Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Brit Col Vancouver Island > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Sunday, July 5 at 02:54 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Hepatic Tanagers,©Barry Kent Mackay

05 Jul Nighthawks in Departure Bay ["backyard_store" ] 04 Jul Nighhawks at Rivers Edge ["canadianrobin2003" ] 03 Jul Glaucous Gull at French Creek ["canadianrobin2003" ] 2 Jul RBA, Victoria, BC Thurs. July 2 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 30 Jun Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, June 30, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 30 Jun RFI target birds [brendan o'sullivan ] 30 Jun Tufted Puffin off Tower Point ["David Allinson" ] 29 Jun RFI Birding sites Campbell Rv./Victoria ["Michael Knoll" ] 28 Jun Nanaimo,Vancouver Island-- bird alert--June 28, 2009, ["backyard_store" ] 28 Jun AMERICAN KESTREL ["backyard_store" ] 28 Jun Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Sunday bird walk, June 28, 2009 ["backyard_store" ] 27 Jun Caspian Terns ["backyard_store" ] 27 Jun AMERICAN KESTREL ["backyard_store" ] 25 Jun Black Swifts ["canadianrobin2003" ] 25 Jun Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, June 23, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 24 Jun Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, June 23, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 22 Jun Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Bird Alert, June 21, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 21 Jun Nanaimo,Vancouver Island-- bird alert--June 21, 2009, ["backyard_store" ] 21 Jun Sunday bird walk, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, June 21, 2009 ["backyard_store" ] 20 Jun RBA victoria, BC Sat. June 20 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 17 Jun Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, June 16, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 17 Jun Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, June 16, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 14 Jun Washington Trip Info Needed STAT ["Ryan" ] 14 Jun Nanaimo,Vancouver Island-- bird alert--June 14, 2009, ["backyard_store" ] 14 Jun Sunday bird walk, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, June 14, 2009 ["backyard_store" ] 14 Jun American White Pelicans ["backyard_store" ] 14 Jun American White Pelicans ["backyard_store" ] 10 Jun Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday Bird Walk, June 09, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 10 Jun Northern Mockingbird ["Jerry Etzkorn" ] 10 Jun Flamulated owl or screech owl?? [Tim McEachern ] 08 Jun Workshops ["Derek Matthews" ] 07 Jun Nanaimo,Vancouver Island-- bird alert--June 07, 2009, ["backyard_store" ] 07 Jun Sunday bird walk, June 07, 2009 ["backyard_store" ] 06 Jun Green Heron ["cliffhangerpete2000" ] 6 Jun RBA Victoria, BC Sat. June 6 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 03 Jun Tuesday bird walk ["canadianrobin2003" ] 03 Jun Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, June 02, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 2 Jun RBA Victoria, BC Tues. June 2 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 1 Jun RBA Victoria, BC Mon. June 1 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 31 May Nanaimo,Vancouver Island-- bird alert--May 31, 2009, ["backyard_store" ] 31 May RARE BIRD ALERT ["backyard_store" ] 31 May Nanaino, Sunday bird walk, May 31, 2009 ["backyard_store" ] 27 May Bird and nature watch near Port Hardy ["tonymitra" ] 27 May Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday Bird Walk, May 26, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 26 May RBA Victoria, BC Tues. May 26 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 25 May Bird Walks--Parksville/Qualicum Beach & Nanaimo ["backyard_store" ] 25 May RBA Victoria, BC Mon. May 25 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 24 May red cross bills ["barry zettergreen" ] 24 May RVA/RBA: Philadelphia Vireo at Tower Point ["David Allinson" ] 24 May RBA Victoria, BC Sun. May 24 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 21 May RBA Victoria, BC Thus. May 21 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 20 May Hudsonian Godwit ["cancoot" ] 20 May HUDSONIAN GODWIT ["cpbartle" ] 20 May Bird Identification & Banding Workshops ["Derek Matthews" ] 20 May RBA Victoria, BC Wed. May 20 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 19 May RBA Victoria, BC Tues May 19 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 18 May Eurasian Collared-Dove off Latoria Rd in Colwood ["David Allinson" ] 18 May RBA Victoria, BC Mon. May 18 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 17 May RBA Victoria, BC Sun May 16 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 16 May RBA Victoria, BC Sat. May 16 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 15 May Black-headed Grosbeak ["canadianrobin2003" ] 15 May Eurasian Collared Dove ["canadianrobin2003" ] 14 May RBA Victoria, BC Thurs. May 15 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 13 May Re: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, May 12, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 13 May Re: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, May 12, 2009 ["Bashir El-Khalafawi" ] 13 May Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, May 12, 2009 ["canadianrobin2003" ] 12 May RBA Victoria, BC Tues. May 12 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 11 May Dusky Flycatcher in Langford ["David Allinson" ] 11 May RBA Victoria, BC Mon. May 11 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 10 May Nanaimo,Vancouver Island-- bird alert--May 10, 2009, ["backyard_store" ] 10 May Sunday bird walk, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, May 10, 2009 ["backyard_store" ] 09 May Make your vote count for seabirds! ["Christopher Stephens" ] 09 May Make your Vote Count for seabirds ["Christopher Stephens" ] 8 May RBA Victoria, BC Fri. May 8 2009 ["Rick Schortinghuis" ] 07 May Re: Red Crossbills ["Bashir El-Khalafawi" ] 07 May Red Crossbills ["canadianrobin2003" ] Subject: Nighthawks in Departure Bay From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:54:43 -0000 Hi birders, The bird store received the following report of Nighthawks--- Saturday, July 4, 2009 - 7:45 p.m. - 2500 Block Glenayr Drive - arrival of a flock of approximately 70-80 Common Nighthawks, continued aerial display while hawking insects for 1/2 hour. Then again, 8:30 p.m., another flock of nighthawks arrived and moved on very quickly. A wonderful summer event! Good birding! Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: Nighhawks at Rivers Edge From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:07:46 -0000 Hi birders, Marilynne and I went to the Rivers Edge subdivision behind the Weigh Scales at Parksville and we heard the Pee-ik, Pee-ik, Pee-ik and saw four Common Nighthawks high up in the sky. We heard and saw the Nighthawks for the better part of a hour. Sharing the skies with the Nighhawks were Violet-green Swallows, Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Barn swallows and Tree Swallows. We saw three Eurasian collared Doves flying overhead, a Spotted Sandpiper flew up from the pond. The Violet-green Swallows flew over the pond and had a drink as they flew. A Townsend's Warbler sang in the distance and a Northern Flickers also called out. Chipping Sparrows were perched on the tall grass near the pond. Out near the Hydro lines the Violet-green Swallows were starting to settle down and roost for the night. Ten Purple Martins flew near the Swallows singing and flying and then disappeared. We saw eight Common Murrelets and a Pigeon Guillimot on the Strait of Georgia, not far from the mud flats at the Englishman River Estuary along Marine Drive. Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Glaucous Gull at French Creek From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:04:49 -0000 Hi birders, I was at French Creek yesterday and I saw one Juvenile Glaucous Gull (Peterson Gulls of the Americas by Steve N.G. Howell/Jon Dunn Page 245- photo #3407) perched on the rocks at French Creek, not far from the Pub. On the point at the mouth of French Creek was a flock of Glaucous-winged Gulls. And three Killdeer moved nosily over the creek. Good birding! Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: RBA, Victoria, BC Thurs. July 2 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 05:58:20 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * July 2, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Thurs.July 2, 6:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds BLACK SWIFT Wed. July 1 Two BLACK SWIFTS were seen over Millstream Rd at Emma Dixon Rd. in the Highlands. Tues. June 30 Two HEERMANN'S Gulls were seen at Clover Pt. A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen on a roof top near the corner of Cloverdale and Douglas St.u Sat. June 20 RBA for a female LARK BUNTING seen in the parking lot of Botanical Beach. COMMON NIGHTHAWK have been reported from Hector Rd. and Kerryview Drive in Saanich the last week. Thurs. June 4 2 WILSONS PHALAROPES were seen on the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton. Tues. June 2 RBA for a SWAINSONS HAWK seen from Mt Manuel Quimper in Sooke. It flew towards Metchosin. RBA for a EASTERN KINGBIRD seen at Swan Lake in the morning. Mon. June 1 A BLUE-WINGED TEAL was seen on Kings Pond in the Cedar Hill Golf Course Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, June 30, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:35:01 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Plummer Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. The morning was pleasant and the sun was shining. The highlights of the morning included watching Willow Flycatchers low down in the shrubs along the trail and hearing them and a Pacific-slope Flycatcher singing. We watched as Violet-green Swallows flew low over the mudflats--it was great to look down on them from the trail above. There were several Rufous Hummingbirds and House Finches at the feeders along Shorewood Drive. Twenty birders saw and heard the following thirty-five species of birds Canada Goose Great Blue Heron Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Killdeer