Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Brit Col Vancouver Island > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Saturday, November 7 at 02:41 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	American Goldfinch,©Jennifer Brumfield

7 Nov Re: White-fronted and Cackling geese [Scott Gilmore ] 07 Nov White-fronted and Cackling geese ["joncbirder" ] 6 Nov RBA Victoria, BC Fri Nov 6 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 04 Nov Parksville Qualicum Beach CBC date ["saninerr" ] 04 Nov Spotted Sandpiper ["cancoot" ] 04 Nov Clark's Nutcracker at Carmanah Point ["gke_55" ] 04 Nov Colony Farm Banding Results ["derekjmatthews" ] 04 Nov Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, November 03, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 03 Nov Nanaimo River estuary ["joncbirder" ] 2 Nov RBA Victoria, BC Mon Nov 2 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 2 Nov RBA Victoria, BC Mon Nov 2 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 02 Nov Northern Pygmy-Owl ["backyard_store" ] 01 Nov Nanaimo,Vancouver Island, bird alert--November 01, 2009, ["backyard_store" ] 01 Nov Sunday bird walk, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, November 01, 2009 ["backyard_store" ] 30 Oct More Eurasian wigeon ["joncbirder" ] 30 Oct Eurasian Wigeon, Cackling Goose and American Coots ["canadianrobin2003" ] 29 Oct Re: Holden Creek/Nanaimo River ["Peter" ] 29 Oct RBA Victoria, BC Thurs Oct 29 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 28 Oct Holden Creek/Nanaimo River ["joncbirder" ] 28 Oct parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, October 27, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 27 Oct Cackling Goose ["broadwingedh" ] 26 Oct Kaye Road Birds ["empidonax307" ] 25 Oct Nanaimo,Vancouver Island, bird alert--October 25, 2009, ["backyard_store" ] 25 Oct Sunday bird walk, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, October 25, 2009 ["backyard_store" ] 25 Oct Holden Creek ["joncbirder" ] 23 Oct Backyard Birds ["canadianrobin2003" ] 23 Oct Backyard birds ["canadianrobin2003" ] 23 Oct Backyard Birds ["canadianrobin2003" ] 23 Oct RBA Victoria, BC Fri Oct 23 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 22 Oct Long-billed Dowitchers at Courtenay Airpark Lagoon. ["Dave" ] 22 Oct Tropical Kingbird ["gke_55" ] 21 Oct Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, October 21, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 21 Oct RBA Victoria, BC Wed Oct 21 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 19 Oct Holden Creek ["canadianrobin2003" ] 19 Oct RBA Victoria, BC Mon Oct 19 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 18 Oct Nanaimo,Vancouver Island, bird alert--October 18, 2009, ["backyard_store" ] 18 Oct Sunday bird walk, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, October 18, 2009 ["backyard_store" ] 16 Oct Re: mystery bird ["michelle.calgary AT ymail.com" ] 16 Oct the location for the bird walk ["michelle.calgary AT ymail.com" ] 15 Oct Re: mystery bird ["canadianrobin2003" ] 15 Oct Re: MARBLED GODWIT ["michelle.calgary AT ymail.com" ] 14 Oct Re: MARBLED GODWIT ["canadianrobin2003" ] 14 Oct Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, October 13, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 14 Oct MARBLED GODWIT ["michelle.calgary AT ymail.com" ] 14 Oct Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, October 13, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 13 Oct Re: Rock Wren - Miracle Beach Provincial Park ["Dave" ] 12 Oct RBA Victoria, BC Sun Oct 11 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 12 Oct Rock Wren - Miracle Beach Provincial Park ["Dave" ] 11 Oct Nanaimo,Vancouver Island, bird alert--October 11, 2009, ["backyard_store" ] 11 Oct Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Sunday bird walk, October 11, 2009 ["backyard_store" ] 11 Oct RBA Victoria, BC Sun Oct 11 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 08 Oct White-throated Sparrow ["canadianrobin2003" ] 07 Oct Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, October 06, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 07 Oct Pacific Loons ["canadianrobin2003" ] 6 Oct RBA Victoria, BC Tues Oct 6 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 4 Oct Townsend's Solitaire & Horned Lark ["Newell, Dave" ] 04 Oct Nanaimo,Vancouver Island, bird alert--October 04, 2009, ["backyard_store" ] 04 Oct PECTORAL SANDPIPERS ["backyard_store" ] 4 Oct RBA Victoria, BC Sun Oct 4 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 30 Sep Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, September 29, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 29 Sep Chukar ["canadianrobin2003" ] 29 Sep SANDHILL CRANES ["canadianrobin2003" ] 28 Sep RBA Victoria, BC Mon Sept 28 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 27 Sep RBA Victoria, BC Sun Sept 27 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 27 Sep Nanaimo,Vancouver Island, bird alert-- September 27, 2009, ["backyard_store" ] 27 Sep Sunday bird walk, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, September 27, 2009 ["backyard_store" ] 24 Sep RE: RBA Victoria, BC Thurs Sept 24 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 23 Sep Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, September 22, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 22 Sep Surf Scoters ["canadianrobin2003" ] 22 Sep Birding trip ["Joe Crichton" ] 20 Sep Gadwall ["backyard_store" ] 20 Sep Nanaimo,Vancouver Island, bird alert-- September 20, 2009, ["backyard_store" ] 20 Sep RBA Victoria, BC Sun Sept 20 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 18 Sep RBA RED-SHOULDERED HAWK ["canadianrobin2003" ] 17 Sep RBA Victoria, BC Thurs Sept 17 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 17 Sep RBA Victoria, BC Thurs Sept 17 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] Subject: Re: White-fronted and Cackling geese From: Scott Gilmore <kingstonstamps AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 12:41:16 -0800 (PST) Thanks Jon for your post. The Cackling Geese and White-fronted Geese were still at Buttertubs this morning. The White-fronted Geese were all resting with their heads tucked away. It took and took me a while to spot them. Scott GilmoreUpper Lantzville --- On Sat, 11/7/09, joncbirder wrote: From: joncbirder Subject: [bcbirdingvanisland] White-fronted and Cackling geese To: bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009, 12:26 PM   4 cackling Canada geese and 3 white-fronted geese were amongst c200 common Canada geese at Buttertubs Marsh this afternoon. Details and such at: http://britbirderin bc.blogspot. com Subject: White-fronted and Cackling geese From: "joncbirder" <jon.carter AT fsmail.net> Date: Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:26:42 -0000 4 cackling Canada geese and 3 white-fronted geese were amongst c200 common Canada geese at Buttertubs Marsh this afternoon. Details and such at: http://britbirderinbc.blogspot.com Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Fri Nov 6 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 08:22:25 -0800 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Nov 6, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Fri Nov 6 8:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Announcement The VNHS Sat Birding Group will be going to Wittys Lagoon this coming Sat Nov 5. Meet at the main parking lot at 8:00am Feature Birds MARBLED GODWIT SHORT-EARED OWL Thurs Nov 5 There were 9 MOURNING DOVES seen near the corner of Keating Cross Rd and Central Saanich Rd. A female RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD was seen in Oak Bay. Wed Nov 4 A MARBLED GODWIT was seen at Cattle Point another one was reported from Holland point. Tues Nov 3 A SHORT-EARED owl was seen from Island View Rd as you go up the hill. 8 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen along Martindale Rd. 8 CACKLING CANADA GEESE and 3 SNOW GEESE were seen at Pat Bay. 5 WESTERN MEADOW LARKS were seen at the northwest end of the airport. Mon Nov 2 A SHORT-EARED OWL was seen south of Martindale Rd. 2 ROCK SANDPIPERS were seen by a kayaker on rocks near Mary Todd Island. 2 NORTHERN SHRIKES, 3 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS and 1 PEREGRINE FALCON were seen on Saanichton Spit(Cordova Spit). 4 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off of MacAulay Point. A MARBLED GODWIT was seen off Cattle Point A WILLET was seen off the end of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Sun Nov 1 A SHORT-EARED OWL was seen hunting off McHugh Rd in Central Saanich. A BARN OWL was heard hunting in Central Saanich in the early morning hours. There were three RUDDY DUCKS on Swan Lake. Sat Oct 31 There were 8 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE seen along Martindale Rd. Wed Oct 28 A MARBLED GODWIT was seen for the second day from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay, along with seven other species for shorebirds including the WILLET. Tues Oct 27 A NORTHERN SHRIKE and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Swan Lake. WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS have been reported from several different locations around the lake this past week. Thurs Oct 22 A WILLET was seen on Mary Todd Island from the foot of Bowker Ave Tues Oct 20 RBA for a EMPORER GOOSE seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 5 BROWN PELICANS were seen on Race Rocks 5 BROWN PELICANS, SOTTY SHEARWATERS and a LEACHS STORM PETREL were from the MV COHO in Canadian waters A male RUSTY BLACKBIRD was seen at Galey Farm along the connector trail. An immature SNOW GOOSE was seen on the Victoria Golfcourse An immature SNOW GOOSE was seen off Lochside Dr just south of Lolbrunner. 7 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen on the Lockside School grounds. 2 CACKING CANADA GEESE were seen in Martindale Sun Oct 18 2 SWAINSONS HAWKS were seen over Mt Douglas also there 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS. 4 TRUMPETER SWANS, the first of the fall season were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 20 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES were seen off Wiffin Spit Rd. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a RUDDY TURNSTONE were seen at Wiffin Spit Sat Oct 17 7 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were seen on the VNHS boat trip to Race Rocks, the other highlight was a pod of Dall Porpoises. Mon Oct 12 A juvenile PACIFIC GOLDEN- PLOVER was seen with BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS on the east side of Saanichton Spit. A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A juvenile GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Swan Lake. Also there a SWAMP SPARROW, AMERICAN BITTERN, RUDDY DUCK and a REDHEAD. A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. Sun Oct 11 A CANVASBACK, RUDDY DUCK, AMERICAN BITTERN and a REDHEAD were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Oct 10 At Kings Pond there was 1 AMERICAN TREE SPARROW seen on the east side, also 1 SWAMP SPARROW. At Swan Lake today there was: 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD, 1 AMERICAN BITTERN, 1 RUDDY DUCK, 1 REDHEAD. There were 6 HORNED LARKS seen on Mt Douglas. Fri Oct 9 There were 7 HORNED LARKS on Mt Douglas Thurs Oct 8 There was 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. Wed Oct 7 There were 4 HORNED LARKS and 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. A WESTERN MEADOWLARK was seen at Island View Beach Mon Oct 5 There was RUSTY BLACKBIRD with BREWERS BLACKBIRDS at Swan Lake. There were three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRS seen from the Mt Douglas lookout , also there 2 probable MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, 2 SABINES GULLS and 16 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen from Tower Point among 20,000 gulls. Sun Oct 4 A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen over Martindale Rd. There was a HORNED LARK and a TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR seen from the lookout on Mt Douglas. Sat Oct 3 2 MARBLED GODWITS were seen on the beach 500 metres north of Parker Park which is on Parker Ave. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 12 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were on a mini pelagic boat trip to Race Rocks, also seen a Humpback whale, A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. 178 SNOW GEESE were seen over Rocky Point Bird Observatory. Fri Oct 2 A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR was seen at Saxe Point Park. A HORNED LARK was seen at Cattle Point. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over Martindale Rd. 5 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen on CHRISTMAS HILL. Wed Sept 30 A juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at UVIC. Sun Sept 27 RBA for a COMMON GRACKLE seen from 3382 Sanderling Way in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. Highlights from CRD Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 520 TURKEY VULTURES, 4 OSPREY, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 16 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 45 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 26 VAUXS SWIFTS. A HORNED LARK was seen on the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen with Canada GEESE in a field off Martindale Rd near Welch Rd 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS , 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 GREATER YELLOW-LEGS were seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. 2 GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 26 Highlights from the Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 400 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 25 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 1 MERLIN, 15 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 5 COOPERS HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 OSPREY, 4 SANDHILL CRANES, 200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, 15 VAUXS SWIFTS, several BLACK SWIFTS, 3 EVENING GROSBEAKS. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An adult FRANKLINS GULL was seen on the sand bar by the bridge at Esquimalt Lagoon. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen at the south end of the bridge at Blenkinsop Lake. 4 SANDHILL CRANES were seen off of Sahilton Rd in Duncan. Thurs Sept 23 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Rocky Point Observatory. Also there 600 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 70 VAUXS SWIFTS, 180 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS. A reminder RPBO is on DND land access is restricted to volunteers of RPBO. Mon Sept 21 A BLACK-LEGGED KITTYWAKE was seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). Also there a RING-BILLED GULL. Sun Sept 20 A PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER was seen off Tower Point. An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: Parksville Qualicum Beach CBC date From: "saninerr" <saninerr AT shaw.ca> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:35:16 -0000 Plans are underway for our 19th Parksville Qualicum Beach Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, December 20, 2009. The St. Anne's / St. Edmund's Church Hall on Wembley Road has been booked for the traditional Post-Count-Potluck, 5-8pm. Buckerfields in Parksville has once again agreed to serve as a pick up and drop off location for the Feedercount Checklists. I encourage new and past participants to volunteer this year … we need as many birders as possible in the field or at their feeders with a checklist in hand. Three team leaders have already signed up but we desperately need more! … we usually have 8 teams. Please let me know ASAP if you are able to join a team 'in the field' ... OR ... if you live within the Count Circle you may pick up a Feedercount Checklist -at the November 23 meeting of Arrowsmith Naturalists, Springwood School, Parksville, 7:30pm. -at Buckerfields in Parksville, after December 1. OR I can email the Feedercount Checklist to you directly. If you know of other people or groups possibly interested in participating `in the field' or as a `Feedercounter' or anyone who might want more information, please feel free to pass on my phone # and/or email address. Any help you can provide with lining up more CBC participants will be greatly appreciated. Thank You Sandra Gray BCPQ Compiler 250 248-5565 saninerr AT shaw.ca Subject: Spotted Sandpiper From: "cancoot" <cancoot AT yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:44:22 -0000 I saw the Spotted Sandpiper at the foot of Sebastion Rd.,in Lantzville,for the first time this Fall. It was between 11 and 12 o'clock this morning. I'm pretty sure it's the same one that's been wintering here for the last 3 or 4 years. Cheers,Ralph Hocken Lantzville,BC Subject: Clark's Nutcracker at Carmanah Point From: "gke_55" <karmanah AT islandnet.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:11:20 -0000 Hello, It is a beautiful sunny day here, so I went for a short walk on the beach. To my surprise I saw a Clark's Nutcracker feeding among the drift logs high on the beach. I'll post a picture in the photos section in Jerry's photos. Jerry Etzkorn Carmanah Point Lightstation Subject: Colony Farm Banding Results From: "derekjmatthews" <Derek AT birdvancouver.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:05:32 -0000 Hi Birders and Banders, We completed our last banding session of the season at Colony Farm on Sunday and I have posted the results in a 4 page document in the files section of the site called `Colony Farm Banding Results' Our final total was 3,176 new birds banded of 63 species with 236 retrapped birds which was amazing both in terms of abundance and species diversity especially considering our banding effort is all volunteer and therefore restricted to mostly weekends. We have drawn some important initial conclusions from the data we have been able to collect which includes the significance of the habitat at Colony Farm for both migratory and breeding birds and the importance of the site for dispersing juvenile (hatch year) birds. The data is being presented to MetroVancouver this week and will be considered as part of the draft Colony Farm sustainability plan report for the park. We were surprised at the species diversity which included a number of rare and `specialty' birds including: Brown Thrasher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Gray Catbird, Eastern Kingbird, Western Kingbird, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Shrike & Lazuli Bunting. We all wondered what might have shown up had we been able to band every day during spring and fall migration! We have some very exciting plans to expand the banding program for 2010 and to move towards our vision of creating one of the largest, year round, professional banding operations in Canada. I would like to specially acknowledge the efforts of Dev Manky and Mike Boyd our two expert banders for their knowledge, skill, enthusiasm and support – we could not have done it without you guys! Also to Les Lee for his help with inputting all the data and for always being available for any task which showed up – we'll make a bander of you yet! And finally I want to say a huge thank you to everybody who helped make 2009 and our first season at Colony Farm such a success – Between our banding efforts and the Banding and ID Workshops 2009 was an amazing year for us. Thanks again. Derek Matthews Vancouver Avian Research Centre www.birdvancouver.com Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, November 03, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:09:43 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday bird walk went to the Little Qualicum River Estuary in Qualicum Beach. The morning was cloudy and very windy at times with an occasional glimpse of the sun. The highlights of the morning included seeing thirteen Great Blue Herons resting among the tall grass on the estuary across from the houses at the start of the walk. We spotted twenty Bald Eagles perching on the tall fir trees along the river. There was a very large flock of Bonaparte's Gulls near the estuary. We watched as the gulls lifted from the water to put on their tern like show--moving in a cloud, dipping and diving as they flew. Dunlin and Black Turnstones moved along the gravel bars throughout the morning. There were several Sea Lions and Seals off shore along with Harlequin Ducks, Surf Scoters, White-winged Scoters, Black Scoters, Bufflehead and Common Goldeneye. Twenty-one birders saw and heard the following forty-three species of birds: Canada Goose Trumpeter Swan American Wigeon Mallard Green-winged Teal Harlequin Duck Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Common Merganser Pacific Loon Common Loon Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Double-crested Cormorant Pelagic Cormorant Great Blue Heron Bald Eagle Black Oystercatcher Black Turnstone Dunlin Bonaparte's Gull Mew Gull Ring-billed Gull California Gull Western Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Pigeon Guillemot Belted Kingfisher Northern Flicker Northwestern Crow Common Raven Chestnut-backed Chickadee American Robin European Starling Song Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Red-winged Blackbird Brewer's Blackbird House Finch Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Nanaimo River estuary From: "joncbirder" <jon.carter AT fsmail.net> Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:46:12 -0000 2 northern shrikes, 2 northern harriers, 1 short-eared owl and 12 dowitchers in the area this morning. Further details at: http://britbirderinbc.blogspot.com Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Mon Nov 2 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 20:06:57 -0800 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Nov 2, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Mon Nov 2 8:00pm update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds ROCK SANDPIPER Mon Nov 2 2 ROCK SANDPIPERS were seen by a kayaker on rocks near Mary Todd Island. 