RBA: HERMIT WARBLER in Victoria - May 15-16th

At 10:15 am on May 15-2017, Daniel Donnecke found and photographed an adult male Hermit Warbler at Mount Douglas Park. The bird was singing and was seen on Glendenning Trail. This is a steep trail that heads straight down into the oaks from the parking lot at the summit, which is located at the end of Churchill Dr.

Daniele saw the bird in the area of the trail where the oaks first hit the conifers. The bird was in an oak tree near the first large douglas fir tree, which is located halfway down the trail. It was in a mixed warbler flock consisting of Orange-crowned, Wilson's, Townsend's and Yellow-rumpeds Warblers.

Ann Nightingale, David Allinson and Mike McGrenere relocated the bird at 1:10pm on May 15th. It was between the 2 douglas firs between the tower and the power lines.

The bird was last seen on May 16th at 8:45pm by the cell tower at the top of the summit on the power line side. It was also seen earlier in the day on the SW slope (48.491307, -123345836) and in the conifer across from the sandy spot on the same trail and on the upper part of Glendenning Trail.

Despite multiple observers looking there was no sign of the bird on May 17th.

This trail is very steep and not for those who have mobility issues. The gate to the summit parking lot opens at 12pm.

Map to Parking Lot HERE

Map to Glendenning Trail where bird is being seen HERE

A video of the bird singing made by Geoffrey Newell can be seen HERE

**Upon review of new photos (see HERE), the amount of green on the back of the bird concerned me, along with the dark streaks on the bib corner (the area on the side of the chest where the wing tucks in, which is often hidden by the wing) and lower flanks. I have sent all available photos of this bird along with my concerns to a few experts. They were made aware that the photos that concerned me initially were taken in evening light. All information will be sent to the Victoria and BC Bird Records Committee. I will also update the blog with any major developments.

I believe that it is important to be completely transparent and wanted the public to be aware that Silu Wang gave her opinion. She is a Ph.D. candidate in the D.Irwin Lab at UBC and studies Hermit Warblers in the hybrid zone, in the Cascades Region of Washington State. She explained that the bird has a predominantly Hermit Warbler plumage background, but with Townsend's Warbler plumage introgression.  She used the hybrid index based on the eight plumage landmarks as specified by Rohwer and Wood (1998). She was presented with all available photos of this bird and viewed them carefully. She estimated the hybrid index (ranging from 0 to 1, with 0 being pure Hermit Warbler and 1 being pure Townsend's Warbler) and for this bird she felt he should have a hybrid index of 0.12, which is smaller than 0.25 (the cutoff value for Rohwer & Wood 1998 classification). Therefore, based on Rohwer and Wood 1998 classification, it should be a Hermit Warbler. 

However, the fact that it has a hybrid index of 0.12 instead of 0 means that it does not have a pure Hermit Warbler plumage, and that there are some traces of Townsend's Warbler introgression.

She noted that on another photo by Liam Singh, showed a greenish wash close to the tail covert see HERE She said that some hybrids only show a greenish upper back, and the fact that the green goes quite far down for this bird, further supported TOWA introgression. 

She also looked at the video I linked to above by Geoffrey Newell. In that video she noted that when the bird was preening his crown was light grey, but the grey went quite forward, see screenshot HERE. 

She explains that she views this bird as a Hybrid, despite Rohwer and Wood (1998), as stated below:

Rohwer and Wood 1998:  Hermit Warbler (because Hybrid index =0.12 <0.25).

Wang et al in prep:            hybrid (because Hybrid index =0.12, not 0). 

Hermit Warbler in Victoria - Photos above: Liam Singh

Hermit Warbler in Victoria - Photos above: Daniel Donnecke

RBA: ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER in Victoria - May 14th

At 8:15am on May 14-2017, Ann Nightingale, Kim Beardmore and Jannaca Chick found an Ash-throated Flycatcher. The bird was in a large bush on Lohbrunner Rd East between Blenkinsop Rd and Lochside Trail. The bird was originally misidentified as an Olive-sided Flycatcher, due to poor lighting and brief views but was photographed. Upon review of photos, many hours later, it was discovered to be an Ash-throated Flycatcher.

Word was put out at 4:40pm and a few people searched for it but it was not seen again. It was last seen flying towards Little Mount Doug at 8:15am, after being chased away by an Anna's Hummingbird.

