RBA: CURLEW SANDPIPER in Delta - May 23rd

At 4:05pm on May 23-2021, Ilya Povalyaev found a Curlew Sandpiper in front of the second benches in a Dunlin and Western Sandpiper flock at Brunswick Point. A Scope is needed to view the bird. 

Map to location HERE

The bird was last seen in the same location at 6pm on May 23rd and was viewed by multiple observers.

The bird was not relocated on May 24th, despite multiple observers looking.

This is the 16th record for BC. 

***There is a public health order now in effect until at least June 15th banning non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. The fine for breaking this order is 575$. You can read it HERE***

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 meters apart when viewing any birds on this list during this time. Please follow all public health directives during this pandemic (including not birding in groups, please wear a mask if you are unable to social distance). The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

**Please wear a mask when viewing rare birds when social distancing is not possible or hard to maintain**

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

Curlew Sandpiper in Delta - Photos: Ilya Povalyaev

RBA: DICKCISSEL near Nelson - May 23-26th

At 11:45 am on May 23-2021, Eliza Hicks found a male Dickcissel at her bird feeder at her private home in Blewett near Nelson.

The bird was last seen in the same location on May 26th but not on May 27th.

*The home is not open to the public*

This is the 29th record for BC.

***There is a public health order now in effect until at least June 15th banning non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. The fine for breaking this order is 575$. You can read it HERE***

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 meters apart when viewing any birds on this list during this time. Please follow all public health directives during this pandemic (including not birding in groups, please wear a mask if you are unable to social distance). The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

**Please wear a mask when viewing rare birds when social distancing is not possible or hard to maintain**

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

Male Dickcissel in Nelson - Photo: Paul Prappas 

RBA: 7 BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEWS in Haida Gwaii - May 4-19th (Late Report)

Between May 4-19 2021, Margo Hearne and Peter Hamel found 7 Bristle-thighed Curlews at Sandspit Airport. They photographed 2 together and saw 7 all at once on May 13th. Birds were present in various numbers between May 4th and 19th. 

Haida Gwaii was not open to visitors at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photos can be viewed at E-Fauna HERE.

This is the 3rd record for BC

RBA: WHITE-FACED IBIS in Wardner - May 18th

At 12:30pm on May 18-2021, Alan Barnard and Mike Bentley found a single White-faced Ibis in a slough near Ha Ha Creek in Wardner.

Map to location HERE

This is the 63rd record for BC.

This will be the last White-faced Ibis sighting posted on the main page. They will be posted on regional pages from now on due to the increased number of annual sightings.

***There is a public health order now in effect until May 25th banning non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. The fine for breaking this order is 575$. You can read it HERE***

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 meters apart when viewing any birds on this list during this time. Please follow all public health directives during this pandemic (including not birding in groups, please wear a mask if you are unable to social distance). The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

**Please wear a mask when viewing rare birds when social distancing is not possible or hard to maintain**

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

White-faced Ibis in Wardner - Photo: Alan Barnard

RBA: WHITE-FACED IBIS in Castlegar - May 18th

 At 11 am on May 18th Craig Sandvig found a single White-faced Ibis foraging in the oxbow of Selkirk College Trails in Castlegar.

Map to exact location HERE

This is the 62nd record for BC.

The bird continues in the same location as of 7pm and was viewed by multiple observers.

***There is a public health order now in effect until May 25th banning non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. The fine for breaking this order is 575$. You can read it HERE***

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 meters apart when viewing any birds on this list during this time. Please follow all public health directives during this pandemic (including not birding in groups, please wear a mask if you are unable to social distance). The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

**Please wear a mask when viewing rare birds when social distancing is not possible or hard to maintain**

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

White-faced Ibis in Castlegar - Photo: Craig Sandvig

RBA: 3 WHITE-FACED IBIS in Invermere - May 17th

At 11 am on May 17th-2021, Greg Scott found 3 White-faced Ibis at Athalmer Sloughs in Invermere. The birds were foraging in the slough for only a matter of minutes before they flew east. No photos were obtained but the birds described well.

Map to location HERE

This is the 61st record for BC.

***There is a public health order now in effect until May 25th banning non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. The fine for breaking this order is 575$. You can read it HERE***

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 meters apart when viewing any birds on this list during this time. Please follow all public health directives during this pandemic (including not birding in groups, please wear a mask if you are unable to social distance). The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

**Please wear a mask when viewing rare birds when social distancing is not possible or hard to maintain**

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

RBA: COSTA’S HUMMINGBIRD in Maple Ridge - May 13-30th

On May 13th-2021, Freda du Plessis found a male Costa’s Hummingbird at her friend's private home in Maple Ridge. The homeowners believe the bird may have been present for a week.

