RBA: RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL in Comox - December 22-Jan 14th

On December 22-2016, while doing the Comox CBC, Shane Tillapaugh found a Female type Red-flanked Bluetail at Lazo Wildlife Park. The bird was first found right beside the parking lot in the beginning of the row of trees on the right side of the parking lot. The ID was not confirmed at the time but several people looked for the bird since then.

On December 29-2016, the ID was confirmed when Guy Monty relocated the bird at 12:40pm. The bird was in the end of the same row of trees in some alders, that back onto agricultural land at Lazo Wildlife Park.

See map for exact location: HERE

Art Martell, Nathan Hentze, Mark Wynja and Dave Baird got on this bird shortly after. The bird was seen clearly but briefly for very short periods of time, with long instances of no one seeing it, between 12:40pm and 2pm. The bird was extremely skulky, stayed low to the ground and disappeared frequently. The bird was calling and it was last seen in the trees where it was originally found on December 22nd, near the parking lot.

See map for exact location: HERE

The bird then flew just before 2pm, into the forested area on the left hand side of the parking lot and was not relocated. The bird was not photographed.

This is the second record for British Columbia and Canada.

On December 30th-2016, the bird was seen in a willow tree that backs onto the agricultural field. The first sighting was at 3:50pm and the second was at 4:45pm. Both views were brief but clear. The bird was not photographed.

Map to the exact location of where the bird was seen on Dec 30th HERE

On December 31st-2016, the bird was seen 100m from the parking lot as it flew from a spruce tree on the forested side (left) of the park. The bird was heard by one observer at 12:40pm, 200m from the parking lot in the same area. At 1:40pm multiple observers got to see the bird in the hedgerow along the agricultural field, about 50 meters closer to the parking lot, from where it was seen on December 30th. It flew into a cedar tree near the parking lot and was briefly visible on the ground under the tree before it disappeared. The bird was heard calling again in the row of spruce trees. The bird was not photographed.

On Jan 1st-2017, multiple observers had good views of the RFBL from 12:20pm until 1:30pm. The bird was perched in the open in the same Willow it was seen in on Dec 30th and 31st. This willow is located down the embankment and backs onto the agricultural field (please see maps above). It called several times and then flew and perched in a salal berry bush by the service building near the parking lot and entrance. The bird was also seen feeding on the ground with Dark-eyed Juncos.

At 10-12pm on Jan 1st-2017, the RFBL showed well to the observers present. It  perched in the open in a cedar tree near the main parking lot and first bench. Good photos were finally obtained!

From 3:30-4pm on Jan 3-4th-2017,  the bird was visible to observers at the base of the alders at the end of the park (on the right hand side of the park, near the agricultural field) which is near the pond.

On January 5-2017, the bird was seen in the willow tree, hedgerow and along the fence on the private property that borders the agricultural field and park between 2:45-2:50pm as it flycatched. The bird allowed for good views and photographs.

On January 7th the bird was seen from 3:10-3:25pm, flycatching along the fence of the green private home that borders the agricultural field and park.

Map to location HERE

The bird continues in Lazo Wildlife Park as of January 8th. It was last seen at 11:50 am for 15 mins, as it flycatched under cedars to the right of the main path near the entrance of the park. It then flew to the fenced hedgerow that is down the embankment and then out of sight.

The bird continues in Lazo Wildlife Park as of January 10th.

The bird was seen at 3:20pm for ten minutes by multiple observers on January 11th. The bird was seen on January 12th.

The bird was last seen in Lazo Park on January 14th. 

Despite multiple observers searching, the bird has not been seen since January 14th.

A video of the bird can be viewed HERE

Directions: Drive all the way down Sand Pines Drive (not crescent) accessed off Lazo Rd and park at the parking lot where the road dead ends.

The address of Lazo Wildlife Park is 968 Sand Pines Drive, Comox, BC

Red-flanked Bluetail in Comox - Photos: George Bowron

RBA: BLACK-HEADED GULL in Delta - Dec 24-March 9th

At 9:45am on December 24th-2016, Ilya Povalyaev found a 1st year Black-headed Gull in a flock of Mew Gulls, at the south end of the turf farm on 72nd St.

The gull was still present as of 4pm, close to the road and viewed by multiple observers with binoculars. Several people photographed the bird today, as it fed on earthworms.

This is the 3rd Black-headed Gull in the province of BC this year.

