RBA: LESSER GOLDFINCH in Princeton - May 3-5th

At 6 pm on May 2nd - 2017,  Edward Lahaie found a male Lesser Goldfinch at a nyjer feeder at his home in Princeton. This is the third year, that he has had a Lesser Goldfinch in his yard.

The home is open to the public and the address is 460 Auburn Crescent, Princeton. Please knock on the front door before proceeding to the backyard. Please be respectful of the homeowner's property and residences in the area and do not block driveways.

The bird continues as of May 5th.

Male Lesser Goldfinch in Princeton - Photo: Sue Elwell

RBA: LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE near Hope - April 25th

At 10:15 am on April 25th-2017, Guy Monty and Pablo Jost found a Loggerhead Shrike at Hope Slide Rest Area, which is located off Hwy 3 near Hope. The bird was in a cottonwood tree downhill from the restrooms. They photographed the bird and watched it for 10 mins. It was still present when they left.

Map to location HERE

The bird has not been relocated since the initial sighting.

Loggerhead Shrike at Hope Slide - Photo: Guy Monty

PURPLE SANDPIPER Still off Victoria - April 17th-25th

On April 17th, Daniel Donnecke kayaked out to the Trial Islands off Victoria and found the Purple Sandpiper mixed among Black Turnstones.  This sighting comes exactly two months after the last report of the bird viewed on Little Trial Island by scoping from the Victoria shoreline.  Daniel's eBird checklist, including six photos of the Purple Sandpiper, can be viewed here.

It was hoped that a sighting this late in the spring would allow us to see some alternate feathers filling in, but instead the plumage is still drab and further worn.  Hopefully this bird will continue to be sighted and the birding community can document feathers molting in.

The bird continues in basic plumage on Kitty Islat as of April 25th and was last seen by Paul Lehman et al.

Please see previous post HERE on this bird for maps and location information.

RBA: WHITE-TAILED KITE in Metchosin - April 11th

At just after 9:30 am on the morning of April 11th, a White-tailed Kite was observed by David Allinson flying over the Sea Bluff Trail in Metchosin on southern Vancouver Island.  The Sea Bluff Trail is located just south of Witty's Lagoon and can be accessed at the north end off Wootton Rd or the south end off Parry Cross Rd.  The bird was flying over the treetops, so nearby open areas should be checked.  There are many agricultural fields in the area, but good candidate locations include: Swanwick Rd, Taylor Rd, the corner of Happy Valley and Rocky Point Rds, Pears Rd, Witty's Lagoon, Lindholm Rd (just west of Happy Valley Rd) and various fields along Metchosin Rd.  Additionally, scanning from Weir's Beach south towards William Head might be a worthwhile endeavour.

Immaculate record shots are not always an option, but this still works (Photo: David Allinson)

As of April 17, there have been no further reports of this bird, despite some effort to relocate it.

RBA: TUFTED DUCK in Richmond - April 9-14th

At 7:50am on April 9th, 2017, an adult male Tufted Duck, first reported by Jim Palmer, was found in the SE inner pond at Iona Island Regional Park. Multiple observers saw the bird into the afternoon. To gain access to the inner ponds, please contact Jude Grass at judegrass@shaw.ca for the code needed to unlock the gates. The park is located at 945 Ferguson Road in Richmond, and it is open from 7am until 8pm. 

The bird was still present in the SE inner pond on April 10th, 11th, and 14th. The bird appears to move between the ocean and the inner ponds, and on April 13th it was with a scaup flock on the ocean south of the South Jetty.

Photo: Mike Fung

BLACK PHOEBE at Maber Flats near Brentwood Bay - April 8-15th

At around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 8 a Black Phoebe was at Maber Flats near Brentwood Bay on southern Vancouver Island.  The bird was located at the east end of the central dikes - walking the southern of the two dikes is the best option to end up closest to the bird.  The bird was seen on the closest fence line, which is approximately 200 metres away.  There is a cottonwood tree in the field with a wooden telephone pole in front to the left, and the phoebe was seen on a fence line in front and to the left of the telephone pole.  The bird has been sighted with regularity from Highfield Rd recently, although some have had luck at the end of Meadowbank Rd.  The bird was originally found by Jeremy Gatten and has already been seen by multiple observers and record photos have been obtained.