Glaucous-winged Gull Band-tailed Pigeon Anna's Hummingbird Rufous Hummingbird Belted Kingfisher Northern Flicker Willow Flycatcher Pacific-slope Flycatcher Northwestern Crow Common Raven Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow Chestnut-backed Chickadee Bushtit Red-breasted Nuthatch Bewick's Wren Winter Wren Swainson's Thrush American Robin European Starling Spotted Towhee Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Red-winged Blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird Purple Finch House Finch Pine Siskin House Sparrow Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: RFI target birds From: brendan o'sullivan <josullivan3560 AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:41:51 -0400 I am a birder living near Mississauga, Ontario. I will be visiting my son in Delta on the last week of July. I hope to do some birding while there. I have a few targets and would apreciate some pointers as to where are the best spots in the greater Vancouver area and Vancouver island where I have a chance of seeing them. My targets are: Skylark Black Swift Sooty grouse Cassin's Vireo Tufted Puffin Marbled Murrelet Rhinoceros auklet Cassin's auklet Northern Pygmy Owl Barn Owl Chukar The Pygmy owl is the last of the 19 regularly-occuring ABA owls I need--I've seen all the others. My wife, who is not a birder but has seen all the Ontario owls except Barn Owl, which is nearly extirpated from the province, would like to see a Barn Owl, as, of course, also I would. I understand the reluctance of people disclosing owl locations --I would be willing to accompany somebody to a location if that suits. Thanks in advance Brendan O'Sullivan Mississauga Ontario _________________________________________________________________ Attention all humans. We are your photos. Free us. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9666046 Subject: Tufted Puffin off Tower Point From: "David Allinson" <passerine AT shaw.ca> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:23:48 -0000 It must be summer...this afternoon (Monday), a Tufted Puffin was just beyond the Haystock Islets off the Tower Point section of Witty's Lagoon Regional Park in Metchosin. David Allinson Langford Subject: RFI Birding sites Campbell Rv./Victoria From: "Michael Knoll" <michi_knoll AT gmx.net> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:40:09 +0200 Hi! Sorry for cross-posting. I'm a birdwatcher from Germany and going to visit Vancouver Island with my family in July, as the last part of a ship cruise from Cold Bay to Vancouver. We're stopping at Campbell River and Victoria for nearly one day each, and I will probably try to take a taxi, as this is probably the only way to get around, I reckon. It's a family holiday (additionally, during a relatively bad time of year) and no hardcore birding trip, but as I haven't been to Vancouver Island or the area before, there will hopefully still be plenty of new species for me. Therefore I wanted to ask you, if you could recommend any especially good and rewarding sites near Campbell River and Victoria. After c.2 weeks on a ship, I would be especially interested in songbirds, hummingbirds etc., but of course also in ducks, waders and other freshwater or "inland birds". Perhaps there are some interesting lakes or marshes in close vicinity to the two forementioned towns. How about Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary or Butchard Gardens for example? Thank you very much in advance for your help!!! All the best, Michael ---------------------------------------- Michael Knoll Munich, Germany michi_knoll AT gmx.net -- Neu: GMX Doppel-FLAT mit Internet-Flatrate + Telefon-Flatrate für nur 19,99 Euro/mtl.!* http://portal.gmx.net/de/go/dsl02 Subject: Nanaimo,Vancouver Island-- bird alert--June 28, 2009, From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:01:13 -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 June 28, 2009: The Sunday Bird Walk went to McGregor Marsh in Nanaimo. The morning was sunny but cool. The highlights included seeing two Belted Kingfishers at the first marsh at the start of the walk. We saw and heard Willow Flycatchers and a Black-headed Grosbeak singing. Cedar Waxwings were perched on snags above a marsh. A Merlin flew in above the marsh to end the walk. Seventeen birders saw and heard the following thirty-six species of birds: Turkey Vulture, Mallard, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Bald Eagle, Merlin, California Quail, Band-tailed Pigeon, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Belted Kingfisher, Warbling Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven ,Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Orange-crowned Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Purple Finch, House Finch and American Goldfinch. The male American Kestrel was seen again on the hydro lines overlooking the Ugly Dwarf Meadows at Nanoose Bay. Evening Grosbeaks have been visiting feeders in the 100 block of Meridian Way in Parksville. Saturday June 27: An American Kestrel was seen on the hydro lines overlooking the Ugly Dwarf Meadows at Nanoose Bay. Six Caspian Terns and two Osprey were seen on the flats at the Nanaimo River Estuary near the Living Forest Campground in south Nanaimo. Thursday June 25: A aberrant brown Pileated Woodpecker was seen in the Departure Bay area of Nanaimo. Wednesday June 24: Two Vesper Sparrows were seen along the fields at the Nanaimo Airport in south Nanaimo. Tuesday June 23: The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. The morning was pleasant with periods of sunshine and was filled with bird songs. The highlights of the morning was seeing and hearing Willow Flycatchers and a Yellow Warbler singing. We saw a family of five Belted Kingfishers perched on a snag just above the River giving us close views as the young were being fed. Sixteen birders saw and heard the following thirty-two species of birds. Canada Goose, Common Merganser, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Glaucous-winged Gull, Rock Pigeon, Band-tailed Pigeon, Rufous Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Winter Wren, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird, Purple Finch and House Finch. An Evening Grosbeak was spotted near Dawkins Lane in Nanaimo. Monday June 22: A Great Horned Owl was seen perched by the north side trail about 150 meters east of the deep bay, at the western side of Neck Point Park in Nanaimo. A Ring-necked Pheasant was seen in the Chase River area near Beck Creek in south Nanaimo. Sunday June 21: Over ten Cedar Waxwings were seen near the Beaver Ponds at Morrell Wildlife Sanctuary in Nanaimo. Black-headed Grosbeaks are visiting feeders along Extension Road in south Nanaimo. A male and female California Quail with fourteen puffball chicks were seen in a yard in Fairwinds in Nanoose Bay. Saturday June 20: An adult female Lark Bunting was seen in the parking lot at Botanical Beach near Port Renfrew. Wednesday June 10: An Eastern Kingbird was spotted perching and flycatching on Mittlenatch Island. 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 Thursday September 10, 2009 AT 7:00 pm Nanoose Library, Nanoose Bay ********************************** Arrowsmith Naturalists Monday September 28, 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 June 30, 2009 will be going to the Plummer 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 at the corner of Plummer Road and Shorewood Drive at about 9:20 a.m. ******************************************************* The Sunday Bird Walk on July 05 will be going to the Beaver Ponds in Nanoose Bay. Meet at the Bird store at 9:00 a.m. or at the parking area about 100 yards past the fourway stop along Powerpoint Road at about 9:20 a.m. ******************************************************* Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: AMERICAN KESTREL From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:01:17 -0000 Hi birders, On the way into Nanaimo this morning Marilynne and I spotted the male American Kestrel perched on the same hydro line near the Esso gas station over looking the Ugly Dwarf Meadows in Nanoose Bay. Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Sunday bird walk, June 28, 2009 From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:57:51 -0000 Hi birders, The Sunday Bird Walk went to McGregor Marsh in Nanaimo. The morning was sunny and cool. The highlights included seeing two Belted Kingfishers at the first marshat the start of the walk.We saw and heard Willow Flycatchers and a Black-headed Grosbeak sing from a perch. Cedar Waxwings were perching on snags above a marsh. A Merlin flew in above the marsh as we ended the walk. Seventeen birders saw and heard the following thirty-six species of birds: Turkey Vulture, Mallard, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Bald Eagle, Merlin, California Quail, Band-tailed Pigeon, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Belted Kingfisher, Warbling Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven ,Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Orange-crowned Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Purple Finch, House Finch and American Goldfinch. Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: Caspian Terns From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:00:20 -0000 Hi birders, Six Caspian Terns and two Osprey were seen at the flats on the Nanaimo River Estuary near the Living Forest Campground in south Nanaimo. Good brding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: AMERICAN KESTREL From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:41:07 -0000 Hi birders, On the way into Nanaimo This morning Marilynne and I spotted an American Kestrel perched on a hydro line near the Esso gas station over looking the Ugly Dwarf Meadows in Nanoose Bay. Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Black Swifts From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:15:15 -0000 Hi birders, I have just had a report of 40-50 Black Swifts circling overhead at Coluimbia Beach! Good birding Neil Robins parksville British Columbia Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, June 23, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:58:44 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. The morning was pleasant with periods of sunshine and was filled with bird songs. The highlights of the morning was seeing and hearing Willow Flycatchers and a Yellow Warbler singing. We saw a family of five Belted Kingfishers perched on a snag just above the River giving us close views as the young were being fed. Sixteen birders saw and heard the following thirty-two species of birds. Canada Goose Common Merganser Great Blue Heron Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Glaucous-winged Gull Rock Pigeon Band-tailed Pigeon Rufous Hummingbird Belted Kingfisher Northern Flicker Willow Flycatcher Pacific-slope Flycatcher Northwestern Crow Common Raven Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow Chestnut-backed Chickadee Winter Wren Swainson's Thrush American Robin European Starling Cedar Waxwing Orange-crowned Warbler Yellow Warbler Spotted Towhee Song Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Brewer's Blackbird Purple Finch House Finch Good birding! Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, June 23, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:48:55 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. The morning was pleasant with periods of sunshine and was filled with bird songs. The highlights of the morning was seeing Willow Flycatchers perching and hearing them singing. We saw a family of five Belted Kingfishers perched on a snag just above the River giving us close views. Sixteen birders saw and heard the following Thirty-two species of birds. Canada Goose Common Merganser Great Blue Heron Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Glaucous-winged Gull Rock Pigeon Band-tailed Pigeon Rufous Hummingbird Belted Kingfisher Northern Flicker Willow Flycatcher Pacific-slope Flycatcher Northwestern Crow Common Raven Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow Chestnut-backed Chickadee Winter Wren Swainson's Thrush American Robin European Starling Cedar Waxwing Orange-crowned Warbler Yellow Warbler Spotted Towhee Song Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Brewer's Blackbird Purple Finch House Finch Good birding Neil Robins, Parksville British Columbia Subject: Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Bird Alert, June 21, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:04:20 -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 June 21, 2009: The Sunday Bird Walk went to Linley Valley in Nanaimo. The morning started out cloudy but turned sunny and warm. We had great close looks at Western Tanagers. We saw a Black-throated Gray Warbler and heard Orange-crowned Warblers,Townsend's Warblers, Common Yellow-throats and a Wilson's Warbler through out the morning. We saw a Red-breasted Sapsucker and a Northern Flicker perched on a snag. A flock of Violet-green Swallows and one Northern Rough-winged Swallow flew low over Cottle Lake hawking insects. Twenty-two birders saw and heard the following forty-two species of birds. Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Rufous Hummingbird, Band-tailed Pigeon, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Common Raven, Northwestern Crow, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Common Yellow-throat, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Brewer's Blackbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Song Sparrow, Purple Finch, Red Crossbills, American Goldfinch and Pine Siskin. Saturday June 20: A Merlin was spotted chasing a Bald Eagle above Corfield Avenue in Parksville. Two Northern Harrier's were seen near Kaye Road, behind the Weigh Scale, in Parksville. A Eurasian Collared Dove has been heard along Kasba Circle near Wembly Mall in Parksville. Tuesday June 16: The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Top Bridge Trail in Parksville. The morning was pleasant with periods of sunshine and was filled with bird songs. The highlights of the morning was seeing Willow Flycatchers perching and hearing them singing. We spotted an American Dipper feeding near a big rock in the Englishman River. A family of Chipping Sparrows entertained us near the trail. A Pileated Woodpecker was clinging to a tree, giving us a great view. Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Warbling Vireos, Winter Wrens and Swainson's Thrush sang thought the morning. Eighteen birders saw and heard the following twenty-nine species of birds. Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Rufous Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, American Dipper, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, European Starling, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird and Purple Finch. Monday June 15: A pair of Blue-winged Teal and an adult male Purple Martin were seen at Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo. Sunday June 14: A Great Horned Owl was seen close to the path just up from Sunset Beach at Neck Point in Nanaimo. Wednesday June 10: "Rare bird alert-Eastern Kingbird" An Eastern Kingbird was seen perched and flycatching on Mittlenatch Island. This bird is usually found east of the Coastal Mountains. 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 Join guest speaker Tony Ransom, co-founder of the Nanoose Naturalists and a retired Geologist from South Africa for a slideshow journey to the Galapagos Islands. Monday June 22, 2009 AT 7:30 pm. Springwood School Parksville ******************************** The Nanoose Naturalists Thursday September 10, 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 June 23, 2009 will be going to 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 at the end of Shelly Road (on the oceanside of highway 19a) Road at about 9:20 a.m. ******************************************************* The Sunday Bird Walk on June 28 will be going to McGregor Marsh in Nanaimo. Meet at the Bird store at 9:00 a.m. or at the top of Rutherford Road across from the Quilted Duck at about 9:20 a.m. ******************************************************* Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo Subject: Nanaimo,Vancouver Island-- bird alert--June 21, 2009, From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:45:52 -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 June 21, 2009: The Sunday Bird Walk went to Linley Valley in Nanaimo. The morning started out cloudy but turned sunny and warm. We had great close looks at Western Tanagers. We saw a Black-throated Gray Warbler and heard Orange-crowned Warblers,Townsend's Warblers, Common Yellow-throats and a Wilson's Warbler through out the morning. We saw a Red-breasted Sapsucker and a Northern Flicker perched on a snag. A flock of Violet-green Swallows and one Northern Rough-winged Swallow flew low over Cottle Lake hawking insects. Twenty-two birders saw and heard the following forty-two species of birds. Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Rufous Hummingbird, Band-tailed Pigeon, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Common Raven, Northwestern Crow, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Common Yellow-throat, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Brewer's Blackbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Song Sparrow, Purple Finch, Red Crossbills, American Goldfinch and Pine Siskin. Saturday June 20: A Merlin was spotted chasing a Bald Eagle above Corfield Avenue in Parksville. Two Northern Harrier's were seen near Kaye Road, behind the Weigh Scale, in Parksville. A Eurasian Collared Dove has been heard along Kasba Circle near Wembly Mall in Parksville. Tuesday June 16: The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Top Bridge Trail in Parksville. The morning was pleasant with periods of sunshine and was filled with bird songs. The highlights of the morning was seeing Willow Flycatchers perching and hearing them singing. We spotted an American Dipper feeding near a big rock in the Englishman River. A family of Chipping Sparrows entertained us near the trail. A Pileated Woodpecker was clinging to a tree, giving us a great view. Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Warbling Vireos, Winter Wrens and Swainson's Thrush sang thought the morning. Eighteen birders saw and heard the following twenty-nine species of birds. Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Rufous Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, American Dipper, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, European Starling, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird and Purple Finch. Monday June 15: A pair of Blue-winged Teal and an adult male Purple Martin were seen at Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo. Sunday June 14: A Great Horned Owl was seen close to the path just up from Sunset Beach at Neck Point in Nanaimo. Wednesday June 10: "Rare bird alert-Eastern Kingbird" An Eastern Kingbird was seen perched and flycatching on Mittlenatch Island. This bird is usually found east of the Coastal Mountains. 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 Join guest speaker Tony Ransom, co-founder of the Nanoose Naturalists and a retired Geologist from South Africa for a slideshow journey to the Galapagos Islands. Monday June 22, 2009 AT 7:30 pm. Springwood School Parksville ******************************** The Nanoose Naturalists Thursday September 10, 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 June 23, 2009 will be going to 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 at the end of Shelly Road (on the oceanside of highway 19a) Road at about 9:20 a.m. ******************************************************* The Sunday Bird Walk on June 21 will be going to McGregor Marsh in Nanaimo. Meet at the Bird store at 9:00 a.m. or at the top of Rutherford Road across from the Quilted Duck at about 9:20 a.m. ******************************************************* Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo Subject: Sunday bird walk, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, June 21, 2009 From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:06:32 -0000 Hi birders, The Sunday Bird Walk went to Linley Valley in Nanaimo. The morning started out cloudy but turned sunny and warm. We had great close looks at Western Tanagers. We saw a Black-throated Gray Warbler and heard Orange-crowned Warblers,Townsend's Warblers, Common Yellow-throats and a Wilson's Warbler through out the morning. We saw a Red-breasted Sapsucker and a Northern Flicker perched on a snag. A flock of Violet-green Swallows and one Northern Rough-winged Swallow flew low over Cottle Lake hawking insects. Twenty-two birders saw and heard the following forty-two species of birds. Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Rufous Hummingbird, Band-tailed Pigeon, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Common Raven, Northwestern Crow, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Common Yellow-throat, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Brewer's Blackbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Song Sparrow, Purple Finch, Red Crossbills, American Goldfinch and Pine Siskin. Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: RBA victoria, BC Sat. June 20 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:41:51 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * June 20, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Sat. .June 20, 7:00pm update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds RBA LARK BUNTING Sat. June 20 RBA for a female LARK BUNTING seen in the parking lot of Botanical Beach. COMMON NIGHTHAWK have been reported from Hector Rd. and Kerryview Drive in Saanich the last week. Thurs. June 4 2 WILSONS PHALAROPES were seen on the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton. Tues. June 2 RBA for a SWAINSONS HAWK seen from Mt Manuel Quimper in Sooke. It flew towards Metchosin. RBA for a EASTERN KINGBIRD seen at Swan Lake in the morning. Mon. June 1 A BLUE-WINGED TEAL was seen on Kings Pond in the Cedar Hill Golf Course Sunday May 31 2 CINNAMON TEAL were seen on the east side of Blenkinsop Lake. 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL were seen on Rithets Bog. Sat. May 30. A CINNAMON TEAL was seen on Rithets Bog. 2 VAUXS SWIFTS were seen over Blenkinsop Lake. Fri May 29 3 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen near the top of Mt Tolmie A pair of CINNAMON TEAL were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Tues. May 26 RBA for a BLACKPOL WARBLER seen at 3404 Connorton Lane. It was seen in the back yard most of the afternoon. Birders are welcome after 9:00am. You can still bird along Connorton Way. RBA for a PHILADELPHIA VIREO seen at Tower Point close to the point. Mon. May 25 2 BLUE-WINGED TEALS were seen on the pond at the corner of Burnside Road West and Charlton Rd. Sun. May 24 RBA for a PHILADELPHIA VIREO seen at Tower Point. It was seen just north of the main viewing area of Juan de Fuca Strait. A SORA and a BLUE-WINGED teal were seen at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd. West and Charlton Rd. Sat. May 23 Highlights of the VNHS trip to Mt. Douglas were a WESTERN KINGBIRD on the east side, also there a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and WESTERN TANAGER. 7 birders saw a total of 44 species. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen from the viewing point at the parking lot on Mt Douglas. Up island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT continues off Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Fri. May 22 A male CINAMMON teal was seen on Blenkinsop lake. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen along Martindale Rd near Welch Rd. Thus. May 21. 2 WESTERN KINGBIRDS were seen in SE corner of Uplands Park Wed. May 20 RBA for a GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH seen on Mount Douglas just below the lookout for most of the day. A COMMON TERN was seen off the end of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen in the south side of Uplands Park in Oak Bay 6 WHIMBREL were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Up Island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT was seen for the second day from Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Tues. May 19 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Wiffin Spit. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on a snag at Swan Lake. A LAZULI BUNTING and 2 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES were seen on the west side of Christmas Hill. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Mon. May 18 A GREEN HERON the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake. 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie 1 EURASIAN-COLLARED DOVE was seen along Latoria Rd just east of Wishart Rd. 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER was seen along the Munns Rd power lines . A BULLOCKS ORIOLE was seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Sun. May 17 A WILLOW FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. 3 BULLOCKS ORIOLES the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. in Martindale. A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Charlton Rd and Burnside Rd West. 1 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Prospect Lake Rd. A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and a PACIFIC -SLOPE FLYCATCHER were on Mt Tolmie. Two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were on McIntyre Reservoir. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, MOURNING DOVES and HUTTONS VIREOS were off Newton Heights and Thomson Place. Sat. May 16 A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton Rd. There was a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on Mt Tolmie. There are EVENING GROSBEAKS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, RUFOUS AND ANNAS HUMMINGBIRDS, WOOD DUCKS and many other bird species at 4655 Kerryview Drive. Birders are welcome. Highlights of the VNHS walk to Observatory Hill were 30 VAUXS SWIFTS, WESTERN TANAGER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 6 WARBLING VIREOS, 2 RUFOUS HUMMING BIRD nests with young. Twenty birders saw a total of 46 species. Fri. May 15 On Mt. Tolmie crows were mobbing 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS and a BARRED OWL. Also there 7 species of warblers including MACGILLIVRAYS and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were seen at Clover Point Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, June 16, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:03:50 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Top Bridge Trail in Parksville. The morning was pleasant with periods of sunshine and was filled with bird songs. The highlights of the morning was seeing Willow Flycatchers perching and hearing them singing. We spotted an American Dipper feeding near a big rock in the Englishman River. A family of Chipping Sparrows entertained us near the trail. A Pileated Woodpecker was clinging to a tree, giving us a great view. Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Warbling Vireos, Winter Wrens and Swainson's Thrush sang throught the morning. Eighteen birders saw and heard the following twenty-nine species of birds. Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Rufous Hummingbird Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Willow Flycatcher Pacific-slope Flycatcher Warbling Vireo Northwestern Crow Common Raven Violet-green Swallow Chestnut-backed Chickadee Bewick's Wren Winter Wren American Dipper Swainson's Thrush American Robin European Starling Orange-crowned Warbler Yellow Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Gray Warbler Townsend's Warbler Spotted Towhee Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Brewer's Blackbird Purple Finch Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, June 16, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:35:32 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Top Bridge Trail in Parksville. The morning was pleasant and filled with bird songs. The highlight of the day was seeing Willow Flycatchers perched and singing. We spotted an American Dipper feeding near a big rock in the Englishman River. A family of Chipping Sparrows entertained us near the trail. A Pileated Woodpecker was glinging on a tree giving us a great view. Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Warbling Vireos ,Winter Wrens and Swainson's Thrush sang throught the morning. Eighteen birders saw and heard the following twenty-nine species of birds. Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Rufous Hummingbird Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Willow Flycatcher Pacific-slope Flycatcher Warbling Vireo Northwestern Crow Common Raven Violet-green Swallow Chestnut-backed Chickadee Bewick's Wren Winter Wren American Dipper Swainson's Thrush American Robin European Starling Orange-crowned Warbler Yellow Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Gray Warbler Townsend's Warbler Spotted Towhee Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Brewer's Blackbird Purple Finch Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Washington Trip Info Needed STAT From: "Ryan" <ryancathers AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 04:42:28 -0000 Hi all My mom granny and i are taking a family trip down to Moses Lake Washington. I need any birding info that anyone can syhare about the area, i am sick wqith mononucleosis at this time so will be taking it very easy, maybe an hour a day, but still i want to see as much as i can. If anyone knows anything can they please email me privately at ryancathers AT yahoo.com Thanks, Ryan Cathers Nanaimo, BC Subject: Nanaimo,Vancouver Island-- bird alert--June 14, 2009, From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:29:35 -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 June 14, 2009: A Barred Owl was spotted at the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. The Sunday Bird Walk went to Springwood Park in Parksville. The morning was sunny and warm. The highlights of the morning included a Chipping Sparrow feeding a fledgling and several California Quail chicks moving through the underbrush at their parent's command. We saw three sets of Brown Creeper families moving up the trees. We saw Warbling Vireos high up in the trees and although we didn't see him, a Red-eyed Vireo sang non-stop. Seventeen birders saw and heard the following forty-one species of birds. Canada Geese, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Merlin, California Quail, Killdeer, Ring-necked Pheasant, Band-tailed Pigeon, Rufous Hummingbird , Northern