At 10:30am on December 25-2016, Ken Klimko relocated the bird at the SE corner of the turf farm. The bird was only 30 m from the road and viewable with binoculars. At 3pm on December 25-2016, the bird was last seen in the same location by Douglas Bamford.

The bird was not seen on December 26th.

At 12pm on December 27-2016, the bird was seen once again at the south end of the turf farm.

At 11:20am on December 30-2016, the bird was seen once again at the south send of the turf farm.

At 1pm on January 1-2017, the bird was seen once again at the south send of the turf farm.

At 12pm on January 2-2017, the bird was seen once again at the south send of the turf farm.

The bird was last seen at the south end of the turf farm as of March 9th.

Map to location HERE

This is the 26th record for the province of BC.

Photo: Raymond Ng

1st winter BHGU in flight in Delta - Photo: Ilya Povalyaev

RBA: LESSER GOLDFINCH in Merritt - Dec 18-Jan 28th

On December 18th-2016, during the Merritt CBC, Liis Jeffries found a male Lesser Goldfinch at a seed feeder and nearby birch tree with a flock of American Goldfinches at a private residence at 1721 Hill Street off Lindley Creek Rd. This feeder is located opposite to "Jackson's Welding"and easily viewable from the Rd. Liis was leading the CBC group and several observers got to see the bird.

The bird was seen again at 11:45am on December 21st-2016, by Alan Burger in the same location.This time it was by itself without the American Goldfinch flock and he was able to get some photos.

The bird was seen at 9:30am on December 22nd in the same location by Chris Charlesworth and at a nearby private home feeder on Dec 23rd.

At 11:25am on December 27th, the bird was last seen at Murphy Shewchuk's bird feeder at his private home on the south side of Merritt.

At 2pm on December 28th, the bird was seen at the original location 1721 Hill Street. It was feeding on the catkins of a birch tree in the front yard.

On Jan 1-3, 2017 the bird was seen in Murphy Shewchuk's yard.

When attempting to view this bird please stay off private property and view the bird and feeder from the street. Please be respectful of the private residence.

On Jan 27-28th, the bird was seen once again at the feeder at 1890 Hamilton Ave. This location is open to the public and viewable up the driveway from the road.

The bird has not been seen since January 28th.

Male Lesser Goldfinch in Merritt - Photos: Alan Burger

RBA: BRAMBLING in Port Alberni - December 3-5th

On December 3-2016, Daryl Henderson and Annette Bailey found a Brambling at their home on 7th Avenue, near China Creek Rd in Port Alberni. Over the days that the bird was present, it would only appear for a few minutes at a time. They have not seen the bird since December 5th, when Daryl took the photos.  The bird was always associating with Dark-eyed Juncos and 3 White-throated Sparrows. If the bird returns, the homeowner will be fine with people coming to look for it, as long as people let him know in advance. However, it has not been seen since December 5th. If the Brambling returns, I will update on how the homeowner will like to arrange visitation.

Photo: Daryl Henderson

RBA: HOODED ORIOLE in Surrey - Dec 9th-11th

On December 9th-2016, Andy George observed an adult male Hooded Oriole coming to feed at his backyard hummingbird feeder near 120th St and 96th Ave in Surrey. The bird was present all day and he was able to get some photos through his window.

The bird returned on the morning of December 10th and was present on Dec 11th.

The home is not open for public viewing.

The bird has not been seen since Dec 11th. 

This is the 22nd record for the province of BC.

Photos: Andy George

RBA: SLATY-BACKED GULL in Delta - November 27- Dec 3rd

At 1:40pm on November 27th-2016, Liron Gerstman, who is 16 years old, found a 3rd cycle Slaty-backed Gull in Delta. The bird was in a mixed gull flock in the field on the east side of 72nd St across from the turf farm, which is just north of 36th Ave. The bird is best viewed from the road to the old airport control tower on the north side of the road. The bird was refound by Ilya Povalyaev at 3pm in the same location.

At 9:30am on November 28th, the bird was relocated at the turf farm on 72nd St by multiple observers. At 3:30pm on November 28th, the bird was relocated on the roof of the manure piles, which are located beside the turf farm on 72nd St.

At 12:40pm on November 29th, the bird was relocated by the buildings near the manure piles, which are located beside the turf farm on 72nd St. At 2:45pm on November 29th, the SBGU was present in the field in the middle of the turf farm on 72nd St.

