Hummingbird Homecoming at Richmond Nature Park

Richmond Nature Park (RNP) hosted a "Hummingbird Homecoming" event today that I thought was worthwhile checking out. But I really shouldn't expect anything too exciting for a free event that takes place where few people ever visit (even for the locals) and seems to be targeted more for children than adults. The turnout was pretty poor, I think, but there were two mist-nets set up that provided a bit more activity than just the talk (and extremely short walk) alone.


This male Rufous Hummingbird was gracious enough to be present most of the times guarding his territory in the middle of the garden, thus providing excellent vantage points, too bad it was cloudy this morning.

Besides watching the hummingbird, I took photos of other animals flying around in the park.

European Paper Wasp

Some species of Tachinid Flies (Family Tachinidae). According to my field guide, there are five species of Tachinid Flies that can be found in B.C.


Song Sparrow


Back of a Purple Finch. The finches were more active today than I have ever seen them here in RNP. [Note: These are identified as Purple Finches (rather than House Finches) because of the red over most of the body, the diffusely streaked underpart, and the notched tail. Thanks to Hugh for questioning my original ID. Appreciate it.]






Purple Finches


Dark-eyed Junco




And of course, Black-capped Chickadees






After spending a couple of hours at RNP, I rode the bus to Richmond Public Market (Asian-dominated marketplace) to buy some cheap groceries. This is the scene at the Lang Park next door.