As far as I’m concerned, my big year has already been a big success in at least one regard.  I can’t remember the last time that I’ve deliberately been out birding in my own region for as many consecutive days.  Too often, I let other tasks take priority, and as a result, I often refer to myself as an “administrative birder”.  There are always more jobs to be done, websites to update, and emails to send (not to mention the usual household chores).  My big year has allowed me to make birding something of a priority and to get out into the field guilt-free.  Well, maybe not entirely guilt-free, but at least I’m getting out there.  In the last few days, I’ve probably spent more hours birding that I usually do in a month.  I’m liking it!

The quest for birds has also given me the opportunity to visit places I haven’t seen in a while.   Today, as the rain lightened to drizzle, with a promise of stopping, I headed to Sooke, one of the most reliable areas in the region for Greater White-fronted Geese.  For years, the John Phillips Memorial Golf Club had a significant wintering flock, so I confidently headed out to tick this species.   It was more than a little confusing when I arrived at the site and couldn’t find the golf course. Had it really been so long that I didn’t remember where it was?  I mean, I understand why I couldn’t find the Tundra Swans yesterday, but how could I misplace a golf course?  Well, it turns out that since the last time I was there, the golf course had been sold for development and no longer exists.  In its place are a lot of houses–and a small greenspace.  I set out to explore the flooded pond, picking up the usual species, but then I saw a new bird across the water.  Wilson’s Snipe!  On a closer look, I found not one or two, but at least sixteen hunkered down on the water’s edge.  This was the largest group of snipe I’ve ever seen in the Victoria area.  The park also looks good for rails, but none were to be seen today.  No geese either, but I have a good line on them for tomorrow!

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As the number of “regulars” dwindles, I hope to spend a lot more time thoroughly exploring birding hotspots and lesser known habitat around the area.  It’s great to get outside!