The bird was not seen on November 30th or December 1st, despite multiple observers looking.

At 1:30pm on December 3rd, the bird was relocated by Wayne Weber in a mixed gull flock on the west field of the turf farm at 72nd St.

A video of the bird was taken by Cole Gaerber on Nov. 28th and can be viewed HERE

Map to where bird was last seen on turf farm HERE

Map to original location HERE

The bird has not been seen since December 3rd.

This is the 80th record for the province of BC.

3rd Cycle Slaty-backed Gull - Photo: Mike Tabak

Slaty-backed Gull (note extreme dark mantle in comparison to nearby gulls) - Photo: Ilya Povalyaev

RBA: FERRUGINOUS HAWK in Creston - Nov 26 - Dec 9th

At 2:15 pm on November 26th-2016, Paul Prappas, Carolee Colter and Terry O'Gorman found a first year Ferruginous Hawk while driving along Kootenay River Rd, just south of Creston. The bird was hunting in the farming fields on the right side of Kootenay River Road opposite to Speers Road. They were able to watch the bird for ten minutes before it flew out of view.

The bird was seen on December 8th-2016 by Linda Van Damme in a field across from Speers Rd where Paul Prappas had the bird.

At 11:30 am on December 9th-2016, Craig Sandvig et al. relocated the immature Ferruginous Hawk in the exact same location and the bird was photographed.

The bird has not been seen since December 9th.

Immature Ferruginous Hawk - Photo: Paul Prappas

RBA: FIELD SPARROW in Colwood - November 20-21st

At 8am on November 20th-2016, Ellen and Andy Stepniewski from Washington State, found a Field Sparrow at Esquimalt Lagoon. The bird was foraging in the weeds across from trash can #26 on the lagoon side.

Esquimalt Lagoon is located at 2901 Ocean Boulevard in Colwood, BC.

The bird was photographed by multiple observers.

At 7:45 am on Nov 21st, the bird was seen and photographed by Keith Taylor, on the ocean side of the lagoon in front of trash can #27. There were no further sightings of the bird, despite multiple observers looking.

This is the second record for the province of British Columbia.

Photo: David Marques

Photo: Sharon Toochin

RBA: LUCY'S WARBLER refound in Kelowna! - November 12-19th

At 10:30 am on November 12th - 2016, Chris Charlesworth, Chris Siddle, Ann Gibson and Michael Force refound the Lucy's Warbler at the same location, Sunset Drive Park where it was first found by Michelle Lamberson on September 25th. As they began looking for a reported Green Heron, they pished in a late Least Flycatcher and then the female/immature Lucy's Warbler flew in. The bird was calling and perched in a tree along the south side of Brandt's Creek beside the first viewing platform which is located off Sunset Drive.

Sunset Drive Park is located just north of Rotary Marsh Park. The address is 1055 Sunset Drive, Kelowna

As of Nov 14th, the bird has been moving  between two locations: Sunset Drive Park and Manhattan Drive.

A map for where the bird was seen at Sunset Drive Park is HERE

A map for where the bird was seen at Manhattan Drive is HERE

On Nov 16th the bird was last seen at 12pm at Sunset Drive Park.

On Nov 19th, the bird was briefly seen at 9:30am by Dan Peterson at Sunset Drive Park but not subsequently with multiple observers looking.

The bird was not seen on Nov 20th or 21st, despite multiple observers looking.

This is the second record for the province of British Columbia.

Lucy's Warbler. Manhattan Drive, Kelowna, BC. Nov 14, 2016. Photo: John Gordon.

Lucy's Warbler. Manhattan Drive, Kelowna, BC. Nov 14, 2016. Photo: John Gordon.

Lucy's Warbler. Sunset Drive Park, Kelowna, BC. Nov 12, 2016. Photo: Michael Force.

RBA: BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER on Stubbs Island - November 11th

On the morning of November 11th - 2016, Ian Cruickshank found and photographed a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher on Stubbs Island. The bird was foraging in brooms and roses along the beach on the NW side of the spit which is located on the north side of the island. Stubbs Island is Private and there is No Public Access above the high tide line. This is most likely the same bird first found by Michael Shepard in Tofino on October 28th.

The bird has not been relocated since November 11th.

This is the 19th record for the province of BC.