The home was open to the public on FRIDAY May 14th and SATURDAY May 15th ONLY by appointment. Please contact me at the RBA by email to set up an appointment time. 

All people visiting present must wear masks, must social distance and not linger in the yard after viewing the bird.  There will only be a small number of people in the yard at a time.

*As of May 16th the home is now closed to the public. Please do not contact the RBA for entry. *

*The bird was last seen in the same location on May 30th but has not been relocated since. *

This is the 31st record for BC.

**Please wear a mask when viewing this bird it is required by the request of the homeowner**

***There is a public health order now in effect until May 25th banning non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. The fine for breaking this order is 575$. You can read it HERE***

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 meters apart when viewing any birds on this list during this time. Please follow all public health directives during this pandemic (including not birding in groups, please wear a mask if you are unable to social distance). The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

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

Costa’s Hummingbird in Maple Ridge - Photo: Jo-Anne MacDougall

Costa’s Hummingbird in Maple Ridge - Photo: Sabine Decamp

RBA: WHITE-FACED IBIS near Prince Rupert - May 12-14th

At 5pm on May 12-2021, Teresa Weismiller found a single White-faced Ibis in the pond beside the Pembina Propane Terminal on Watson Island (the site of the old pulp mill) in Port Edward. 

Map to location HERE

This is the 60th record for BC.

The bird was last seen in the same location on May 14th. It was not seen on May 16th.

***There is a public health order now in effect until May 25th banning non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. The fine for breaking this order is 575$. You can read it HERE***

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 meters apart when viewing any birds on this list during this time. Please follow all public health directives during this pandemic (including not birding in groups, please wear a mask if you are unable to social distance). The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

**Please wear a mask when viewing rare birds when social distancing is not possible or hard to maintain**

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

White-faced Ibis in Port Edward - Photo: Teresa Weismiller

RBA: 22 WHITE-FACED IBIS in Creston - May 12-19th

At 5:10 am on May 12-2021, Chris Drysdale found 3 White-faced Ibis off Channel Rd at Duck Lake in Creston. He watched them standing on the mud for 10 min before watching them take flight towards Leach Lake at 5:20pm.

Map to location HERE

This is the 59th record for BC.

22 of the birds continue in the same location on May 19th and were viewed by multiple observers.

***There is a public health order now in effect until May 25th banning non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. The fine for breaking this order is 575$. You can read it HERE***

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 meters apart when viewing any birds on this list during this time. Please follow all public health directives during this pandemic (including not birding in groups, please wear a mask if you are unable to social distance). The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

**Please wear a mask when viewing rare birds when social distancing is not possible or hard to maintain**

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

White-faced Ibis in Creston - Photo: Chris Drysdale

RBA: SNOWY PLOVER in Tofino - May 10th

At 8 am on May 10-2021, Ian Cruickshank found a Snowy Plover on the upper part of Comber's Beach. The bird was 100 m east of the Sandhill Creek mouth. A Snowy Plover was also reported but not photographed from the same location on May 7th by Yuri Zharikov which may or may not be the same bird.

Map to location HERE

This is the 32nd record for BC.

The bird was not relocated on May 11th.

***There is a public health order now in effect until May 25th banning non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. The fine for breaking this order is 575$. You can read it HERE***

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 meters apart when viewing any birds on this list during this time. Please follow all public health directives during this pandemic (including not birding in groups, please wear a mask if you are unable to social distance). The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

**Please wear a mask when viewing rare birds when social distancing is not possible or hard to maintain**

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

Snowy Plover in Tofino - Photo: Ian Cruickshank 

RBA: WHITE-FACED IBIS in Wasa - May 7-15th

On May 7-2021, Penny Ohanjanian and Virginia Rasch found 14 White-faced Ibis on private property in the area of Cherry Creek Prairie (public are not allowed to visit this site). At 2 pm on May 8-2021, Dianne Cooper and Ruth Goodwin relocated 2 of the White-faced Ibis at Wasa Sloughs. The birds were foraging along the line of driftwood on the east bank of the point. These 2 birds are publicly accessible and are being viewed from the east side of the sloughs that are accessed from Prairie Rd off Hwy 93.

Map to location HERE

This is the 58th record for BC.

On May 9th- 3 birds were found in the location by Bobby Dailey. The birds were last seen in the same location and have been viewed by multiple observers and photos obtained.