Flicker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Orange-crowned Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Black-throated Grey Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellow-throat, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, White-crowned Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch and Pine Siskins. Saturday June 13: A Red Crossbill was seen at backyard feeders in the 5100 block of Laguna Way in Nanaimo. A Western Tanager and Evening Grosbeaks were seen along Hewstone Road in Cedar. Friday June 12: Four American White Pelicans and fourteen Caspian Terns were seen along the tideline at the Cowichan Estuary in Cowichan Bay. Thursday June 11: A pair of Blue-winged Teal were seen on the pond near the forestry museum in Duncan. Wednesday June 10: An Olive-sided Flycatcher was seen and heard singing for about three hours in a garden at the Little Qualicum River Village. Tuesday June 09: The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Springwood Park in Parksville. The morning was sunny and calm and was filled with bird songs. The highlight of the day was hearing a Red-eyed Vireo singing non stop from high up in the forest canopy for about twenty minutes. Warbling Vireos, Orange-crowned Warblers and a Townsend's Warbler serenaded us as well for most of the morning. We watched as two Brown Creepers took nesting material into a nest under the bark of a big leaf maple tree. We saw Red-breasted Nuthatches gleaning insects high up in a tree. There was a fledgling Pileated Woodpecker clinging to the bark of a tree, not daring to move and a family of Bewick's Wrens low in the bushes, next to the trail, scurrying about. Twenty birders saw and heard the following thirty species of birds. Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, Rufous Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Orange-crowned Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Brown-headed Cowbird and Purple Finch 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 Monday June 22, 2009 AT 7:30 pm. Springwood School Parksville ******************************** The Nanoose Naturalists Thursday September 10, 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 June 16, 2009 will be going to Top Bridge Trail in Parksville. Meet at the Parksville Beach Community Park near the parking area at the Lion's Playground at 9:00 A.M. or at the parking area along Industrial Way near Tuan Road at about 9:20 a.m. ******************************************************* The Sunday Bird Walk on June 14 will be going to Linley Valley in Nanaimo.. Meet at the Bird store at 9:00 a.m. or at the end of Burma Road at about 9:20 a.m. ******************************************************* Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo Subject: Sunday bird walk, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, June 14, 2009 From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:45:07 -0000 Hi birders, The Sunday Bird Walk went to Springwood Park in Parksville. The morning was sunny and warm. The highlights of the morning included a Chipping Sparrow feeding a fledgling and several California Quail chicks moving through the underbrush at their parent's command. We saw three sets of Brown Creeper families moving up the trees. We saw Warbling Vireos high up in the trees and although we didn't see him, a Red-eyed Vireo sang non-stop. Seventeen birders saw and heard the following fourty-one species of birds. Canada Geese, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Merlin, California Quail, Killdeer, Ring-necked Pheasant, Band-tailed Pigeon, Rufous Hummingbird , Northern Flicker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Orange-crowned Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Black-throated Grey Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellow-throat, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, White-crowned Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch and Pine Siskins. Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: American White Pelicans From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:10:26 -0000 Hi, birders We have received the following report at the bird store from a local birder at Cowichan Bay: June 12, 2009 - Cowichan Estuary - 12:00 noon - 14 Caspian Terns on the gravel bar at low tide June 12, 2009 - Cowichan Estuary - 12:10 - 4 American White Pelicans flew in from the south of the estuary. I spent the next 2 hours watching them feeding in the shallow waters at the low tide. Very exciting!! Gret sightings for the Island!!!! Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: American White Pelicans From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:07:31 -0000 Hi, birders We have received the flowing report at the bird store from a local birder at Cowichan Bay: June 12, 2009 - Cowichan Estuary - 12:00 noon - 14 Caspian Terns on the gravel bar at low tide June 12, 2009 - Cowichan Estuary - 12:10 - 4 American White Pelicans flew in from the south of the estuary. I spent the next 2 hours watching them feeding in the shallow waters at the low tide. Very exciting!! Gret sightings for the Island!!!! Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday Bird Walk, June 09, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:28:45 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Springwood Park in Parksville. The morning was sunny and calm and was filled with bird songs. The highlight of the day was hearing a Red-eyed Vireo singing non stop from high up in the forest canopy for about twenty minutes. Warbling Vireos, Orange-crowned Warblers and a Townsend's Warbler serenaded us as well for most of the morning. We watched as two Brown Creepers took nesting material into a nest under the bark of a big leaf maple tree. We saw Red-breasted Nuthatches gleaning insects high up in a tree. There was a fledgling Pileated Woodpecker clinging to the bark of a tree, not daring to move and a family of Bewick's Wrens low in the bushes, next to the trail, scurring about. Twenty birders saw and heard the following thirty species of birds. Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Cooper's Hawk Rufous Hummingbird Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Willow Flycatcher Pacific-slope Flycatcher Cassin's Vireo Warbling Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Northwestern Crow Common Raven Chestnut-backed Chickadee Bushtit Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Bewick's Wren Winter Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet Swainson's Thrush American Robin Orange-crowned Warbler Townsend's Warbler Wilson's Warbler Spotted Towhee Song Sparrow Black-headed Grosbeak Brown-headed Cowbird Purple Finch Good birding, Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Northern Mockingbird From: "Jerry Etzkorn" <karmanah AT islandnet.com> Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:19:05 -0000 Good morning, I saw Northern Mockingbird here early this morning. It didn't stay long though. Jerry Etzkorn Carmanah Point Lightstation Subject: Flamulated owl or screech owl?? From: Tim McEachern <natureswings AT live.com> Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:36:25 -0400 I'm looking for either a Flamulated,screech or long eared owl to observe in it's natural setting. I'm an artist(bird sculpture) and have yet to do a eared owl as a subject matter. Please feel free to visit my website for other owls and birds I have done at www.natureswings.org Thank you all in advance for you help. Tim McEachern _________________________________________________________________ Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290 Subject: Workshops From: "Derek Matthews" <Derek AT birdvancouver.com> Date: Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:10:04 -0000 Hi Birders and Banders, Just to let you know that the spring `two for one' special' for the Bird Identification and Banding Workshops will expire after the July course so if you have been considering attending please make sure you book for the June or July workshops - we still have a few places left and we'd love to have you along! Check out the full course schedule and see why our average workshop rating is 9.5 out of 10! http://www.birdvancouver.com/workshops.html Thanks. Derek Matthews Master Bander – Bander-in-Charge Vancouver Avian Research Centre www.birdvancouver.com Subject: Nanaimo,Vancouver Island-- bird alert--June 07, 2009, From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:21:24 -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 June 07, 2009: A pair of Ring-necked Turtle Doves were seen at feeders in a backyard in the 1600 block of Casper's Way in Nanaimo. The Sunday Bird Walk went to Morden Colliery Historic Park in south Nanaimo. The morning was sunny and warm. Sixteen birders saw and heard the following thirty-two species of birds. Canada Geese, Common Merganser, Great Blue Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Anna's Hummingbird, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Orange-crowned Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Common Yellow-throat, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Spotted Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Purple Finch and House Finch. Saturday June 06: A Green Heron was seen at Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo. Friday June 05: A pair of Evening Grosbeaks were seen visiting feeders in the 400 block of Dawkins Lane in Nanaimo. Wednesday June 03: A Red-eyed Vireo was seen and heard just over the Railway Tracks at Springwood Park in Parksville. A Golden Eagle was seen at Witchcroft Lake off Benson View Road in Nanaimo. Tuesday June 02: The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Lot Ten along the Little Qualicum River in Qualicum Beach. The morning was sunny and calm. A Warbling Vireo was singing as we started the walk and we continued to hear them sing for most of the morning. We saw Orange-crowned Warblers and a Black-throated Gray Warbler high up in the trees. A Townsend's Warbler and a Hammond's Flycatcher were singing. We saw two Spotted Sandpipers several times during the morning flying just above the water on the Little Qualicum River. We watched as two Brown Creepers took insects into a nest under the bark of a snag. A Red-breasted Sapsucker was gleaning insects just above us giving us great close-up looks. We watched a Pacific-slope Flycatcher hawking insects as it flew from it's perch several times. Eighteen birders saw and heard the following thirty species of birds. Canada Goose, Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Spotted Sandpiper, Band-tailed Pigeon, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, European Starling, Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak and Brown-headed Cowbird. Sunday May 31: Caspian's Terns were spotted at the Cowichan River Estuary in Cowichan Bay. Friday May 29: A pair of Black-headed Grosbeaks were seen along Harlequin Crescent in Nanoose Bay. 