Hike to Bowen Lookout on Cypress Mtn to see Canada Jays!
Young Birders atop Cypress Mountain at Bowen Lookout! - Photo: Evan Larson
We had a lovely Young Birder hike up to Bowen Lookout at Cypress Provincial Park in West Vancouver on Saturday June 22nd, 2024. We met at the parking lot beside the ski lodge under cloudy but more importantly dry skies. As the kids were arriving we were greeted by a singing Fox Sparrow, a scarce local breeder and the rare (for Vancouver) Slate-colored Fox Sparrow. Some of the youth also spotted Rufous and Anna’s Hummingbirds, Dark-eyed Juncos, and Red-breasted Sapsuckers nearby, with several flyovers of Violet-green Swallows and Band-tailed Pigeons.
Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) on Cypress - Photo: Ruth Liu
Once all the youth had arrived, we began our walk along the lovely trail around Yew Lake. Townsend's Warblers and Chestnut-backed Chickadees were common and vocal, with multiple restless Pine Siskin flocks drifting from treetop to treetop, along with several singing Varied and Hermit Thrushes.
Townsend’s Warbler on Cypress - Photo: Paul Jacques
Young Birders hiking on Cypress Mountain - Photo: Evan Larson
A juvenile Peregrine Falcon rocketed by over a distant ridge, and a singular Vaux's Swift also flew overhead. Continuing up towards Bowen Lookout after a quick snack, we picked up Warbling Vireo, had nice views of Golden-crowned Kinglets, and a singing Wilson's Warbler. Once we reached the breathtaking lookout, we were almost immediately greeted by Canada and Steller's Jays, all looking for a snack.
Steller’s Jay on Cypress - Photo: Alex Perris
Steller’s Jays at Cypress delighted the youth! - Photo: Evan Larson
Young Birders feeding Jays at Cypress - Photo: Evan Larson
The youth were all happy to spend lots of time feeding the jays and taking lots of pictures, since the birds up there are so photogenic. There were two juvenile Canada Jays, indicating some successful breeding there this summer, who were learning their vocal repertoire and making all kinds of bizarre sounds which was so cute to listen to. They were also still learning to trust handouts, as the parents comfortably would feed off your hand, but the young ones were much less confiding. We sat and had some lunch and enjoyed the view and the friendly birds and chipmunks for a little while longer before heading back down the mountain.
Juvenile Canada Jay on Cypress - Photo: Evan Larson
Canada Jay feeding from the hand at Bowen Lookout with a Steller’s Jay in the background on Cypress Mountain - Photo: Evan Larson.
Canada Jay on Cypress - Photo: Markus Duhme
On our way back down we had many of the same birds as on the way up, as well as a few singing Swainson's Thrushes, which were interesting for this elevation. Since we had a bit of time left, we walked a little ways up a ski run to see what else we could pick up and found Northern Flickers, White-crowned Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, a Yellow-rumped Warbler, and uncommon for here was a singing Chipping Sparrow. We then made our way back towards the lodge where we finished up the walk. Thanks to all that came out! - Evan Larson
Chipping Sparrow on Cypress Mountain - Photo: Toby Ye
Young Birders looking at birds on Cypress - Photo: Evan Larson
