Lesser Black-backed Gull returns for another year

The long-wintering LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL has returned to the Central Okanagan. On Nov 21 it was observed by R. Cannings, A.Bartels, and I.Povalyaev loafing around with 6 other species of gulls (including 1 ad. MEW GULL) at Maude Roxby Sanctuary in Kelowna. This location is at the foot of Francis Ave (off Pandosy St). Most gulls in Kelowna cycle between Maude Roxby and the Glenmore landfill. You can check for it at the dump or find it by checking Maude Roxby frequently, especially in the afternoon when the gulls come to bathe before heading off to roost south of Kelowna.

NORTHERN PARULA in Oliver, BC!

[photo: Jess Findlay]
Inkaneep Provincial Park, Oliver, BC-->
The imm. male Northern Parula originally found by Don Cecile on November 7th, was still present as of Saturday (Nov 18th). There have been no subsequent sightings.

**Watch comments (below) for updates.

LITTLE BLUE HERON in West Kelowna!

[photo credit: Jukka Jantunen]

The juvenile LITTLE BLUE HERON discovered on Thursday in West Kelowna, November 11th was still present on Saturday, November 13th. It seems to move around quite a bit-- mostly seen at the mouth of Powers Creek on Gellatly Road, it has also been found as far north as Pritchard Park to the north (at the end of Pritchard Rd off Boucherie Rd), and off some of the beach accesses to the south off Whitworth Rd. It is fairly tame but please give it some space to it can feel comfortable feeding etc. When at the mouth of the creek it can be easy to overlook when roosting with the gulls as it is a "small white object!"

This is BC's third record of Little Blue Heron, and only the second one that has been photo-documented. First-record for the Okanagan Valley!

**Watch comments (below) for updates.

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER AND BRAMBLING IN Haida Gwaii

For full details, check out my big year blog at: bcbigyear.blogspot.com

Feature birds include: CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, BRAMBLING, and GRASSHOPPER SPARROW.

Photo credit: Jukka Jantunen