Nooksack Winter Raptor Survey - February 2026

[Stephen Chase]

Hello Whatcom Birds,

Today, my sons Josiah and Ezra joined me on our monthly excursion to traverse the northeast quadrant of lowland Whatcom County in search of raptors, as part of the international Eastern Cascades Bird Alliance's Winter Raptor Survey. We got off to our latest start ever, officially clocking in at 11:02am. We quickly found that this  meant more traffic on the road, including many folks uninterested in enjoying a leisurely drive at speed limit paces in the county on a beautiful Saturday. Within the first hour, we counted at least 4 tailgaters (Impatientia vehicularis), the majority being the pickuptruckus subspecies.

Thankfully, as the afternoon progressed, the traffic lightened, and we could enjoy some birdwatching by vehicle without the immediate threat of a collision. By the time we finished well after 3pm, we agreed: this one was particularly memorable, and for all the right reasons! In the first place, we set a brand-new all time high count for kestrels: 21! This broke our previous high count of 19, which was set just last month. Once again, the Hampton Ponds area along Trapline and Lindsay Roads were golden for these pint-size falcons, but they were widespread throughout our route today. A second memorable moment: wonderful closeup looks at a stunning Rough-legged Hawk on Nims Road. We also had beautiful looks at a number of Red-tails and kestrels, plus an accommodating Merlin on Hillview Road. Perhaps the most exciting theme for this particular survey: no dull moment. We had hardly put our bins down and started driving when another raptor was spotted! The farmland east of Sumas was especially productive. In the end, we counted 130 raptors, well above our survey average of 105. Our total consisted of 25 Red-tailed Hawks, 3 Northern Harriers, 75 Bald Eagles, 4 Cooper's Hawk, and the aforementioned 21 American Kestrels, 1 Rough-legged Hawk, and 1 Merlin.

How about non-raptors, you ask? South of Everson on Massey Road, an enormous mixed flock of Snow Geese and Cackling Geese were associating with a huge long-standing flock of Trumpeter Swans. Western Meadowlarks were heard singing on Hillview Road. We enjoyed great looks at a freshly-molted pair of Northern Shovelers on Trapline Road. Blue sky, fresh snow on Sumas Mountain, warm sunshine, and gorgeous birds. It's hard to beat! 

In Everson,

Stephen Chase