Past houses, past farms, past at least two country clubs, at the very edge of civilisation, is the Pitt-Addington Marsh. It is criss-crossed by a few roads, and many trails. At the northeastern end of it is Grant Narrows Park, where Pitt Lake flows into Pitt River.
I’ve seen bits of it before: in September 2023 when we went along the Alouette River for a bit (and saw other, more civilised bits of Pitt Meadows), June 2024 when I visited Sturgeon Slough in (vain) search of a rarity, and later checked out Grant Narrows. But there’s lots to see! The area is super flat and surrounded by mountains, and feels remote. I like it. Even when there are no birds, the scenery is A+. And there were birds!
Heron Cove
In the very appropriately named Heron Cove, we started off with two Great Blues: one adult and one juvenile pictured below. I’m assuming the adult is the other’s parent, even though herons really don’t have much of a nurturing instinct and don’t have much to do with their children once they leave the nest. Actually, I think some may abandon the nest before the kids fully strike out on their own.
Heading east on the trail didn’t yield birds, but we did find this adorable lady beetle! Fun fact: they’ve got a red abdomen under those red elytrae. The more you know!
A female Bullock’s Oriole, as pointed out by a flock of Very Serious Birders. Yes of course the collective noun is “flock”, what else could it be?
Also: lifer!
And here’s a male Black-headed Grosbeak! Well, most of one. Not a lifer, but still hilariously my best photo of them.
Hey look, more scenery!
(I’m being snarky, but it really is beautiful.)
Grant Narrows Park
I could complain about the light, but those reflected clouds do add a certain je ne sais quoi.
I remember this Osprey nest. And same as last year, it is occupied. I must say, the platform’s builders were very thoughtful in adding a little perch for the parents.
The observation tower is still closed, and still taken over by Cliff Swallows. Last year I thought that maybe it was closed only in the summer, when they were nesting. But it looks just as rickety and overgrown now, so I’m thinking it will never reopen.
Not a great picture, but good enough for ID is good enough for me!
I mean, that’s a lie, I strive for more than just IDing! But with swallows in flight, you take what you can get.
And now we come to this heartwarming little slice of family life. Now that the children are grown up, they don’t need predigested bug mush.
Here’s a lovely Orange-crowned Warbler! I’ve only seen them a handful of times, and never with the orange crown, booo.
I don’t think this guy was supposed to be down there, but I understand the temptation to get closer to the birds.
Sturgeon Slough
This stunning dragonfly is called a Western Pondhawk. Look at that soft gradient! Those delicate wing veins! Absolutely gorgeous. I’ve never seen it before, but there were a bunch along the initial trail. You’d think I would have noticed on my earlier visit!
Sturgeon Slough is still lovely.
A Common Yellowthroat couple flitting about through the grasses. It was my first good look at a female of the species (with duller colours of course). They never really stayed within sight of each other but always kept in touch with short little cheeps — higher-pitched for her, lower-pitched for him. That allowed me to track them even when they were hidden, so thanks for that!
All in all, a lovely outing and I keep thinking I want to make a whole day out of it, explore some of the really remote trails. Maybe I will some day!