Photo: Ian Cruickshank

RBA: INDIGO BUNTING in Pemberton - July 5th (LATE REPORT)

On July 5th, 2016, Seth and Ethan Stere and Toby Theriault found a singing adult male Indigo Bunting. The bird was perched on top of a bush in the garden of a private farmhouse located on Pemberton Meadows Rd near the corner of Guthrie Rd. They and other observers were able to observe the bird for 30 mins at close range. Joanna Streetly was able to capture a photo of the bird on her cell phone.

Male Indigo Bunting in Pemberton - Photo: Joanna Streetly

11 year old Toby Theriault was able to field sketch the bird she found:

Beautiful sketch of a Male Indigo Bunting in Pemberton - by Toby Theriault

RBA: BROWN BOOBY in Sooke - November 4th

On the morning of November 4th-2016, Ian Cruickshank and Avery Bartels found an adult Brown Booby sitting on a log several Kms out from Beechey Head at East Sooke Regional Park. The bird sat on a log for 45 mins and they left it there as the log floated west. The bird was photographed.

The bird was not relocated on November 5th.

This is the 12th record for BC.

RBA: RED-THROATED PIPIT in Metchosin - October 30th

On October 30th-2016, David Allinson found a Red-throated Pipit. While he was observing over 150 American Robins flying over head along Swanwick Road. At about 250 metres from the William Head Rd intersection, he heard the distinctive high-pitched flight call and observed the bird in flight. The bird landed in the large field with Sheep on the north side of Swanwick Rd and disappeared. At this point he was not able to relocate it.

Map to location HERE

RBA: BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER in Tofino - October 28th

At 2pm on October 28th-2016, Michael Shepard found a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher at the Tofino Sea Kayaking coffee shop and adjacent coast guard base. The coffee shop is located at 320 Main Street in Tofino.

The Gnatcatcher has not been relocated as of October 29th.

This is the 18th record for the province of BC.

RBA: ROSS'S GOOSE in Victoria - October 24th

At 8:30am on October 24th-2016, Geoffrey Newell found a Ross's Goose. The bird was in a flock of 54 Snow Geese flying SE over Cattle Point in a V formation. The bird was the last bird in the formation and was noticeably smaller than the other Snow Geese with a short stocky head and neck. He was unable to get any photos.

RBA: LARK BUNTING in Port Renfrew - September 5th

At 11:30am on September 5th-2016, Thomas Barbin found and photographed a female Lark Bunting at Botanical Beach in Port Renfrew.  The bird was feeding on the seaweed above the sandy part of the beach at the north end of the sandstone tide pools.

He did not know what the bird was at the time, until photos were reviewed, hence the late report.

This is the 37th record for the province of BC.

Female Lark Bunting - Photo: Thomas Barbin

RBA: RED-THROATED PIPIT near Tofino - October 18th

At 10:15 am on October 18th-2016, Chris Charlesworth found a Red-throated Pipit at the north end of the Tofino Airport runway. The bird was alone and called several times but was then flushed from the grass by a Peregrine Falcon. The bird flew south to the other end of the airport and has not been relocated as of posting time.

RBA: LUCY'S WARBLER in Kelowna - Sept 25th

At 2:40pm on September 25th-2016 Michelle Lamberson photographed a female/immature Lucy's Warbler. She did not know what the bird was at the time hence the late report.

The bird was found in the bushes along the creek at Sunset Drive Park, which is just north of Rotary Marsh Park. The address is 1055 Sunset Drive, Kelowna.

This is the second record for the province of British Columbia.

Photos: Michelle Lamberson

RBA: SUMMER TANAGER in Kelowna - Sept 29th-Oct 1st

At 10:30am on September 29th-2016, Nick Swan found and photographed a male Summer Tanager at Okanagan Mountain Park, which is south of Kelowna. He observed the bird  for 5 mins in trees by the wooden bridge at Deeper Creek which is accessed off the CN trail. The bird then flew off in the direction of the parking lot at Lakeshore Rd. Nick relocated the bird in a nearby tree on the CN trail not far from the original location.

Directions to where the bird was found:

Take Lakeshore Road south from Kelowna into Okanagan Mountain Park. Park in the North parking lot which is off Lakeshore Rd for the Boulder Trail. Take the Boulder Trail which will turn into the CN Trail further up the mountain, it is a 10-15 min long hike. As you hike you will come to a bridge marked "Deeper Creek." The bird was seen in the trees here at Deeper Creek.

Map to location first seen HERE

Map to Parking lot HERE

This hike is not suitable for those with mobility issues. To read a description of the hike and its difficulty level, please click HERE.

