Thursday – May  27th

We meet in Princeton, BC at 11.30 am. and drive through the town on our way to Separation Lakes.

While the colony of Chimney Swift no long have any where to roost in Princeton since the hotel burnt down, we will look for swallows on the river and there is always the possibility of Evening Grosbeak.

En route to Separation Lakes we will see Western and Mountain Bluebirds, Western Meadowlark, various warblers, ducks and raptors. At Separation Lakes there are many more duck, shorebirds, Wilson’s Phalarope, Black Tern and many sparrows.

After several hours of birding and a picnic by the lake, we will continue on towards Osoyoos, stopping for our first wine tasting at the Seven Stones Winery.

Arriving late afternoon in Osoyoos, we will head for our hotel and spend a little time with a slide show on the birds we have seen today and some we hope to see tomorrow.

Friday – May 28th

We start our day early, leaving the hotel around 5.45. After a much needed stop to get coffee we head to Road 22.

As soon as we pull onto this road the birding heats up. Yellow-headed, Red winged & Brewer’s blackbirds abound in the marsh, Swallows, Common Yellowthroat, flycatchers and Sora are also among the reeds. Common Snipe sit on the lamp posts and Osprey next on the platforms.

A few yards further and we have amazing views of Bobolink and many sparrows – including Grasshopper Sparrows, if we are lucky.

Working our way down the road we get to a dyke where will have breakfast, before walking that area for warblers, terns, orioles, Catbirds, Lark Sparrow and Say’s Phoebe.

Then up to the Throne for a hike under the cliffs where we will see, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Lazuli’s Bunting, Eastern Kingbird, Western Kingbird, Lewis’ Woodpecker and White throated Swift.

After a picnic lunch on the hillside over looking the Burrowing Owl Winery and the whole valley below, we will drive up to Okanagan Falls. Following an old logging road we will stop on along the way for many woodland species.

Saturday May 29th

Another early start at 5.45 as we drive to Oliver and turn onto Mackenzie Road.

First stop comes immediately at a Bank Swallow colony where there is also a chance for Grey partridge and Screech Owls.

Then we wind our way along Mackenzie Road stopping for a picnic breakfast at a spot where Curlew is almost a given, along with Vesper, White-crowned, and Brewer’s sparrows, in a beautiful area of sagebrush flats.

This road continues all the way to Mt Baldy ski area – there are numerous points to stop along the way for woodpeckers, warblers, hummingbirds (including Calliope and maybe Black Chinned) and an absolute must, Gray Flycatcher.

Near the summit we will have a picnic lunch before descending the far side, watching all the way for bears and moose.

As we drive back down into Osoyoos, stopping for some spectacular views, we will take the opportunity for some gulling en route.

For those feeling wealthy, we recommend the Burrowing Owl Restaurant for dinner tonight – which has one of the most spectacular settings for dinner we have ever experienced.

Sunday May 30th

This morning could offer a visit to a local banding station, depending on the weather and their schedule.

If not, we will go to a small secluded lake for a walk, some birding and an outdoor breakfast.

We will then meander back through the valley towards Princeton where will walk a railway track for another chance at Evening Grosbeak and a number of hummingbirds.

After a picnic lunch we will drive back towards Vancouver, finishing our trip in Manning Park for some more warblers, sapsuckers and, if we are lucky, a three toed woodpecker.