The Black Phoebe was present as of Saturday (April 15) in the same area.  The bird moves around, so patience, constant scanning, and listening for its call will help in tracking it down.

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

If only are rarities were so distinct - picture perfect Black Phoebe (Photo: Jody Wells)

RBA: TUFTED DUCK in Squamish - April 6th

At 10 am on April 6th-2017, Chris Dale and Chris Murrell found an adult male Tufted Duck at the Squamish River Estuary. The bird was 200m out in the Central Channel of the Estuary with a flock of 40-50 Lesser Scaup and Ring-necked Ducks, halfway between the end of “The Spit” which is Squamish River Spit Rd and the Squamish Terminals Deep Sea Port.

The bird was viewed by multiple observers and was last seen in the same location as of 3pm. The Tufted Duck could not be relocated on April 7, and approximately only half of the scaups present the day before remained.

Map to exact location HERE

A video of the bird taken by Chris Dale can be viewed HERE

This is a first record for the Squamish-Lillooet region.

Photo: Chris Dale

RBA: INDIGO BUNTING in Port Alberni - March 22-April 18th

At 2 pm on March 22nd, 2017, Sandy McRuer found a first-cyle male Indigo Bunting at a private home at 4950 Nicholas St (near the corner of Pineo St). The bird was relocated at 11:45 am on March 23rd by Penny Hall and photographed at the same location. The bird returned to the wide silo feeder, 3 times while she was visiting.  

Multiple observers saw the bird today and it was last seen at the same location at 4:15pm.

The bird continues at this location as of April 18th.

The homeowner is ok with people viewing the bird and feeder from the public road, as the feeders are about 10 feet from the road. If you go, please be respectful of the homeowner's property and private residences in the area. Please do not block any driveways when you park to view this bird.

Map to Location: HERE

 A stunning first-cycle male Indigo Bunting in Port Alberni - Photo: Lee Barlow

First-cycle male Indigo Bunting in Port Alberni - Photo: Roger Beardmore

RBA: TUFTED DUCK in Vancouver - March 14-19th

At 5:15pm on March 14th, Daphne Lang found a 2nd Year adult male Tufted Duck with Lesser Scaup on the swimming pool at New Brighton Park in Vancouver. She was unable to obtain a photograph at this time. The bird was relocated at 9:35 am on March 15th by Mike Tabak and photographed. The swimming pool is under-construction and the birds are using it undisturbed.

New Brighton Park is located at 3201 New Brighton Rd in Vancouver. 

Map to location HERE

This is a different bird than the one seen this year at Iona.

The bird continues in the same location as of March 19th.

The bird was not seen on March 20-21st.

2nd Year Male Tufted Duck - Photo: Brian Stech

2nd Year Male Tufted Duck - Photo: Mike Tabak

RBA: SAGEBRUSH SPARROW in Osoyoos - Feb 21st

On the morning of Feb 21-2017, Doug Brown found a singing Sagebrush Sparrow on the Osoyoos Canal Trail. The bird gave good views as it responded to playback. The bird was just north of 74th Street near the first access after the parking lot near Osoyoos Secondary School.

Map to location: HERE

This is one of several birds that Doug Brown has found in the area at this time of year. Doug believes that these birds are probably annual in Osoyoos but they're very early migrants. Due to this fact, the area of sagebrush habitat they prefer, is not widely covered by birders since it is almost completely devoid of birds at this time of year.

Despite multiple observers looking on Feb 22nd and 23rd there has been no sign of the bird.

RBA: REDWING in Victoria - Feb 11-April 10th

At 12:15pm Jeremy Gatten found a Redwing in the holly tree in the lane behind the condos at 3957 South Valley Drive. The bird is singing as well indicating it's a male. This is most likely the same bird that was present at this location on Dec. 16, 2013 and from  Dec 19th, 2015 to April 14th, 2016. Multiple observers got to see the bird and it was photographed.

Map to location HERE

It is usually seen in the holly tree, opposite to condo #2, in the lane behind 3957 S Valley Drive.

The bird was last seen at this location on April 10th.

