RBA: PRAIRIE WARBLER in Vernon - Oct 27-Nov 26th

On Oct 27-2020 Glen Goerzen saw a warbler in a mixed flock that he initially thought was a Cape May Warbler at Polson Park in Vernon. At 3:50pm on Oct 29-2020, Scott Thomson was able to relocate the bird and obtain some photographs and the bird was immediately identified as a immature male Prairie Warbler. The bird has been frequenting the south end of Polson Park in willows on both sides of the boardwalk along Polson Park Trail. It has also been seen in shrubs near to the boardwalk where the paved path becomes the boardwalk.

Map to location of where bird was first seen HERE

The bird was seen HERE on Oct 30th.

On Oct 31st the bird was last seen HERE and was viewed by multiple observers.

The bird was not relocated on Nov 1, 2020 despite multiple observers looking.

The bird was relocated by Don Cecile on Nov 8, 2020

**The bird was last seen in the same location on Nov 26th and has been viewed by multiple observers. However it has not been relocated since despite multiple observers looking**

This is the 5th photographed record for BC.

**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*

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

Male Prairie Warbler in Vernon - Photos: Michael Force 

RBA: RED-BACKED SHRIKE in Powell River - Oct 22-30th

At 1:15 pm on Oct 22-2020, Iwan Van Veen found an ABA CODE 5 Red-backed Shrike on Fernwood Ave in Powell River. The bird was hunting from the powerlines and nearby Blackberry bushes. It would also dive into the Blackberry bushes. He initially dismissed it as a Northern Shrike but something bugged him about it.

He returned at 12pm on Oct 23rd and found it again in the same location and was able to take a photo. The bird was initially thought to be most likely a Brown Shrike but Red-tailed, Isabelline and Red-backed were difficult to rule out with the one single lower quality photo provided.

Multiple observers have seen the bird as of 5:15pm and better photos obtained. 

Several features on new photographs were suggestive of Red-backed Shrike. Photos were sent to experts. Experts weighed in and the consensus is 1st year male Red-backed Shrike. Hybridism is a concern but nothing has been shown to be inconsistent in that regard.

Map to location HERE

On Oct 24th, the bird was seen hunting in the vacant lot HERE on Fernwood Ave and was viewed by multiple observers.

On Oct 25-30th - The bird was last seen in a yard HERE on Fernwood Ave and has been viewed by multiple observers.

The bird was not seen on Oct 31st or Nov 1st, despite multiple observers looking.

This is the 1st record for BC and Canada and 2nd record for the ABA.

A news article about the Red-backed Shrike can be found 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*

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

Red-backed Shrike in Powell River - Photos: John Gordon

Red-backed Shrike in Powell River - Photos: Iwan Van Veen

RBA: LITTLE BLUE HERON in Popkum - Oct 24th

On Oct 24th-2020, Andrea Chapman photographed an immature Little Blue Heron on private property in Popkum. 

A photo of the bird can be viewed HERE

The property is NOT open to the public.

This is the 4th record for BC.

RBA: CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER in Cawston - Oct 13-17th

On October 13-17th-2020, Doe Gregoire had an immature female type Chestnut-sided Warbler visiting her yard in Cawston.

The home is not open to the public and the bird has not been seen since Oct 17th.

This is the 81st record for BC.

Chestnut-sided Warbler in Cawston - Photos: Doe Gregoire 

RBA: CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER in Kelowna - Oct 15th

At 12pm on Oct 15-2020, Michael Force found an immature Chestnut-sided Warbler in his yard on Nassau Crescent in the Glenmore area. Michelle Hamilton was also able to view the bird.

The bird took off by 1pm and has not been relocated since. If the bird returns visitation can be arranged with the homeowner. Email the RBA for contact details.

This is the 80th record for BC.

**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*

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

Chestnut-sided Warbler in Kelowna - Photo: Michael Force

RBA: BLACK PHOEBE in Delta - Oct 14th

At 1pm on October 14-2020, Tom Plath found a Black Phoebe at Brunswick Point. The bird was foraging in the ditch between the woodlot and the first bench at Brunswick Point. The bird was photographed and viewed by other birders present. This may very well be the same bird first seen near 64th St in Delta. To read about that bird click HERE.

Please do not trespass on the farmer's field when searching for this bird.

Map to location HERE

This is the 32nd record for BC.