Map to where bird was last seen HERE

Ash-throated Flycatcher in Victoria - Photo: Kim Beardmore

RBA: MURPHY'S PETRELS off the north end of Vancouver Island - May 10th

On May 10-2017, while aboard the "Grand Princess" cruise ship, Paul Lehman and Bruce Rideout found 4 Murphy's Petrels in BC waters near the Brooks Peninsula. One of the birds was photographed by Bruce Rideout and this bird was the furthest north that Paul had ever seen the species in BC.

The locations for the four birds were:

48.009, 129.720  (ca. 280 km SSW of Brooks Peninsula, V. I.)

48.435, 129.993  (ca. 248 km SW of Brooks Peninsula)

49.106, 130.428  (ca. 216 km SW of Brooks Peninsula)

50.517, 131.361  (ca. 209 km W of north end Vancouver Island; photographed)

Murphy's Petrel, 209 km W of the N end of Vancouver Island. - Photos: Bruce Rideout

RBA: LESSER NIGHTHAWK in Victoria - May 7th

At 10 am on May 7-2017, James Paterson photographed and reported a bird identified as a Common Nighthawk to eBird. Upon review of photos this morning, it was discovered that the bird is actually a Lesser Nighthawk. The white wing bar that appears in line with the end of the tertials, the blunt wing tips, the pale buff spotting on the wing coverts and the fact that there is no dark tones in the mantle or scapular that Common Nighthawks typically have, along with the early arrival date, all helped to confirm the bird as a Lesser Nighthawk.

The bird was found perched in a tree near 3491 Camcrest Place at Mount Tolmie Park.

Map to exact location HERE

Multiple observers have been looking for the bird on May 8th but as of yet, it has not been relocated.

This is the third record of Lesser Nighthawk for Vancouver Island and 4th for BC.

Lesser Nighthawk in Victoria - Photos: James Paterson

RBA: MANX SHEARWATER off Ucluelet - May 7th

At 1:15pm on May 7-2017, while aboard the MV Frances Barkley, young birder Liam Singh (13 yrs of age) spotted a Manx Shearwater during the WildResearch Pelagic and BCFO Young Birder Field Trip. The bird was located 6 Km SW off of Amphitrite Point. It was viewed by multiple observers and photographed.

GPS coordinates were N 48.89931° W 125.62473° 

This is the 57th record for the province of BC.

Manx Shearwater off Ucluelet (note the white undertail coverts) - Photos: Liam Singh

RBA: BLACK-TAILED GULL in Gingolx - May 4th

At 7 am on May 4th-2017,  Jeremy Gatten was working along the Gingolx (Kincolith) waterfront in the Nisga'a Nation, when he found an adult Black-tailed Gull. He was scanning through hundreds of Mew Gulls just south of the Kincolith River off the north end of Waterfront St, when he spotted a dark gray-backed gull. The yellow bill with black subterminal band and red tip was immediately noticeable to him and he was able to see the bird in flight. Seeing the tail with white base and thick black band surrounded by a thin margin of white, allowed him to confirm that it was in fact an adult Black-tailed Gull. He was able to photograph the bird as well. The Eulachon run ended last month and the decaying fish has brought in thousands of gulls to the Nass River Valley.  He will be in the area for another 4 days and will be monitoring the gull's presence.

Map to location HERE

This has been an incredible year for provincial rarities for Jeremy. In addition to the Black-tailed Gull, he has found a Purple Sandpiper, Redwing and a Black Phoebe.

The Black-tailed Gull has not been seen since May 4th but very well could still be in the area.

This is the 2nd photo-documented record of Black-tailed Gull in the province of BC.

Adult Black-tailed Gull in the Nass River Valley - Photo: Jeremy Gatten

RBA: DICKCISSEL in Revelstoke - May 3-7th

At 7:30am on May 3rd-2017, Darlene Cancelliere found and photographed a female Dickcissel in her front yard. The bird was feeding on the ground under her feeders, alongside Red-winged Blackbirds and White-crowned Sparrows. It also perched in her tree for several minutes.

Darlene has been fortunate enough to have many rare birds in her yard in the past, including a Brambling, Black-throated Blue Warbler and Hooded Warbler.

The home is open to the public at 407 Edward St. Please view the bird from the front yard only and do not enter the backyard. Please be respectful of all residences in the area.

The bird was last seen on May 7th.

This is the 26th record for the province of BC.

Female Dickcissel in Revelstoke - Photo: Darlene Cancelliere

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