This is the first documented record of Summer Tanager for the Okanagan Valley and the 5th record for the province of BC.

The bird was not relocated on Sept 30th.

The bird was relocated and photographed by Roxy Tripp on Oct 1st. The bird was with bluebirds, yellow-rumped warblers and house finches, 2.5 km up the Boulder Trail perched in a tree.

A map to where she saw it is HERE

*Multiple observers looked on Oct 2nd but the bird was not relocated.*

Male Summer Tanager - Photo: Nick Swan

RBA: Chestnut-sided Warbler near Okanagan Falls - Sept 13th

At 9 am on Sept 13th-2016, Richard Klauke found a female/immature type Chestnut-sided Warbler at the Vaseux Lake Bird Banding Observatory. The bird was near the far end of the woods which are north of the banding tent. Doug Brown relocated the bird but it was moving too fast to be photographed. This is the second record for the station.

The bird has not been relocated since Sept 13th.

This is the 65th record for the province of BC.

RBA: Chestnut-sided Warbler in Vancouver - Sept 12th

At 7:30 am on the morning of Sept 12th-2016,  Ilya Povalyaev found a hatch year Male Chestnut-sided Warbler. The bird was located in the bushes across the road from Seasons in the Park Restaurant at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver.

The bird was relocated at 8:50 am in a maple tree in the small quarry directly beneath Seasons in the Park restaurant. The bird was photographed and viewed by several observers.

Despite multiple observers looking the bird has not been relocated since.

Seasons in the Park is located at 4600 Cambie Street near West 33rd Ave.

This is the 64th record for the province of BC. 

Hatch Year Male Chestnut-sided Warbler (Photo: Peter Candido)

Hatch Year Male Chestnut-sided Warbler (Photo: Ilya Povalyaev)

RBA: SCRIPPS'S MURRELETS off the West Coast of Vancouver Island - Sept 7th

On the afternoon of Sept 7th-2016, while doing an offshore NOAA survey, Ryan Merrill et al. found and photographed 4 Scripps's Murrelets along the North edge of Nitinat Canyon.

UTM coordinates for both pairs of birds are as follows:
48.26371, -125.8172 and 48.24874, -125.7996

2 out of 4 Scripps's Murrelets seen at Nitinat Canyon - Photo: Ryan Merrill

RBA: Chestnut-sided Warbler near Golden - Sept -3rd

At 6pm on Sept 2nd-2016, Doug Leighton found an immature male Chestnut-sided Warbler in an apple tree in the front yard of his house in the Blaeberry. Shortly after he relocated it in a red osier dogwood bush, where he was able to obtain a record photo of the bird.

The bird was present once again in his yard on Sept 3rd but was not seen since.

 This is the 63rd record for the province of BC. 

Photo: Doug Leighton

RBA: FERRUGINOUS HAWK in Jaffray - Aug 27th

At 10am on August 27th - 2016, Jessy Loranger et al. found and photographed a Juvenile Ferruginous Hawk. The bird was perched on a telephone pole on the I.D.E.A.L. Ranch, which is private property near the intersection of Jaffray Baynes Lake Rd and Damstrom Rd. The bird was perched for 15min before it took flight. It flew over the ranch several times for at least 5min. He lost sight of it and has not seen it since.

Juvenile Ferruginous Hawk - Photo: Jessy Loranger

RBA: BLACK-HEADED GULL near Sayward - Aug 20th-21st

On August 20th-2016, Andy and Nancy Bock found a Black-headed Gull in Sidney Bay near Sayward while they were out boating. The gull was seen with Mew Gulls and Bonaparte's Gulls on a log boom. They photographed the gulls on August 20th and 21st and 10 days later looked at the shots and discovered that they had captured a provincial rarity! This is the 2nd sighting of a Black-headed Gull in the province this year.

The gps coordinates are 50.516156, -125.601396 and it is only accessible by boat. Estimated travel time to the area by boat from Kelsey Bay near Sayward is 2 hrs.

This is the 25th record for the province of BC.

Photo: Nancy Bock

RBA: Ash-throated Flycatcher near Sechelt - Aug 28th

At 9am on August 28th-2016, Arnold Skei found an Ash-throated Flycatcher at the Wilson Creek Estuary near Sechelt. The bird was seen low in small trees near the concrete culvert sitting on the ground close to the second lookout over the inside section of the mudflats. There is a large sand pile that one can stand on and the bird was seen from there in the row of trees along the water's edge. Arnold returned later that afternoon but could not relocate the bird.