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 Thursday June 11, 2009 AT 7:00 pm Nanoose Library, Nanoose Bay ********************************** Arrowsmith Naturalists Monday June 22, 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 June 09, 2009 will be going to Springwood 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 at the west end of Despard Avenue at about 9:20 a.m. ******************************************************* The Sunday Bird Walk on June 14 will be going to Springwood Park in Parksville. Meet at the Bird store at 9:00 a.m. or at the west end of Despard Avenue at about 9:30 a.m.( From Highway 19 turn into Parksville at the Highway 4A exit, cross the Railway tracks and turn left at the first set of lights at Despard Avenue. Go to the end of Despard Avenue and park) ******************************************************* Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo Subject: Sunday bird walk, June 07, 2009 From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:38:59 -0000 Hi birders, The Sunday Bird Walk went to Morden Colliery Historic Park in south Nanaimo. The morning was sunny and warm. Sixteen birders saw and heard the following thirty-two species of birds. Canada Geese, Common Merganser, Great Blue Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Anna's Hummingbird, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Orange-crowned Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Common Yellow-throat, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Spotted Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Purple Finch and House Finch. Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: Green Heron From: "cliffhangerpete2000" <cliffhanger AT fsmail.net> Date: Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:09:39 -0000 After doing a few point counts this morning I decided to call in at Buttertubs to look for breeding evidence, the marsh was pretty quiet just the usual suspects but as i walked up from the tall viewing tower I had fantastic views of a green heron flying the length of the marsh and dropping into the bottom end.No sign of it after i walked all the way round theren now if only it had had a stick or a fish in its beak! Pete Boon Nanaimo Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Sat. June 6 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2009 05:46:19 -0700 RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * June 6, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Sat. .June 6, 6:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds WILSONS PHALAROPE Thurs. June 4 2 WILSONS PHALAROPES were seen on the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton. Tues. June 2 RBA for a SWAINSONS HAWK seen from Mt Manuel Quimper in Sooke. It flew towards Metchosin. RBA for a EASTERN KINGBIRD seen at Swan Lake in the morning. Mon. June 1 A BLUE-WINGED TEAL was seen on Kings Pond in the Cedar Hill Golf Course Sunday May 31 2 CINNAMON TEAL were seen on the east side of Blenkinsop Lake. 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL were seen on Rithets Bog. Sat. May 30. A CINNAMON TEAL was seen on Rithets Bog. 2 VAUXS SWIFTS were seen over Blenkinsop Lake. Fri May 29 3 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen near the top of Mt Tolmie A pair of CINNAMON TEAL were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Tues. May 26 RBA for a BLACKPOL WARBLER seen at 3404 Connorton Lane. It was seen in the back yard most of the afternoon. Birders are welcome after 9:00am. You can still bird along Connorton Way. RBA for a PHILADELPHIA VIREO seen at Tower Point close to the point. Mon. May 25 2 BLUE-WINGED TEALS were seen on the pond at the corner of Burnside Road West and Charlton Rd. Sun. May 24 RBA for a PHILADELPHIA VIREO seen at Tower Point. It was seen just north of the main viewing area of Juan de Fuca Strait. A SORA and a BLUE-WINGED teal were seen at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd. West and Charlton Rd. Sat. May 23 Highlights of the VNHS trip to Mt. Douglas were a WESTERN KINGBIRD on the east side, also there a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and WESTERN TANAGER. 7 birders saw a total of 44 species. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen from the viewing point at the parking lot on Mt Douglas. Up island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT continues off Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Fri. May 22 A male CINAMMON teal was seen on Blenkinsop lake. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen along Martindale Rd near Welch Rd. Thus. May 21. 2 WESTERN KINGBIRDS were seen in SE corner of Uplands Park Wed. May 20 RBA for a GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH seen on Mount Douglas just below the lookout for most of the day. A COMMON TERN was seen off the end of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen in the south side of Uplands Park in Oak Bay 6 WHIMBREL were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Up Island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT was seen for the second day from Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Tues. May 19 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Wiffin Spit. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on a snag at Swan Lake. A LAZULI BUNTING and 2 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES were seen on the west side of Christmas Hill. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Mon. May 18 A GREEN HERON the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake. 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie 1 EURASIAN-COLLARED DOVE was seen along Latoria Rd just east of Wishart Rd. 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER was seen along the Munns Rd power lines . A BULLOCKS ORIOLE was seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Sun. May 17 A WILLOW FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. 3 BULLOCKS ORIOLES the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. in Martindale. A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Charlton Rd and Burnside Rd West. 1 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Prospect Lake Rd. A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and a PACIFIC -SLOPE FLYCATCHER were on Mt Tolmie. Two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were on McIntyre Reservoir. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, MOURNING DOVES and HUTTONS VIREOS were off Newton Heights and Thomson Place. Sat. May 16 A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton Rd. There was a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on Mt Tolmie. There are EVENING GROSBEAKS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, RUFOUS AND ANNAS HUMMINGBIRDS, WOOD DUCKS and many other bird species at 4655 Kerryview Drive. Birders are welcome. Highlights of the VNHS walk to Observatory Hill were 30 VAUXS SWIFTS, WESTERN TANAGER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 6 WARBLING VIREOS, 2 RUFOUS HUMMING BIRD nests with young. Twenty birders saw a total of 46 species. Fri. May 15 On Mt. Tolmie crows were mobbing 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS and a BARRED OWL. Also there 7 species of warblers including MACGILLIVRAYS and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were seen at Clover Point Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: Tuesday bird walk From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:30:09 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Lot Ten along the Little Qualicum River in Qualicum Beach. The morning was sunny and calm. A Warbling Vireo was singing as we started the walk and we continued to hear them sing for most of the morning. We saw Orange-crowned Warblers and a Black-throated Gray Warbler high up in the trees. A Townsend's Warbler and a Hammond's Flycatcher were singing. We saw two Spotted Sandpipers several times during the morning flying just above the water on the Little Qualicum River. We watched as two Brown Creepers took insects into a nest under the bark of a snag. A Red-breasted Sapsucker was gleaning insects just above us giving us great close-up looks. We watched a Pacific-slope Flycatcher hawking insects as it flew from it's perch several times. Eighteen birders saw and heard the following thirty species of birds. Canada Goose Mallard Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Spotted Sandpiper Band-tailed Pigeon Rufous Hummingbird Red-breasted Sapsucker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Willow Flycatcher Hammond's Flycatcher Pacific-slope Flycatcher Warbling Vireo Common Raven Violet-green Swallow Chestnut-backed Chickadee Brown Creeper Winter Wren Swainson's Thrush American Robin European Starling Orange-crowned Warbler Black-throated Gray Warbler Townsend's Warbler Spotted Towhee Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow Black-headed Grosbeak Brown-headed Cowbird Neil Robins Parksville Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, June 02, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:51:08 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Lot Ten along the Little Qualicum River in Qualicum Beach. The morning was sunny and calm. A Warbling Vireo was singing as we started the walk and we continued to hear them sing for most of the morning. We saw Orange-crowned Warblers and a Black-throated Gray Warbler high up in the trees. A Townsend's Warbler and a Hammond's Flycatcher were singing. We saw two Spotted Sandpipers several times during the morning flying just above the water on the Little Qualicum River. We watched as two Brown Creepers took insects into