The bird was not relocated on Oct 15th, 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*

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

Black Phoebe in Delta - Photo: Ken Arnold

RBA: LITTLE GULL in Parksville - Oct 2nd

At 5:15pm on October 2-2020, Guy Monty found a first winter Little Gull at Columbia Beach in Parksville. The bird was flying west 50 m off shore in a small flock of Bonaparte's Gulls and was viewed by at least 2 other observers.

Map to location HERE

The bird was not relocated on Oct 3rd.

This is the 100th record for the province of BC.

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 metres apart when viewing or looking for 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*

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

RBA: CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER in Ucluelet - Oct 1-2nd

At 9:30am on Oct 1-2020, Janel Saydam and Selby Wilkinson found a Chestnut-sided Warbler in the bushes at the playing fields at the end of Forbes Rd in Ucluelet.

The bird continues in the same location on Oct 2nd and has been viewed by several observers.

Map to location HERE

This is the 79th record for BC.

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 metres apart when viewing or looking for 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*

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

Chestnut-sided Warbler in Ucluelet - Photo: Ian Cruickshank

RBA: BLACK PHOEBE near Brentwood Bay - Sept 28-Dec 11th

At 10:55am on September 28, 2020, Donna Ross found a Black Phoebe sitting on a fence on the Willow Way Trail at Maber Flats.  She viewed the bird close up through her binoculars and although was not able to get a photo described the bird well. She last saw the bird moving south down a hedgerow.

Map to location HERE

On Sept 29th, Veronica Goidanich relocated the bird and photographed it HERE on the Willow Way Trail.

The bird continues on Dec 11th and has been viewed by multiple observers.

This is the 31st record for the province of BC.

**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*

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

RBA: RED-LEGGED KITTIWAKE in Deep Bay - Sept 27th

At 12:15pm on Sept 27-2020, Mark Wynja found an adult Red-legged Kittiwake sitting on the shore at Deep Bay.  The bird was viewed for 45 mins by a few observers. At 1 pm the bird flew west and high over the mountains and they watched it fly for ten mins out of sight.

The bird was not relocated despite multiple observers looking.

Map to location HERE

This is the second confirmed record for BC.

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*

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

Red-legged Kittiwake in Deep Bay - Photos: Mark Wynja

RBA: NAZCA/MASKED BOOBY near Galiano Island - Sept 27th

At 10 am on Sept 27-2020, while working aboard a boat; Jada Cavanaugh spotted an adult Masked/Nazca Booby just NE of Galiano Island. She was able to take photos with her iPhone and did note an orange hue to the bill. If the bill was indeed orange it would make it a Nazca Booby. Current photos unfortunately do not confirm this. The bird flew around the boat once and then flew SE.

Map to exact location of where bird was seen HERE 

Probable Nazca Booby near Galiano Island - Photo: Jada Cavanaugh

RBA: INDIGO BUNTING in Saanich - Sept 24-30th

An immature male Indigo Bunting has been coming to a feeder at Brian Crossley's home since Sept 24-2020 at the corner of Laval Ave and Bear St in Saanich.

Map to location HERE

Birders are asked not to trespass and please do not block driveways. The homeowner has graciously scattered seed to enable viewing, as the bird frequently feeds from the ground with House Sparrows.

*Please only look for the bird from the road.*

The bird was last seen on Sept 30th and was been viewed by multiple observers. It was not relocated on Oct 1st.

*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*

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

Indigo Bunting in Saanich - Photos: Ann Nightingale

RBA: ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER in Delta and Richmond - Sept 22-Oct 27th

At 3:15pm on Sept 22, 2020 - Grant Edwards found and photographed an Ash-throated Flycatcher at Brunswick Point. 

The bird was in some bushes between the second set of benches and the farmhouse. 

Map to exact location HERE

It has also been frequently viewed HERE by the old picnic table

The bird was last seen at Brunswick Point on Oct 22nd and was been viewed by multiple observers.

***On Oct 27th-2020, the bird was relocated by Tom Plath HERE at the east end of Finn Slough in Richmond.***

*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*

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

Ash-throated Flycatcher in Delta - Photo: Grant Edwards

Ash-throated Flycatcher in Delta - Photo: James MacKenzie

RBA: SNOWY PLOVER in Tofino - Sept 17th

At 3pm on September 17, 2020 - Margaret Munro found a Snowy Plover on the northwest end of Wickaninnish Beach in Pacific Rim National Park near Tofino.

Map to location HERE

The bird has not been relocated since.

This is the 30th record for BC.

