January 25 and 26 - Point Roberts, Delta and Backyard

This is another combination post featuring Point Roberts on both days, Highway 91 in North Delta, and in our backyard in North Delta. I am splitting them by location and rather than by date.

Point Roberts  - Lighthouse Marine Park

January 25

The great thing about this location is that there is always the chance of seeing something special. January 25 was no exception. The day started with a common duck.

Common Goldeneye - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

And then things got interesting. I see this bird here a few times a year, never quite as close to shore as I would like. This is probably my favorite duck.

Long-tailed Duck - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA - 2020 Species #51

A rare shot of the front of the bird. This one is a male. The long tail is usually underwater, it is very long but also thin.This bird used to be known as the Oldsquaw. Fortunately the name was changed about 20 years ago.

Long-tailed Duck - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

January 26

Back again on the Sunday with a different set of creatures. I like this shot, every once in a while one gets lucky with a common bird.

Northwestern Crow - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

Out on the surf, a Horned Grebe had caught a meal, probably a Sculpin.

Horned Grebe - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

It was my day as a Sea Lion was seen quite close to shore. At first I thought Harbor Seal, but it seems too big for that.

Stellers Sea Lion - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

Stellers Sea Lion - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

And finally, the last shot at the Point, a pair of Goldeneye in flight, male in front.

Common Goldeneye - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

North Delta

January 25

On my way back from Point Roberts I spotted a Red-tailed Hawk alongside the highway. I was able to safely pull over and snap a couple of shots. It's scary when they notice you looking at them!

Red-tailed Hawk - Highway 91, Delta BC

Fortunately,it decided I wasn't worth the trouble.



Upon arriving home, I saw my first of year American Goldfinches at our feeder, still in their basic (non-breeding) plumage. They're still present in late March as I write this post.


American Goldfinch - Backyard, North Delta BC - 2020 Species #52

Here's a better shot. On the left is another first of year, a Pine Siskin.


Pine Siskin (Left) - Backyard, North Delta BC - 2020 Species #53

January 26

On this Sunday afternoon we had a real treat looking out into the back yard from the living room. It was a Pileated Woodpecker in all its glory.

Pileated Woodpecker - Backyard, North Delta BC

2020 Bird #54

Pileated Woodpecker - Backyard, North Delta BC

And just for good measure, our local Downy Woodpecker put in an appearance.

Downy Woodpecker - Backyard, North Delta BC

This ended the birding for January. February would be quite productive as well.