2 NORTHERN SHRIKES, 3 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS and 1 PEREGRINE FALCON were seen on Saanichton Spit(Cordova Spit). 4 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off of MacAulay Point. A MARBLED GODWIT was seen off Cattle Point A WILLET was seen off the end of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Sun Nov 1 A SHORT-EARED OWL was seen hunting off McHugh Rd in Central Saanich. A BARN OWL was heard hunting in Central Saanich in the early morning hours. There were three RUDDY DUCKS on Swan Lake. Sat Oct 31 There were 8 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE seen along Martindale Rd. Wed Oct 28 A MARBLED GODWIT was seen for the second day from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay, along with seven other species for shorebirds including the WILLET. Tues Oct 27 A NORTHERN SHRIKE and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Swan Lake. WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS have been reported from several different locations around the lake this past week. Thurs Oct 22 A WILLET was seen on Mary Todd Island from the foot of Bowker Ave Tues Oct 20 RBA for a EMPORER GOOSE seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 5 BROWN PELICANS were seen on Race Rocks 5 BROWN PELICANS, SOTTY SHEARWATERS and a LEACHS STORM PETREL were from the MV COHO in Canadian waters A male RUSTY BLACKBIRD was seen at Galey Farm along the connector trail. An immature SNOW GOOSE was seen on the Victoria Golfcourse An immature SNOW GOOSE was seen off Lochside Dr just south of Lolbrunner. 7 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen on the Lockside School grounds. 2 CACKING CANADA GEESE were seen in Martindale Sun Oct 18 2 SWAINSONS HAWKS were seen over Mt Douglas also there 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS. 4 TRUMPETER SWANS, the first of the fall season were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 20 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES were seen off Wiffin Spit Rd. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a RUDDY TURNSTONE were seen at Wiffin Spit Sat Oct 17 7 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were seen on the VNHS boat trip to Race Rocks, the other highlight was a pod of Dall Porpoises. Mon Oct 12 A juvenile PACIFIC GOLDEN- PLOVER was seen with BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS on the east side of Saanichton Spit. A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A juvenile GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Swan Lake. Also there a SWAMP SPARROW, AMERICAN BITTERN, RUDDY DUCK and a REDHEAD. A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. Sun Oct 11 A CANVASBACK, RUDDY DUCK, AMERICAN BITTERN and a REDHEAD were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Oct 10 At Kings Pond there was 1 AMERICAN TREE SPARROW seen on the east side, also 1 SWAMP SPARROW. At Swan Lake today there was: 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD, 1 AMERICAN BITTERN, 1 RUDDY DUCK, 1 REDHEAD. There were 6 HORNED LARKS seen on Mt Douglas. Fri Oct 9 There were 7 HORNED LARKS on Mt Douglas Thurs Oct 8 There was 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. Wed Oct 7 There were 4 HORNED LARKS and 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. A WESTERN MEADOWLARK was seen at Island View Beach Mon Oct 5 There was RUSTY BLACKBIRD with BREWERS BLACKBIRDS at Swan Lake. There were three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRS seen from the Mt Douglas lookout , also there 2 probable MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, 2 SABINES GULLS and 16 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen from Tower Point among 20,000 gulls. Sun Oct 4 A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen over Martindale Rd. There was a HORNED LARK and a TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR seen from the lookout on Mt Douglas. Sat Oct 3 2 MARBLED GODWITS were seen on the beach 500 metres north of Parker Park which is on Parker Ave. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 12 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were on a mini pelagic boat trip to Race Rocks, also seen a Humpback whale, A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. 178 SNOW GEESE were seen over Rocky Point Bird Observatory. Fri Oct 2 A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR was seen at Saxe Point Park. A HORNED LARK was seen at Cattle Point. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over Martindale Rd. 5 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen on CHRISTMAS HILL. Wed Sept 30 A juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at UVIC. Sun Sept 27 RBA for a COMMON GRACKLE seen from 3382 Sanderling Way in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. Highlights from CRD Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 520 TURKEY VULTURES, 4 OSPREY, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 16 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 45 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 26 VAUXS SWIFTS. A HORNED LARK was seen on the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen with Canada GEESE in a field off Martindale Rd near Welch Rd 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS , 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 GREATER YELLOW-LEGS were seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. 2 GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 26 Highlights from the Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 400 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 25 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 1 MERLIN, 15 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 5 COOPERS HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 OSPREY, 4 SANDHILL CRANES, 200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, 15 VAUXS SWIFTS, several BLACK SWIFTS, 3 EVENING GROSBEAKS. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An adult FRANKLINS GULL was seen on the sand bar by the bridge at Esquimalt Lagoon. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen at the south end of the bridge at Blenkinsop Lake. 4 SANDHILL CRANES were seen off of Sahilton Rd in Duncan. Thurs Sept 23 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Rocky Point Observatory. Also there 600 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 70 VAUXS SWIFTS, 180 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS. A reminder RPBO is on DND land access is restricted to volunteers of RPBO. Mon Sept 21 A BLACK-LEGGED KITTYWAKE was seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). Also there a RING-BILLED GULL. Sun Sept 20 A PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER was seen off Tower Point. An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Mon Nov 2 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 07:37:15 -0800 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Nov 2, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Mon Nov 2 7:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds SHORT-EARED OWL BARN OWL Sun Nov 1 A SHORT-EARED OWL was seen hunting off McHugh Rd in Central Saanich. Also a BARN OWL was heard hunting in Central Saanich. There were three RUDDY DUCKS on Swan Lake. Sat Oct 31 There were 8 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE seen along Martindale Rd. Wed Oct 28 A MARBLED GODWIT was seen for the second day from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay, along with seven other species for shorebirds including the WILLET. Tues Oct 27 A NORTHERN SHRIKE and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Swan Lake. WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS have been reported from several different locations around the lake this past week. Thurs Oct 22 A WILLET was seen on Mary Todd Island from the foot of Bowker Ave Tues Oct 20 RBA for a EMPORER GOOSE seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 5 BROWN PELICANS were seen on Race Rocks 5 BROWN PELICANS, SOTTY SHEARWATERS and a LEACHS STORM PETREL were from the MV COHO in Canadian waters A male RUSTY BLACKBIRD was seen at Galey Farm along the connector trail. An immature SNOW GOOSE was seen on the Victoria Golfcourse An immature SNOW GOOSE was seen off Lochside Dr just south of Lolbrunner. 7 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen on the Lockside School grounds. 2 CACKING CANADA GEESE were seen in Martindale Sun Oct 18 2 SWAINSONS HAWKS were seen over Mt Douglas also there 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS. 4 TRUMPETER SWANS, the first of the fall season were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 20 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES were seen off Wiffin Spit Rd. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a RUDDY TURNSTONE were seen at Wiffin Spit Sat Oct 17 7 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were seen on the VNHS boat trip to Race Rocks, the other highlight was a pod of Dall Porpoises. Mon Oct 12 A juvenile PACIFIC GOLDEN- PLOVER was seen with BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS on the east side of Saanichton Spit. A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A juvenile GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Swan Lake. Also there a SWAMP SPARROW, AMERICAN BITTERN, RUDDY DUCK and a REDHEAD. A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. Sun Oct 11 A CANVASBACK, RUDDY DUCK, AMERICAN BITTERN and a REDHEAD were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Oct 10 At Kings Pond there was 1 AMERICAN TREE SPARROW seen on the east side, also 1 SWAMP SPARROW. At Swan Lake today there was: 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD, 1 AMERICAN BITTERN, 1 RUDDY DUCK, 1 REDHEAD. There were 6 HORNED LARKS seen on Mt Douglas. Fri Oct 9 There were 7 HORNED LARKS on Mt Douglas Thurs Oct 8 There was 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. Wed Oct 7 There were 4 HORNED LARKS and 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. A WESTERN MEADOWLARK was seen at Island View Beach Mon Oct 5 There was RUSTY BLACKBIRD with BREWERS BLACKBIRDS at Swan Lake. There were three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRS seen from the Mt Douglas lookout , also there 2 probable MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, 2 SABINES GULLS and 16 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen from Tower Point among 20,000 gulls. Sun Oct 4 A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen over Martindale Rd. There was a HORNED LARK and a TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR seen from the lookout on Mt Douglas. Sat Oct 3 2 MARBLED GODWITS were seen on the beach 500 metres north of Parker Park which is on Parker Ave. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 12 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were on a mini pelagic boat trip to Race Rocks, also seen a Humpback whale, A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. 178 SNOW GEESE were seen over Rocky Point Bird Observatory. Fri Oct 2 A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR was seen at Saxe Point Park. A HORNED LARK was seen at Cattle Point. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over Martindale Rd. 5 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen on CHRISTMAS HILL. Wed Sept 30 A juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at UVIC. Sun Sept 27 RBA for a COMMON GRACKLE seen from 3382 Sanderling Way in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. Highlights from CRD Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 520 TURKEY VULTURES, 4 OSPREY, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 16 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 45 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 26 VAUXS SWIFTS. A HORNED LARK was seen on the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen with Canada GEESE in a field off Martindale Rd near Welch Rd 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS , 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 GREATER YELLOW-LEGS were seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. 2 GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 26 Highlights from the Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 400 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 25 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 1 MERLIN, 15 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 5 COOPERS HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 OSPREY, 4 SANDHILL CRANES, 200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, 15 VAUXS SWIFTS, several BLACK SWIFTS, 3 EVENING GROSBEAKS. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An adult FRANKLINS GULL was seen on the sand bar by the bridge at Esquimalt Lagoon. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen at the south end of the bridge at Blenkinsop Lake. 4 SANDHILL CRANES were seen off of Sahilton Rd in Duncan. Thurs Sept 23 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Rocky Point Observatory. Also there 600 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 70 VAUXS SWIFTS, 180 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS. A reminder RPBO is on DND land access is restricted to volunteers of RPBO. Mon Sept 21 A BLACK-LEGGED KITTYWAKE was seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). Also there a RING-BILLED GULL. Sun Sept 20 A PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER was seen off Tower Point. An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: Northern Pygmy-Owl From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:27:28 -0000 Hi birders, We just had a report of a Northern Pygmy-Owl seen in a backyard along Gary Oak Drive in Nanoose Bay. Good birding Neil Robins nanaimo british Columbia Subject: Nanaimo,Vancouver Island, bird alert--November 01, 2009, From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:20:46 -0000 Nanaimo bird alert To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 e-mail us at thebackyard AT shaw.ca call the Bird Alert at 250-390-3029 Also check the birdstore blog for the latest bird alerts and updates: www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com Post your sightings on this site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bcbirdingvanisland/messages Birds of British Columbia: http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/efauna/SpeciesChecklists.html International Birdwatching Guides http://www.guidedbirdwatching.com Birdwatching contacts and information find a local birder to go birdwatching with: http://www.birdingpal.org/ Please remember, when reporting a sighting, to leave your name and phone number, along with the date, name and location of your sighting. Sunday November 01, 2009: The Sunday Bird Walk went to the Nanoose Estuary in at Nanoose Bay. The morning was sunny and calm until the near the end of the walk, when it turned quite windy. We saw three different Red-tailed Hawks--one was perched in a large bush near the church camp, one was perched in the tall perching snag above a Great Blue Heron and the third Hawk was up high above the tree line being harassed by two Common Ravens. A Merlin flew in above us and circled around and then headed west and disappeared. We observed a Cooper's Hawk circling above the trees, moving higher and higher into the sky. Three Dunlin were resting on the shoreline of the incoming tide. We spotted an Eurasian Wigeon among a flock of American Wigeon. Fifteen birders heard and saw the following forty species of birds: Canada Goose, Mallard, American Wigeon, Eurasian Wigeon, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Common Merganser Common Loon, Pacific Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Merlin, Cooper's Hawk, Dunlin, Mew Gull, California Gull, Thayer's Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, American Robin, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco and Purple Finch. Saturday October 31: A Northern Shrike and three Short-eared Owls were seen at the Nanaimo River Estuary in south Nanaimo. An Anna's Hummingbird was seen feeding from garden fuchsia in the 2500 Block of Glenayr Drive in Nanaimo. Friday October 30: Two Wilson's Snipe, one Long-billed Dowitcher, two Eurasian Wigeon and an American/Eurasian Hybrid Wigeon were seen at Holden Creek side of the Nanaimo River Estuary in south Nanaimo. Thursday October 29: A large flock of American Wigeon, Black-bellied Plovers, Killdeer, Black Turnstone and a flock of Dunlin were seen at the Parksville Bay at low tide. Eurasian Wigeon, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Pacific Loon, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Brandt's Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Bald Eagle, Mew Gull, California Gull, Herring Gull, Thayer's Gull, Western Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Northern Flicker, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bushtit and Golden-crowned Kinglets were seen on the Plummer Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. Canada Geese and one Cackling Goose, American Coots, Mallards, Ring-necked Ducks, Greater Scaup and a Hooded Merganser were seen at Craig Bay in Parksville. Tuesday October 27: The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Rathtrevor Provincial Park in Parksville. The morning was partly cloudy with strong winds making the Strait of Georgia very choppy. The highlights of the morning included seeing a flock of Dunlin along the tide line. White-winged, Surf and Back Scoters, Pacific and Common Loons, Pigeon Guillemot and Common Mergansers were further offshore. Inland, near the marsh we came across a large mixed flock of songbirds including Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Bushtits, Red-breasted Nuthatch, a Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a Hutton's Vireo, Varied Thrush and a Townsend's Warbler. Twenty-one birders saw and heard the following forty-four species of birds: American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Common Merganser, Pacific Loon, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Dunlin, Mew Gull, California Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Pigeon Guillemot, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Hutton's Vireo, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Varied Thrush, Townsend's Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, Red Crossbill and American Goldfinch. Fifteen Long-billed Dowitchers were seen at Holden Creek in south Nanaimo. A flock of eleven Trumpeter Swans and one juvenile Northern Harrier were seen at the Nanaimo River Estuary, Raines Road side. For further information on these sightings or for help in identifying a bird please call The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store AT 250-390-3669 Toll Free AT 1-888-249-4145 e-mail: thebackyard AT shaw.ca ********************************** The Nanoose Naturalists Guest Speaker Entemologist Evelyn Stokkink will talk about the life of the Ambrosia Beetle. Thursday November 12, 2009 AT 7:00 pm Nanoose Library, Nanoose Bay ********************************** Arrowsmith Naturalists Monday November 23, 2009 AT 7:30 pm. Springwood School Parksville ********************************** Everyone is welcome to join us for a 2-3 hour bird walk on the Sunday and Tuesday mornings. We leave from the Store at 9 A.M. Sunday Mornings and go to a different location in and around Nanaimo and from the Parksville Beach Community Park at 9 A.M. on Tuesdays and go to different areas in and around the Oceanside area. ************************************************************** The Tuesday Bird Walk on November 03, 2009 will be going to the Little Qualicum River Estuary in Qualicum Beach. Meet at the Parksville Beach Community Park near the parking area at the Lion's Playground at 9:00 A.M. or at the Viewing Platform on Highway 19A and Garrett Road in Qualicum Beach at about 9:15 A.M. ***************************************************** The Sunday Bird Walk on November 08 will be going to the Little Qualicum River Estuary in Qualicum Beach. Meet at the Birdstore at 9:00 A.M. or at the Viewing Platform on Highway 19A and Garrett Road in Qualicum Beach at about 9:30A.M. ******************************************************* Good birding Neil Robins THE BACKYARD Wildbird & Nature Store 6314 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8 250.390.3669 250.390.1633 fax thebackyard AT shaw.ca CHECK OUT OUR BLOG---> www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com Subject: Sunday bird walk, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, November 01, 2009 From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:39:18 -0000 Hi birders, The Sunday Bird Walk went to the Nanoose Estuary in at Nanoose Bay. The morning was sunny and calm until the near the end of the walk, when it turned quite windy. We saw three different Red-tailed Hawks--one was perched in a large bush near the church camp, one was perched in the tall perching snag above a Great Blue Heron and the third Hawk was up high above the tree line being harassed by two Common Ravens. A Merlin flew in above us and circled around and then headed west and disappeared. We observed a Cooper's Hawk circling above the trees, moving higher and higher into the sky. Three Dunlin were resting on the shoreline of the incoming tide. We spotted an Eurasian Wigeon among a flock of American Wigeon. Fifteen birders heard and saw the following forty species of birds: Canada Goose, Mallard, American Wigeon, Eurasian Wigeon, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Common Merganser Common Loon, Pacific Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Merlin, Cooper's Hawk, Dunlin, Mew Gull, California Gull, Thayer's Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, American Robin, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco and Purple Finch. Good birding! Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: More Eurasian wigeon From: "joncbirder" <jon.carter AT fsmail.net> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:16:54 -0000 At least 2 drake Eurasian wigeon with American wigeon flock at Holden Creek this morning. A hybrid wigeon was also present. 2 Wilson's snipe and just 1 long-billed dowitcher there too. http://britbirderinbc.blogspot.com Subject: Eurasian Wigeon, Cackling Goose and American Coots From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:02:17 -0000 Hi birders, I was out birding with John Purves today we went to Parksville Beach were we saw a large flock of American Wigeon, Black-bellied Plovers, Killdeer, Black Turnstone and a flock of Dunlin. At the Englishman River Estuary on the flooded mudflats we saw three Eurasian Wigeons, large flocks of American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged Teal and Northern Pintail. At Craig Bay we saw Canada Goose and one Cackling Goose near the water. On the ponds we saw American Coots, Mallards, Ring-necked Ducks, Greater Scaup. We saw the following thirty-nine species of birds: Canada Goose Cackling Goose Eurasian Wigeon American Wigeon Mallard Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Ring-necked Duck Greater Scaup Harlequin Duck Surf Scoter Bufflehead Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Pacific Loon Common Loon Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Brandt's Cormorant Double-crested Cormorant Pelagic Cormorant Bald Eagle American Coot Black-bellied Plover Killdeer Black Turnstone Dunlin Mew Gull California Gull Herring Gull Thayer's Gull Western Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Northern Flicker Northwestern Crow Common Raven Chestnut-backed Chickadee Bushtit Golden-crowned Kinglet Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Colummbia Subject: Re: Holden Creek/Nanaimo River From: "Peter" <cliffhanger AT fsmail.net> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:47:06 -0000 Hi Jon Welcome to the Island from a fellow ex Brit birder. Pete Boon Nanaimo (since 2007) --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "joncbirder" wrote: > > 15 long-billed dowitcher at Holden Creek Tues. morning. > > Flock of 9 trumpeter swans south east, 1 west & 1 on river at end of Raines Rd. > Also 1 juv northern harrier over the saltmarsh. > > Further details and sightings at: > http://britbirderinbc.blogspot.com > > Jon > Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Thurs Oct 29 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:05:53 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Oct 29, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Thurs Oct 29 7:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds MARBLED GODWIT Wed Oct 28 A MARBLED GODWIT was seen for the second day from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay, along with seven other species for shorebirds including the WILLET. Tues Oct 27 A NORTHERN SHRIKE and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Swan Lake. WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS have been reported from several different locations around the lake this past week. Thurs Oct 22 A WILLET was seen on Mary Todd Island from the foot of Bowker Ave Tues Oct 20 RBA for a EMPORER GOOSE seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 5 BROWN PELICANS were seen on Race Rocks 5 BROWN PELICANS, SOTTY SHEARWATERS and a LEACHS STORM PETREL were from the MV COHO in Canadian waters A male RUSTY BLACKBIRD was seen at Galey Farm along the connector trail. An immature SNOW GOOSE was seen on the Victoria Golfcourse An immature SNOW GOOSE was seen off Lochside Dr just south of Lolbrunner. 7 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen on the Lockside School grounds. 2 CACKING CANADA GEESE were seen in Martindale Sun Oct 18 2 SWAINSONS HAWKS were seen over Mt Douglas also there 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS. 4 TRUMPETER SWANS, the first of the fall season were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 20 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES were seen off Wiffin Spit Rd. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a RUDDY TURNSTONE were seen at Wiffin Spit Sat Oct 17 7 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were seen on the VNHS boat trip to Race Rocks, the other highlight was a pod of Dall Porpoises. Mon Oct 12 A juvenile PACIFIC GOLDEN- PLOVER was seen with BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS on the east side of Saanichton Spit. A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A juvenile GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Swan Lake. Also there a SWAMP SPARROW, AMERICAN BITTERN, RUDDY DUCK and a REDHEAD. A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. Sun Oct 11 A CANVASBACK, RUDDY DUCK, AMERICAN BITTERN and a REDHEAD were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Oct 10 At Kings Pond there was 1 AMERICAN TREE SPARROW seen on the east side, also 1 SWAMP SPARROW. At Swan Lake today there was: 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD, 1 AMERICAN BITTERN, 1 RUDDY DUCK, 1 REDHEAD. There were 6 HORNED LARKS seen on Mt Douglas. Fri Oct 9 There were 7 HORNED LARKS on Mt Douglas Thurs Oct 8 There was 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. Wed Oct 7 There were 4 HORNED LARKS and 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. A WESTERN MEADOWLARK was seen at Island View Beach Mon Oct 5 There was RUSTY BLACKBIRD with BREWERS BLACKBIRDS at Swan Lake. There were three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRS seen from the Mt Douglas lookout , also there 2 probable MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, 2 SABINES GULLS and 16 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen from Tower Point among 20,000 gulls. Sun Oct 4 A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen over Martindale Rd. There was a HORNED LARK and a TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR seen from the lookout on Mt Douglas. Sat Oct 3 2 MARBLED GODWITS were seen on the beach 500 metres north of Parker Park which is on Parker Ave. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 12 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were on a mini pelagic boat trip to Race Rocks, also seen a Humpback whale, A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. 178 SNOW GEESE were seen over Rocky Point Bird Observatory. Fri Oct 2 A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR was seen at Saxe Point Park. A HORNED LARK was seen at Cattle Point. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over Martindale Rd. 5 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen on CHRISTMAS HILL. Wed Sept 30 A juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at UVIC. Sun Sept 27 RBA for a COMMON GRACKLE seen from 3382 Sanderling Way in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. Highlights from CRD Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 520 TURKEY VULTURES, 4 OSPREY, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 16 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 45 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 26 VAUXS SWIFTS. A HORNED LARK was seen on the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen with Canada GEESE in a field off Martindale Rd near Welch Rd 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS , 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 GREATER YELLOW-LEGS were seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. 2 GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 26 Highlights from the Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 400 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 25 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 1 MERLIN, 15 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 5 COOPERS HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 OSPREY, 4 SANDHILL CRANES, 200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, 15 VAUXS SWIFTS, several BLACK SWIFTS, 3 EVENING GROSBEAKS. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An adult FRANKLINS GULL was seen on the sand bar by the bridge at Esquimalt Lagoon. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen at the south end of the bridge at Blenkinsop Lake. 4 SANDHILL CRANES were seen off of Sahilton Rd in Duncan. Thurs Sept 23 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Rocky Point Observatory. Also there 600 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 70 VAUXS SWIFTS, 180 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS. A reminder RPBO is on DND land access is restricted to volunteers of RPBO. Mon Sept 21 A BLACK-LEGGED KITTYWAKE was seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). Also there a RING-BILLED GULL. Sun Sept 20 A PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER was seen off Tower Point. An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: Holden Creek/Nanaimo River From: "joncbirder" <jon.carter AT fsmail.net> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:53:12 -0000 15 long-billed dowitcher at Holden Creek Tues. morning. Flock of 9 trumpeter swans south east, 1 west & 1 on river at end of Raines Rd. Also 1 juv northern harrier over the saltmarsh. Further details and sightings at: http://britbirderinbc.blogspot.com Jon Subject: parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, October 27, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:51:06 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Rathtrevor Provincial Park in Parksville. The morning was partly cloudy with strong winds making the Strait of Georgia very choppy. The highlights of the morning included seeing a flock of Dunlin along the tide line. White-winged, Surf and Back Scoters, Pacific and Common Loons, Pigeon Guillemot and Common Mergansers were further offshore. Inland, near the marsh we came across a large mixed flock of songbirds including Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Bushtits, Red-breasted Nuthatch, a Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a Hutton's Vireo, Varied Thrush and a Townsend's Warbler. Twenty-one birders saw and heard the following forty-four species of birds: American Wigeon Mallard Northern Pintail Greater Scaup Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Common Merganser Pacific Loon Common Loon Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Double-crested Cormorant Pelagic Cormorant Great Blue Heron Bald Eagle Sharp-shinned Hawk Dunlin Mew Gull California Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Pigeon Guillemot Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Hutton's Vireo Northwestern Crow Common Raven Chestnut-backed Chickadee Bushtit Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Bewick's Wren Winter Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned Kinglet American Robin Varied Thrush Townsend's Warbler Spotted Towhee Song Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco House Finch Red Crossbill American Goldfinch Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Cackling Goose From: "broadwingedh" <broadwingedh AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:16:29 -0000 After leaving the Birdwalk at Rathtrevor this morning I went to Parksville Community Beach Park. There was one Cackling Goose with the Canada Geese on the grass along the ocean drive. Alan Fishkin Subject: Kaye Road Birds From: "empidonax307" <mnc.stephens AT shaw.ca> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:30:18 -0000 Yesterday in a yard along River's Edge Drive, off Kaye road in Parksville there was a Great Horned Owl, two Red Breasted Sapsuckers, A Northern Flicker, many American Robins,a Golden Crowned Kinglets, Red Breasted Nuthatch, a Spotted Towhee, several Dark Eyed Juncos, and a Purple Finch. Christopher Stephens, Parksville, BC Subject: Nanaimo,Vancouver Island, bird alert--October 25, 2009, From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:57:14 -0000 Nanaimo bird alert To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 e-mail us at thebackyard AT shaw.ca call the Bird Alert at 250-390-3029 Also check the birdstore blog for the latest bird alerts and updates: www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com Post your sightings on this site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bcbirdingvanisland/messages Birds of British Columbia: http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/efauna/SpeciesChecklists.html International Birdwatching Guides http://www.guidedbirdwatching.com Birdwatching contacts and information find a local birder to go birdwatching with: http://www.birdingpal.org/ Please remember, when reporting a sighting, to leave your name and phone number, along with the date, name and location of your sighting. Sunday October 25, 2009: The Sunday Bird Walk went to the Nanaimo River Estuary in south Nanaimo. The morning was cloudy but the winds were calm. It did start to rain at the end of the morning. The highlights included seeing a Northern Shrike pursuing a Northern Flicker. There were at least two Northern Shrikes perched on a snag, giving us good views. We were fascinated as we observed Shrike chasing prey unsuccessfully three times. We watched a Juvenile Northern Harrier hunting as it flew low over the estuary. A Common Raven gave chase to the Harrier and the Harrier went right back after the Raven until the Raven flew away. The Northern Harrier perched for a long time giving us great views. We could see his mostly rufous coloured body with black wings and disc like face of a owl. There were at least ten Western Meadowlarks perched on trees and flying overhead all through the morning. Fourteen birders heard and saw the following thirty-two species of birds: Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Great Blue Heron, Mallard, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Barrow's Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Bald Eagle,Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Harrier, Northern Shrike, California Gull, Thayer's Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Steller's Jay, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Western Meadowlark, Red-winged Blackbird, Eurasian Starling, American Robin, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bewick's Wren, Purple Finch, House Finch and Red Crossbills. Twelve Long-billed Dowitchers were seen at Holden Creek in south Nanaimo. A Varied Thrush was seen visiting feeders along Boundary Crescent in Nanaimo. Saturday October 24: Twenty-two Pacific Loons were seen off shore off Yellowpoint Road in Cedar. Friday October 23:A Short-eared Owl was seen near the Point at Neck Point Park in Nanaimo. Tuesday October 20: The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Columbia Beach. The morning was cloudy but the wind was calm and the water on the Strait of Georgia was like a mirror. Among the highlights of the morning was a very large feeding ball of gulls and seabirds near the horizon. A raft of Greater Scaup, Surf Scoters and White-winged Scoters were seen not far from shore. Three flocks of Northern Pintail flew high overhead heading down the Strait. A large mixed flock of Gulls including Bonaparte's, Mew, a Ring-billed, California, a Herring, Thayer's and Glaucous-winged Gulls, along with Black Turnstones and Black-bellied Plovers were on the gravel bar near the Pebble Beach Townhouses. Four small noisy flocks of Black Oystercatchers flew past us just above the water. Eighteen birders saw and heard the following forty-six species of birds: Canada Goose, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Greater Scaup, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Pacific Loon, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Western Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, Black-bellied Plover, Black Oystercatcher, Black Turnstone, Bonaparte's Gull, Mew Gull, Ring-billed Gull, California Gull, Herring Gull, Thayer's Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Pigeon Guillemot, Rock Pigeon, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Common Raven, European Starling, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch and Red Crossbill. Sunday October 18: Two Anna's Hummingbirds are visiting feeders near Cathers Lake in Nanaimo. A Peregrine Falcon, an American Kestrel and a Bald Eagle were seen at the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. Male and female King Parrots and a family of Grey Butcherbirds have been visiting backyard feeders for the past week, along Edith Street North Haven in New South Wales, Australia. For further information on these sightings or for help in identifying a bird please call The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store AT 250-390-3669 Toll Free AT 1-888-249-4145 e-mail: thebackyard AT shaw.ca ********************************** Arrowsmith Naturalists Guest speaker, Michele Deakin, local biologist, will give an update on eelgrass beds. Monday October 26, 2009 AT 7:30 pm. Springwood School Parksville ********************************** The Nanoose Naturalists Guest Speaker Entemologist Evelyn Stokkink will talk about the life of the Ambrosia Beetle. Thursday November 12, 2009 AT 7:00 pm Nanoose Library, Nanoose Bay ********************************** Everyone is welcome to join us for a 2-3 hour bird walk on the Sunday and Tuesday mornings. We leave from the Store at 9 A.M. Sunday Mornings and go to a different location in and around Nanaimo and from the Parksville Beach Community Park at 9 A.M. on Tuesdays and go to different areas in and around the Oceanside area. ************************************************************** The Tuesday Bird Walk on October 27, 2009 will be going to Rathtrevor Provincial Park in Parksville. Meet at the Parksville Beach Community Park near the parking area at the Lion's Playground at 9:00 A.M. or the main parking area at Rathtrevor Provincial Park. Please note--there is a parking fee at the Park. ***************************************************** The Sunday Bird Walk on November 01 will be going to the Nanoose Estuary in Nanoose Bay. Meet at the Birdstore at 9:00 A.M. or behind the Church Camp off Arlington Road and highway 19, at about 9:15A.M. Please note--daylight savings time ends on November 01 and the clock falls back one hour. ******************************************************* Good birding Neil Robins THE BACKYARD Wildbird & Nature Store 6314 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8 250.390.3669 250.390.1633 fax thebackyard AT shaw.ca CHECK OUT OUR BLOG---> www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com Subject: Sunday bird walk, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, October 25, 2009 From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:23:46 -0000 Hi birders, The Sunday Bird Walk went to the Nanaimo River Estuary in south Nanaimo. The morning was cloudy but the winds were calm. It did start to rain at the end of the morning. The highlights included seeing a Northern Shrike pursuing a Northern Flicker. There were at least two Northern Shrikes perched on a snag, giving us good views. We were fascinated as we observed Shrike chasing prey unsuccessfully three times. We watched a Juvenile Northern Harrier hunting as it flew low over the estuary. A Common Raven gave chase to the Harrier and the Harrier went right back after the Raven until the Raven flew away. The Northern Harrier perched for a long time giving us great views. We could see his mostly rufous coloured body with black wings and disc like face of a owl. There were at least ten Western Meadowlarks perched on trees and flying overhead all through the morning. Fourteen birders heard and saw the following thirty-two species of birds: Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Great Blue Heron, Mallard, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Barrow's Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Bald Eagle, Merlin, Northern Harrier, Northern Shrike, California Gull, Thayer's Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Steller's Jay, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Western Meadowlark, Red-winged Blackbird, Eurasian Starling, American Robin, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bewick's Wren, Purple Finch, House Finch and Red Crossbills. Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: Holden Creek From: "joncbirder" <jon.carter AT fsmail.net> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:02:54 -0000 A total of 22 long-billed dowitcher were present at Holden Creek at 8.20am Sunday 25th October. O Saturday 24th 140+ Pacific loon were off Yellow Point at Cedar plus 2 white-winged and 1 black scoter amongst the surf scoters. 4 western grebe also present. Subject: Backyard Birds From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:50:47 -0000 Hi birders, I have just received the following report--- "Male and female King Parrots and a family of Grey Butcherbirds have been visiting backyard feeders along Edith Street in North Haven, New South Wales, Australia." Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Backyard birds From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:44:10 -0000 Hi birders, I have just received the following report--- "Male and female King Parrots and a family of Grey Butcherbirds have been visiting backyard feeders along Edith Street in New Haven, New South Wales, Australia." Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Backyard Birds From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:34:56 -0000 Hi birders, I have just received the following report--- "Male and female King Parrots and a family of Grey Butcherbirds have been visiting backyard feeders along Edith Street in New South Whales, Australia." Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Fri Oct 23 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:20:37 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Oct 23, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Fri Oct 23 7:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Announcement The VNHS Sat Birding Group will be going to Rithets Bog this coming Sat Oct 24. Meet at Dalewood Lane which is off Chatterton Way at 8:00am. Feature Birds EMPEROR GOOSE BROWN PELICAN Thus Oct 22 A Willet was seen on Mary Todd Island from the foot of Bowker Ave Tues Oct 20 RBA for a EMPORER GOOSE seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 5 BROWN PELICANS were seen on Race Rocks 5 BROWN PELICANS, SOTTY SHEARWATERS and a LEACHS STORM PETREL were from the MV COHO in Canadian waters A male RUSTY BLACKBIRD was seen at Galey Farm along the connector trail. An immature SNOW GOOSE was seen on the Victoria Golfcourse An immature SNOW GOOSE was seen off Lochside Dr just south of Lolbrunner. 7 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen on the Lockside School grounds. 2 CACKING CANADA GEESE were seen in Martindale Sun Oct 18 2 SWAINSONS HAWKS were seen over Mt Douglas also there 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS. 4 TRUMPETER SWANS, the first of the fall season were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 20 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES were seen off Wiffin Spit Rd. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a RUDDY TURNSTONE were seen at Wiffin Spit Sat Oct 17 7 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were seen on the VNHS boat trip to Race Rocks, the other highlight was a pod of Dall Porpoises. Mon Oct 12 A juvenile PACIFIC GOLDEN- PLOVER was seen with BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS on the east side of Saanichton Spit. A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A juvenile GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Swan Lake. Also there a SWAMP SPARROW, AMERICAN BITTERN, RUDDY DUCK and a REDHEAD. A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. Sun Oct 11 A CANVASBACK, RUDDY DUCK, AMERICAN BITTERN and a REDHEAD were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Oct 10 At Kings Pond there was 1 AMERICAN TREE SPARROW seen on the east side, also 1 SWAMP SPARROW. At Swan Lake today there was: 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD, 1 AMERICAN BITTERN, 1 RUDDY DUCK, 1 REDHEAD. There were 6 HORNED LARKS seen on Mt Douglas. Fri Oct 9 There were 7 HORNED LARKS on Mt Douglas Thurs Oct 8 There was 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. Wed Oct 7 There were 4 HORNED LARKS and 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. A WESTERN MEADOWLARK was seen at Island View Beach Mon Oct 5 There was RUSTY BLACKBIRD with BREWERS BLACKBIRDS at Swan Lake. There were three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRS seen from the Mt Douglas lookout , also there 2 probable MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, 2 SABINES GULLS and 16 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen from Tower Point among 20,000 gulls. Sun Oct 4 A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen over Martindale Rd. There was a HORNED LARK and a TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR seen from the lookout on Mt Douglas. Sat Oct 3 2 MARBLED GODWITS were seen on the beach 500 metres north of Parker Park which is on Parker Ave. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 12 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were on a mini pelagic boat trip to Race Rocks, also seen a Humpback whale, A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. 178 SNOW GEESE were seen over Rocky Point Bird Observatory. Fri Oct 2 A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR was seen at Saxe Point Park. A HORNED LARK was seen at Cattle Point. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over Martindale Rd. 5 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen on CHRISTMAS HILL. Wed Sept 30 A juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at UVIC. Sun Sept 27 RBA for a COMMON GRACKLE seen from 3382 Sanderling Way in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. Highlights from CRD Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 520 TURKEY VULTURES, 4 OSPREY, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 16 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 45 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 26 VAUXS SWIFTS. A HORNED LARK was seen on the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen with Canada GEESE in a field off Martindale Rd near Welch Rd 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS , 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 GREATER YELLOW-LEGS were seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. 2 GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 26 Highlights from the Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 400 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 25 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 1 MERLIN, 15 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 5 COOPERS HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 OSPREY, 4 SANDHILL CRANES, 200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, 15 VAUXS SWIFTS, several BLACK SWIFTS, 3 EVENING GROSBEAKS. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An adult FRANKLINS GULL was seen on the sand bar by the bridge at Esquimalt Lagoon. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen at the south end of the bridge at Blenkinsop Lake. 4 SANDHILL CRANES were seen off of Sahilton Rd in Duncan. Thurs Sept 23 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Rocky Point Observatory. Also there 600 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 70 VAUXS SWIFTS, 180 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS. A reminder RPBO is on DND land access is restricted to volunteers of RPBO. Mon Sept 21 A BLACK-LEGGED KITTYWAKE was seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). Also there a RING-BILLED GULL. Sun Sept 20 A PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER was seen off Tower Point. An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: Long-billed Dowitchers at Courtenay Airpark Lagoon. From: "Dave" <daveingram AT canoemail.com> Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:21:54 -0000 Nice flock of more than 12 Long-billed Dowitchers feeding in the grass and mud near the main viewing platform on the riverside of the Courtenay Airpark Lagoon late in the afternoon on October 21. Ruddy duck was still there yesterday as well. Pictures at: Long-billed Dowitchers at Airpark Lagoon Cheers, Dave Ingram Subject: Tropical Kingbird From: "gke_55" <karmanah AT islandnet.com> Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:02:52 -0000 Hello, I got home from a 3 week road trip on Monday (the 19th) to find a Tropical Kingbird waiting to greet me. It hung around and fed for about four hours. Jerry Etzkorn Carmanah Point Lightstation Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, October 21, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:05:05 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Columbia Beach. The morning was cloudy but the wind was calm and the water on the Strait of Georgia was like a mirror. Among the highlights of the morning was a very large feeding ball of gulls and seabirds near the horizon. A raft of Greater Scaup, Surf Scoters and White-winged Scoters were seen not far from shore. Three flocks of Northern Pintail flew high overhead heading down the Strait. A large mixed flock of Gulls including Bonaparte's, Mew, a Ring-billed, California, a Herring, Thayer's and Glaucous-winged Gulls, along with Black Turnstones and Black-bellied Plovers were on the gravel bar near the Pebble Beach Townhouses. Four small noisey flocks of Black Oystercatchers flew past us just above the water. Eighteen birders saw and heard the following forty-six species of birds: Canada Goose Mallard Northern Pintail Greater Scaup Harlequin Duck Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Long-tailed Duck Common Goldeneye Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Pacific Loon Common Loon Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Western Grebe Double-crested Cormorant Pelagic Cormorant Great Blue Heron Bald Eagle Sharp-shinned Hawk Merlin Black-bellied Plover Black Oystercatcher Black Turnstone Bonaparte's Gull Mew Gull Ring-billed Gull California Gull Herring Gull Thayer's Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Pigeon Guillemot Rock Dove Belted Kingfisher Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Common Raven European Starling Spotted Towhee Song Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Golden-crowned Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco House Finch Red Crossbill Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Wed Oct 21 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:14:55 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Oct 21, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for WedOct 21 7:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds RUSTY BLACKBIRD GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE Tues Oct 20 A male RUSTY BLACKBIRD was seen at Galey Farm along the connector trail. An immature SNOW GOOSE was seen on the Victoria Golfcourse An immature SNOW GOOSE was seen off Lochside Dr just south of Lolbrunner. 7 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen on the Lockside School grounds. 2 CACKING CANADA GEESE were seen in Martindale Sun Oct 18 2 SWAINSONS HAWKS were seen over Mt Douglas also there 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS. 4 TRUMPETER SWANS, the first of the fall season were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 20 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES were seen off Wiffin Spit Rd. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a RUDDY TURNSTONE were seen at Wiffin Spit Sat Oct 17 7 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were seen on the VNHS boat trip to Race Rocks, the other highlight was a pod of Dall Porpoises. Mon Oct 12 A juvenile PACIFIC GOLDEN- PLOVER was seen with BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS on the east side of Saanichton Spit. A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A juvenile GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Swan Lake. Also there a SWAMP SPARROW, AMERICAN BITTERN, RUDDY DUCK and a REDHEAD. A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. Sun Oct 11 A CANVASBACK, RUDDY DUCK, AMERICAN BITTERN and a REDHEAD were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Oct 10 At Kings Pond there was 1 AMERICAN TREE SPARROW seen on the east side, also 1 SWAMP SPARROW. At Swan Lake today there was: 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD, 1 AMERICAN BITTERN, 1 RUDDY DUCK, 1 REDHEAD. There were 6 HORNED LARKS seen on Mt Douglas. Fri Oct 9 There were 7 HORNED LARKS on Mt Douglas Thurs Oct 8 There was 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. Wed Oct 7 There were 4 HORNED LARKS and 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. A WESTERN MEADOWLARK was seen at Island View Beach Mon Oct 5 There was RUSTY BLACKBIRD with BREWERS BLACKBIRDS at Swan Lake. There were three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRS seen from the Mt Douglas lookout , also there 2 probable MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, 2 SABINES GULLS and 16 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen from Tower Point among 20,000 gulls. Sun Oct 4 A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen over Martindale Rd. There was a HORNED LARK and a TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR seen from the lookout on Mt Douglas. Sat Oct 3 2 MARBLED GODWITS were seen on the beach 500 metres north of Parker Park which is on Parker Ave. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 12 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were on a mini pelagic boat trip to Race Rocks, also seen a Humpback whale, A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. 178 SNOW GEESE were seen over Rocky Point Bird Observatory. Fri Oct 2 A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR was seen at Saxe Point Park. A HORNED LARK was seen at Cattle Point. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over Martindale Rd. 5 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen on CHRISTMAS HILL. Wed Sept 30 A juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at UVIC. Sun Sept 27 RBA for a COMMON GRACKLE seen from 3382 Sanderling Way in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. Highlights from CRD Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 520 TURKEY VULTURES, 4 OSPREY, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 16 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 45 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 26 VAUXS SWIFTS. A HORNED LARK was seen on the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen with Canada GEESE in a field off Martindale Rd near Welch Rd 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS , 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 GREATER YELLOW-LEGS were seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. 2 GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 26 Highlights from the Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 400 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 25 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 1 MERLIN, 15 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 5 COOPERS HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 OSPREY, 4 SANDHILL CRANES, 200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, 15 VAUXS SWIFTS, several BLACK SWIFTS, 3 EVENING GROSBEAKS. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An adult FRANKLINS GULL was seen on the sand bar by the bridge at Esquimalt Lagoon. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen at the south end of the bridge at Blenkinsop Lake. 4 SANDHILL CRANES were seen off of Sahilton Rd in Duncan. Thurs Sept 23 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Rocky Point Observatory. Also there 600 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 70 VAUXS SWIFTS, 180 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS. A reminder RPBO is on DND land access is restricted to volunteers of RPBO. Mon Sept 21 A BLACK-LEGGED KITTYWAKE was seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). Also there a RING-BILLED GULL. Sun Sept 20 A PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER was seen off Tower Point. An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: Holden Creek From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:02:24 -0000 Hi birders, I have received a report of a Stilt Sandpiper, Pectral Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitchers and Dunlin seen yesterday October 18, 2009 at Holden Creek near the Nanaimo River Estuary in south Nanaimo. Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Mon Oct 19 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:14:54 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Oct 19, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Mon Oct 19 7:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER SAINSONS HAWK EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE PECTORAL SANDPIPER RUDDY TURNSTONE AMERICAN KESTREL TRUMPETER SWAN Sun Oct 18 2 SWAINSONS HAWKS were seen over Mt Douglas also there 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS. 4 TRUMPETER SWANS, the first of the fall season were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 20 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES were seen off Wiffin Spit Rd. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a RUDDY TURNSTONE were seen at Wiffin Spit Sat Oct 17 7 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were seen on the VNHS boat trip to Race Rocks, the other highlight was a pod of Dall Porpoises. Mon Oct 12 A juvenile PACIFIC GOLDEN- PLOVER was seen with BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS on the east side of Saanichton Spit. A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A juvenile GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Swan Lake. Also there a SWAMP SPARROW, AMERICAN BITTERN, RUDDY DUCK and a REDHEAD. A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. Sun Oct 11 A CANVASBACK, RUDDY DUCK, AMERICAN BITTERN and a REDHEAD were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Oct 10 At Kings Pond there was 1 AMERICAN TREE SPARROW seen on the east side, also 1 SWAMP SPARROW. At Swan Lake today there was: 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD, 1 AMERICAN BITTERN, 1 RUDDY DUCK, 1 REDHEAD. There were 6 HORNED LARKS seen on Mt Douglas. Fri Oct 9 There were 7 HORNED LARKS on Mt Douglas Thurs Oct 8 There was 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. Wed Oct 7 There were 4 HORNED LARKS and 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. A WESTERN MEADOWLARK was seen at Island View Beach Mon Oct 5 There was RUSTY BLACKBIRD with BREWERS BLACKBIRDS at Swan Lake. There were three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRS seen from the Mt Douglas lookout , also there 2 probable MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, 2 SABINES GULLS and 16 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen from Tower Point among 20,000 gulls. Sun Oct 4 A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen over Martindale Rd. There was a HORNED LARK and a TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR seen from the lookout on Mt Douglas. Sat Oct 3 2 MARBLED GODWITS were seen on the beach 500 metres north of Parker Park which is on Parker Ave. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 12 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were on a mini pelagic boat trip to Race Rocks, also seen a Humpback whale, A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. 178 SNOW GEESE were seen over Rocky Point Bird Observatory. Fri Oct 2 A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR was seen at Saxe Point Park. A HORNED LARK was seen at Cattle Point. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over Martindale Rd. 5 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen on CHRISTMAS HILL. Wed Sept 30 A juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at UVIC. Sun Sept 27 RBA for a COMMON GRACKLE seen from 3382 Sanderling Way in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. Highlights from CRD Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 520 TURKEY VULTURES, 4 OSPREY, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 16 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 45 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 26 VAUXS SWIFTS. A HORNED LARK was seen on the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen with Canada GEESE in a field off Martindale Rd near Welch Rd 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS , 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 GREATER YELLOW-LEGS were seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. 2 GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 26 Highlights from the Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 400 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 25 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 1 MERLIN, 15 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 5 COOPERS HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 OSPREY, 4 SANDHILL CRANES, 200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, 15 VAUXS SWIFTS, several BLACK SWIFTS, 3 EVENING GROSBEAKS. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An adult FRANKLINS GULL was seen on the sand bar by the bridge at Esquimalt Lagoon. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen at the south end of the bridge at Blenkinsop Lake. 4 SANDHILL CRANES were seen off of Sahilton Rd in Duncan. Thurs Sept 23 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Rocky Point Observatory. Also there 600 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 70 VAUXS SWIFTS, 180 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS. A reminder RPBO is on DND land access is restricted to volunteers of RPBO. Mon Sept 21 A BLACK-LEGGED KITTYWAKE was seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). Also there a RING-BILLED GULL. Sun Sept 20 A PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER was seen off Tower Point. An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: Nanaimo,Vancouver Island, bird alert--October 18, 2009, From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:23:30 -0000 report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 e-mail us at thebackyard AT shaw.ca call the Bird Alert at 250-390-3029 Also check the birdstore blog for the latest bird alerts and updates: www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com Post your sightings on this site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bcbirdingvanisland/messages Birds of British Columbia: http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/efauna/SpeciesChecklists.html International Birdwatching Guides http://www.guidedbirdwatching.com Birdwatching contacts and information find a local birder to go birdwatching with: http://www.birdingpal.org/ Please remember, when reporting a sighting, to leave your name and phone number, along with the date, name and location of your sighting. Sunday October 18, 2009: The Sunday Bird Walk went to the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. The morning was cloudy but calm. The highlights included seeing a Sharp-shinned Hawk chasing a Northern Flicker and a Northern Shrike perched on a short bush near the estuary. Black Turnstones and Black-bellied Plovers flew past near the shoreline heading up the Strait of Georgia. We watched a Peregrine Falcon fly from one perch to another. He perched for a few seconds and then with powerful wind beats, he flew off towards the mainland. We soon lost sight of him over the Strait of Georgia. Nineteen birders heard and saw the following fifty-two species of birds: Canada Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Harlequin Duck, Bufflehead, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Merganser, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Bonaparte's Gull, Mew Gull, California Gull, Thayer's Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Black-bellied Plover, Black Turnstone, Killdeer, California Quail, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Northern Shrike, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bushtit, Bewick's Wren, American Robin, European Starling, Spotted Towhee, Brewer's Blackbird, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, Red Crossbill and House Sparrow. Tuesday October 13: The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. The morning was cloudy and the winds were calm however a shower finished off the morning. The highlights included seeing Varied Thrush just ahead of us on the trail and in the trees along the trail. We came across about one thousand American Robins in the forest and estuary throughout the morning. There was a Hermit Thrush in the brushes near the trail. A Northern Shrike landed on a bush not thirty feet front us giving us incredible looks. We saw a Peregrine Falcon preening itself in a tall fir tree on the west side of the forest. The Falcon left the perch twice and flew towards the Straight of Georgia only to return to the perch. When he returned for the second time he perched and looked down at us as if he was people watching. We saw a Merlin chasing a Northern Flicker. We spotted a Fox Sparrow gleaning insects from the leaves on a small bush. Ten birders saw and heard the following forty species of birds: Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, Common Merganser, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Wilson's Snipe,Bonaparte's Gull, Mew Gull, California Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Northern Shrike, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Varied Thrush, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Spotted Towhee, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Purple Finch, House Finch and Red Crossbill. Sunday October 11: One hundred and fourteen Pacific Loons were seen off Yellow Point in Cedar. For further information on these sightings or for help in identifying a bird please call The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store AT 250-390-3669 Toll Free AT 1-888-249-4145 e-mail: thebackyard AT shaw.ca ********************************** Arrowsmith Naturalists Guest speaker, Michele Deakin, local biologist, will give an update on eelgrass beds. Monday October 26, 2009 AT 7:30 pm. Springwood School Parksville ********************************** The Nanoose Naturalists Thursday November 12, 2009 AT 7:00 pm Nanoose Library, Nanoose Bay ********************************** Everyone is welcome to join us for a 2-3 hour bird walk on the Sunday and Tuesday mornings. We leave from the Store at 9 A.M. Sunday Mornings and go to a different location in and around Nanaimo and from the Parksville Beach Community Park at 9 A.M. on Tuesdays and go to different areas in and around the Oceanside area. ************************************************************** The Tuesday Bird Walk on October 20, 2009 will be going to Columbia Beach. Meet at the Parksville Beach Community Park near the parking area at the Lion's Playground at 9:00 A.M. or the parking area off Admiral Tyron Boulevard ***************************************************** The Sunday Bird Walk on October 25 will be going to the Nanaimo River Estuary. Meet at the Birdstore at 9:00 A.M. or the end of Raines Road at about 9:30A.M. ******************************************************* Good birding Neil Robins THE BACKYARD Wildbird & Nature Store 6314 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8 250.390.3669 250.390.1633 fax thebackyard AT shaw.ca CHECK OUT OUR BLOG---> www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com Subject: Sunday bird walk, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, October 18, 2009 From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:39:14 -0000 Hi birders, Sunday October 18, 2009: The Sunday Bird Walk went to the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. The morning was cloudy but calm. The highlights included seeing a Sharp-shinned Hawk chasing a Northern Flicker and a Northern Shrike perched on a short bush near the estuary. Black Turnstones and Black-bellied Plovers flew past near the shoreline heading up the Strait of Georgia. We watched a Peregrine Falcon fly from one perch to another. He perched for a few seconds and then with powerful wind beats, he flew off towards the mainland. We soon lost sight of him over the Strait of Georgia. Nineteen birders heard and saw the following fifty-two species of birds: Canada Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Harlequin Duck, Bufflehead, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Merganser, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Bonaparte's Gull, Mew Gull, California Gull, Thayer's Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Black-bellied Plover, Black Turnstone, Killdeer, California Quail, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Northern Shrike, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bushtit, Bewick's Wren, American Robin, European Starling, Spotted Towhee, Brewer's Blackbird, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, Red Crossbill and House Sparrow. Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: Re: mystery bird From: "michelle.calgary AT ymail.com" <michelle.calgary@gmail.com> Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:31:33 -0000 thank you!! --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "canadianrobin2003" wrote: > > Hi Michelle, > > The bird is a Gull.. I think probably a immature Thayer's Gull. > > The photo matches the 36.19 Second-cycle Thayer's Gull on page 267 in the Peterson Reference Guides, Gulls of the Americas, by Steve N.G. Howell/Jon Dunn, 2007. > > Cheers > Neil Robins > Parksville > British Columbia > > --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "michelle.calgary AT " wrote: > > > > > > That was last Saturday. I also saw one more that do not know what it is: > > > > click here for photo of unknown bird... > > > link> > > > > thanks! > > > > > > --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "canadianrobin2003" > > wrote: > > > > > > Hi Michelle, > > > > > > Good sighting and great photo. When did you see this Godwit in Port > > Hardy? > > > > > > Cheers > > > Neil Robins > > > Parksvillr > > > British Columbia > > > > > > --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "michelle.calgary AT " > > michelle.calgary AT wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Marbled Godwit > > > > > > > \ > > > > link> seen in Port Hardy. If I'm wrong with bird ID please let me > > > > know. > > > > > > > > Michelle. > > > > > > > > > > Subject: the location for the bird walk From: "michelle.calgary AT ymail.com" <michelle.calgary@gmail.com> Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:06:21 -0000 Thank you for finding the gull! Sunday I have the time to make it to Parksville - I can find the park but any advice where exactlly to go to see the most birds? do you normally go very early on Tuesdays or would I still see something in the afternoon? Thanks again! --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "canadianrobin2003" wrote: > > Hi Michelle, > > The bird is a Gull.. I think probably a immature Thayer's Gull. > > The photo matches the 36.19 Second-cycle Thayer's Gull on page 267 in the Peterson Reference Guides, Gulls of the Americas, by Steve N.G. Howell/Jon Dunn, 2007. > > Cheers > Neil Robins > Parksville > British Columbia > > --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "michelle.calgary AT " wrote: > > > > > > That was last Saturday. I also saw one more that do not know what it is: > > > > click here for photo of unknown bird... > > > link> > > > > thanks! > > > > > > --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "canadianrobin2003" > > wrote: > > > > > > Hi Michelle, > > > > > > Good sighting and great photo. When did you see this Godwit in Port > > Hardy? > > > > > > Cheers > > > Neil Robins > > > Parksvillr > > > British Columbia > > > > > > --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "michelle.calgary AT " > > michelle.calgary AT wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Marbled Godwit > > > > > > > \ > > > > link> seen in Port Hardy. If I'm wrong with bird ID please let me > > > > know. > > > > > > > > Michelle. > > > > > > > > > > Subject: Re: mystery bird From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:58:54 -0000 Hi Michelle, The bird is a Gull.. I think probably a immature Thayer's Gull. The photo matches the 36.19 Second-cycle Thayer's Gull on page 267 in the Peterson Reference Guides, Gulls of the Americas, by Steve N.G. Howell/Jon Dunn, 2007. Cheers Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "michelle.calgary AT ..." wrote: > > > That was last Saturday. I also saw one more that do not know what it is: > > click here for photo of unknown bird... > link> > > thanks! > > > --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "canadianrobin2003" > wrote: > > > > Hi Michelle, > > > > Good sighting and great photo. When did you see this Godwit in Port > Hardy? > > > > Cheers > > Neil Robins > > Parksvillr > > British Columbia > > > > --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "michelle.calgary AT " > michelle.calgary AT wrote: > > > > > > > > > Marbled Godwit > > > > \ > > > link> seen in Port Hardy. If I'm wrong with bird ID please let me > > > know. > > > > > > Michelle. > > > > > > Subject: Re: MARBLED GODWIT From: "michelle.calgary AT ymail.com" <michelle.calgary@gmail.com> Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:54:21 -0000 That was last Saturday. I also saw one more that do not know what it is: click here for photo of unknown bird... thanks! --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "canadianrobin2003" wrote: > > Hi Michelle, > > Good sighting and great photo. When did you see this Godwit in Port Hardy? > > Cheers > Neil Robins > Parksvillr > British Columbia > > --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "michelle.calgary AT " michelle.calgary AT wrote: > > > > > > Marbled Godwit > > > link> seen in Port Hardy. If I'm wrong with bird ID please let me > > know. > > > > Michelle. > > > Subject: Re: MARBLED GODWIT From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:13:20 -0000 Hi Michelle, Good sighting and great photo. When did you see this Godwit in Port Hardy? Cheers Neil Robins Parksvillr British Columbia --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "michelle.calgary AT ..." wrote: > > > Marbled Godwit > link> seen in Port Hardy. If I'm wrong with bird ID please let me > know. > > Michelle. > Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, October 13, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:07:49 -0000 The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. The morning was cloudy and the winds were calm however a shower finished off the morning. The highlights included seeing Varied Thrush just ahead of us on the trail and in the trees along the trail. We came across about one thousand American Robins in the forest and estuary throughout the morning. There was a Hermit Thrush in the brushes near the trail. A Northern Shrike landed on a bush not thirty feet front us giving us incredible looks. We saw a Peregrine Falcon preening itself in a tall fir tree on the west side of the forest. The Falcon left the perch twice and flew towards the Straight of Georgia only to return to the perch. When he returned for the second time he perched and looked down at us as if he was people watching. We saw a Merlin chasing a Northern Flicker. We spotted a Fox Sparrow gleaning insects from the leaves on a small bush. Ten birders saw and heard the following forty species of birds: Canada Goose American Wigeon Mallard Harlequin Duck Surf Scoter Common Merganser Common Loon Horned Grebe Double-crested Cormorant Pelagic Cormorant Great Blue Heron Bald Eagle Merlin Peregrine Falcon Wilson's Snipe Bonaparte's Gull Mew Gull California Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Belted Kingfisher Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Northern Shrike Northwestern Crow Common Raven Chestnut-backed Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Hermit Thrush American Robin Varied Thrush European Starling Cedar Waxwing Spotted Towhee Fox Sparrow Song Sparrow Golden-crowned Sparrow Purple Finch House Finch Red Crossbill Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: MARBLED GODWIT From: "michelle.calgary AT ymail.com" <michelle.calgary@gmail.com> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:11:08 -0000 Marbled Godwit seen in Port Hardy. If I'm wrong with bird ID please let me know. Michelle. Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, October 13, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:54:35 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday bird walk went to the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. The morning was cloudy, the winds calm with a shower to finish the morning. Th highlights included seeing a Varied Thrush ahead of us along the trail, with other Varied Thrush in the trees with American Robins. We entountered about one thousand American Robins in the forest and estuary throughout the morning. We came upon a Hermit Thrush in a brush near the trail. We saw a Peregrine Falcon preening itself in a tall fir tree on the west side of the forest, the Falcon left the perch and flew towards the Straight of Georgia only to return to its perch, after a time the Falcon again left its perch and returned and looked down at us as if he was people watching. We saw a Merlin chasing a Northern Flicker. We spotted a Fox Sparrow gleening insects from the leaves on a small bush. Ten birders saw and heard the following forty species of birds: Canada Goose American Wigeon Mallard Harlequin Duck Surf Scoter Common Merganser Common Loon Horned Grebe Double-crested Cormorant Pelagic Cormorant Great Blue Heron Bald Eagle Merlin Peregrine Falcon Wilson's Snipe Bonaparte's Gull Mew Gull California Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Belted Kingfisher Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Northern Shrike Northwestern Crow Common Raven Chestnut-backed Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Hermit Thrush American Robin Varied Thrush European Starling Cedar Waxwing Spotted Towhee Fox Sparrow Song Sparrow Golden-crowned Sparrow Purple Finch House Finch Red Crossbill Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Re: Rock Wren - Miracle Beach Provincial Park From: "Dave" <daveingram AT canoemail.com> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:10:18 -0000 Pictures now posted on my blog - the bird seem to stick around for most of the day on Monday and was still there in the late afternoon. Cheers, Dave --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "Dave" wrote: > > Saw and photographed a rock wren at Miracle Beach Provincial Park late this morning - bird has subsequently been viewed and confirmed by several Comox Valley Naturalist Society birding group members. > > Bird is located in the right hand parking lot at the far right hand corner of the lot closest to the forest edge (near an old rotting nurse log). Seems to be fairly content to feed around the parking medians at this end of the parking lot. > > Will post pictures on my blog at http://www.daveingram.ca today or tomorrow. > Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Sun Oct 11 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:11:40 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Oct 12, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Mon Oct 12 8:00pm update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER GOLDEN EAGLE WILLET RED KNOT CANVASBACK REDHEAD RUDDY DUCK AMERICAN BITTERN LAPLAND LONGSPUR Mon Oct 12 A juvenile PACIFIC GOLDEN- PLOVER was seen with BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS on the east side of Saanichton Spit. A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A juvenile GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Swan Lake. Also there a SWAMP SPARROW, AMERICAN BITTERN, RUDDY DUCK and a REDHEAD. A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. Sun Oct 11 A CANVASBACK, RUDDY DUCK, AMERICAN BITTERN and a REDHEAD were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Oct 10 At Kings Pond there was 1 AMERICAN TREE SPARROW seen on the east side, also 1 SWAMP SPARROW. At Swan Lake today there was: 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD, 1 AMERICAN BITTERN, 1 RUDDY DUCK, 1 REDHEAD. There were 6 HORNED LARKS seen on Mt Douglas. Fri Oct 9 There were 7 HORNED LARKS on Mt Douglas Thurs Oct 8 There was 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. Wed Oct 7 There were 4 HORNED LARKS and 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. A WESTERN MEADOWLARK was seen at Island View Beach Mon Oct 5 There was RUSTY BLACKBIRD with BREWERS BLACKBIRDS at Swan Lake. There were three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRS seen from the Mt Douglas lookout , also there 2 probable MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, 2 SABINES GULLS and 16 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen from Tower Point among 20,000 gulls. Sun Oct 4 A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen over Martindale Rd. There was a HORNED LARK and a TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR seen from the lookout on Mt Douglas. Sat Oct 3 2 MARBLED GODWITS were seen on the beach 500 metres north of Parker Park which is on Parker Ave. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 12 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were on a mini pelagic boat trip to Race Rocks, also seen a Humpback whale, A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. 178 SNOW GEESE were seen over Rocky Point Bird Observatory. Fri Oct 2 A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR was seen at Saxe Point Park. A HORNED LARK was seen at Cattle Point. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over Martindale Rd. 5 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen on CHRISTMAS HILL. Wed Sept 30 A juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at UVIC. Sun Sept 27 RBA for a COMMON GRACKLE seen from 3382 Sanderling Way in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. Highlights from CRD Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 520 TURKEY VULTURES, 4 OSPREY, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 16 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 45 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 26 VAUXS SWIFTS. A HORNED LARK was seen on the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen with Canada GEESE in a field off Martindale Rd near Welch Rd 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS , 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 GREATER YELLOW-LEGS were seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. 2 GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 26 Highlights from the Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 400 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 25 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 1 MERLIN, 15 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 5 COOPERS HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 OSPREY, 4 SANDHILL CRANES, 200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, 15 VAUXS SWIFTS, several BLACK SWIFTS, 3 EVENING GROSBEAKS. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An adult FRANKLINS GULL was seen on the sand bar by the bridge at Esquimalt Lagoon. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen at the south end of the bridge at Blenkinsop Lake. 4 SANDHILL CRANES were seen off of Sahilton Rd in Duncan. Thurs Sept 23 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Rocky Point Observatory. Also there 600 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 70 VAUXS SWIFTS, 180 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS. A reminder RPBO is on DND land access is restricted to volunteers of RPBO. Mon Sept 21 A BLACK-LEGGED KITTYWAKE was seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). Also there a RING-BILLED GULL. Sun Sept 20 A PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER was seen off Tower Point. An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: Rock Wren - Miracle Beach Provincial Park From: "Dave" <daveingram AT canoemail.com> Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:01:30 -0000 Saw and photographed a rock wren at Miracle Beach Provincial Park late this morning - bird has subsequently been viewed and confirmed by several Comox Valley Naturalist Society birding group members. Bird is located in the right hand parking lot at the far right hand corner of the lot closest to the forest edge (near an old rotting nurse log). Seems to be fairly content to feed around the parking medians at this end of the parking lot. Will post pictures on my blog at http://www.daveingram.ca today or tomorrow. Subject: Nanaimo,Vancouver Island, bird alert--October 11, 2009, From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:29:48 -0000 To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 e-mail us at thebackyard AT shaw.ca call the Bird Alert at 250-390-3029 Also check the birdstore blog for the latest bird alerts and updates: www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com Post your sightings on this site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bcbirdingvanisland/messages Birds of British Columbia: http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/efauna/SpeciesChecklists.html International Birdwatching Guides http://www.guidedbirdwatching.com Birdwatching contacts and information find a local birder to go birdwatching with: http://www.birdingpal.org/ Please remember, when reporting a sighting, to leave your name and phone number, along with the date, name and location of your sighting. Sunday October 11, 2009: The Sunday Bird Walk went to Neck Point Park in Nanaimo. The morning was sunny but a strong cool wind from the east kept us moving to find shelter. The highlights of the morning included seeing two small flock of Pacific Loons. Their silver heads and necks caught and held our attention for the morning. A large number of Double-crested Cormorants, Pelagic Cormorants and a few Brant's Cormorants flew down the Strait of Georgia. An Eurasian Collared Dover flew past and over the tops of the tall trees heading east. We watched a flock of Red Crossbills singing and eating at the top of a tall fir tree. Nine birders heard and saw the following twenty-nine species of birds: Canada Geese, Mallard, Surf Scoter, Common Loon, Pacific Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Brant's Cormorant, Bald Eagle, Mew Gull, California Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Thayer's Gull, Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre, Northern Flicker, Eurasian Collared Dove, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Bushtit, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco and Red Crossbills. A Northern Harrier, an immature Northern Shrike and two Western Meadowlarks were seen at the Nanaimo River Estuary in south Nanaimo. Friday October 09: A juvenile Rough-legged Hawk was seen along Rena Road in Nanoose Bay Thursday October 08: A White-throated Sparrow was seen at French Creek from the Columbia Beach side. Tuesday October 06: The Tuesday bird walk went to the Little Qualicum River Estuary in Qualicum Beach. The morning was sunny and warm--a perfect day for birding. The highlights included the sighting of a Common Murre, five species of Gulls--Bonaparte's Gulls, Mew Gulls, California Gulls, Thayer's Gulls and Glaucous-winged Gulls. Harlequin Ducks entertained us not far from shore. A raft of Pacific Loons, a Western Grebe, Horned Grebes and Red-necked Grebes were spotted offshore Sixteen birders saw and heard the following thirty-eight species of birds. Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Common Merganser, Pacific Loon, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Western Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Merlin, Killdeer, Black Oystercatcher, Black Turnstone, Bonaparte's Gull, Mew Gull, California Gull, Thayer's Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Common Murre, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Northwestern Crow, American Robin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco and House Finch. Seven Pectoral Sandpipers and over one hundred Wood Ducks were seen at Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo. Over two hundred Pacific Loons were seen on Northwest Bay. Sunday October 04: A Northern Harrier being harassed by a Raven was seen over Wren Place in Nanaimo. For further information on these sightings or for help in identifying a bird please call The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store AT 250-390-3669 Toll Free AT 1-888-249-4145 e-mail: thebackyard AT shaw.ca ********************************** Arrowsmith Naturalists Guest speaker, Michele Deakin, local biologist, will give an update on eelgrass beds. Monday October 26, 2009 AT 7:30 pm. Springwood School Parksville ********************************** The Nanoose Naturalists Thursday November 12, 2009 AT 7:00 pm Nanoose Library, Nanoose Bay ********************************** Everyone is welcome to join us for a 2-3 hour bird walk on the Sunday and Tuesday mornings. We leave from the Store at 9 A.M. Sunday Mornings and go to a different location in and around Nanaimo and from the Parksville Beach Community Park at 9 A.M. on Tuesdays and go to different areas in and around the Oceanside area. ************************************************************** The Tuesday Bird Walk on October 13, 2009 will be going to the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville, Meet at the Parksville Beach Community Park near the parking area at the Lion's Playground at 9:00 A.M. or the end of Shelly Road at about 9:10 A.M. ***************************************************** The Sunday Bird Walk on October 18 will be going to the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. Meet at the Birdstore at 9:00 A.M. or the end of Shelly Road at about 9:30A.M. ******************************************************* Good birding Neil Robins THE BACKYARD Wildbird & Nature Store 6314 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8 250.390.3669 250.390.1633 fax thebackyard AT shaw.ca CHECK OUT OUR BLOG---> www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com Subject: Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Sunday bird walk, October 11, 2009 From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:23:14 -0000 Hi birders, The Sunday Bird Walk went to Neck Point Park in Nanaimo. The morning was sunny, a strong cool wind from the east kept us moving to find shelter from the wind. The highlights included seeing two small flock of Pacific Loons with their silver head and neck catching our attention. Many Double-crested Cormorants, Pelagic Cormorants and a few Brant's Cormorants flew passed us over the Strait of Georgia. A Eurasian Collared Dover flew past over the tops of the tall trees heading east. We watched a flock of Red Crossbills singing and eating at the top of a tall fir tree. Nine birders heard and saw the following twenty-nine species of birds. Canada Geese, Mallard, Surf Scoter, Common Loon, Pacific Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Brant's Cormorant, Bald Eagle, Mew Gull, California Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Thayer's Gull, Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre, Northern Flicker, Eurasian Collared Dove, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Bushtit, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco and Red Crossbills. Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Sun Oct 11 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:26:27 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Oct 11, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Sun Oct 11 7:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds AMERICAN TREE SPARROW SWAMP SPARROW RUSTY BLACKBIRD REDHEAD RUDDY DUCK AMERICAN BITTERN HORNED LARK Sat Oct 10 At Kings Pond there was 1 AMERICAN TREE SPARROW seen on the east side, also 1 SWAMP SPARROW. At swan Lake today there was: 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD, 1 AMERICAN BITTERN, 1 RUDDY DUCK, 1 REDHEAD. There were 6 HORNED LARKS seen on Mt Douglas. Fri Oct 9 There were 7 HORNED LARKS on Mt Douglas Thurs Oct 8 There was 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. Wed Oct 7 There were 4 HORNED LARKS and 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR seen on Christmas Hill. A WESTERN MEADOWLARK was seen at Island View Beach Mon Oct 5 There was RUSTY BLACKBIRD with BREWERS BLACKBIRDS at Swan Lake. There were three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRS seen from the Mt Douglas lookout , also there 2 probable MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, 2 SABINES GULLS and 16 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen from Tower Point among 20,000 gulls. Sun Oct 4 A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen over Martindale Rd. There was a HORNED LARK and a TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR seen from the lookout on Mt Douglas. Sat Oct 3 2 MARBLED GODWITS were seen on the beach 500 metres north of Parker Park which is on Parker Ave. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 12 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were on a mini pelagic boat trip to Race Rocks, also seen a Humpback whale, A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. 178 SNOW GEESE were seen over Rocky Point Bird Observatory. Fri Oct 2 A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR was seen at Saxe Point Park. A HORNED LARK was seen at Cattle Point. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over Martindale Rd. 5 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen on CHRISTMAS HILL. Wed Sept 30 A juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at UVIC. Sun Sept 27 RBA for a COMMON GRACKLE seen from 3382 Sanderling Way in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. Highlights from CRD Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 520 TURKEY VULTURES, 4 OSPREY, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 16 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 45 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 26 VAUXS SWIFTS. A HORNED LARK was seen on the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen with Canada GEESE in a field off Martindale Rd near Welch Rd 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS , 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 GREATER YELLOW-LEGS were seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. 2 GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 26 Highlights from the Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 400 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 25 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 1 MERLIN, 15 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 5 COOPERS HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 OSPREY, 4 SANDHILL CRANES, 200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, 15 VAUXS SWIFTS, several BLACK SWIFTS, 3 EVENING GROSBEAKS. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An adult FRANKLINS GULL was seen on the sand bar by the bridge at Esquimalt Lagoon. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen at the south end of the bridge at Blenkinsop Lake. 4 SANDHILL CRANES were seen off of Sahilton Rd in Duncan. Thurs Sept 23 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Rocky Point Observatory. Also there 600 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 70 VAUXS SWIFTS, 180 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS. A reminder RPBO is on DND land access is restricted to volunteers of RPBO. Mon Sept 21 A BLACK-LEGGED KITTYWAKE was seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). Also there a RING-BILLED GULL. Sun Sept 20 A PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER was seen off Tower Point. An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: White-throated Sparrow From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:55:42 -0000 Hi birders, A White-throated Sparrow was seen by John Purves yesterday October 08 at French Creek from the Columbia Beach side. Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, October 06, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:04:16 -0000 The Tuesday bird walk went to the Little Qualicum River Estuary in Qualicum Beach. The morning was sunny and warm--a perfect day for birding. The highlights included the sighting of a Common Murre, five species of Gulls--Bonaparte's Gulls, Mew Gulls, California Gulls, Thayer's Gulls and Glaucous-winged Gulls. Harlequin Ducks entertained us not far from shore. A raft of Pacific Loons, a Western Grebe, Horned Grebes and Red-necked Grebes were spotted offshore. Sixteen birders saw and heard the following thirty-eight species of birds. Canada Goose American Wigeon Mallard Green-winged Teal Harlequin Duck Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Long-tailed Duck Common Merganser Pacific Loon Common Loon Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Western Grebe Double-crested Cormorant Pelagic Cormorant Great Blue Heron Bald Eagle Merlin Killdeer Black Oystercatcher Black Turnstone Bonaparte's Gull Mew Gull California Gull Thayer's Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Common Murre Belted Kingfisher Northern Flicker Northwestern Crow American Robin Yellow-rumped Warbler Spotted Towhee Song Sparrow Golden-crowned Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco House Finch Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Pacific Loons From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:01:30 -0000 Hi birders, I have just received a report of over one hundred Pacific Loons on Northwest Bay seen today. Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Tues Oct 6 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Tue, 6 Oct 2009 05:13:20 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Oct 6, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Tues Oct 6 7:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds RUSTY BLACKBIRD TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR SABINES GULL ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK Mon Oct 5 There was RUSTY BLACKBIRD with BREWERS BLACKBIRDS at Swan Lake. There three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRS seen from the Mt Douglas lookout , also there 2 probable WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, 2 SABINES GULLS and 16 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen from Tower Point among 20,000 gulls. Sun Oct 4 A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen over Martindale Rd. There was a HORNED LARK and a TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR seen from the lookout on Mt Douglas. Sat Oct 3 2 MARBLED GODWITS were seen on the beach 500 metres north of Parker Park which is on Parker Ave. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 12 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were on a mini pelagic boat trip to Race Rocks, also seen a Humpback whale, A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. 178 SNOW GEESE were seen over Rocky Point Bird Observatory. Fri Oct 2 A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR was seen at Saxe Point Park. A HORNED LARK was seen at Cattle Point. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over Martindale Rd. 5 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen on CHRISTMAS HILL. Wed Sept 30 A juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at UVIC. Sun Sept 27 RBA for a COMMON GRACKLE seen from 3382 Sanderling Way in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. Highlights from CRD Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 520 TURKEY VULTURES, 4 OSPREY, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 16 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 45 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 26 VAUXS SWIFTS. A HORNED LARK was seen on the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen with Canada GEESE in a field off Martindale Rd near Welch Rd 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS , 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 GREATER YELLOW-LEGS were seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. 2 GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 26 Highlights from the Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 400 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 25 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 1 MERLIN, 15 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 5 COOPERS HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 OSPREY, 4 SANDHILL CRANES, 200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, 15 VAUXS SWIFTS, several BLACK SWIFTS, 3 EVENING GROSBEAKS. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An adult FRANKLINS GULL was seen on the sand bar by the bridge at Esquimalt Lagoon. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen at the south end of the bridge at Blenkinsop Lake. 4 SANDHILL CRANES were seen off of Sahilton Rd in Duncan. Thurs Sept 23 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Rocky Point Observatory. Also there 600 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 70 VAUXS SWIFTS, 180 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS. A reminder RPBO is on DND land access is restricted to volunteers of RPBO. Mon Sept 21 A BLACK-LEGGED KITTYWAKE was seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). Also there a RING-BILLED GULL. Sun Sept 20 A PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER was seen off Tower Point. An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: Townsend's Solitaire & Horned Lark From: "Newell, Dave" <dnewell AT sd61.bc.ca> Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2009 19:11:09 -0700 Sun. Oct. 4, 2009 Mount Douglas, Victoria A Townsend's Solitaire & a Horned Lark were seen on the summit of Mount Douglas this p.m. The warm winds were coming from the northeast no doubt helping birds crossing Juan de Fuca Strait (a tidbit we learned from David Allinson!) Also there, we saw a Hairy Woodpecker and several Savannah Sparrows. Good Birding!!! Geoffrey, Jean and David Newell Subject: Nanaimo,Vancouver Island, bird alert--October 04, 2009, From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:14:25 -0000 The Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store Nanaimo Bird Alert To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 e-mail us at thebackyard AT shaw.ca call the Bird Alert at 250-390-3029 Also check the birdstore blog for the latest bird alerts and updates: www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com Post your sightings on this site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bcbirdingvanisland/messages Birds of British Columbia: http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/efauna/SpeciesChecklists.html International Birdwatching Guides http://www.guidedbirdwatching.com Birdwatching contacts and information find a local birder to go birdwatching with: http://www.birdingpal.org/ Please remember, when reporting a sighting, to leave your name and phone number, along with the date, name and location of your sighting. Sunday October 04, 2009: The Sunday Bird Walk went to Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo. The morning was sunny and very comfortable. The big surprise of the morning was the sighting of four Pectoral Sandpipers and a Wilson's Snipe on top of the vegetation in the marsh near the Millstone river. A Red-tailed Hawk circled over us looking for thermos. We saw several Yellow-rumped Warblers throughout the morning. Twenty-three birders, including two birders, Terry and Gary, visiting from Tennessee, heard and saw the following Thirty-seven species of birds: Canada Goose, Mallard, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Wood Duck, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Pectoral Sandpiper, Wilson's Snipe, Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, Merlin, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Flicker, Rock Pigeon, Band-tailed Pigeon, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Common Raven, Steller's Jay, Red-winged Blackbird, Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bushtit, Marsh Wren, Bewick's Wren, European Starling, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, American Goldfinch, Red Crossbill, Purple Finch, House Finch and House Sparrows. Thursday October 01: "Rare bird alert"--Prairie Warbler" A Prairie Warbler has been seen in a backyard in Tofino since September 28 and was seen again today. The Prairie Warbler is usually found in the eastern and southeastern United States and winters in the West Indies. A Western Grebe was spotted off shore from Shorewood Drive in Parksville. A Yellow-rumped Warbler was seen near Dolphin Lake off Rockhamption Road in Nanoose Bay. A raft of Surf Scoters and a Common Loon were seen on the Strait of Georgia off Madrona Point. Mew Gulls and two Pacific Loons were seen on the Strait of Georgia off Brickyard Community Park in Nanoose Bay. Wednesday September 30: An Orange-crowned Warbler was seen at Neck Point in Nanaimo. Dark-eyed Juncos have been seen at Columbia Beach and in a backyard along Meridian Way in Parksville. Two Long-billed Dowitchers were seen at Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo. Tuesday September 29: The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Little Qualicum River Estuary in Qualicum Beach. The morning was cloudy with rain causing the bird walk to be cut short. However, we did managed to find twenty-three species of birds during the short time that we were out. We saw Surf Scoters, White-winged Scoters, Black Scoters, Common Loons, Horned Grebes, Red-necked Grebes, Black Oystercatchers, a Song Sparrow and Savannah Sparrows at the viewing tower off Highway 19A. At the Estuary we saw a large numbers of Gulls and American Wigeon before the rain began pelting down. Nineteen birders saw and heard the following twenty-three species. Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Black Oystercatcher, Mew Gull, California Gull, Thayer's Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Red Crossbill Monday September 28: Twenty-five Sandhill Cranes were seen and heard flying over Woodgrove Mall in Nanaimo. Three Lincoln's Sparrows, European Starlings and a Pileated Woodpecker were seen in a garden in the San Pareil area of Parksville. Monday September 07: A white Common Raven was spotted along Highway 19 between Qualicum Beach and the Horne Lake turnoff. For further information on these sightings or for help in identifying a bird please call The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store AT 250-390-3669 Toll Free AT 1-888-249-4145 e-mail: thebackyard AT shaw.ca ********************************** The Nanoose Naturalists Guest Speaker Geologist Dr. John Gunton will review various earth events that have affected this area over the ages. Thursday October 08, 2009 AT 7:00 pm Nanoose Library, Nanoose Bay ********************************** Arrowsmith Naturalists Monday October 26, 2009 AT 7:30 pm. Springwood School Parksville ********************************** Everyone is welcome to join us for a 2-3 hour bird walk on the Sunday and Tuesday mornings. We leave from the Store at 9 A.M. Sunday Mornings and go to a different location in and around Nanaimo and from the Parksville Beach Community Park at 9 A.M. on Tuesdays and go to different areas in and around the Oceanside area. ************************************************************** The Tuesday Bird Walk on October 06, 2009 will be going to the Little Qualicum River Estuary in Qualicum Beach. Meet at the Parksville Beach Community Park near the parking area at the Lion's Playground at 9:00 A.M. or the viewing tower at highway 19a and Garrett Road in Qualicum Beach at about 9:20 A.M. ***************************************************** The Sunday Bird Walk on October 11 will be going to the Neck Point Park in Nanaimo. Meet at the Birdstore at 9:00 A.M. or at the parking area at Neck Point Park at about 9:20 A.M. ******************************************************* Good birding Neil Robins THE BACKYARD Wildbird & Nature Store 6314 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8 250.390.3669 250.390.1633 fax thebackyard AT shaw.ca CHECK OUT OUR BLOG---> www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com Subject: PECTORAL SANDPIPERS From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:07:08 -0000 Hi birders, On the Sunday bird walk to Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo, we saw four Pectoral Sandpipers and one Wilson's Snipe on the marsh near where the Oak trees fell down a few years ago. Great sighting for Buttertubs Marsh. Good Birding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Sun Oct 4 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2009 05:12:44 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Oct 4, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Sun Oct 4 28 7:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds MARBLED GODWIT SANDHILL CRANE PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER SOOTY SHEARWATER TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK LAPLAND LONGSPUR Sat Oct 3 2 MARBLED GODWITS were seen on the beach 500 metres north of Parker Park which is on Parker Ave. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over the Blenkinsop Valley. 12 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were on a mini pelagic boat trip to Race Rocks, also seen a Humpback whale, A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. 178 SNOW GEESE were seen over Rocky Point Bird Observatory. Fri Oct 2 A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIR was seen at Saxe Point Park. A HORNED LARK was seen at Cattle Point. 3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen over Martindale Rd. 5 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen on CHRISTMAS HILL. Wed Sept 30 A juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at UVIC. Sun Sept 27 RBA for a COMMON GRACKLE seen from 3382 Sanderling Way in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. Highlights from CRD Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 520 TURKEY VULTURES, 4 OSPREY, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 16 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 45 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 26 VAUXS SWIFTS. A HORNED LARK was seen on the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen with Canada GEESE in a field off Martindale Rd near Welch Rd 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS , 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 GREATER YELLOW-LEGS were seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. 2 GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 26 Highlights from the Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 400 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 25 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 1 MERLIN, 15 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 5 COOPERS HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 OSPREY, 4 SANDHILL CRANES, 200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, 15 VAUXS SWIFTS, several BLACK SWIFTS, 3 EVENING GROSBEAKS. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An adult FRANKLINS GULL was seen on the sand bar by the bridge at Esquimalt Lagoon. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen at the south end of the bridge at Blenkinsop Lake. 4 SANDHILL CRANES were seen off of Sahilton Rd in Duncan. Thurs Sept 23 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Rocky Point Observatory. Also there 600 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 70 VAUXS SWIFTS, 180 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS. A reminder RPBO is on DND land access is restricted to volunteers of RPBO. Mon Sept 21 A BLACK-LEGGED KITTYWAKE was seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). Also there a RING-BILLED GULL. Sun Sept 20 A PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER was seen off Tower Point. An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, September 29, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:53:37 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Little Qualicum River Estuary in Qualicum Beach. The morning was cloudy with rain causing the bird walk to be cut short. However, we did managed to find twenty-three species of birds during the the short time that we were out. We saw Surf Scoters, White-winged Scoters, Black Scoters, Common Loons, Horned Grebes, Red-necked Grebes, Black Oystercatchers, a Song Sparrow and Savannah Sparrows at the viewing tower of Highway 19A. At the Estuary we saw a large numbers of Gulls and American Wigeon before the rain began pelting down. Ninteen birders saw and heard the following twenty-three species. Canada Goose American Wigeon Mallard Northern Pintail Harlequin Duck Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Common Loon Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Great Blue Heron Bald Eagle Black Oystercatcher Mew Gull California Gull Thayer's Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Belted Kingfisher Northern Flicker Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow Red Crossbill Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Chukar From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:16:28 -0000 Hi birders, A Chukar was seen on the sixteen green at Morningside Golf Course in Parksville. Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: SANDHILL CRANES From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:11:55 -0000 Hi birders, A birder reported seeing twenty-five Sandhill Cranes flying over Canadian Tire and Woodgrove Mall in Nanaimo on Monday September 28. The Cranes were singing noisley and riding the thermos up high in the sky! Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Mon Sept 28 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:54:04 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Sept 28, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Mon Sept 28 7:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds RBA COMMON GRACKLE HORNED LARK BROAD-WINGED HAWK SNOW GOOSE Sun Sept 27 RBA for a COMMON GRACKLE seen from 3382 Sanderling Way in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. Highlights from CRD Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 520 TURKEY VULTURES, 4 OSPREY, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 16 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 45 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 26 VAUXS SWIFTS. A HORNED LARK was seen on the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen with Canada GEESE in a field off Martindale Rd near Welch Rd 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS , 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 GREATER YELLOW-LEGS were seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. 2 GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 26 Highlights from the Hawk Watch in East Sooke Park: 400 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 25 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 1 MERLIN, 15 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 5 COOPERS HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 OSPREY, 4 SANDHILL CRANES, 200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, 15 VAUXS SWIFTS, several BLACK SWIFTS, 3 EVENING GROSBEAKS. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An adult FRANKLINS GULL was seen on the sand bar by the bridge at Esquimalt Lagoon. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen at the south end of the bridge at Blenkinsop Lake. 4 SANDHILL CRANES were seen off of Sahilton Rd in Duncan. Thurs Sept 23 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Rocky Point Observatory. Also there 600 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 70 VAUXS SWIFTS, 180 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS. A reminder RPBO is on DND land access is restricted to volunteers of RPBO. Mon Sept 21 A BLACK-LEGGED KITTYWAKE was seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). Also there a RING-BILLED GULL. Sun Sept 20 A PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER was seen off Tower Point. An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Sun Sept 27 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:22:58 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Sept 27, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Sun Sept 27 7:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds BROAD-WINGED HAWK SANDHILL CRANE NORTHERN GOSHAWK FRANKLINS GULL WHITE-THROATED SPARROW Sat Sept 26 Highlights of the birds seen from the Hawk Watch at East Sooke Park. 400 TURKEY VULTURES, 25 RED -TAILED HAWKS, 15 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 1 MERLIN, 5 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 4 SANDHILL CRANES, 15 VAUXS SWIFTS, several BLACK SWIFTS, 200 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, 3 EVENING GROSBEAKS. An adult FRANKLINS GULL was seen on the sand bar by the bridge at Esquimalt lagoon. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen at the south end of the bridge at Blenkinsop Lake. 4 SANDHILL CRANES were seen off Sahilton Rd in Duncan. Thurs Sept 23 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Rocky Point Observatory. Also there 600 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 70 VAUXS SWIFTS, 180 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS. A reminder RPBO is on DND land access is restricted to volunteers of RPBO. Mon Sept 21 A BLACK-LEGGED KITTYWAKE was seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). Also there a RING-BILLED GULL. Sun Sept 20 A PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER was seen off Tower Point. An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: Nanaimo,Vancouver Island, bird alert-- September 27, 2009, From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:33:41 -0000 The Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store Nanaimo Bird Alert To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 e-mail us at thebackyard AT shaw.ca call the Bird Alert at 250-390-3029 Also check the birdstore blog for the latest bird alerts and updates: www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com Post your sightings on this site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bcbirdingvanisland/messages Birds of British Columbia: http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/efauna/SpeciesChecklists.html International Birdwatching Guides http://www.guidedbirdwatching.com Birdwatching contacts and information find a local birder to go birdwatching with: http://www.birdingpal.org/ Please remember, when reporting a sighting, to leave your name and phone number, along with the date, name and location of your sighting. Sunday September 27, 2009: The Sunday Bird Walk went to the Nanaimo River Estuary in south Nanaimo. The morning was sunny and windy but very comfortable. Among the highlights of the morning was a spectacular view of a female Northern Harrier hunting over the Estuary field. There were Savannah Sparrows and Lincoln Sparrows on the Estuary throughout the morning. There were an unusually large number of Common Ravens and Northern Flickers in the area. Twenty-one birders heard and saw the following thirty-two species of birds: Trumpeter Swan, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Common Merganser, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Turkey Vulture, Killdeer, Mew Gull, California Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, American Robin, European Starling, Spotted Towhee, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Purple Finch, House Finch and American Goldfinch. Saturday September 26: An Adult Bald Eagle was seen slowly soaring low over a yard as nine California Quail arrived in the back yard in the 2500 Block of Glenayr Drive in Nanaimo. Wednesday September 23: A Barred Owl was seen perched on a tree behind a deck, for at least an hour, on Protection Island. Tuesday September 22: The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Rathtrevor Provincial Park in Parksville. The tide was high and the sea was calm; the winds were calm and the sun was shinning making a great morning to be birding. The highlights of the morning included seeing two Western Grebes, three Pelagic Cormorants, a Pacific Loon and several Glaucous-winged Gulls in a small feeding frenzy on the water. We saw a Brandt's Cormorant and a raft of Surf Scoters on the Strait of Georgia. We spotted a flock of singing Red Crossbills on the top of a fir tree. Eleven birders saw and heard the following thirty-five species of birds: Canada Goose, Mallard, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Pacific Loon, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Western Grebe, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Killdeer, Bonaparte's Gull, Mew Gull, Ring-billed Gull, California Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Marbled Murrelet, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, European Starling, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Purple Finch, House Finch, Red Crossbill Sunday September 20: A Sharp-shinned Hawk was spotted scouting for prey at a bird feeder on Woodthrush Place in Nanaimo. For further information on these sightings or for help in identifying a bird please call The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store AT 250-390-3669 Toll Free AT 1-888-249-4145 e-mail: thebackyard AT shaw.ca ********************************** Arrowsmith Naturalists Guest speaker-- Bruce Whittington, will be presenting a slide show on the beautiful Haida Gwai. Monday September 28, 2009 AT 7:30 pm. Springwood School Parksville ********************************** The Nanoose Naturalists Thursday October 08, 2009 AT 7:00 pm Nanoose Library, Nanoose Bay ****************************************************************** Everyone is welcome to join us for a 2-3 hour bird walk on the Sunday and Tuesday mornings. We leave from the Store at 9 A.M. Sunday Mornings and go to a different location in and around Nanaimo and from the Parksville Beach Community Park at 9 A.M. on Tuesdays and go to different areas in and around the Oceanside area. ************************************************************** The Tuesday Bird Walk on September 29, 2009 will be going to the Little Qualicum River Estuary in Qualicum Beach. Meet at the Parksville Beach Community Park near the parking area at the Lion's Playground at 9:00 A.M. or the viewing tower at highway 19a and Garrett Road in Qualicum Beach at about 9:20 A.M. ***************************************************** The Sunday Bird Walk on October 04 will be going to the Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo Meet at the Birdstore at 9:00 A.M. or at the Buttertubs Marsh parking area off Bowen Road at about 9:20 A.M. ******************************************************* Good birding, Neil Robins THE BACKYARD Wildbird & Nature Store 6314 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8 250.390.3669 250.390.1633 fax thebackyard AT shaw.ca CHECK OUT OUR BLOG---> www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com Subject: Sunday bird walk, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, September 27, 2009 From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:09:35 -0000 Hi birders, The Sunday Bird Walk went to the Nanaimo River Estuary in south Nanaimo. The morning was sunny and windy but very comfortable. Among the highlights of the morning was a spectacular view of a female Northern Harrier hunting over the Estuary field. There were Savannah Sparrows and Lincoln Sparrows on the Estuary throughout the morning. There were an unusually large number of Common Ravens and Northern Flickers in the area. Twenty-one birders heard and saw the following thirty-two species of birds: Trumpeter Swan, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Common Merganser, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Turkey Vulture, Killdeer, Mew Gull, California Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, American Robin, European Starling, Spotted Towhee, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Purple Finch, House Finch and American Goldfinch. Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: RE: RBA Victoria, BC Thurs Sept 24 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:15:47 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Sept 24, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Thurs Sept 24 8:00pm update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Announcement The VNHS Sat Birding Group will be going on the trip scheduled in the Naturalist. Meet at Helmken Park and Ride at 8:30am or at Aylard Farm in East Sooke Park at 9:00am. This is for the Hawk Watch. Feature Birds BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER BROAD-WINGED HAWK WHITE-THROATED SPARROW Thurs Sept 23 2 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were seen at Rocky Point Observatory. Also there 600 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 1 COOPERS HAWK, 6 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 70 VAUXS SWIFTS, 180 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS. A reminder RPBO is on DND land access is restricted to volunteers of RPBO. Mon Sept 21 A BLACK-LEGGED KITTYWAKE was seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). Also there a RING-BILLED GULL. Sun Sept 20 A PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER was seen off Tower Point. An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Swan Lake. Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, September 22, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:14:08 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Rathtrevor Provincial Park in Parksville this week. The tide was high and the sea was calm. The winds were calm and the sun was shinning a great morning to be birding. The highlights of the morning included seeing two Western Grebes, three Pelagic Cormorants, a Pacific Loon and several Glaucous-winged Gulls in a small feeding frenzy on the water. We saw a Brandt's Cormorant and a raft of Surf Scoters on the Strait of Georgia. On thetop oa Fir Tree we spotted a flock of singing Red Crossbills. Eleven birders saw and heard the following thirty-five species of birds: Canada Goose Mallard Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Pacific Loon Common Loon Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Western Grebe Brandt's Cormorant Pelagic Cormorant Great Blue Heron Bald Eagle Killdeer Bonaparte's Gull Mew Gull Ring-billed Gull California Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Marbled Murrelet Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Northwestern Crow Common Raven Chestnut-backed Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch American Robin European Starling Spotted Towhee Song Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Purple Finch House Finch Red Crossbill Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Surf Scoters From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:38:58 -0000 Hi birders, I was at Deep Bay yesterday, Septrmber 21, looking towards Denman Island was a hugh raft of Surf Scoters, a few Common Loons and Horned Grebes. At Nile Creek, there was a smal flock of Red-necked Grebes. Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Birding trip From: "Joe Crichton" <joecrichton AT shaw.ca> Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:20:04 -0700 BC Birders : We have had a couple cancel from our fantastic birding trip to Argentina in March So I have 2 spots available. Please contact me directly as soon as possible if you are interested. Joe Crichton www.wildbirdtours.ca joecrichton AT shaw.ca Subject: Gadwall From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:01:48 -0000 Hi birders, The Birdstore has just received a report of a Gadwall seen at the Plummer Road side of the Englishman River Estuary as well as several Northern Shovellers. Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: Nanaimo,Vancouver Island, bird alert-- September 20, 2009, From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:18:22 -0000 The Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store Nanaimo Bird Alert To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 e-mail us at thebackyard AT shaw.ca call the Bird Alert at 250-390-3029 Also check the birdstore blog for the latest bird alerts and updates: www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com Post your sightings on this site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bcbirdingvanisland/messages Birds of British Columbia: http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/efauna/SpeciesChecklists.html International Birdwatching Guides http://www.guidedbirdwatching.com Birdwatching contacts and information find a local birder to go birdwatching with: http://www.birdingpal.org/ Please remember, when reporting a sighting, to leave your name and phone number, along with the date, name and location of your sighting. Sunday September 20, 2009: The Sunday Bird Walk went to the Plummer Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville.. The morning was sunny with light winds--a great morning for birding. Thirteen birders heard and saw the following thirty-three species of birds: Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Surf Scoter, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Red-necked Grebe, Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Killdeer, California Quail, California Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Anna's Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Red-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Bushtit, Lincoln's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird, Purple Finch, House Finch, Pine Siskin. Saturday September 19: A large flock of Sandhill Cranes was heard over Spider Lake. Thursday September 17: "Rare bird alert-Red-Shouldered Hawk" An adult Red-Shouldered Hawk was seen along Gillespie Road and Seedtree Road in East Sooke. The Red-shouldered Hawk is usually found along the west coast of the United States and in the eastern States. Wednesday September 16: Thirty Great Blue Herons were seen flying over the Englishman Falls Provincial Park. Tuesday September 15: The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Columbia Beach this week. The tide was very low exposing the far reaching rocky beach. The winds were strong, but the sun came out as the morning progressed. The highlights of the morning included seeing a total of fifty-three Black Oystercatchers feeding and resting along the tideline. Flocks of American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Common Merganser and American Wigeon flew passed us over the water. The seabirds are beginning to return for the winter! Ten birders saw the following twenty-two species of birds: American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Surf Scoter , White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Common Merganser, Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Black Oystercatcher, Black Turnstone, Western Sandpiper, Mew Gull, California Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Rock Pigeon, Northern Flicker, Northwestern Crow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, House Finch. Sunday September 13: A Northern Pygmy Owl was observed hunting in a back yard in the 900 block of Nanaimo River Road in south Nanaimo. The Owl picked up an American Goldfinch from a feeder and as he flew away he hit the side of the house. He came back to sit in a near-by tree to catch his breath after "the snatch and crash". Pileated Woodpeckers are visiting suet feeder along Harlequin Crescent in Nanoose. A Trumpeter Swan, two Northern Harriers, Savannah Sparrows, Lincoln's Sparrows and Golden-crowned Sparrows were seen at the Nanaimo River Estuary in south Nanaimo. Saturday September 12: A Wandering Tattler was seen on Ballenas Island. Pink-footed Shearwaters, Flesh-footed Shearwaters and Sooty Shearwaters were seen at Swiftsure Bank off Bamfield. For further information on these sightings or for help in identifying a bird please call The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store AT 250-390-3669 Toll Free AT 1-888-249-4145 e-mail: thebackyard AT shaw.ca ********************************** Arrowsmith Naturalists Guest speaker-- Bruce Whittington, will be presenting a slide show on the beautiful Haida Gwai. Monday September 28, 2009 AT 7:30 pm. Springwood School Parksville ********************************** The Nanoose Naturalists Thursday October 08, 2009 AT 7:00 pm Nanoose Library, Nanoose Bay ****************************************************************** Everyone is welcome to join us for a 2-3 hour bird walk on the Sunday and Tuesday mornings. We leave from the Store at 9 A.M. Sunday Mornings and go to a different location in and around Nanaimo and from the Parksville Beach Community Park at 9 A.M. on Tuesdays and go to different areas in and around the Oceanside area. ************************************************************** The Tuesday Bird Walk on September 22, 2009 will be going to Rathtrevor Provincial Park in Parksville. Meet at the Parksville Beach Community Park near the parking area at the Lion's Playground at 9:00 A.M. or the main parking lot Rathtrevor Provincial Park at about 9:20 A.M. ( there is a parking fee at the Park) ***************************************************** The Sunday Bird Walk on September 27 will be going to the Nanaimo River Estuary. Meet at the Birdstore at 9:00 A.M. or at the end of Raines Road at about 9:30 A.M. ******************************************************* Regards, Neil Robins THE BACKYARD Wildbird & Nature Store 6314 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8 250.390.3669 250.390.1633 fax thebackyard AT shaw.ca CHECK OUT OUR BLOG---> www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Sun Sept 20 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Sun, 20 Sep 2009 07:34:47 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Sept 20, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Sun Sept 20 7:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds SWAINSONS HAWK NOTHERN GOSHAWK WILLET RED KNOT Sat Sept 19 A SWAINSONS HAWK and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Fri Sept 18 A WILLET and a RED KNOT were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. Also there a BROAD-WINGED HAWK. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd. Several SANDHILL CRANES were heard over RPBO. A reminder RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: RBA RED-SHOULDERED HAWK From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:47:48 -0000 Hi birders, I received a report of an adult Red-Shouldered Hawk was seen along Gillespe Road and Seedtree Road in East Sooke. Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Thurs Sept 17 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:47:05 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Sept 17, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Thurs Sept 17 6:00pm update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Announcement The VNHS Sat Birding Group will be going on the trip scheduled in the Naturalist. Meet at the corner of Lohbrunner and Lockside Drive at 8:00am for a walk up Mt Douglas. Feature Birds RBA RED-SHOULDERED HAWK RBA BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS RED KNOT WILLET Thurs Sept 17 RBA for a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK seen at Rocky Point Bird Observatory. This would be the first record for BC. A reminder, RPBO is on DND property, access is restricted. RBA for a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS seen from Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon). This would be the fourth record for the VNHS Check List. A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 16 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Thurs Sept 17 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:58:48 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * Sept 17, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Thurs Sept 17 7:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds RED KNOT WESTERN PALM WARBLER WILLET Wed Sept 17 A RED KNOT and WILLET were seen on Mary Todd Island which is the island closest to the Oak Bay Marina. A WESTERN PALM WARBLER was seen along the Galloping Goose Trail between Brittany Dr. and Jacklin Rd Tues Sept 16 A RED KNOT and a WILLET were seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. An AMERICAN BITTERN , MERLIN and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen at Swan Lake. Mon Sept 14 A SAINSONS HAWK was seen from the Beechey Head Lookout at East Sooke Park. Also there 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 2 MERLINS, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPERS HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 BALD EAGLES and 60 TURKEY VULTURES. Sun Sept 13 A RED-EYED VIREO was heard from the zig zag portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen at RPBO. A reminder that RPBO is on DND land and access is restricted. A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Thurs Sept 10 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen by the switch back portion of the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. A WILLET was seen from the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. Wed Sept 9 A Willet was seen again at the foot of Bowker Ave. in Oak Bay. Tues Sept 8 A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen from the switch back portion of floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. On Monday one was seen near Tues pond. A Willet was seen from the foot of Bowker in Oak Bay. A DUSKY FLYCATCHER was seen in Pemberton Park which is off of Gonzales Ave and Richardson St. Sat Sept 5 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at MacIntrye Reservoir. A PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a 3 SEMI-PALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 10 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER and 6 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL were seen from the MV COHO Thurs Sept 3 A WILLET was seen at the foot of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay. A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at MacIntyre Reservoir. A BAIRDS SANDPIPER was seen at Saanichton Spit. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. Wed Sept 2 A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit. 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were see on Saanichton Spit on the east side. Tues Sept 1 A GREEN HERON was seen at Swan Lake Sun Aug 30 400 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 1 SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, 1 NORTHERN FULMAR, 1 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL, 2 CASSINS AUCKLETS, 1 TUFTED PUFFIN were seen from the MV COHO ferry in Canadian Waters. 1 RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach east of Ogden Point near where the stairs go down to the water. Sat Aug 29 RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen perched on the mast of a fishing boat, for about 4 hrs Sat afternoon from Otter Point to the Sooke Harbour, it then flew towards East Sooke Park. Pictures to posted soon. RBA for a BROWN BOOBY seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) 7:30 in the evening. A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point below Dallas Rd at Boyd St. 22 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. A GREEN HERON was seen on the railing of the floating Boardwalk at Swan Lake. Fri Aug 28 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen on the beach east of Ogden Point. A CASSINS AUCKLET was seen Clover Point, also there a PARASITIC JAEGER An AMERICAN GLODEN- PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen off Tower Point (Wittys Lagoon) Thurs Aug 27 A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen with BLACK TURNSTONES on the beach just east of the Ogden Point Breakwater. An AMERICAN GODEN-PLOVER was seen at Albert Head Lagoon. 50 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon) A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Maber Flats Wed Aug 26 RBA for a MANX SHEARWATER and a SOUTH POLAR SKUA seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon), also there 150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 2 PARSITC JAEGERS. 90 SOOTY SHEARWATERS , 2 PARASITC JAEGERS and 1 POMARINE JAEGER were seen from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park. Mon Aug 24 A SORA was heard in the southeast part of Rithets Bog Sun Aug 23 RBA for 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 1 PARASTIC JAEGER, 3 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 6 NORTHERN FULMARS and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen from Tower Point(Wittys Lagoon). Also a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen on the trip there. Fri Aug 21 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Dungeness Spit: A PARASITIC JAEGER and several SOOTY SHEARWATERS were seen on the way out, a POMARINE JAEGER was seen on the way back, all in Canadian waters. Tues Aug 18 There were a small number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES seen off of Clover Point. 24 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen over the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre Monday Aug 17 2 BANK SWALLOWS were seen at Swan Lake 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Hector Rd. Sun Aug 16 Highlights of birds seen from the MV COHO on a VNHS Trip to Cape Flattery. 2 PARASITIC JAEGERS, NORTHERN FULMAR and several RED- NECKED PHALAROPES Sat Aug 15 RBA for a CLAY-COLOURED SPARROW seen where the jogging trail meets the main trail on the southwest side of Swan Lake 1 SOLITARY SANDPIPER AND 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER were seen at Rithets Bog 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a ditch along Lockside Trail south of Martindale Rd near the pig farm. Friday Aug 14 6 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were see along Lockside Trail between Martindale Rd and Dooley Rd. 1 BLACK SWIFT was seen over Portage Inlet Thurs Aug 13 3 BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Sunnygrove Ter. Wed Aug 12 2 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS were seen at Wittys Lagoon also there 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Tues.. Aug. 11 1 TUFTED PUFFIN, 2 BROWN PELICANS, 1 LONG-TAILED JAEGER, 1 CASSINS AUKLET, 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS were seen off Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen between Holland Point and Ogden Point Thursday Aug 6 RBA for a HERMIT WARBLER seen at 4655 Kerryiew Dr, in the Prospect Lake area, birders are welcome, Sun Aug 1 A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was seen at McIntyre Reservoir , also there 9 LONG-BILLED DOWICHERS and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS among the 8 species of shorebirds seen. An AMERICAN BITTERN was across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk Sat Aug 1 An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen across the lake from the lollipop boardwalk A WANDERING TATTLER was seen from the Ogden point Breakwater Highlights of a VNHS walk to Esquimalt, Albert head, and Wittys Lagoon were 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWICHER and 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWICHER at Wittys Lagoon. 10 species of shorebirds were seen. Thurs. July 30 2 WANDERING TATTLERS were seen off the Ogden Point Breakwater. Wed July 29 A BANK SWALLOW was seen over Swan Lake Tues July 28 RBA A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was seen at Tower Point(Whitty's Lagoon). If confirmed this would be the first record for the Victoria checklist. From the clearing go up the hill to the two picnic tables and the two garbage cans. Near by are two port-a-potties. The bird was frequenting this location near the picnic tables at the edge of the forest. Rick Schortinghuis Victoria BC