Also two
at least on Richter Lake, W. of Osoyoos.
Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis
Common throughout, especially in towns and cities where it the common ‘fast
food’ gull.
California Gull Larus californicus
A few seen in flight along river channel at Vaseux Lk Banding Station.
Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens
Several seen as we drove through the Fraser Valley on day 1 & 3.
Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata
Several noted at Hunter Ck exit along Hwy 1. Pair also seen in Manning Park at
high elevation view point where somewhat unexpected.
Rock Pigeon Columba livia
Common throughout, especially in urban areas.
Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Fairly common in the Okanagan where seen on numerous occasions.
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
Fairly common in Okanagan area where seen several times.
Common Poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
One heard on dry hillside at end of Chapman Rd E. of Osoyoos.
Vaux’s Swift Chaetura vauxi
Several seen overhead in Manning Park at Sumallo Grove.
White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis
Three flew over cliffs at Vaseux Lk.
Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri
Female type seen at flowers at Dick Canning’s property on West Bench in
Penticton.
Calliope Hummingbird Selasphorus calliope
One female type noted at feeder on River Rd, N. of Oliver.
Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon
Male seen at flooded area at N. end of Osoyoos Lk. Heard at Vaseux Lk Banding
Station, and another seen briefly at Douglas Lk.
Lewis’s Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis
Up to 6 seen along Hwy 3 between Princeton and Keremeos. Another seen atop
telephone pole along Black Sage Rd near Osoyoos. Also a few seen on Douglas
Lk Rd.
Red-naped Sapsucker Sphyrapicus nuchalis
Juv. seen along White Lk Rd near OK Falls, and another seen along Douglas Lk
Rd.
Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus
Seen along Green Lk Rd near OK Falls. Otherwise heard several times.
Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens
Heard on several occasions, but seen only along Douglas Lk Rd.
Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus
Fairly common throughout. All seen were of western ‘Red-shafted’ race.
Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus
Group of three (probably family group) seen at Hardy Falls near Peachland.
Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi
Brief appearance by one along Douglas Lk Rd.
Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus
Heard several times. Seen well along Green Lk Rd near OK Falls.
Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii
One most likely seen at Vaseux Banding Station. Definite Willow noted along
Douglas Lk Rd.
Hammond’s Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii
Several heard in mountain forests, but only fleetingly glimpsed.
Gray Flycatcher Empidonax wrightii
Rare breeder in the Okanagan, one seen along White Lk Rd.
Pacific-slope Flycatcher Empidonax difficilis
Seen fleetingly along Heather Trail in Manning Park.
Say’s Phoebe Sayornis saya
One seen along Road 22, N. of Osoyoos, and two seen along White Lk Rd near
OK Falls.
Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis
Uncommon in mid-August so we were pleased to see a few of these species,
first of which was at Spotted Lk, W. of Osoyoos. Also noted along Rd 22 in
Osoyoos and on Vernon Commonage at Bench Row Rd.
Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus
Common throughout the Okanagan and Douglas Lake areas.
Cassin’s Vireo Vireo cassinii
Two seen on in fir forests along Douglas Lake Road.
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus
Uncommon migrant in the Okanagan. One seen on River Rd, N. of Oliver.
Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus
A couple seen well along Douglas Lake Rd. Of western ‘Swainson’ subspecies.
Clark’s Nutcracker Nucifraga columbiana
Fairly common in mountains of Manning Park. Also noted at several locations in
forests of Okanagan Valley.
Gray Jay Perisoreus canadensis
Small group of adults and immatures visited us at lunch near head of Heather
Trail in Manning Park. Also heard but not seen on Douglas Lk Rd, along Salmon
River.
Steller’s Jay Cyanocitta stelleri
BC’s provincial bird! Seen in Manning Park, as well as several Okanagan Valley
locations.
Black-billed Magpie Pica hudsonia
Common Okanagan and Douglas Lake areas. A bird of urban areas an open
country. Travels in groups.
Northwestern Crow Corvus caurinus
Fairly numerous in Fraser Valley, E. to Hope where the line between where this
species and American Crow meet becomes foggy. By the time you begin
descending the eastern slope of the Coast Mountains, we were in AMCR land.
American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos
See above. Common in interior areas, but absent from Fraser Valley.
Common Raven Corvus corax
Fairly common, especially around recently cut hay fields. Seen very close at
viewpoint in Manning Park.
Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina
Two seen well at Road 22 in Osoyoos. Others noted overhead. Easily identified
by white rump patch.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Common migrant. Numerous birds seen each day, often in migrant flocks.
N. Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
First noted overhead at Dick Canning’s yard in Penticton. A few also noted on
last day along Douglas Lk Rd.
Bank Swallow Riparia riparia
Uncommon by this time of year in the Okanagan. We had a few at the Vaseux
Lake Banding Station along the river channel. A few also seen along Douglas
Lake Road.
Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
One or two seen around Manning Park Lodge.
Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus
Group seen at Road 22 N. of Osoyoos, with mixed species flock. A few groups
encountered along Douglas Lake Rd.
Mountain Chickadee Poecile gambeli
Numerous in coniferous forests throughout. Seen at upper elevations in
Manning Park. Also fairly common in fir forests along Douglas Lk Rd.