Arnold was able to get some digiscoped photos below:

Photo: Arnold Skei

SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSSES near Cape Scott - August 7th

At 11 am on August 7th-2016, Albert Michaud found and photographed two immature Short-tailed Albatrosses. He was conducting a whale survey at the time for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans near Cape Scott Provincial Park which is off the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island. The UTM coordinates of where he spotted them in flight were 50°27'01.9"N 128°32'57.1"W.

This is the second sighting this year of a Short-tailed Albatross in BC waters. The last one was a sight record on June 12th-2016 by Joseph Morlan. Joseph reported seeing an adult Short-tailed Albatross at UTM 50.582614, -128.858638. That location was near to this sighting about 15 miles SSW of Beresford Island, and slightly further SSE of Sartine Island. That bird was viewed from the Grand Princess Cruise Ship. He was unable to get photos during his brief view and there were no other observers. However, he is experienced with this species and his field notes were extensive.

Immature Short-tailed Albatross near Cape Scott Provincial Park - Photos: Albert Michaud

RBA: BLACK-THROATED SPARROW near Sechelt - August 7-9th

On the morning of August 7th-2016, Cathy McLellan found and photographed an adult Black-throated Sparrow feeding with some Dark-eyed Juncos on the driveway of her private home in Sandy Hook.

The bird was relocated on August 8th at 1:30pm by John Hodges in the same area. The bird was in a bush at the corner of Skookumchuk Rd and Deerhorn Drive.

At 6:15 am on August 9th, Daniele Mitchell relocated the tame bird feeding in the exact same location that John Hodges had it the day before. The bird was by the stop sign at the corner of Skookumchuk Rd and Deerhorn Drive. Please see map below for exact location.

At 12pm on August 9th, the bird was relocated by multiple observers in the same location as it sat in a cedar tree across from the stop sign at the above intersection.

Map to location HERE

The homeowner's property is NOT open to the public. When viewing this bird from the public street please be respectful of private property.

The bird was not seen on August 10th.

Photos: Daniele Mitchell

RBA: Lesser Goldfinch near Okanagan Falls - July 31st

At 6:30am on July 31st-2016, Doug Brown found a male Lesser Goldfinch as he was setting up the mist nets at the Vaseux Lake Bird Observatory's banding station which is situated North of Vaseux Lake. The bird was singing along the net lanes and Doug got a visual of the bird as well.

This area is open to the public.

The bird was not seen on August 1st.

RBA: RED-NECKED STINT in Delta - July 22-26th

Kevin Louth found an adult Red-necked Stint in breeding plumage at 11:46 am on July 22nd-2016. The bird was on the mudflats with some Western Sandpipers off the end of the 96th Street Boundary Bay Dyke in Delta. The bird is still present as of 12:54pm.

At 1:10pm Kevin Louth lost sight of the bird as it flew and the flock split up.

At 7:55am on July 23rd the bird was relocated by Daniele Mitchell and viewed by multiple observers on the mudflats at Boundary Bay at the foot of 88th St. The bird was in a large flock of 600+ Western Sandpipers, Sanderlings and some Black-bellied Plovers.

The bird was relocated at 9:25am by Ilya Povalyaev at the mudflats near the 80th St Pumphouse and is still present as of 9:57am and viewed by multiple observers.

The bird was last seen feeding off the mudflats off 72nd St at Boundary Bay at 10:10am.

At 8pm the bird was relocated on the mudflats off 96th St at the Mansion by Brian Self et al. The bird showed two times very briefly between 8-8:10pm.

On July 24th, the bird was relocated on the mudflats off 96th St at 8:40am and viewed by multiple observers. The bird was last seen at 9:00am.

The RNST was not relocated on the evening of July 24th nor the 25th.

At 11:30am on July 26th, the bird was relocated by Roger Foxall on the mudflats off 104th St in a flock of Peeps and Black-bellied Plovers.

The bird was not seen on July 27th.

The bird was photographed by several observers. A scope is required to view this bird.

 

Photos: Ilya Povalyaev

RBA: CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER in Victoria - July 21-Aug 10th

At 7am on the morning of July 21st-2016, Avery Bartels found an adult Female Chestnut-sided Warbler near the banding nets at Rocky Point Bird Observatory in Victoria. The bird was foraging along shrubs in the area. This location is not open to the public.