*10 birds continue in the same location on May 15th.*

***There is a public health order now in effect until May 25th banning non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. The fine for breaking this order is 575$. You can read it HERE***

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 meters apart when viewing any birds on this list during this time. Please follow all public health directives during this pandemic (including not birding in groups, please wear a mask if you are unable to social distance). The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

**Please wear a mask when viewing rare birds when social distancing is not possible or hard to maintain**

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

White-faced Ibis in Wasa - Photo: Ian Adams

White-faced Ibis in Wasa - Photo: Jo Ellen Floer

RBA: WHITE-FACED IBIS in Campbell River - May 4-5th

At 8:30 am on May 4-2021, a single White-faced Ibis was found and photographed by Anne Mckinnell at the estuary near the Thunderbird RV Park. She viewed the bird for only a few minutes before it flew off.

Map to exact location HERE

On May 5-2021, Ralf Spodzieja photographed the single White-faced Ibis at Salmon Point (Woodhus Slough) south of the Campbell River Estuary.

Map to location HERE

The bird has not been relocated since despite multiple observers looking at both locations.

This is the 57th record for BC.

***There is a public health order now in effect until May 25th banning non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. The fine for breaking this order is 575$. You can read it HERE***

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 meters apart when viewing any birds on this list during this time. Please follow all public health directives during this pandemic (including not birding in groups, please wear a mask if you are unable to social distance). The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

**Please wear a mask when viewing rare birds when social distancing is not possible or hard to maintain**

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

White-faced Ibis in Campbell River - Photo: Anne McKinnell

RBA: SNOWY PLOVER in Richmond - May 1st

At 8:10 am on May 1-2021, Simon Valdez-Juarez found an adult Snowy Plover at Iona Regional Park. The bird was walking along the beach sitting on logs, north of the washrooms. The bird was present for at least 10 mins. 

*The bird was not relocated, despite multiple observers looking*

Map to location HERE

This is the 31st record for BC

***There is a public health order now in effect until May 25th banning non-essential travel from your local health region to anywhere in the province or elsewhere in Canada. The fine for breaking this order is 575$. You can read it HERE***

*As per current Public Health directives due to COVID-19 - Please remain 2 meters apart when viewing any birds on this list during this time. Please follow all public health directives during this pandemic (including not birding in groups, please wear a mask if you are unable to social distance). The BC Public Health directives can be found HERE*

**Please wear a mask when viewing rare birds when social distancing is not possible or hard to maintain**

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

Snowy Plover in Richmond - Photos: Simon Valdez-Juarez

RBA: LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE in Osoyoos - April 18th

At 8:10am on April 18-2021, Paul Prappas and Carolee Colter found a Loggerhead Shrike perched on a fencepost along Nighthawk Rd right before the border crossing in Osoyoos. The bird flew east after they were able to grab a quick photo.

Map to location of bird HERE

*The bird was not relocated on April 19th.*

*This is the 101st record for BC and due to this fact will no longer be reported on the main page.*

*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 now in effect 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 10 people. You can read it HERE***

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

**Please wear a mask when viewing rare birds when social distancing is not possible or hard to maintain**

Loggerhead Shrike in Osoyoos - Photo: Paul Prappas 

RBA: LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE in Kelowna - (March 29?)-April 13th

At 5:50pm on April 13-2021, Kalin Ocaña found a Loggerhead Shrike perched in the fields NW of Munson Pond in Kelowna.

Map to location of where bird was seen HERE and HERE

The bird was viewed by multiple observers right up until dark on April 13th.

*The bird was not relocated on April 14th, despite multiple observers looking.*

*A Loggerhead Shrike was first photographed at this location on March 29th by Bruce Kennedy but was misidentified at the time as a Northern Shrike. It could possibly be the same bird but is most likely a different one.*

This is the 100th 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*

***There is a public health order now in effect 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 10 people. You can read it HERE***

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

**Please wear a mask when viewing rare birds when social distancing is not possible or hard to maintain**

Loggerhead Shrike in Kelowna - Photos: Kalin Ocaña

RBA: HOODED ORIOLE in Sidney - Feb 16th-March 17th

A photo of a male Hooded Oriole taken by Stan Coe in his private yard in the 2000 block of Bradford Ave in Sidney; was submitted to the Peninsula News Review on March 25, 2021. The bird was visiting Mr. Coe's hummingbird feeder daily from Feb 16-2021 but has not been seen for ten days now. It was initially misidentified as an American Goldfinch; hence why the word did not get out right away.

However, when Barbara Begg and Ann Nightingale noticed the bird in the local paper, they notified the homeowner on what a rare bird he had actually found.

This is the 24th record for the province of BC.

Male Hooded Oriole in Sidney - Photo: Stan Coe

Photo of a male Hooded Oriole in Sidney - Photo: Stan Coe/ Peninsula News Review

RBA: SLATY-BACKED GULL in Comox - March 18-March 25th

At 2pm on March 18-2021, Liam Singh found and photographed a third cycle Slaty-backed Gull sitting on the beach at Point Holmes in Comox. 