Boreal Chickadee Poecile hudsonicus
We were happy to see two or three of these birds in the upper elevations of
Manning Park, since we are very near the southern edge of this species range.
Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis
Fairly common in woodlands throughout tour, especially in Manning Park and
along Douglas Lk Rd.
White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis
One seen White Lk Rd near OK Falls. Another seen in fir forest along Douglas
Lk Rd.
Pygmy Nuthatch Sitta pygmaea
Fairly common in Ponderosa Pine forests of Okanagan region. We had these
little guys along White Lk Rd and Green Lk Rd near OK Falls. Also a few heard
along Douglas Lake Road.
Brown Creeper Certhia americana
Heard at Hunter Ck Rest Stop in Fraser Valley and in Manning Park. Seen
along Douglas Lake Rd.
Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus
Heard at cliffs above Vaseux Lk.
Canyon Wren Catherpes mexicanus
One seen well on boulder at base of cliffs above Vaseux Lk.
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Small numbers present, with one noted in migrant flock along Road 22 near
Osoyoos. Heard along Douglas Lk Rd.
Pacific Wren Troglodytes pacificus
Heard in Manning Park at Sumallo Grove.
Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris
Seen in marshy area near Willow Beach at N. end of Osoyoos Lk. Heard along
Douglas Lk Rd.
American Dipper Cinclus americanus
One molting adult found at Hardy Falls, along Deep Ck in Peachland. Mossy nest
on rocks beside waterfall also seen.
Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa
Uncommon in coniferous forests. We had them at several locations including
Sumallo Grove and the Heather Trail in Manning Park.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula
One seen very well along Douglas Lake Road.
Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana
Three found along River Rd near Oliver. Also seen along White Lk Rd near OK
Falls.
Mountain Bluebird Sialia currucoides
Male seen along Douglas Lake Rd.
Townsend’s Solitaire Myadestes townsendi
Heard several times but not seen. Two birds called repeatedly near Green Lk.
Swainson’s Thrush Cathartes ustulatus
Adult and imm. seen at Hardy Falls near Peachland. One or two also seen along
Salmon River on Douglas Lk Rd.
Hermit Thrush Cathartes guttatus
Two seen along roadway in upper elevations of Manning Park.
American Robin Turdus migratorius
Common throughout.
Gray Catbird Dumatella carolinensis
Uncommon in brushy areas. We had one or two at Road 22 near Osoyoos, as
well as at River Rd near Oliver.
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Common throughout. Often abundant in farmland.
Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum
Common at lower elevations throughout. Many adults and streaky immatures
seen.
Orange-crowned Warbler Oreothlypis celata
Two ‘celata’ race birds seen at Douglas Lake in bushes beside water.
Nashville Warbler Oreothlypis ruficapilla
One female type bird in Saskatoon bush at River Rd near Oliver. Another seen in
riparian habitat along Salmon River on Douglas Lk Rd.
Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia
Fairly common migrant. Noted at Road 22 near Osoyoos. Also seen along
Douglas Lk Rd.
Yellow-rumped Warbler Setophaga coronata
Fairly common in woodlands. We noted them in Manning Park and along
Douglas Lk Rd. All birds of western ‘Audubon’s’ race.
Townsend’s Warbler Setophaga townsendi
A couple of female type birds found in Manning Park.
Northern Waterthrush Parkesia novaboracensis
A couple seen at Vaseux Lake Banding Station, including one that flew into
a mist-net right in front of us.
MacGillivray’s Warbler Geothlypis tolmiei
Seen in riparian along Salmon River along Douglas Lk Rd.
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
One or two seen at Vaseux Lk Banding Station. Also seen in marshy area at
Kelowna Landfill.
Spotted Towhee Papilo maculatus
Two seen at Park Rill along White Lk Rd near OK Falls.
Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina
Fairly common migrant in woodlands.
Clay-colored Sparrow Spizella pallida
Two seen at Bench Row Rd and Commonage Rd near Vernon.
Brewer’s Sparrow Spizella breweri
A couple seen in sage brush at Chopaka along Nighthawk Rd.
Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus
Seen at Chopaka along Nighthawk Rd in Richter Pass. Also noted in numbers
along Douglas Lk Rd.
Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus
One imm. type bird with mixed group of sparrows at Chopaka along Nighthawk
Rd in Richter Pass. Another seen near bridge on Rd 22 near Osoyoos.
Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis
One seen along Hunter Ck Rd in E. Fraser Valley. Also noted in Osoyoos at
Road 22 and also seen along Douglas Lk Rd.
Lincoln’s Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii
One seen along Douglas Lk Rd.
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia
Seen near Willow Beach at N. end of Osoyoos Lk. Also seen along Douglas Lk
Rd.
White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys
Seen along Hunter Ck Rd in E. Fraser Valley.
Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis
A few seen in woodlands in Manning Pk and along Douglas Lk Rd. All birds of
Western ‘Oregon’ race.
Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana
Several female types seen at various woodland locations, and stunning male
watched along Deep Ck near Peachland.
Black-headed Grosbeak Pheuticus melanocephalus
Two seen at Vaseux Lk Banding Station.
Lazuli Bunting Passerina amoena
Fairly common migrant at lower elevations. We saw many female type birds, but
only a few stunning males, including one at Road 22 near Osoyoos.
Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta
A few seen in sage brush and grasslands of Okanagan at Chopaka on
Nighthawk Rd in Richter Pass and on Vernon Commonage near Rose’s Pond.
Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Group of up to 20 seen in weedy area along S. side of Road 22 near Osoyoos.
Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Common wetland and agricultural country throughout valley bottoms.
Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
A few seen at wetland areas of Road 22, Vaseux Lk and along Douglas Lk Rd.
Brewer’s Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus
Common valley bottoms, especially in farmland.
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
Most have migrated south by mid-August. We saw one or two at Road 22 area.
Bullock’s Oriole Icterus bullockii
Group of 4 seen in Russian Olive along Okanagan River at Road 22 near
Osoyoos.
Cassin’s Finch Haemorhous cassinii
One or two seen along White Lk Rd near OK Falls. Also seen in fir woods along
Douglas Lk Rd.
House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus
Common in suburban areas.
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra
Heard in Manning Pk, on White Lk Rd and at Britton Ck Rest Area where we
had lunch on our way back to Vancouver along the Coquihalla Hwy.
American Goldfinch Spinus tristis
Fairly common in open country, especially where thistles occur.
Evening Grosbeak Coccothaustes vespertinus
Seen through scope at Hardy Falls near Peachland.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Common in rural and urban areas alike.
MAMMAL LIST
American Pika Ochotona princeps
Heard in Manning Park giving characteristic squeaky call.
Red Squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
Noted at Manning Park and along Deep Ck near Peachland.
Douglas’s Squirrel Tamiasciurus douglasii
One or two noted at Sumallo Grove in Manning Park.
Yellow-Pine Chipmunk Tamias amoenus
Seen at viewpoint in Manning Park, amongst other locations.
Cascade Ground-Squirrel Spermophilus saturatus
A couple seen at various points in upper elevations of Manning Park.
Columbian Ground-Squirrel Spermophilus columbianus
Seen at Manning Park Lodge.
Yellow-bellied Marmot Marmota flaviventris
One seen by one observer along Douglas Lk Rd.
Coyote Canus latrans
Two seen on Douglas Lake Rd.
Black Bear Ursus americanus
One in vineyard along Black Sage Rd between Oliver and Osoyoos.
White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus
Seen on drive through Manning Park. Several noted in fields on Anarchist
Mtn as we tried to find owls.
Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus
A few seen in Okanagan Valley.
Mountain Goat Oreamnos americanus
One seen sitting in shade on rocky hillside E. of Princeton at Taylor Rd.
Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus
One seen in spotlight in woodpile on Anarchist Mtn on Chapman Rd.
Montane Vole Microtus montanus
One seen scurrying through grass at Spotted Lk in Richter Pass.
Bat sp. Seen flying at Chapman Rd on Anarchist Mtn.
AVOCET TOURS - #106 – 571 YATES RD, KELOWNA, BC, CANADA. V1V 2V5
WWW.AVOCETTOURS.CA
VANCOUVER TO THE OKANAGAN
AUG 19 – 21, 2012
Led by: Dick Cannings & Chris Charlesworth
Participants:
Anna Scharnagl
John & Shirley Byrne
Peter Saenger
Frederic Bussiere.
DAY 1 – AUG 19
We gathered outside the Gage Residences at UBC in Vancouver at 6 AM, and made our way to a nearby restaurant to pick up breakfast. The drive through the Fraser Valley was rather uneventful, and we saw just a few species including Northwestern Crow and Glaucous-winged Gull. Once we reached the eastern Fraser Valley we stopped briefly along a side road to search for forest species. Of note were several Band-tailed Pigeons seen fairly well in the towering conifers. Steller’s Jay was also noted as it flew across the road. Hammond’s Flycatcher and Brown Creeper were heard, but remained concealed in the dense forest. Farther along in some open fields we had both White-crowned and Savannah sparrows.
We picked up lunch in Hope and then continued on to Manning Park, stopping first at Sumallo Grove. Here, amongst towering Western Hemlock and Western Red Cedar we followed trails along the Skagit River. Birding was a bit slow here, hearing Pacific Wren and Hammond’s Flycatcher. Seen overhead were a number of Vaux’s Swifts. Golden-crowned Kinglets called and were eventually seen, but left us with a desire to see them better. A Douglas Squirrel seen here was our only one encountered on the tour.
We then explored a road up to elevations of nearly 2000 meters just N. of the Manning Park Lodge. On the way up we stopped and found Western Tanager, Hermit Thrush, Townsend’s Warbler and Boreal Chickadee to name a few species. At a scenic viewpoint we enjoyed the fantastic mountain scenery, while Clark’s Nutcrackers and Common Ravens patrolled the perimeter of the area for food scraps. Several Cascade Ground Squirrels and a Yellow Pine Chipmunk were added to our mammal list. We then had a picnic lunch, accompanied by a curious group of Gray Jays that were eager to steal the food right from in front of our faces. After lunch we strolled along the Heather Trail, finding a hybrid Sooty X Dusky Grouse with at least three chicks following her. The female and one chick even enjoyed a dust bath on the trail right in front of us! Other goodies noted along the walk included Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Dark-eyed Junco and brief views of a Pacific-slope Flycatcher. Mountain wildflowers such as Paintbrush, Western Anenome and Lupine were scattered about in the meadows adding a dash of color to the scene. As we descended back to Hwy 3, we spotted another grouse with chicks, this time a family of pure Sooty Grouse.
