23 September 2018 - Power's Creek, Munson Pond, Robert Lake & Knox Mountain Reserve, Kelowna

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Sandhill Crane, White-throated Sparrow, Wilson's Warbler, Downy Woodpecker, Cooper's Hawk, American Goldfinch, Bufflehead, Eared Grebe, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpipers, Northern Harrier, Marsh Wren, Western Bluebird, Dark-eyed Juncos, Townsend's Solitaire.

Met up with Brad Vissia this morning, who kindly agreed to take me birding with him. We met at Power's Creek and straight away he said James had found a Sandhill Crane yesterday nearby. We went looking, and after a few minutes, located the bird on the far edge of one of the fields near the nut farm. Eventually we managed to get a little closer and get some photos. With time at a premium, we then dashed to Munson Pond. We approached from the north (I think) and there were sparrows everywhere - lots of White-crowned of course, many Savannah, several Lincoln's and Song Sparrows. Brad also picked up a White-throated Sparrow that had been reported in the area, and although we got good views briefly, it didn't perform for the cameras. Also a Spotted Towhee here.

In the trees surrounding the pond were 6 Red-winged and 11 Brewer's Blackbirds, and loads of Yellow-rumped Warblers. Among these we managed to pick out my first Wilson's Warbler and an Orange-crowned Warbler. A Dark-eyed Junco showed briefly, and Violet-green Swallows were high overhead. The usual flickers were about, and Brad found me a nice Downy Woodpecker that came really close and performed well. A superb Cooper's Hawk perched on a telegraph pole, and other supporting raptors were Merlin, American Kestrel, 2 Red-tailed hawks, and Sharp-shinned Hawk.

The water held a Pied-billed Grebe, 2 Green-winged Teal (eclipse), 9 Ring-necked Duck and 15 Wood Duck.

On the way back to the car, we encountered a couple of American Goldfinches - my first, but unfortunately not adult males.

After Munson Pond, Brad and I moved on to Robert Lake, where we met James Janssen. We traipsed across the muddy field, looking for waders, but these were somewhat few and far between. A group of 3 smallish waders flew past, Pectoral Sandpipers, when suddenly a Peregrine appeared out of nowhere and stooped towards them, but didn't get one. That may explain why so few waders were around. A Northern harrier flew past quite closely but was too quick for photos. A couple of Red-winged Hawks perched on hay bales in the field across the road.

On the water, there were two female-type Bufflehead - my first, along with good numbers of other waterfowl, including Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck, and one Eared Grebe.

At the main parking spot, around 20 Red-winged and 10 Brewer's Blackbird were around on the wires, and still plenty of Yellow-rumped Warblers. Across the field, Brad pointed out 2 Western Bluebirds - another new one for me. After a bit of help from Brad, I finally got hold of Marsh Wren in the reeds, but no photos unfortunately.

I met up with the family in Kelowna for lunch (Laksa) to celebrate Nicole's Birthday, and afterwards Joanne and I drove up Knox Mountain (we'd been here a couple of days ago with Sandra but it was raining). We parked up at the top and had a quick walk, where I was fortunate to find a party of about 10 Dark-eyed Juncos and a splendid Townsend's Solitaire. Back at the car, several White-crowned Sparrows performed well for photos, and a Song Sparrow was also in the vicinity.

Sandhill Crane - near Power's Creek