On July 25th, the bird was caught in the banding nets at RPBO and Serena Johnston banded the bird.

On August 2nd, David Allison saw the bird in the net lanes. The bird appeared to be in heavy moult and had no tail.

On August 4th, Avery Bartels had the continuing bird which has now been identified as a Second Year Female, after being aged in the hand.

On August 10th, David Allison saw the continuing bird again in the area near to the banding nets at RPBO but it has not been seen since.
 
This is the 62nd record for the province of BC.

Photo credit: Rocky Point Bird Observatory

RBA: WHITE-FACED IBIS in Ladner - July 17th-August 1st

At 2:20pm on July 17th-2016, Wayne Diakow found a single adult White-faced Ibis in worn breeding at Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Ladner. The bird flew by him and perched on a log in the South end of the SouthWest pond at Reifel. This pond is located directly south behind the house pond.

The bird was still present as of 5:30pm and was viewed and photographed by multiple observers.

The bird was relocated at 4:20pm on July 18th as it flew into the middle of the SW pond.

The bird was relocated at 6pm on July 19th in the SW pond and flew to the West Field at 7:30pm.

On July 20th at 9:10am the bird was seen in flight over the ponds.

On July 21st at 8:05 am the bird was seen feeding beneath the blue tower and at 8:10am it flew and began feeding in the middle of the West Field.

On July 22 at 9:00am the Ibis was relocated at Brunswick Point  just past the big bend in Ladner.

**This bird's pattern is that it comes into the Sanctuary during High Tide to feed. If you want to be successful in seeing this bird it is best to visit as close to High Tide as possible.**

On July 31st at 3:30pm, the bird was relocated by Ilya Povalyaev just past the big bend at Brunswick Point in Ladner. At 3:55pm the bird flew North and could not be relocated.

**On August 1st at 5pm, the bird was observed by multiple observers as it flew West past the big bend at Brunswick Point in Ladner.**

Reifel Bird Sanctuary is open every day from 9am until 4pm and admission is 5$ per adult. It is located at 5191 Robertson Rd in Delta.

The bird has not been seen since August 1st.

Photo: Sharon Toochin

Photo: Ilya Povalyaev

RBA: LAUGHING GULL in Sidney - July 7th-15th

At 12:30pm on July 7th - 2016, Kerry Finley found a second cycle Laughing Gull on the outer mudflats at Roberts Bay at The Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Sidney. The bird was actively feeding in a large flock of Glaucous-winged Gulls and a few Mew Gulls and the flock was frequently being flushed by a Bald Eagle. 

At 3pm, Kerry had the bird with some Glaucous-winged Gulls in the SW area of Roberts Bay near the Mermaid Creek Delta off the end of Fifth Street in Sidney.

At 6:20pm, the bird was relocated by Ann Nightingale on the beach at the end of Amherst Ave. Just after 7pm it was seen by multiple observers flying towards Sidney Island but is most likely still in the area.

On July 8th at 12:15pm the bird was relocated by Kerry Finley and observed by multiple observers sitting on the mudflats at the base of 5th Street in Sidney. At 1:15pm the bird was seen flying towards Amherst Ave in Sidney and has not been seen since.

The bird was not seen on July 9th.

On July 10th at 12:30pm, the bird was relocated by David Allison in flight as it flew towards Sidney Island from Roberts Point.

On July 10th at 3:05pm, the bird was last seen by David Fraser in a large feeding frenzy offshore with other gulls and it was visible from Amherst Ave.

On July 11th at 4:30pm, the bird was seen from Amherst Avenue by Geoffrey and David Newell as it flew SE towards Sidney Island. It landed briefly offshore in a gull feeding frenzy.

The bird was not see on July 12th, 13th or 14th.

On July 15th at 7:30pm Daniele Mitchell had the bird in flight as it flew SE past the light beacon at the tip of the Beaufort Street Peninsula, in a flock of California Gulla as he stood on the beach North of the Goddard Rd access in Sidney.

The bird was not seen on July 16th.

This is the first photo documented record for the province of British Columbia! 

Photo: Keith Taylor

Photo: Kerry Finley

XANTUS'S HUMMINGBIRD record from Gibsons now accepted in BC!

