M Nov 16th

Sky Lake by Bonnie

Trip Leader: Doug, with Stew assisting

Participants: Fred , Bonnie, Judy, John, Margaret, Liz, Doug, Stewart, Mike and Helen, Liz and Bruce , BJ and Doug , Norah , Careoline, Joy

Thank you to Doug and his able assistant Stewart who led us to some excellent birds. It was a great outing which provided surprises and some great views of masses of bird species. In the excellent bird department, we saw our first flock of Snow Geese including one Blue Morph and the first Northern Shrike of the season. Bird surprises were 4 Sanderlings and 2 Baird's Sandpipers. In terms of uncommon numbers, we saw a gigantic flock of Red-breasted Mergansers who when they took flight looked like a cloud of locusts and they with large numbers of Sandhill Cranes left us in awe. Waterfowl were expected at this time of year and performed for us as well. The Snowy Owl which was scouted by our leaders and seen as late as yesterday was not present when we looked for him.

The weather had mixed cloud, temperatures of 5 C and high winds providing a very chilly day for the birding club.

Places visited:

1- Enroute

2- Chantry Island View down by Jerry's Fries.