18 September 2018 - Peachland/Westbank

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Northern Flickers, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Common Loon, California Quail, Spotted Sandpiper, Steller's Jay, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Osprey, Mourning Dove, Western Grebe

Had a walk from the digs this morning, where several Horned and Red-necked grebes were visible relatively close inshore on Lake Okanagan. Northern Flickers were the most prevalent passerine-type bird, other than European Starlings, though I did encounter a few presumed House Finches, and a Raven flew over. As I walked down the road, a party of 12 or so California Quail flew across the road and disappeared into the brush. Further on, two Spotted Sandpipers were on the water's edge, but in winter plumage. Back at the house, an Osprey flew up the Lake past the house and I was just outside the door when I heard some harsh screeching and was pleased to encounter a couple of Steller's Jay on the grounds. As I tried to photograph these, a small hawk flew into the trees just nearby and perched up quite close - on inspection this turned out to be Sharp-shinned.

Later on we had a trip into Peachland, where the sun was shining and there were a few Ring-billed Gulls and Common Mergansers about. Then we drove out to Westbank and Power's Creek, where we saw a party of California Quail and a Mourning Dove at the edge of the suburban gardens. At Power's Creek, there were several Ring-billed Gulls, c. 25 Horned Grebes, 2 Common Loons, c. 30 American Coot and 2 Western Grebes.

Horned Grebes - Peachland