Usually the main page is not used for discussing The BC Birds Record Committee decisions, as we have a separate link for that but this 19 year old sighting has been a very controversial and intriguing topic for many. Birders have been awaiting a ruling one way or the other on the Xantus's Hummingbird that showed up in Gibsons On Nov 16, 1997 and now many can be happy that the bird has been ruled on and ACCEPTED to the Provincial List.


For more info and a full account of the original sighting please see HERE

RBA: NORTHERN PARULA in Vancouver - June 21st

At 10:45am on June 21st - 2016, Jaryd Turner found a Male Northern Parula at Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver. The bird was singing just west of the pond along the flooded trail in a Red Alder. It was photographed and last seen flying NW along the flooded trail.

The park is located at 3941 Point Grey Rd in Vancouver.

Map to Location HERE

The bird has not been relocated since.

Photo: Jaryd Turner

RBA: SNOWY PLOVER near Ucluelet - June 18th

At 11:45am on June 18th - 2016, Ian Cruickshank (who has now found 3 Provinical rarities in a week!) found a Snowy Plover at the beach at Florencia Bay near Ucluelet. Florencia Bay is located within Pacific Rim National Park.

Multiple observers got to see the bird and the bird is still present as of 8:25pm on June 18th.

There was no sign of the Snowy Plover on June 19th.

A video of the bird can be viewed HERE

Map to location is HERE

Directions:

Park in the gravel pullout which is on the left hand side of Tofino-Ucluelet Hwy and walk down the Gold Mine Trail through the woods (about 2km) to the beach. Bird was feeding along the shore, on the beach to the left of the path entrance and 150 m East of the Lost Shoe Creek mouth.

If you get to Wick Rd you have gone too far.

This 2 km hike is NOT for those with mobility issues.

This is the 20th record for the province of BC.

Photos: Melissa Hafting

RBA: WHITE-WINGED DOVE in Ucluelet - June 17th

At noon on June 17th - 2016, Ian Cruickshank found a White-winged Dove at 1276 Helen Rd in Ucluelet. The bird is coming to a feeder in the front yard and can be viewed from the road. Please do not go onto the private property when viewing this bird. Please be respectful of Homeowners.

The bird continues as of 8:45pm on June 17th.

There was no sighting of the bird on June 18th.

A video of the bird can be viewed HERE

Photos: Ian Cruickshank

RBA: Northern Parula near Ucluelet - June 15th

On the evening of June 15th-2016, Ian Cruickshank found a male Northern Parula. This location is only accessible by boat. The bird was singing on an island in an oxbow in the river, which is west of a logging road bridge, over the lower Kennedy River. The island is part of Kennedy River Bog Provincial Park and this is where you would access the water from land. The Provincial Park is accessed by land via a logging from Highway #4. It is about a 30 minute paddle from the bridge if one had a non-motorized boat. The bird was found at these coordinates:

49.102929, -125.626606

Map HERE

Ian was able to obtain a recording of the bird. You can listen to the recording HERE

After a dedicated search the bird was not relocated on June 16th.

RBA: SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER in Tofino - June 11th

At 8 am on June 11th, 2016, Mike Wesbrook found a Male Scissor-tailed Flycatcher perched on driftwood and hawking insects at Chesterman Beach in Tofino. The bird was observed for 15 minutes as it repeatedly got mobbed by crows as it moved north down the beach.  

The bird has not been relocated since.


Chesterman Beach is located at 1377 Chesterman Beach Rd in Tofino.

RBA: Ash-throated Flycatcher in Victoria, June 10th

On June 10th at 8am Mike McGrenere found an Ash-throated Flycatcher. He took photos and a recording. The bird was in the low Garry Oaks below the concrete viewing platform by the upper parking lot at Mount Douglas Park in Victoria.

The bird has not been relocated since this initial sighting.

You can listen to a recording of the bird HERE.

Mount Douglas Park is located at 4500 Cedar Hill Rd in Victoria.

Photo: Mike McGrenere

A Stork visits Kelowna - June 9th

Well it may not be a rare bird but it is a special celebration tonight for one of our regional coordinators from The Okanagan. On June 9th, 2016 Chris Charlesworth welcomed his first child into the world in Kelowna. He had a baby boy named Carsen James Charlesworth.

Little Carsen James Charlesworth

Congratulations Chris from all of us at the BC Rare Bird Alert. Thank you to you and all the regional coordinators for all the volunteer work you do here to share sightings to so many in the province.

All the best to you, Cindy and your beautiful new addition to your family.
Melissa