27 Dec -- SMEW in Haida Gwaii

The Massett Christmas Bird Count in Haida Gwaii was held today and a drake Smew has been reported. The bird was found with a flock of Mallards in Massett by Martin Williams. The bird was not relocated on 28 Dec.

Lesser Black-backed Gull in Kelowna

An adult winter LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was found at the Maude Roxby Bird Sanctuary at the foot of Francis Ave in Kelowna the afternoon of Dec 26 (Chris Charlesworth & Ryan Tomlinson). While very rare throughout the province, this species is now annual in the Okanagan Valley. This represents the first record of Lesser Black-backed Gull in the valley so far this winter. In a late report, we've learned that what appears to be this same bird was photographed on the ice with other gulls at Robert Lk in Kelowna, on Dec 23 (Stu Weir).

                                                      Photo by Chris Charlesworth

RBA: TUFTED DUCK IN OSOYOOS

A female or immature TUFTED DUCK was found today along Lakeshore Dr. in S.E. Osoyoos. Bird was seen between Osoyoos Lk Regional Park and the Oasis RV Park. Found by Doug Brown on Dec 24.

LITTLE GULL--Ambleside Park, West Vancouver.

On the evening of Dec 21st, around 4:00pm Jeremiah Kennedy, Jess Findlay, and Ian Thomas located an adult winter plumage Little Gull feeding with a flock of around 60 Bonaparte's just off the rock jetties and wharfs at Ambleside  Park in West Vancouver. The bird was seen well for approximately 20 minutes before it got too dark to view. The bird was relocated again on the 22nd and 23rd spending time with Bonaparte's along the seawall and Capilano River mouth as well. If people are going to look for it, I would suggest a scope for optimum viewing. For those unfamiliar with the species, look for a small gull with dark underwings and white primaries hanging out with the Bonaparte's.

SCARLET TANAGER in Williams Lake

Phil Ranson has reported a Scarlet Tanager in Williams Lake.  The bird was reported as a "mystery bird" on the Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 16th; Phil confirmed the sighting today and obtained a couple of good photos.  The home-owner is fine with birders coming to see the bird, but Phil has offered to regulate things for the time being by being the source of details about where to find the bird.  So, if you'd like to look for the tanager, you can call or email Phil (250-398-7110, ranson1@telus.net).

Scarlet Tanager, Williams Lake, 19 Dec 2012.  photo Phil Ranson

Revelstoke BRAMBLING still present to at least April 4!!

RBA: BRAMBLING continues in Revelstoke. Dec 17 to April 2 (Darlene Cancelliere). The bird is visiting a feeder in apple tree in front yard at 407 Edward St. Visitors welcome.

                                          Photo by Darlene Cancelliere

Dec 17 Slaty-backed Gull in Chilliwack

A Slaty-backed Gull was observed and photographed in Chilliwack this afternoon. For more info and pictures click Here

Dec 16 to Jan 10, RBA: BRAMBLING in Summerland. 

This bird, a winter plumage male Brambling, was found on Penticton's Christmas Bird Count, December 16, by Tom Lowery and Robyn de Young. The bird is frequenting their feeder in the Trout Creek area of Summerland. The address is 5816 Nixon Rd. You can see the feeder from the road. Please respect private property and note that this is very close to an elementary school so please use caution while driving. The homeowners say it is best to avoid the time between 8 & 9 AM as the area is very busy with kids coming to school. Most recently, bird was present between 11:15 and 11:25 AM on Jan 10 (Mike Force).

14 Nov - 21 March -- CITRINE WAGTAIL in COMOX!!!

Update: still present March 21

Photos of the Comox wagtail have now been taken by several observers (18th Nov, am) and clearly show a first winter Citrine Wagtail! This bird was first found on Nov 14th by David and Adele Routledge and seen again and photographed on the 17th. Congratulations to the finders of this first Canadian and second North American Record, and thanks to members of the local birding community who initiated contact with the landowner to permit access to the site.

First winter Citrine Wagtail, Comox, 18th Nov 2012 (photo: Jeremy Gatten)

Diagnostic features supporting the identification include an overall pale and light grey bird with a lack of any olive or brown tones on the upperside. The absence of any breast markings, extensive white tips to the median and greater coverts forming two bold white wing bars, pale lores, a bold white supercilium and white undertail coverts are also useful for separating this bird from both 1st winter Yellow and White Wagtails. The most distinctive feature, however, is the "open" face pattern showing only slightly dark auriculars bordered posteriorly by a neat whitish crescent.

Direction to the site are as follows: From Courtenay, take 17th St heading east out of town. Cross the bridge and turn right. Continue towards Comox approximately 500m to the second dirt track on the left. The bird is being seen 100+m along this track beyond the the steel cable blocking vehicle access. Please note that this is private land and for those wishing to see the bird, permission has been granted to walk down the farm track but NOT to enter the property on the left side of the road. Please be considerate and respectful and park your vehicle responsibly.

11 Nov -- CAVE SWALLOW at Iona!

Photo: Peter Candido

A CAVE SWALLOW was present today (Nov 11) feeding over the Southern outer pond on Iona Island and was seen up until dusk. Jamie Fenneman, Jeremiah Kennedy and Paul Levesque, found the bird at around 13:00 hours. This is a first BC record of this species and has been photographed repeatedly. The bird is still present Nov 18th.