*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*

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

Snowy Plover in Tofino - Photos: Margaret Munro

RBA: CURLEW SANDPIPER in Parksville - Sept 9th

At 6pm on Sept 9-2020, Derek Isbister found a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper off the end of Johnstone Rd. Multiple observers got to view the bird.

Map to location HERE

The bird was last seen sitting on a spit with a flock of turnstones near the windsurfer parking lot off Admiral Tryon Blvd HERE. It flew around 7:15pm and was not relocated by sunset, despite multiple observers looking.

The bird was not relocated thus far on Sept 10th.

This is the 15th record for BC.

**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*

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

Curlew Sandpiper in Parksville - Photos: Derek Isbister

RBA: SNOWY PLOVER in Campbell River - Sept 8-10th

At 7:30pm on Sept 8-2020, Kyle Fitzpatrick and Morgan Armstrong found a Snowy Plover feeding with Semipalmated Plovers and Killdeer near Shelter Point in Campbell River. The bird was found along the beach by walking 5-10 mins north from the end of Engles Rd where it meets S Island Hwy. The bird was still present when he left at 8:15pm.

Map to location of bird HERE

The bird was seen in the same spot on Sept 10th and was viewed by multiple observers. The bird was last seen flying high out of sight over the ocean on the evening of Sept 10th.

This is the 29th record for BC.

**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*

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

Snowy Plover in Campbell River - Photos: Nancy Bock 

RBA: CURLEW SANDPIPER in Delta - Sept 8-10th

At 3pm on Sept 8-2020, John Gordon found and photographed a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper at the west field at Reifel Bird Sanctuary. Multiple observers present were able to view the bird.

Advanced bookings must be made via the Reifel website HERE for entry. Reifel is located at 5191 Robertson Rd in Delta. Reifel is open Tues-Sun 9am to 4pm. Adults are 5$ each.

This could be the same bird first photographed by John Reynolds on August 28th.

Map to location HERE

This is the 14th record for BC.

The bird was last seen in the west field at Reifel on Sept 10th and was viewed by multiple observers.

**The bird was not relocated on Sept 11th or 12th, 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*

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

Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper in Delta - Photos: John Gordon

RBA: 2 FERRUGINOUS HAWKS in Creston - Sept 7-9th

At 11:30 am on Sept 7-2020, Paul Foth found and photographed 2 immature light morph Ferruginous Hawks in Creston. The birds were sitting on hay bales side by side and actively hunting in a field on Kootenay River Rd near Speers Rd.

Map to location of birds HERE

On Sept 9th-2020, both birds continued in the same location but were not seen on Sept 10th..

**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*

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

1 of 2 Ferruginous Hawks in Creston - Photo: Brody Kunze

RBA: BELL’S VIREO in Saanich - Sept 6-21st

At 11:30am on Sept 6-2020, Aziza Cooper found a Bell’s Vireo at Island View Beach. The bird was found along the main trail north of the parking lot about half-way to the pit toilets. She had a brief view of the bird and heard it singing for 20 mins. She was able to obtain a recording of the bird singing. You can listen to it HERE

The bird appears to be of the Eastern Subspecies. 

This is the first record for British Columbia.

Map to location of where bird was first heard HERE and it was also seen by multiple observers HERE in crabapple trees.

The bird was last seen on Sept 21st by the washrooms HERE and also HERE in the field on Sept and has been viewed by many observers. 

The bird was not relocated on Sept 22nd 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*

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

Bell’s Vireo in Saanich - Photo: Roger Beardmore 

RBA: CURLEW SANDPIPER in Delta - Aug 28th

At 3pm on Aug 28-2020, John Reynolds photographed a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper at the foot of 96th St at Boundary Bay in Delta. The bird was travelling in a flock of 1500 Western Sandpipers.

Map to location HERE

The bird has not been relocated.

This is the 13th record for BC.

**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*

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

Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper in Delta - Photo: John Reynolds 

RBA: BLACK PHOEBE in Delta - Aug 29-Oct 19th

At 7:45pm on August 29, 2020, Liz and Alan Stewart found and photographed a juvenile Black Phoebe hawking insects off a pipe at the pond at the mansion east of 64th St at Boundary Bay in Delta.

Map to location HERE

The bird was last seen in the same location on Oct 19th and has been viewed by multiple observers. 

This is the 30th record for BC.