From Manning Park we continued east along Hwy 3 to the town of Princeton. The habitat was considerably drier than the temperate rainforests we had spent much of the morning in. Along the Similkameen River we paused alongside the road to a group of Lewis’s Woodpeckers, adorned in pink, gray and dark green. A Mountain Goat was spotted resting in the shade of a tree on a hillside near Princeton. We couldn’t blame the goat for resting in the shade, as the outside temperatures were nearly a hundred degrees.
After a quick stop at the Mariposa Fruit Stand on the outskirts of Keremeos, we carried on to Chopaka, an area of extensive sage brush. Just as we turned onto Nighthawk Rd, we immediately found a small mixed flock of sparrows containing Vesper, Lark and Brewer’s sparrows. We searched for Sage Thrasher here, with no luck, but did see our first Western Meadowlarks.
A stop along Hwy 3 at Richter Lake was very productive. American Coot, Ruddy Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Redhead, and Hooded Merganser were all tallied as were Pied-billed Grebe and a couple of juv. Red-necked Phalaropes. After another quick stop along the hwy to see a roadkilled Chukar, we continued to Spotted Lake. Highlights here, in addition to the oddly spotted pattern on this lake, included a Western Kingbird and an imm. Red-tailed Hawk spotted by Frederic. Anna and Chris had fleetingly quick view of a Montane Vole as it scurried beneath our feet. We reached our accommodations in Osoyoos by around 6:30 PM.
After a delicious supper we tried our hand at some night birding on Anarchist Mountain. Luck was not on our side as we searched for owls. We did hear a Common Poorwill along Chapman Rd however, and we watched a Deer Mouse scurry about on a downed tree in the beam of a spotlight.
DAY 2 – AUG 20
Departing our hotel at Osoyoos at 6 AM we picked up breakfast, then made our way to an area of flooded fields at the north end of Osoyoos Lake. This spot was buzzing with activity! Shorebirds were numerous with Western, Least, Semipalmated, Baird’s, Pectoral, Spotted and Solitary sandpipers, Greater and Lesser yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher, Red-necked Phalarope, Wilson’s Snipe, Killdeer and Semipalmated Plover all seen. These sorts of numbers of shorebirds are very rare in the southern Okanagan Valley. In addition to the shorebirds there were Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Bald Eagle, and Marsh Wrens seen. A couple of imm. Soras were seen as they foraged on mud flats, while up to 20 Great Blue Herons were seen as well.
At Road 22, Dick spotted a group of up to 20 Bobolinks feeding in some weeds on the south side of the road. Overhead a Wood Duck sailed past, while numerous Osprey and Red-tailed Hawks were also found. A group of migrants near a bridge over the Okanagan River included several Lazuli Buntings, even a couple of brilliantly colored males. Also here were Bullock’s Orioles, House Wren, Gray Catbird, Lark Sparrow, Yellow Warbler and more. After we departed the Road 22 we drove N. along Black Sage Road. People in Dick’s van spotted a Black Bear running across the road into a vineyard. Those in Chris’s car were treated to a fantastic view of the bear as it strolled through the vineyard and entered a clearing.
Farther north along River Road we glimpsed a female type Calliope Hummingbird at a feeder, but could not see the usual Black-chinned Hummingbird often found in the area. A small group of Western Bluebirds were nice to see as was a single Red-eyed Vireo.
The cliffs above Vaseux Lk provided fantastic scenery, as usual with views of Macintyre Bluff to the south. A single Canyon Wren was seen well as it clambered about on a boulder. Three White-throated Swifts zipped over the top of the cliffs, along with a couple of Violet-green Swallows. We had both Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks here, and another Lewis’s Woodpecker at this location as well. A visit to the Vaseux Lake banding station was worthwhile. We watched Doug Brown, the local bander in charge, band a female Yellow-rumped Warbler. Just as we were leaving Chris identified a Northern Waterthrush flying overhead, and as if just to help us confirm its identity, the bird fell from the sky and flew smack dab into the middle of a mist net! It was a Northern Waterthrush indeed.
At Okanagan Falls a female Barrow’s Goldeneye was added to our list. In the fragrant Ponderosa Pine forests along Green Lk Rd we had our first Western Wood-Pewees, along with our first Pygmy Nuthatches and a Hairy Woodpecker. Townsend’s Solitaires called, but couldn’t be seen. Explorations or White Lk Rd produced many interesting species. The highlight, however, was a Gray Flycatcher, an empidonax flycatcher that is exceedingly rare in Canada, nesting only at a few sites in the Okanagan Valley. Also of note were several more Lazuli Buntings, Spotted Towhee, a juvenile Red-naped Sapsucker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Say’s Phoebe and an adult Golden Eagle sighted by ‘eagle-eye’ Frederic.
We picked up lunch in Penticton and made our way to Dick’s house on the West Bench. We were greeted by his wife Margaret. We enjoyed lunch while watching birds in their yard, where a female Black-chinned Hummingbird visited flowers.
