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May 3

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Places to Visit and Explore Nature in Stanley Park Ecosystem Guides: Marine Stanley Park Visitor Map: with Park Features, Trails, and Destinations English Bay

Common Loon There are times of special magic along Stanley Park's marine foreshore. The arrival of common loons as they migrate to their summer breeding grounds is one of these special times. The timing of the common loon's Spring Migration ( see Spring Migration Chronolgy ) is synchronized to the onset of Spring. This is not always as obvious as it sounds since fluctuations in weather can influence the arrival of Spring in our area by days and even weeks. However, on average, sightings of common loons in Burrard Inlet increase through April and well into May. Most often small numbers of common loons can be observed scattered across the expanse of English Bay and farther out into Burrard Inlet and the Strait of Georgia. These large members of the loon family Gaviidae will come much closer to shore when food is available and they are relatively free from human and other disturbance. I was fortunate to be on English Bay beach when two common loons swam close to shore. It was a situation where I held my breath and hoped there'd be no sudden disturbance along the shoreline. Fortunately the day was cloudy and cool and there were few people and dogs on English Bay. Over the years I've found that I could approach many seabirds more closely by approaching indirectly, quietly, and being careful not to make any sudden movements. Stillness, patience, and the and the practice of keeping an eye on the bird(s) for any sign of nervousness are keys to getting close to wildlife. The rewards of being close to wildlife are difficult to describe in words. But one feeling that makes the experience so special is that extraordinary sense that somehow, you, as a guest, have been allowed entry into the world another creature inhabits.       Field Guide Entry: Common Loon

Stanley Park Explorer http://www.stanleyparkexplorer.ca Produced by Peter Woods naturalist@stanleyparkexplorer.ca           Revised: May 20, 2011