Please be respectful of the homeowners in the area, as the bird is down a narrow lane.

This is the third record for the province of British Columbia and an ABA Code 4 bird.

This year the bird is far more cooperative for photos and singing - Photo: Lee Barlow

This beautiful Redwing has returned to the same spot for 3 years! - Photo: Mark Wynja

RBA: SLATY-BACKED GULL in Nanaimo - Feb 7-21st

At 12:45pm on February 7th-2017, Blair Dudeck found and photographed an adult Slaty-backed Gull at the Nanaimo River Estuary. The bird was in a mixed Gull flock along the river near the parking lot on Raines Rd.

At 12:15pm on Feb 8th, the bird was relocated in the same location by Guy Monty. The bird appeared to fly in from the direction of the landfill. The bird was viewed by multiple observers and then flew at 1:15pm.  The gull was lost in flight and no one was able to see which direction it went.

At 8:25am on Feb 9th, the bird was viewed by Garrett Beisel in the same location.

The gull continues in the same location as of Feb 13-19th

Please be respectful of the First Nations Reserve in the area as Raines Road runs through the Snuneymuxw First Nations Reserve. People should NOT bird along Raines Rd in front of the houses, or stop there. This bird can be viewed from the parking lot at the end of Raines Rd, which is outside of the Reserve, and is public property.

Map to location: HERE

On Feb 18th, Guy Monty relocated the Slaty-backed Gull at the Landfill on Cedar Rd. Located at 1105 Cedar Road.

Map to location: HERE

On Feb 19th, the bird was relocated once again back at the Nanaimo River Estuary. It was viewed by scope off the end of Raines Rd. 

On Feb 20-21st the bird was seen back again at the Landfill on Cedar Rd.

This is the second Slaty-backed Gull in the province, during the 2016/2017 winter season.

The bird has not been seen since Feb 21st. 

This is the 81st record for the province of BC.

Adult Slaty-backed Gull - Photos: Jeremy Gatten

RBA: PINK-FOOTED GEESE in Saanich and Duncan - Jan 18-March 19th

At 1:30pm on January 22-2017, Liron Gerstman, who is 16 years old, found 2 Pink-footed Geese (1 adult and 1 in formative plumage) in a flock of 200 Dusky Canada Geese. The birds were in a grassy field on the east side of the path. Access to the field is on Lochside Dr. north of Dooley Rd. Multiple observers saw and photographed the birds in the same location as of 4:45pm.

It discovered today that on January 18th, John Peetsma photographed 2 Pink-footed Geese in the same location. However, at the time they were identified as Greater-white Fronted Geese.

Map to location on Lochside Dr, north of Dooley Rd is HERE

At 8:10am on January 23rd, the birds were seen in a mixed flock of 500 Canada Geese on the south side of Martindale Rd. The birds were still present as of 5pm.

The birds continue in the same field and in the field off Dooley Rd, as of January 26th.

On Jan 27th the birds continue in the original field (see above map)

Map to location on Martindale Rd is HERE

The birds were not seen on Jan 28-30th.

On the morning of Jan 31st, the bird was refound by Mike McGrenere in a field in a mixed goose flock off the Lochside Trail. The birds were viewed from the Blenkinsop Trestle. They were not present in the afternoon.

Map to location of Geese HERE

At 9:45 am on Feb 1st the geese were relocated back at the field south of Martindale Rd and continued there all day.

The birds continue in the same location as of Feb 2nd.

Map to location on Martindale Rd is HERE

On Feb 4th, the birds were relocated in the field north of St Margaret's School in Victoria. Please do not enter school grounds from Mon-Friday during school hours. At 3:15pm they flew from the school and were last seen iin the north field of Galey Farms at 4:15pm. Galey farm is located at 4150 Blenkinsop Rd in Victoria.

From 3-5:20pm on Feb 9th, the birds were once again relocated in the field north of St Margaret's School in Victoria. The school is located at 1080 Lucas Ave, Victoria. Please do not enter school grounds during school hours (Mon-Fri). The birds can also be viewed off the dead end of Beckwith Ave.

On Feb 10th, the birds were seen in a field on the west side of 4335 Blenkinsop Rd. The birds were 300 metres west of the road and allowed for good scope views.