**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*

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

Black Phoebe in Delta - Photos: Sabine Decamp

RBA: NORTHERN PARULA in Jordan River - August 29th

At 10:30am on August 29-2020, Michael Bentley found a Northern Parula travelling in a loose warbler flock in Jordan River. Although he was not able to get a photo, he saw the bird at close range and it was well described. He said “...clear and close range view of a warbler with blue on the wings and upperparts and two white wingbars. The throat and breast were a clear yellow. The belly was white.” The observer also has experience with this species from living in Ontario.

Directions to the bird: It was seen 70 m along the gravel road beyond the metal gate just before the bridge near a fire ring and garbage heap.

Map to location HERE

*The bird was not relocated despite observers looking.*

This is the 22nd record for BC.

**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*

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

RBA: ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER in Coquitlam - Aug 25th

At 8am on August 25-2020, Colin Clasen found and photographed an Ash-throated Flycatcher in Coquitlam. The bird was located in elderberry bushes halfway between the west end of Pumphouse Trail and the green pumphouse on Wilson Farm Dyke Trail.

Map to location HERE

The bird was seen by one person in the same location at 7:30pm on August 25th but hasn’t been relocated since 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*

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

RBA: CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER in Coquitlam - August 11th

At 3pm on August 11-2020, Bob Moore and Moose Stoffregen found an immature male Chestnut-sided Warbler at Colony Farm. The bird is in bushes on the Sheep Paddocks Loop Trail right before the new large landscaped pond.

Map to location HERE

The bird has not been relocated thus far, despite multiple observers looking.

This is the 78th record for BC.

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 metres apart when viewing or looking for 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*

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

Chestnut-sided Warbler in Coquitlam - Photo: Bob Moore

Chestnut-sided Warbler in Coquitlam - Photo: Moose Stoffregen

RBA: INDIGO BUNTING in Revelstoke - July 30-Aug 7th

At 10:55 am on July 30th-2020, Darlene Cancelliere found and photographed a male Indigo Bunting at 9 Mile Point in Revelstoke. The bird was sitting on a fence post at the big field at the entrance to 9 Mile Point. The water level is very high so vehicles cannot drive in far.

Map to location HERE

The bird continues in the same location on August 7th and has been 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*

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

Indigo Bunting in Revelstoke - Photos: Darlene Cancelliere

RBA: WHITE-WINGED DOVE in Tofino - July 26-28th

On July 26-2020, Eileen Floody found a White-winged Dove coming to a feeder in her backyard at her home on First Street between Neill St. and Arnett Rd.

The homeowner is allowing local Tofino birders to come visit but not outsiders due to COVID-19. If you live locally please contact the RBA and I will put you and the homeowner in touch. Outside travel to Tofino to attempt to view this dove is discouraged.

The bird was last seen in the same location on July 28th. It was not relocated on July 29th.

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

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 metres apart when attempting to view 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*

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

White-winged Dove in Tofino - Photos: Eileen Floody

RBA: FERRUGINOUS HAWK in Kelowna - July 25th

At 11:30am on July 25-2020, Nick Swan found and photographed a juvenile Ferruginous Hawk soaring over the entrance road to Johns Family Regional Park in Kelowna. The bird also perched on a tree for many observers and has been present in the area for over 45 mins as it actively hunts.

Map to location of perched bird HERE

The bird was still present in this location as of 12:45pm. The bird flew south at 1 pm and has not been relocated.

*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*

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

Ferruginous Hawk in Kelowna - Photos: Nick Swan

RBA: INDIGO BUNTING in Darfield - July 21-23rd

At 7:30 am on July 21-2020, Jacob Bailey and Valentina Sorrento found a male Indigo Bunting singing from a grassy area off Hwy 5 in Darfield.

The bird was last present on July 23-2020 and viewed by multiple observers. It has not been relocated since despite multiple observers looking.

Map to location HERE

**Please be mindful of pipeline construction in the area and do not approach work areas. Please bird well off the road and be mindful of large trucks and vehicles.**

*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*

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

Indigo Bunting in Darfield - Photo: Jacob Bailey

RBA: MANX SHEARWATER near Cape Scott - July 6th

At 12:30pm on July 6-2020, while fishing of a friend's boat Liam Singh found and photographed a Manx Sheawater. The bird was spotted 2 miles off of San Josef Bay near Cape Scott on Vancouver Island. It was flying north in a flock of Sooty Shearwaters.

Exact location HERE

This is the 63rd record for BC.

Manx Shearwater off Cape Scott on Vancouver Island - Photo: Liam Singh