After lunch we drove north along Hwy 97, following Okanagan Lake to the town of Peachland where we had a stroll up Deep Creek to a lovely spot at Hardy Falls. Our goal was to find an American Dipper here, an odd songbird that lives along streams of western North America. We found our dipper right near the falls and watched it bob up and down on the boulders. Other species noted in the park included Western Tanager, with a stunning male spotted by Peter, and a small group of Evening Grosbeaks, one of which paused long enough to be seen through the scope. A family group of Pileated Woodpeckers provided an excellent sighting, as did our first Swainson’s Thrushes.
We drove through the sprawling city of Kelowna, pausing briefly at a pond at the local landfill where Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Barrow’s Goldeneye, and Redhead were seen. The large flock of gulls we hoped for here was not in attendance, and just one immature California Gull was seen.
As we neared Vernon, we did some birding along the Commonage. A pair of Swainson’s Hawks, one light-morph and one dark-morph gave us excellent views as we watched them close by their nest. In a patch of rose bushes we spied a couple of Clay-colored Sparrows, rare breeders in the Okanagan. Our final stops of the day were at Swan Lake where Common Loons and Red-necked Grebes were scattered across the lake. We arrived at our accommodations in Vernon just before 6:30 PM and were joined for dinner by local birder Chris Siddle.
DAY 3 – AUG 21
Carrying on with our 6 AM departure time this morning, we made our north and west out of the Okanagan Valley to the tiny town of Westwold where we met up with the Douglas Lake Road. The road first followed the Salmon River where we stopped several times adding MacGillivray’s Warbler, Warbling and Cassin’s vireos, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Willow Flycatcher to our bulging bird list. The road then traverses the extensive grasslands of the Douglas Lake Ranch. As we drove through these grasslands, we saw Western Meadowlark, Vesper Sparrows, American Kestrels, Eastern Kingbirds and several species of raptors including our first Merlin. Occupants of Chris’s van were treated to views of a male Mountain Bluebird, but surprisingly in this area often full of Mountain Bluebirds, we could not track another down for the others. More Lewis’s Woodpeckers, another Red-naped Sapsucker and our one and only Olive-sided Flycatcher of the trip were tallied along the way. Lakes and ponds added Horned and Eared grebes to our bird list, as well as Lesser Scaup. Frederic spotted a trio of Sandhill Cranes, two adults and a young bird, wading through long grass at the back of a large meadow. We had two sightings of Coyote along the road, one of which was in fantastic condition with a very nice coat and a bushy tail.
We met up with Hwy 5A near Merritt, and continued into town where we picked up lunch. We took our lunch up to the Britton Ck Rest Area on the Coquihalla Hwy where we enjoyed eating in the sunshine. Birds here were few and far between, but a Steller’s Jay did pay us a brief visit. As we descended down the west slope of the Coast Mountains we paid a short visit to Bridal Veil Falls where we did a short hike up to the base of the falls. Again, there were not many birds here, but we did hear a Pacific Wren, Steller’s Jay and a Brown Creeper. It was here we said our goodbyes and made our way into Vancouver with Chris and Anna heading to the airport and John, Shirley, Frederic, Peter and Dick heading back to the UBC area. All in all this was a very successful trip with over 150 species of birds tallied, as well as a dozen species of mammal and some of North America’s best scenery.
BIRD LIST:
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Common throughout.
Wood Duck Aix sponsa
One flew overhead at Road 22, Osoyoos.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Common throughout.
Gadwall Anas strepera
A few noted in flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk. Also seen on ponds and
lakes along Douglas Lake Rd.
Green-winged Teal Anas crecca
Seen at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
American Wigeon Anas americana
Small numbers noted at Richter Lake and flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Also seen on lakes and ponds along Douglas Lake Rd.
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
A few seen at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Blue-winged Teal Anas discors
Small group seen at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Redhead Aythya americana
A few noted on Richter Lake near Osoyoos. Pair seen on pond at entrance to
Kelowna Landfill and several seen along Douglas Lk Rd.
Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris
Seen at Richter Lk and along Douglas Lk Rd.
Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis
Several noted on Roche Lk on Douglas Lk Rd.
Bufflehead Bucephala albeola
Pair seen on pond at entrance to Kelowna Landfill. Seen also on ponds along
Douglas Lk Rd.
Barrow’s Goldeneye Bucephala islandica
One female on Okanagan River at OK Falls. Two also seen on pond at entrance
to Kelowna Landfill and on lakes on Douglas Lk Rd.
Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus
One seen at Richter Lk and two noted at pond at entrance to Kelowna Landfill.
Common Merganser Mergus merganser
Several noted along rivers as we drove through mountains between Hope and
Princeton on first day.
Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis
Noted at Richter Lk as well as at Okeefe’s Pond near Vernon. Several seen on
lakes along Douglas Lk Rd.
California Quail Callipepla californica
Common in small groups in the Okanagan Valley.
Sooty Grouse Dengragopus fuliginosus
Female with chicks seen in Manning Park along access road to high elevation
trails. Another female and chicks with Dusky Grouse genes seen along Heather
Trail in Manning Park.
Common Loon Gavia immer
Several seen on Okanagan Lake between Penticton and Peachland. Over a
dozen counted at N. end of Swan Lk in Vernon. Several noted on lakes on
Douglas Lk Rd as well.
