Feeder Watching

Feeder watchers turned up a number of unusual birds on the Calgary CBC held back in mid-December. A Harris's Sparrow (one of four found on the CBC) has been coming to yard in Highland Park since early December, and a Varied Thrush was discovered Count day at a feeder in Southview. If I wanted to make a serious attempt at the BIGBY, a trip to see the thrush and sparrow would be necessary. I normally do not enjoy looking for birds at feeders, particularly rarities. It has always felt anti-climactic, knowing a bird is coming to a feeder and I only need make the trip to count it. A Hooded Warbler, fifth provincial record, that spent two months in a yard a few blocks from my house and which I never chased, clearly illustrates my attitude towards feeder birding.

The arrival of warm Pacific air on Friday finally broke the cold snap that had gripped the city since Christmas. Saturday's forecast called for typical Chinook conditions - mild temperatures and strong winds. An early start would be necessary to avoid the strongest winds and maximize my chances for seeing both birds. It was still dark as I headed out the door shortly after 7:30 AM, streetlights and my headlamp providing the only illumination. Strong westerly winds were already blowing and I was fighting strong headwinds until I reached relative shelter along the river valley.

My first destination was the yard hosting the Varied Thrush. The sun was just beginning to rise when I arrived and a number of birds were already visiting the feeders, including Dark-eyed Juncos and Pine Siskins. I got my binoculars out of the pannier and began scanning the feeders from the back alley. I only had to wait a few minutes before the Varied Thrush, a male, flew into a Blue Spruce in the yard and then promptly disappeared. I was feeling a little self-conscious standing in an alley looking into a stranger's backyard, so after waiting a few more minutes I packed up and headed to the next feeder without seeing the thrush again.

After a quick stop at the local Co-op to use the washroom and buy chocolate milk I was off towards Nose Creek and the pathway. The winds had continued to strengthen and made biking difficult at times. I stopped to make a quick phone call to the homeowners, re-confirming my visit and the sparrow's status. Their house is located just west of Nose Creek, but involved a steady climb out of the valley directly into the strong Chinook winds. Snow on the side streets was slowly turning to slush and I was forced at times to ride on sidewalks to avoid getting stuck.

Despite arriving on their doorstep soaked in sweat and road grime I was graciously invited in by the homeowners. After introductions I was shown to the kitchen window that overlooks their backyard and feeders. I did not have to wait long before the immature Harris's Sparrow made an appearance, its large size and pink bill obvious even without binoculars. I was able to obtain great looks at the sparrow during the hour I spent watching the feeders. Others species visiting the yard included an adult White-throated Sparrow and several Dark-eyed Juncos. I ran into another NMT participant while I was getting ready to leave. After briefly comparing species seen or missed, the conversation quickly turned to bikes and the relative merit of fenders and studded tires.

With both target species seen I started the slow ride back home, though gravity and the wind were now in my favour. After a quick bite to eat at my favourite Chinese restaurant in Inglewood I was headed along the pathway towards the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. Two Harlequin Ducks have been spending the winter on a stretch of the Bow River south of the sanctuary. A quick scan from the pathway turned up a distant drake sleeping with a small of flock of Common Goldeneye on the water. Failing to turn up anything different, not even a Northern Pintail, among the hundreds of Mallards on the river was a surprise.

My last stop was at a feeder in my neighbourhood where three Mourning Doves are wintering, this is the same yard where the Hooded Warbler was found. There were no signs of doves in the poplar tree they favour and I quickly decided to try another time. Almost eight hours after leaving home in the dark I returned tired and filthy. I had cycled over 40 kilometres and added nine species to the BIGBY. After giving my bike a quick wipe and lubing the chain, I headed inside for a long, hot shower.