RBA: ARCTIC LOON in Qualicum Beach - Nov 25-28th

At 9 am on Nov 25-2020, Guy Monty found an immature Arctic Loon off Little Qualicum Estuary. The bird was seen in good light via spotting scope 250 m off shore in a flock of Pacific Loons. The flock was unfortunately flushed by Bald Eagles and the bird was last seen flying further into the straight, 4km off shore with Pacific Loons. Guy was able to obtain photos but due to distance they are not conclusive but suggestive. His worded description is consistent with Arctic Loon and the observer is careful and proficient. 

Map to exact location where bird was seen HERE

This is the 3rd photographed record for BC.

The bird was relocated in the same location on Nov 28th but still was too distant for conclusive photos. Mark Wynja and other birders present noted that the bird showed prominent white sides to its flanks at all times, while viewing it, as it swam leisurely.

**The bird was not relocated on Nov 29th, despite multiple observers looking.**

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 metres apart when viewing this bird. Please follow all public health directives (including not birding in groups) during this pandemic. The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

***There is a public health order effective now until Feb 6, 2021 restricting non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. It also requires you to limit those you gather with to your core bubble. You can read it HERE***

**eBird's statement on how to bird mindfully during the pandemic can be viewed HERE**

RBA: DICKCISSEL in Saanich - Nov 25th

At 8 am on Nov 25-2020, Chris Saunders heard a Dickcissel call 8 times. He was able to record it as the bird flew over him as it headed towards Nelthorpe Rd. He was standing on the Aspen Loop Trail near Tuesday Pond when he heard the bird.

Map to location of where bird was last heard is HERE 

Birders should look all around Swan Lake for this bird in sparrow flocks and also watch the feeders at the nature house.

A recording of the bird can be heard HERE

This is the 28th record for BC.

The bird has not been relocated on Nov 26th, despite multiple observers looking.

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 metres apart when viewing this bird. Please follow all public health directives (including not birding in groups) during this pandemic. The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

***There is a public health order effective now until Feb 6, 2021 restricting non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. It also requires you to limit those you gather with to your core bubble. You can read it HERE***

**eBird's statement on how to bird mindfully during the pandemic can be viewed HERE**

RBA: COMMON POCHARD in Victoria - Nov 8-27th

At 11 am on Nov 14-2020, Jody Wells found a male Common Pochard at Summit Park Reservoir in Victoria. The bird seemed to be loosely associating with Ring-necked Ducks. The bird was first photographed unknowingly on Nov 8th by Les Peterson.

Map to location HERE

Both legs of this bird are unbanded. This is the 2nd record for British Columbia.

The bird was last seen in the same location on Nov 27th and was viewed by multiple observers. 

*The bird was not seen on Nov 28th, despite multiple observers looking.*

A news story on the bird can be viewed HERE

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 metres apart when viewing this bird. Please follow all public health directives (including not birding in groups) during this pandemic. The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

***There is a public health order effective now until Feb 6, 2021 restricting non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. It also requires you to limit those you gather with to your core bubble. You can read it HERE***

**eBird's statement on how to bird mindfully during the pandemic can be viewed HERE**

Common Potchard Drake in Victoria - Photo: Keith Taylor

Common Pochard Drake in Victoria - Photos: Jody Wells

RBA: TUFTED DUCK in Duncan - Nov 8/20-March 22/21

At 10:40 am on November 8-2020 during a Coastal Waterbird Survery, Gerard Duncan found a male Tufted Duck at the sewage lagoons in Duncan. There is no public access inside the lagoons but birders can view the bird through the fence from the elevated trail off Wharncliffe Rd that gives a good view over most of the sewage lagoon.

Map to location HERE

On Jan 1, 2021 was seen at the Herd Rd Fields HERE. 

On March 22, 2021 the bird continued in the original location at the sewage lagoons and was viewed by multiple observers.

**As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 metres apart when viewing this bird. Please follow all public health directives (including not birding in groups) during this pandemic. The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

***There is a public health order effective now until Feb 6, 2021 restricting non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. It also requires you to limit those you gather with to your core bubble. You can read it HERE***

**eBird's statement on how to bird mindfully during the pandemic can be viewed HERE**

Tufted Duck in Duncan - Photo: Mark Wynja