RBA: INDIGO BUNTING in Gang Ranch - June 1st

On June 1-2023, Iris McNabb found an Indigo Bunting at her feeder in Gang Ranch which is 45 mins north of Clinton.

The bird was not relocated on June 2nd or 3rd.

Indigo Bunting in Gang Ranch - Photos: Iris McNabb

RBA: RED-FACED CORMORANT in Hecate Strait - May 24th (Late Report)

At 6:55pm on May 24th-2023, Cam Nikkel, Ray Methot and Bonnie Chartier found a Red-faced Cormorant in Hecate Strait near Stephens Island, while aboard The Ruby Princess Cruise ship. They were on their way back from Alaska and had just left Prince Rupert.

Map to location HERE

This is the first confirmed photo documented record for BC!

Red-faced Cormorant in Hecate Strait - Photos: Cam Nikkel

RBA: BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER in Nelson - June 1st

At 6:40am on June 1-2023, Janice Arndt found a male Blackburnian Warbler at her private home in Nelson. The bird only stayed for a few mins. If it returns the homeowner will generously allow people to visit by appt. I will place the contact info here, if it returns.

Blackburnian Warbler in Nelson - Photos: Janice Arndt

RBA: ORCHARD ORIOLE in Edgewood - May 29-30th

At 8:20am on May 29-2023, Catherine McLean and Gary Davidson found an immature male Orchard Oriole in Edgewood.

The bird was on the Ferret Rd Loop HERE

This is the 11th record for BC.

The bird was last seen at 10:30am in the same location onMay 30th and was viewed by multiple observers. It has not been relocated since despite multiple observers looking.

Orchard Oriole in Edgewood - Photo: Julia Flesaker

Orchard Oriole in Edgewood - Photos: Catherine McLean

RBA: BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW in Haida Gwaii - May 28th

At 4:35pm on May 28-2023, Lorrie Joron found and photographed a Bristle-thighed Curlew at Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary in Massett in Haida Gwaii. She noted the buff rump of the bird when in flight. 

Map to location HERE

This is the 4th record for BC.

She could not relocate the bird on May 29th.

Bristle-thighed Curlew (R) in Haida Gwaii (note the long bristles at the base of the legs and paler flanks) Photos: Lorrie Joron

RBA: FIELD SPARROW in Fairmont Hot Springs - May 27th

At 10:44am on May 27-2023, Kalin Ocana found a Field Sparrow at Columbia Lake Provincial Park.

The bird was singing from the trees HERE

This is the 4th record for BC. The bird was not relocated on May 28th.

Kalin was able to obtain video of the bird singing below:

RBA: INDIGO BUNTING in Gibsons - May 27-June 6th

At 8:45 am on May 27-2023, Karen Holland found a male Indigo Bunting at Gospel Rock in Gibsons. 

Map to location HERE

The bird was last seen on June 6th and was viewed by multiple observers.

The bird was not relocated on June 7th.

Indigo Bunting in Gibsons - Photos: Karen Holland

RBA: BLACK-THROATED SPARROW near Kaslo - May 19th (late report)

At 5:30pm on May 19-2023, Jakob Dulisse found and photographed a Black-throated Sparrow at the Lost Ledge Campground in Kootenay Lake Provincial Park, north of Kaslo. The bird was feeding with Chipping Sparrows. 

Map to location HERE

This is the 52nd record for BC. 

RBA: INDIGO BUNTING in Saanich - May 20th

At 9:23am on May 20-2023, Sean McElaney found a male Indigo Bunting at Panama Hill Park at Panama Flats in Saanich. The bird was viewed by multiple observers throughout the morning. 

Map to location HERE. 

The bird was not relocated later in the afternoon of May 20th or on May 21st, despite multiple observers looking. 

Indigo Bunting in Saanich - Photo: Joachim Bertrands

RBA: SNOWY PLOVER in Tofino - May 17th

At 2pm on May 17-2023, Sarah Tyne found and photographed a Snowy Plover in Tofino. The bird was on Comber’s Beach on the SE side of the Sandhill Creek mouth.

Map to location HERE

This is the 40th record for BC.

Snowy Plover in Tofino - Photo: Sarah Tyne