On Feb 11-14th the birds were relocated in a field off the Lochside Trail south of Lohbrunner Rd where the trail goes from pavement to gravel.

Map to location HERE

On March 3rd, Darryl Johnston reported seeing the birds on Cherry Point Rd in Duncan. On March 4th, Derrick Marven reported seeing the birds this morning in the fields between Koksilah Rd and Wilmot Rd on the east side of the highway. The birds were flushed by a drone around 10:30 am and were later spotted at 11 am in Victoria. This would explain their absence in the Victoria area since Feb 14th.

On March 5th, Jason Kimm et al. relocated the Geese in a field on Cherry Point Rd near Cowichan Bay Rd.

Map to location HERE

The Geese were not relocated on March 6th.

On March 9th, Mike McGrenere relocated the Geese in a field North of and behind St. Margaret's School in Victoria. The school is located at 1080 Lucas Ave, Victoria. Please do not enter school grounds during school hours (Mon-Fri). The birds can be viewed by scope off Valewood Trail Rd at Valewood Park.

On March 10-12th, the Geese continued in a field with 10 Great White-fronted Geese off the east side of the the Lochside Trail. The birds were viewable from the north end of the Blenkinsop Trestle Bridge. They were last seen in a field to the west of Blenkinsop Lake near the northern most high voltage power line mast (where the power line changes direction).

The birds continue on March 18th in the fields north of Lohbrunner Rd at Blenkinsop Lake.

Map HERE

On March 19th, the birds were relocated in a field with Canada Geese off Island View Rd near McHugh Rd in Saanich.

The birds were not seen on March 20-21st.

Please be respectful of private farmland and do not walk in the fields. Please scope or view the birds from the path/road only.

This is a first record for the Province of British Columbia and the record has been accepted by the BC BRC.

Halluces are present on both of these Pink-footed Geese - Photo: Jody Wells

One Formative and One Adult Pink-footed Goose in Saanich - Photo: Liron Gertsman

RBA: LESSER GOLDFINCH in Abbotsford - January 7-16th

At 2:45pm on January 7th-2017, Chris Buis found a male Lesser Goldfinch at his Gazebo feeder at the SW corner of his hotel "The Brookside Inn" located at 2379 Chardonnay Lane in Abbotsford. The property is open to the public but please do not point binoculars or camera lenses at the hotel windows which could disturb hotel guests.  Also, please remember to keep your voices down when visiting the property. The bird is actively feeding at the gazebo feeder near the main door in the parking area. Best viewing is from the parking area.

Map to location HERE

The bird has not been seen since January 16th.

Photo: Nobert Sharp

RBA: RED-THROATED PIPIT in Victoria - January 5-9th

At 11:30am on January 5-2017, Ann Nightingale saw and heard a Red-throated Pipit fly over calling three times at Martindale Flats. The bird was with a Killdeer and both were being pursued by a falcon. The bird flew from Michell Airpark towards cornfields that are north of Martindale Rd. At 4:30pm, Ann relocated the bird once again at Martindale Flats. The bird was in the stubble field just north of the Michell Airpark with American Pipits. She had it in the scope for 10 seconds before it headed into deeper grass. The bird was not photographed.

At 11:30am on January 6-2017, Randy Dzenkiw relocated the RTPI in the Northeast field at Martindale Rd and Lochside Dr.  Multiple observers got to view the bird up until 12:30pm. The bird was photographed.

Map to location HERE

At 12pm on January 7-2017, the bird was seen and heard calling by Guy Monty, as it landed in a field just past the Michell Airpark. It was not relocated after this sighting.

At 3:30pm on January 9th the bird was heard by Ann Nightingale as it flew towards Martindale Rd from Lochside Dr.

The bird was not seen since January 9th.