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
Found at Richter Lk near Osoyoos and on flooded areas at N. end of Osoyoos
Lk. Also a few noted on ponds and lakes along Douglas Lk Rd.
Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus
A couple seen amongst Eared Grebes at Chaperon Lk on Douglas Lk Rd.
Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
A few on Chaperon Lk on Douglas Lk Rd.
Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena
One seen on Okanagan Lk between Penticton and Peachland. Several noted on
Swan Lk in Vernon and on lakes along Douglas Lk Rd.
American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Three on Salmon Lk along Douglas Lake Rd.
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
Fairly common, with highest numbers tallied at flooded fields at N. end of
Osoyoos Lk.
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
A few seen each day, most often from moving vehicle as we traveled from one
site to another.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Common throughout.
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
Adult seen soaring over cliff along White Lk Rd near OK Falls.
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucucephalus
Immature seen at flooded area at N. end of Osoyoos Lk. A few also noted along
Douglas Lk Rd.
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus
Male flew overhead on Vernon Commonage. Female type also noted along
Douglas Lk Rd.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus
One seen briefly at cliffs above Vaseux Lk. Two also seen along Douglas Lk Rd.
Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii
Seen several times, most often from moving vehicle. One seen at cliffs above
Vaseux Lk.
Swainson’s Hawk Buteo swainsoni
Pair seen near nest on Vernon Common included ad light morph and ad dark
morph. A couple also seen along Douglas Lk Rd.
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
Common throughout.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Common throughout, especially along Douglas Lk Rd.
Merlin Falco columbarius
One seen along Douglas Lk Rd.
Sora Porzana carolina
Three seen on mudflats at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Virginia Rail Rallus limicola
Heard at N. end of Osoyoos Lk and at Vaseux Lk Banding Station.
American Coot Fulica americana
Common and seen on most bodies of water.
Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis
Two ad and imm in meadow along Douglas Lk Rd.
Killdeer Charadrius vocerifus
Fairly common in open areas throughout, especially at flooded area at N.
end of Osoyoos Lk.
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus
One at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
Numerous at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
Numerous at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria
Several seen in flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk. Also heard and seen
flying overhead at our hotel in Vernon in the early AM.
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis mucularius
Several noted at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla
Small numbers at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri
Up to 20 noted at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla
Numerous at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii
Up to a dozen at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos
Three juv. at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus
One ad. at flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Wilson’s Snipe Gallinago delicata
Up to 20 counted in flooded fields at N. end of Osoyoos Lk.
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
Up to 8 counted on pools in flooded area at N. end of Osoyoos Lk. Also two
at least on Richter Lake, W. of Osoyoos.
Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis
Common throughout, especially in towns and cities where it the common ‘fast
food’ gull.
California Gull Larus californicus
A few seen in flight along river channel at Vaseux Lk Banding Station.
Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens
Several seen as we drove through the Fraser Valley on day 1 & 3.
Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata
Several noted at Hunter Ck exit along Hwy 1. Pair also seen in Manning Park at
high elevation view point where somewhat unexpected.
Rock Pigeon Columba livia
Common throughout, especially in urban areas.
Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Fairly common in the Okanagan where seen on numerous occasions.
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
Fairly common in Okanagan area where seen several times.
Common Poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
One heard on dry hillside at end of Chapman Rd E. of Osoyoos.
Vaux’s Swift Chaetura vauxi
Several seen overhead in Manning Park at Sumallo Grove.
White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis
Three flew over cliffs at Vaseux Lk.
Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri
Female type seen at flowers at Dick Canning’s property on West Bench in
Penticton.
Calliope Hummingbird Selasphorus calliope
One female type noted at feeder on River Rd, N. of Oliver.
Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon
Male seen at flooded area at N. end of Osoyoos Lk. Heard at Vaseux Lk Banding
Station, and another seen briefly at Douglas Lk.
Lewis’s Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis
Up to 6 seen along Hwy 3 between Princeton and Keremeos. Another seen atop
telephone pole along Black Sage Rd near Osoyoos. Also a few seen on Douglas
Lk Rd.
Red-naped Sapsucker Sphyrapicus nuchalis
Juv. seen along White Lk Rd near OK Falls, and another seen along Douglas Lk
Rd.
Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus
Seen along Green Lk Rd near OK Falls. Otherwise heard several times.
Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens
Heard on several occasions, but seen only along Douglas Lk Rd.
Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus
Fairly common throughout. All seen were of western ‘Red-shafted’ race.
Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus
Group of three (probably family group) seen at Hardy Falls near Peachland.
Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi
Brief appearance by one along Douglas Lk Rd.
Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus
Heard several times. Seen well along Green Lk Rd near OK Falls.
Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii
One most likely seen at Vaseux Banding Station. Definite Willow noted along
Douglas Lk Rd.
Hammond’s Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii
Several heard in mountain forests, but only fleetingly glimpsed.
Gray Flycatcher Empidonax wrightii
Rare breeder in the Okanagan, one seen along White Lk Rd.
Pacific-slope Flycatcher Empidonax difficilis
Seen fleetingly along Heather Trail in Manning Park.
Say’s Phoebe Sayornis saya
One seen along Road 22, N. of Osoyoos, and two seen along White Lk Rd near
OK Falls.
Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis
Uncommon in mid-August so we were pleased to see a few of these species,
first of which was at Spotted Lk, W. of Osoyoos. Also noted along Rd 22 in
Osoyoos and on Vernon Commonage at Bench Row Rd.
Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus
Common throughout the Okanagan and Douglas Lake areas.
Cassin’s Vireo Vireo cassinii
Two seen on in fir forests along Douglas Lake Road.
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus
Uncommon migrant in the Okanagan. One seen on River Rd, N. of Oliver.
Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus
A couple seen well along Douglas Lake Rd. Of western ‘Swainson’ subspecies.
Clark’s Nutcracker Nucifraga columbiana
Fairly common in mountains of Manning Park. Also noted at several locations in
forests of Okanagan Valley.
Gray Jay Perisoreus canadensis
Small group of adults and immatures visited us at lunch near head of Heather
Trail in Manning Park. Also heard but not seen on Douglas Lk Rd, along Salmon
River.
Steller’s Jay Cyanocitta stelleri
BC’s provincial bird! Seen in Manning Park, as well as several Okanagan Valley
locations.
Black-billed Magpie Pica hudsonia
Common Okanagan and Douglas Lake areas. A bird of urban areas an open
country. Travels in groups.
Northwestern Crow Corvus caurinus
Fairly numerous in Fraser Valley, E. to Hope where the line between where this
species and American Crow meet becomes foggy. By the time you begin
descending the eastern slope of the Coast Mountains, we were in AMCR land.
American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos
See above. Common in interior areas, but absent from Fraser Valley.
Common Raven Corvus corax
Fairly common, especially around recently cut hay fields. Seen very close at
viewpoint in Manning Park.
Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina
Two seen well at Road 22 in Osoyoos. Others noted overhead. Easily identified
by white rump patch.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Common migrant. Numerous birds seen each day, often in migrant flocks.
N. Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
First noted overhead at Dick Canning’s yard in Penticton. A few also noted on
last day along Douglas Lk Rd.
Bank Swallow Riparia riparia
Uncommon by this time of year in the Okanagan. We had a few at the Vaseux
Lake Banding Station along the river channel. A few also seen along Douglas
Lake Road.
Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
One or two seen around Manning Park Lodge.
Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus
Group seen at Road 22 N. of Osoyoos, with mixed species flock. A few groups
encountered along Douglas Lake Rd.
Mountain Chickadee Poecile gambeli
Numerous in coniferous forests throughout. Seen at upper elevations in
Manning Park. Also fairly common in fir forests along Douglas Lk Rd.
Boreal Chickadee Poecile hudsonicus
We were happy to see two or three of these birds in the upper elevations of
Manning Park, since we are very near the southern edge of this species range.
Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis
Fairly common in woodlands throughout tour, especially in Manning Park and
along Douglas Lk Rd.
White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis
One seen White Lk Rd near OK Falls. Another seen in fir forest along Douglas
Lk Rd.
Pygmy Nuthatch Sitta pygmaea
Fairly common in Ponderosa Pine forests of Okanagan region. We had these
little guys along White Lk Rd and Green Lk Rd near OK Falls. Also a few heard
along Douglas Lake Road.
Brown Creeper Certhia americana
Heard at Hunter Ck Rest Stop in Fraser Valley and in Manning Park. Seen
along Douglas Lake Rd.
Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus
Heard at cliffs above Vaseux Lk.
Canyon Wren Catherpes mexicanus
One seen well on boulder at base of cliffs above Vaseux Lk.
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Small numbers present, with one noted in migrant flock along Road 22 near
Osoyoos. Heard along Douglas Lk Rd.
Pacific Wren Troglodytes pacificus
Heard in Manning Park at Sumallo Grove.
Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris
Seen in marshy area near Willow Beach at N. end of Osoyoos Lk. Heard along
Douglas Lk Rd.
American Dipper Cinclus americanus
One molting adult found at Hardy Falls, along Deep Ck in Peachland. Mossy nest
on rocks beside waterfall also seen.
Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa
Uncommon in coniferous forests. We had them at several locations including
Sumallo Grove and the Heather Trail in Manning Park.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula
One seen very well along Douglas Lake Road.
Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana
Three found along River Rd near Oliver. Also seen along White Lk Rd near OK
Falls.
Mountain Bluebird Sialia currucoides
Male seen along Douglas Lake Rd.
Townsend’s Solitaire Myadestes townsendi
Heard several times but not seen. Two birds called repeatedly near Green Lk.
Swainson’s Thrush Cathartes ustulatus
Adult and imm. seen at Hardy Falls near Peachland. One or two also seen along
Salmon River on Douglas Lk Rd.
Hermit Thrush Cathartes guttatus
Two seen along roadway in upper elevations of Manning Park.
American Robin Turdus migratorius
Common throughout.
Gray Catbird Dumatella carolinensis
Uncommon in brushy areas. We had one or two at Road 22 near Osoyoos, as
well as at River Rd near Oliver.
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Common throughout. Often abundant in farmland.
Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum
Common at lower elevations throughout. Many adults and streaky immatures
seen.
Orange-crowned Warbler Oreothlypis celata
Two ‘celata’ race birds seen at Douglas Lake in bushes beside water.
Nashville Warbler Oreothlypis ruficapilla
One female type bird in Saskatoon bush at River Rd near Oliver. Another seen in
riparian habitat along Salmon River on Douglas Lk Rd.
Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia
Fairly common migrant. Noted at Road 22 near Osoyoos. Also seen along
Douglas Lk Rd.
Yellow-rumped Warbler Setophaga coronata
Fairly common in woodlands. We noted them in Manning Park and along
Douglas Lk Rd. All birds of western ‘Audubon’s’ race.
Townsend’s Warbler Setophaga townsendi
A couple of female type birds found in Manning Park.
Northern Waterthrush Parkesia novaboracensis
A couple seen at Vaseux Lake Banding Station, including one that flew into
a mist-net right in front of us.
MacGillivray’s Warbler Geothlypis tolmiei
Seen in riparian along Salmon River along Douglas Lk Rd.
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
One or two seen at Vaseux Lk Banding Station. Also seen in marshy area at
Kelowna Landfill.
Spotted Towhee Papilo maculatus
Two seen at Park Rill along White Lk Rd near OK Falls.
Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina
Fairly common migrant in woodlands.
Clay-colored Sparrow Spizella pallida
Two seen at Bench Row Rd and Commonage Rd near Vernon.
Brewer’s Sparrow Spizella breweri
A couple seen in sage brush at Chopaka along Nighthawk Rd.
Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus
Seen at Chopaka along Nighthawk Rd in Richter Pass. Also noted in numbers
along Douglas Lk Rd.
Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus
One imm. type bird with mixed group of sparrows at Chopaka along Nighthawk
Rd in Richter Pass. Another seen near bridge on Rd 22 near Osoyoos.
Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis
One seen along Hunter Ck Rd in E. Fraser Valley. Also noted in Osoyoos at
Road 22 and also seen along Douglas Lk Rd.
Lincoln’s Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii
One seen along Douglas Lk Rd.
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia
Seen near Willow Beach at N. end of Osoyoos Lk. Also seen along Douglas Lk
Rd.
White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys
Seen along Hunter Ck Rd in E. Fraser Valley.
Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis
A few seen in woodlands in Manning Pk and along Douglas Lk Rd. All birds of
Western ‘Oregon’ race.
Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana
Several female types seen at various woodland locations, and stunning male
watched along Deep Ck near Peachland.
Black-headed Grosbeak Pheuticus melanocephalus
Two seen at Vaseux Lk Banding Station.
Lazuli Bunting Passerina amoena
Fairly common migrant at lower elevations. We saw many female type birds, but
only a few stunning males, including one at Road 22 near Osoyoos.
Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta
A few seen in sage brush and grasslands of Okanagan at Chopaka on
Nighthawk Rd in Richter Pass and on Vernon Commonage near Rose’s Pond.
Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Group of up to 20 seen in weedy area along S. side of Road 22 near Osoyoos.
Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Common wetland and agricultural country throughout valley bottoms.
Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
A few seen at wetland areas of Road 22, Vaseux Lk and along Douglas Lk Rd.
Brewer’s Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus
Common valley bottoms, especially in farmland.
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
Most have migrated south by mid-August. We saw one or two at Road 22 area.
Bullock’s Oriole Icterus bullockii
Group of 4 seen in Russian Olive along Okanagan River at Road 22 near
Osoyoos.
Cassin’s Finch Haemorhous cassinii
One or two seen along White Lk Rd near OK Falls. Also seen in fir woods along
Douglas Lk Rd.
House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus
Common in suburban areas.
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra
Heard in Manning Pk, on White Lk Rd and at Britton Ck Rest Area where we
had lunch on our way back to Vancouver along the Coquihalla Hwy.
American Goldfinch Spinus tristis
Fairly common in open country, especially where thistles occur.
Evening Grosbeak Coccothaustes vespertinus
Seen through scope at Hardy Falls near Peachland.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Common in rural and urban areas alike.
MAMMAL LIST
American Pika Ochotona princeps
Heard in Manning Park giving characteristic squeaky call.
Red Squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
Noted at Manning Park and along Deep Ck near Peachland.
Douglas’s Squirrel Tamiasciurus douglasii
One or two noted at Sumallo Grove in Manning Park.
Yellow-Pine Chipmunk Tamias amoenus
Seen at viewpoint in Manning Park, amongst other locations.
Cascade Ground-Squirrel Spermophilus saturatus
A couple seen at various points in upper elevations of Manning Park.
Columbian Ground-Squirrel Spermophilus columbianus
Seen at Manning Park Lodge.
Yellow-bellied Marmot Marmota flaviventris
One seen by one observer along Douglas Lk Rd.
Coyote Canus latrans
Two seen on Douglas Lake Rd.
Black Bear Ursus americanus
One in vineyard along Black Sage Rd between Oliver and Osoyoos.
White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus
Seen on drive through Manning Park. Several noted in fields on Anarchist
Mtn as we tried to find owls.
Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus
A few seen in Okanagan Valley.
Mountain Goat Oreamnos americanus
One seen sitting in shade on rocky hillside E. of Princeton at Taylor Rd.
Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus
One seen in spotlight in woodpile on Anarchist Mtn on Chapman Rd.
Montane Vole Microtus montanus
One seen scurrying through grass at Spotted Lk in Richter Pass.
Bat sp. Seen flying at Chapman Rd on Anarchist Mtn.
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