Ladner - Wellington Point Park and Reifel Bird Sanctuary

On this blustery Sunday morning, I decided to pursue a report of Cliff Swallows nesting under a pier at Wellington Point Park in Ladner. I'd driven by this location many times on my way to Reifel Bird Sanctuary or Brunswick Point. It is located about 500 metres before the Westham Island Bridge, and is used primarily as a boat launch.

The wind was blowing off the River and there were no signs of Swallows or their nests that I could find. However, this Mute Swan cam swimming by quite close. I'd seen them before off the bridge. Since these birds are wild, unlike the ones at Stanley Park, they are countable.

Mute Swans are considered an invasive species and are a big problem back east for the native Trumpeter and Tundra Swans. Here they are quite scarce, and a nice tick on the year list.


Mute Swan - Wellington Point Park, Delta BC

The other bird I saw was this interesting looking Gull. After reviewing various guides at home, I concluded that it was likely a third year California Gull. This was based on the greenish-yellow legs, the solid black tips on the primaries, and the head shape. Any comments or corrections are welcome.


California Gull (imm) - Wellington Point Park, Delta BC

Next stop was Reifel Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island. I try to avoid it on the weekends due to the number of visitors they have, but I did not have anywhere else to go. It was reasonably quiet for a Sunday due to the weather.

First up was the hummingbird feeder, where there was a very cooperative male visiting frequently.

Rufous Hummingbird - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC

Notice the red on the gorget (feathers around the throat). The colour only appears when light hits it at the right angle, as the next photo shows.


Rufous Hummingbird - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC

I was hoping to see some spring Warblers here but it was very quiet. I settled for a couple of Duck photos. The first was this female Wood Duck, which is an under-rated beauty.


Wood Duck (F) - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC

The male Bufflehead is very difficult to photograph due to its colouring and the contrast between light and dark. It's quite rare to get a photo that shows the eye. Also, the greenish water in some of the smaller ponds tend to confuse the camera.


Bufflehead - Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta BC

This ended my short outing on this Sunday. The Swan and Gull were two more additions for the year list.