Photo: Randy Dzenkiw

 


RBA: PURPLE SANDPIPER in Victoria - Dec 30-Apr 25th

At 3:45pm on December 30th, 2016 - Jeremy Gatten found a 1st cycle Purple Sandpiper at Kitty Islet in Victoria. The bird was relocated on Dec 31st-2016 by Daniel Donnecke at the Victoria Golf Course and photographed. On January 2nd, 2017 the bird was refound once again at the original location at Kitty Islet. On January 3rd, 2017 the bird was seen once again at Kitty Islet by several observers throughout the day, where it fed on the rocks with various shorebirds. The bird was photographed in flight on Jan 2 and 3rd, which helped aid in identification. Photos of the wing shots that helped aid in the identification can be viewed on page 1 HERE

The same bird may have been photographed as early as September 29th-2016 on Trial Island by Marie O'Shaughnessy. She photographed a similar looking shorebird with orange legs and bill. She did not identify it as a Purple Sandpiper on this date. The same bird may also have been photographed once again by Geoffrey Newell at the Victoria Golf Course on November 28th-2016. He noted the bright and extensive orange colour on the legs and bill. At the time, the bird was not identified as a Purple Sandpiper.

The bird continued at Kitty Islet up until January 6th.

The bird was not seen on January 7th.

The bird was seen on the morning of January 8th at Kitty Islet but there were no subsequent sightings throughout the day.

The bird was seen at 7:35 am on January 10th at Kitty Islet.

The bird was seen from 9:45-10:20am on January 11th by multiple observers at Kitty Islet. The bird flew towards Trial Island and was not seen the rest of the day.

The bird was present for less than ten minutes at 9:30am on January 12th before flying off towards Trial Island.

At 4:15pm on January 14th, Chris Charlesworth and Ian Cruickshank relocated it on the NW end of Little Trial Island. The bird was viewed from McMicking Point. A scope was required.

At 12pm on January 17th, David Fraser viewed the bird on Little Trial Island through a scope from McMicking Point for ten mins before it flew out of sight.

At 1:15pm on January 20th, Sharon and Mike Toochin viewed the bird on Little Trial Island through a scope for 15 mins from McMicking Point. At 2:50pm the bird flew directly onto McMicking Point and remained there in close view until 3:25pm. The bird then flew to Kitty Islet, where it stayed in close range and viewable with binoculars until 4:15pm.

At 11:20 am on January 21st, the bird was seen at Kitty Islet, where it was viewable with binoculars. At 11:35 am it flew to Little Trial Island, where it was still present and viewable by scope as of 12:30pm.

The bird continued on Little Trial Island on Jan 23rd..

The bird continued on Kitty Islet on Jan 24-25th.

On Jan 28th, the bird was seen on Trial Island and on Little Trial Island. The bird was seen by multiple observers throughout the day (a scope is required).

The bird was not seen Jan 29-Feb 1st.

At 1:30pm on Feb 7th, the bird was seen by Val George at Kitty Islet for 10 mins before it flew to Trial Island.

The bird was present on Feb 17th and again on April 17th at Little Trial Island.

The bird was last seen on April 25th on Kitty Islet as viewed by Paul Lehman et al.

*Note that at this point in time, the best viewing coincides with a low tide.*

Kitty Islet is located at 568 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC

Map to location HERE

This is the first record for British Columbia and the second record for the Pacific Coast in the ABA.

Photo: Melissa Hafting

Photo: Peter Candido

RBA: TUFTED DUCK in Richmond - Jan 1-March 13th

At 10:30am on January 1st-2017, Ben Keen found an adult male Tufted Duck in the SE inner pond at Iona Regional Park. Multiple observers saw the bird after this in the NE and SE inner ponds and it was photographed. To gain access to the inner ponds a gate code is needed. Please contact Jude Grass at judegrass@shaw.ca to obtain the code. The park is located at 945 Ferguson Rd in Richmond and is open daily from 7am-5pm.

The bird was seen in the NE inner pond on Jan 2nd.

On January 10th, the bird was seen off the Iona causeway and throughout the day in the NE inner pond.

On January 13th, the bird was seen off the Iona causeway.

On January 14th, the bird was seen at 2:30pm off the Iona South Jetty by the first shelter.

On January 15th, the bird was seen off the Iona causeway, in the NE inner pond and by the 1st shelter on the south jetty in a Scaup flock.

On January 19-23rd, the bird was seen in the SE inner pond.

On March 4th, the bird was relocated by Peter Candido in the NW inner pond.

The bird continues in the NW inner pond as of March 13th.

Photo: Alberto Vilca

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.