Map to location of where bird was first spotted HERE

The bird was last seen HERE on March 18th just north of the initial location at 6pm.

The bird was not relocated on March 19th, despite multiple observers looking.

On March 23rd, Liam Singh relocated the bird on the beach in a gull flock HERE accessed off Seacroft Rd in Qualicum Beach. The bird later moved HERE on the beach accessed off Kinkade Rd and was viewed by multiple observers.

**On March 24-March 25, the bird continued on the beach HERE off Island Hwy in Qualicum Beach and was viewed by multiple observers**

This is the 84th 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*

***There is a public health order now in effect 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 10 people. You can read it HERE***

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

Slaty-backed Gull in Comox - Photos: Liam Singh

RBA: MANX SHEARWATER off Tofino - March 11th

At 10:40 am on March 11-2021, Christopher Di Corrado found a Manx Shearwater off Tofino on Vancouver Island. He viewed the bird from aboard a research vessel for less than ten seconds at close range before the bird flew north. He was unable to obtain photographs.

Exact location HERE

This is the 64th record for BC.

RBA: REDWING in Saanich - Feb 10-March 20th

At 3:45pm on February 10-2021, Jody Wells found a Redwing associating with American Robins near the playground at Hamsterly Beach at Elk Lake Regional Park in Saanich. The bird was described well and Jody has seen this species before in Victoria. Jody viewed the bird (that was on the ground 50 feet away from him) with binoculars but before he was able to get a photo, the bird was flushed by a passerby.  The bird was not relocated that same evening by Jody or by several others looking. 

Map to location of where the bird was seen HERE 

On Feb 11th-2021, the bird was relocated in the same general location HERE on the grassy area just west of the playground. It was viewed by several observers and photographed. 

**The bird continues near the same location HERE as of March 20th and has been viewed by multiple observers *

This is the 4th 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*

***There is a public health order now in effect 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 10 people. You can read it HERE***

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

Redwing in Saanich - Photos: Liam Singh

RBA: COMMON POCHARD in Parksville -March 23-Feb 16th

*On March 23-2020, Warren Cronan photographed a Female Common Pochard at Morningstar Golf Course in Parksville, this was not discovered until Dec 4, 2023.*

At 11 am on December 23-2020, Mike Yip found a female Common Pochard at Morningstar Golf Course in Parksville. The bird was in the main pond off Morningstar Drive. 

Map to exact location HERE

The bird was viewed until 4:30pm by multiple observers.

This is the first record for BC and first accepted record for Canada. The legs on this bird were unbanded.

This follows a recent record of a male in November, 2020 in Victoria.

The bird was not been relocated on Dec 24th, despite multiple observers looking.

On Feb 11-2021, John Purves relocated the female Common Pochard at the same location and multiple observers saw the bird.

**The bird was last seen in the same location on Feb 16th, but was not relocated on Feb 17th**

*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 Pochard in Parksville - Photos: Mike Yip

RBA: Probable ARCTIC LOON in Sechelt - Dec 24-25th

At 10:45 am on Dec 24-2020, Rand Rudland found a probable Arctic Loon off Wakefield Beach in Sechelt. The bird was loosely associating with 40 Pacific Loons. The bird was two thirds the way out between the beach and the north end of Trail Islands. He viewed the bird by bins and then by scope and noticed it did not have a chin strap. He also noticed the white flank patch. The bird never preened or dove for 15 mins straight, as it rested calmly on the water.

On Dec 25th, he returned and refound the bird in the same location but viewed it this time from the nearby beach access off Lewarne Lane. The white flanks were apparent as he watched the bird for 20 mins (it was not preening or diving) and he still did could not see a chin strap.

Photos obtained are suggestive of Arctic Loon but do not show conclusively that there is no chin strap.

Map to location of where to scope the bird from is HERE and the bird was swimming HERE

If confirmed this is the 4th 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*

***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**

Probable Arctic Loon in Sechelt - Photos: Rand Rudland

RBA: BLACK PHOEBE in Saanich - Dec 1/20-Feb 28/21

At 10am on Dec 1-2020, Mike McGrenere found a Black Phoebe perched in the branches over the small pond on Welch Rd south of Livesay Rd in Saanich. He was able to obtain record shots of the bird.

Map to location of bird HERE

This is the 32nd record for BC.

The bird was still present as of Feb 28/2021 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*

***There is a public health order now in effect 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**

Black Phoebe in Saanich - Photo: Liam Singh

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