a nest under the bark of a snag. A Red-breasted Sapsucker was gleaning insects just above us giving us great close-up looks. We watched a Pacific-slope Flycatcher hawking insects as it flew from it's perch several times. Eighteen birders saw and heard the following thirty species of birds. Canada Goose Mallard Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Spotted Sandpiper Band-tailed Pigeon Rufous Hummingbird Red-breasted Sapsucker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Willow Flycatcher Hammond's Flycatcher Pacific-slope Flycatcher Warbling Vireo Common Raven Violet-green Swallow Chestnut-backed Chickadee Brown Creeper Winter Wren Swainson's Thrush American Robin European Starling Orange-crowned Warbler Black-throated Gray Warbler Townsend's Warbler Spotted Towhee Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow Black-headed Grosbeak Brown-headed Cowbird Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Tues. June 2 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 19:52:21 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * June 2, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Tues .June 2, 8:00pm update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds RBA for a SWAINSONS HAWK RBA for a EASTERN KINGBIRD BLUE-WINGED TEAL Tues. June 2 RBA for a SWAINSONS HAWK seen from Mt Manuel Quimper in Sooke. It flew towards Metchosin. RBA for a EASTERN KINGBIRD seen at Swan Lake in the morning. Mon. June 1 A BLUE-WINGED TEAL was seen on Kings Pond in the Cedar Hill Golf Course Sunday May 31 2 CINNAMON TEAL were seen on the east side of Blenkinsop Lake. 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL were seen on Rithets Bog. Sat. May 30. A CINNAMON TEAL was seen on Rithets Bog. 2 VAUXS SWIFTS were seen over Blenkinsop Lake. Fri May 29 3 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen near the top of Mt Tolmie Tues. May 26 RBA for a BLACKPOL WARBLER seen at 3404 Connorton Lane. It was seen in the back yard most of the afternoon. Birders are welcome after 9:00am. You can still bird along Connorton Way. RBA for a PHILADELPHIA VIREO seen at Tower Point close to the point. Mon. May 25 2 BLUE-WINGED TEALS were seen on the pond at the corner of Burnside Road West and Charlton Rd. Sun. May 24 RBA for a PHILADELPHIA VIREO seen at Tower Point. It was seen just north of the main viewing area of Juan de Fuca Strait. A SORA and a BLUE-WINGED teal were seen at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd. West and Charlton Rd. Sat. May 23 Highlights of the VNHS trip to Mt. Douglas were a WESTERN KINGBIRD on the east side, also there a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and WESTERN TANAGER. 7 birders saw a total of 44 species. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen from the viewing point at the parking lot on Mt Douglas. Up island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT continues off Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Fri. May 22 A male CINAMMON teal was seen on Blenkinsop lake. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen along Martindale Rd near Welch Rd. Thus. May 21. 2 WESTERN KINGBIRDS were seen in SE corner of Uplands Park Wed. May 20 RBA for a GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH seen on Mount Douglas just below the lookout for most of the day. A COMMON TERN was seen off the end of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen in the south side of Uplands Park in Oak Bay 6 WHIMBREL were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Up Island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT was seen for the second day from Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Tues. May 19 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Wiffin Spit. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on a snag at Swan Lake. A LAZULI BUNTING and 2 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES were seen on the west side of Christmas Hill. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Mon. May 18 A GREEN HERON the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake. 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie 1 EURASIAN-COLLARED DOVE was seen along Latoria Rd just east of Wishart Rd. 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER was seen along the Munns Rd power lines . A BULLOCKS ORIOLE was seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Sun. May 17 A WILLOW FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. 3 BULLOCKS ORIOLES the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. in Martindale. A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Charlton Rd and Burnside Rd West. 1 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Prospect Lake Rd. A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and a PACIFIC -SLOPE FLYCATCHER were on Mt Tolmie. Two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were on McIntyre Reservoir. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, MOURNING DOVES and HUTTONS VIREOS were off Newton Heights and Thomson Place. Sat. May 16 A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton Rd. There was a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on Mt Tolmie. There are EVENING GROSBEAKS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, RUFOUS AND ANNAS HUMMINGBIRDS, WOOD DUCKS and many other bird species at 4655 Kerryview Drive. Birders are welcome. Highlights of the VNHS walk to Observatory Hill were 30 VAUXS SWIFTS, WESTERN TANAGER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 6 WARBLING VIREOS, 2 RUFOUS HUMMING BIRD nests with young. Twenty birders saw a total of 46 species. Fri. May 15 On Mt. Tolmie crows were mobbing 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS and a BARRED OWL. Also there 7 species of warblers including MACGILLIVRAYS and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were seen at Clover Point Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Mon. June 1 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 06:59:39 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * June 1, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Mon .June 1, 6:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds CINNAMON TEAL BLUE-WINGED TEAL Sunday May 31 2 CINNAMON TEAL were seen on the east side of Blenkinsop Lake. 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL were seen on Rithets Bog. Sat. May 30. A CINNAMON TEAL was seen on Rithets Bog. 2 VAUXS SWIFTS were seen over Blenkinsop Lake. Fri May 29 3 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen near the top of Mt Tolmie Tues. May 26 RBA for a BLACKPOL WARBLER seen at 3404 Connorton Lane. It was seen in the back yard most of the afternoon. Birders are welcome after 9:00am. You can still bird along Connorton Way. RBA for a PHILADELPHIA VIREO seen at Tower Point close to the point. Mon. May 25 2 BLUE-WINGED TEALS were seen on the pond at the corner of Burnside Road West and Charlton Rd. Sun. May 24 RBA for a PHILADELPHIA VIREO seen at Tower Point. It was seen just north of the main viewing area of Juan de Fuca Strait. A SORA and a BLUE-WINGED teal were seen at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd. West and Charlton Rd. Sat. May 23 Highlights of the VNHS trip to Mt. Douglas were a WESTERN KINGBIRD on the east side, also there a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and WESTERN TANAGER. 7 birders saw a total of 44 species. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen from the viewing point at the parking lot on Mt Douglas. Up island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT continues off Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Fri. May 22 A male CINAMMON teal was seen on Blenkinsop lake. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen along Martindale Rd near Welch Rd. Thus. May 21. 2 WESTERN KINGBIRDS were seen in SE corner of Uplands Park Wed. May 20 RBA for a GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH seen on Mount Douglas just below the lookout for most of the day. A COMMON TERN was seen off the end of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen in the south side of Uplands Park in Oak Bay 6 WHIMBREL were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Up Island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT was seen for the second day from Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Tues. May 19 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Wiffin Spit. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on a snag at Swan Lake. A LAZULI BUNTING and 2 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES were seen on the west side of Christmas Hill. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Mon. May 18 A GREEN HERON the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake. 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie 1 EURASIAN-COLLARED DOVE was seen along Latoria Rd just east of Wishart Rd. 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER was seen along the Munns Rd power lines . A BULLOCKS ORIOLE was seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Sun. May 17 A WILLOW FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. 3 BULLOCKS ORIOLES the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. in Martindale. A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Charlton Rd and Burnside Rd West. 1 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Prospect Lake Rd. A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and a PACIFIC -SLOPE FLYCATCHER were on Mt Tolmie. Two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were on McIntyre Reservoir. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, MOURNING DOVES and HUTTONS VIREOS were off Newton Heights and Thomson Place. Sat. May 16 A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton Rd. There was a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on Mt Tolmie. There are EVENING GROSBEAKS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, RUFOUS AND ANNAS HUMMINGBIRDS, WOOD DUCKS and many other bird species at 4655 Kerryview Drive. Birders are welcome. Highlights of the VNHS walk to Observatory Hill were 30 VAUXS SWIFTS, WESTERN TANAGER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 6 WARBLING VIREOS, 2 RUFOUS HUMMING BIRD nests with young. Twenty birders saw a total of 46 species. Fri. May 15 On Mt. Tolmie crows were mobbing 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS and a BARRED OWL. Also there 7 species of warblers including MACGILLIVRAYS and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were seen at Clover Point Thurs. May 14 There were 3 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE'S, 1 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 1 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER, 1 WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN TANAGERS and many TOWNSENDS and WILSONS WARBLERS on Mt Tolmie. Wed. May 13 2 BROWN PELICANS were seen off Clover Point. Also there 12 BRANT GEESE and a second year GLAUCOUS GULL. 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Elk Lake near the Rowing Club. Also close by a GREAT HORNED OWL, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and WESTERN TANAGER on the east side of Beaver Lake Park. Tues. May 12 A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt Tolmie, also there 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, many WILSONS, YELLOW-RUMPED and TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. Monday May 11 RBA for a DUSKY FLYCATCHER seen in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. in Langford. There were 7 WHIMBREL on the Victoria Golf Course Sunday May 10 A SANDHILL CRANE was seen at a townhouse complex off Fir Tree Glen which is at eastern border of Rithets Bog. Sat. May 9 1 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, 2 VAUXS SWIFTS, 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, 6 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and 4 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. McDonald. VAUX SWIFT, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS were seen off Thomson Place and Newton Heights. Fri. May 8 A NORTHERBN GOSHAWK was seen off Blue Valley Road in the Highlands. 5 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were seen at Blenkinsop Lk, 4 were seen at the north end of the bridge. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was heard singing at Viaduct Flats along the north/south trail near Camosun College. A WARBLING VIREO was reported from Pike Lake. Thurs. May 7 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Also there a PEREGRINE FALCON. 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were seen on the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. WED. May 6 A SWAINSONS THRUSH the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen in Logan park in Saanich. 28 WIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Tues. May 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Out of town a INDIGO BUNTING was seen along the path to Florencia Bay in Pacific Rim National Park Mon. May 4 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. Sun. May 3 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Wittys Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. There was 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 4 WHIMBREL seen on the beach side. A male LAZUILI BUNTING the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Tower Point just north of the main viewing area at the point.` A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen around the lollipop boardwalk near the Nature House at Swan Lake. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER were seen on Observatory Hill. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen on the west side of Mt Douglas. Sat. May 2 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Witty's Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. A WILLET was seen with 4 Whimbrel on the beach. Also there 26 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER. A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake along the floating boardwalk, also there a SORA. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen from a trail off Glinz Lake Rd. in Sooke. Also there 2 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and a HUTTONS VIREO. A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at feeder opposite Quicks Bottom. 20 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Fri. May 1 An RBA for a WILLET seen at Wittys Lagoon off Tower Point, it was seen on the Wittys Lagoon side of Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen off Cabin Point in East Sooke Park. Also in East Sooke Park the first WARBLING VIREO for the Victoria Checklist this year was seen at Aylard Farm, 4 MARBLED MURELETS were seen off Cabin Point, 1 VAUX"S SWIFT off Babington Hill 2 WESTERN TANAGERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 CINNAMON TEALS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Swan Lake. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point Thurs. April 30 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Wednesday April 29 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, VAUX'S SWIFTS, TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, HOUSE WREN were seen on Mt. Douglas. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Tuesday April 28 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK and 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas. 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on MacIntyre Reservoir in Martindale. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. 62 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in the field south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. YELLOW WARBLERS and WILSONS WARBLERS have been reported from several locations throughout our area. Sunday April 26 A YELLOW WARBLER, the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. Sat. April 25 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was seen on Mt. Wells. Also there 3 SOOTY GROUSE. 48 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in a flooded field on the north side of Martindale Rd. 10 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. Friday April 24 11 Whimbrels were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Thurs. April 23 There were 4 PURPLE MARTINS at Royal Roads University at Esquimalt Lagoon. Other places to see PURPLE MARTINS in the Victoria area are: West Bay Marina in Esquimalt; Ayum Creek in Sooke; Tod Inlet in Central Saanich; Sidney Spit which is part of Gulf Islands National Pk. ; Selkirk Trestle in Victoria. Wed. April 22 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen along the power line off Stewart Mt. Rd. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mount Douglas. Also there a HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER. 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were seen along the power line off Munns Rd. Monday April 20 6 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill along the steps below the main Telescope. Also in the area a BAND-TAILED PIGEON(calling),1 CASSINS VIREO, 2 HOUSE WRENS, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and 4 TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. 7 WHIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen on the flooded fields along Martindale Rd Sunday April 19 A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Viaduct Flats. 2 CASPIAN TERNS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon, also there 10 WESTERN SANDPIPERS A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. Also there several HERMIT THRUSHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS and a MOURNING DOVE. 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill in the area along the steps below the main Telescope. A SOOTY GROUSE was seen on Jocelyn Hill Saturday April 18 A ROCK SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit Three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas, Two near the top and one near Blenkinsop Rd. Two PURPLE MARTINS were seen off the Sidney Waterfront Friday April 17 A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Clover Point. It was seen between the boathouse and the point. Thursday April 16 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at 92 Moss St. A PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, the first of the year for the checklist, was heard along Ivor Rd. in Saanich. Monday April 13 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Saturday April 11 A HOUSE WREN , the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at top of Observatory Hill. A CLIFF SWALLOW, the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at Viaduct Flats. Also there NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Friday April 17 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells A Swamp Sparrow was seen at west end of the Birders Loop trail at Viaduct Flats. Wednesday April 8 Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS the first of the year were seen at Swan Lake. Four TOWNSENDS WARBLERS were seen on Mt. Wells, also there 2 SOOTY GROUSE. An OSPREY was on its nest at Collwood Corners. A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. A Sora was heard at Rithet's Bog Tuesday April 7 A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen on the Michell farm off Island View Rd. It was seen on the east side of the hill in the orchard and the strawberry field. Also there two CHIPPING SPARROWS, the first of the year for the checklist area An OSPREY was seen on Saanichton Spit Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: Nanaimo,Vancouver Island-- bird alert--May 31, 2009, From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 31 May 2009 21:38:15 -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 May 31, 2009: "Rare bird alert-Western Kingbird" A Western Kingbird was seen near the creek at French Creek. The Sunday Bird Walk went to Morrell Wildlife Sanctuary in Nanaimo. The morning was sunny and warm. Eighteen birders saw and heard thirty-two species of birds. The morning was filled with the sounds of birds including a Cassin's Vireo, Orange-crown Warblers, Townsend's Warblers, Wilson's Warblers, Black-throated Gray Warblers, Hammond's Flycatchers, Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Swainson's Thrush, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeaks and Winter Wren. We saw a nest cavity with three young Pileated Woodpecker chicks and watched as a male Pileated Woodpecker fed the hungry chicks. Eighteen birders heard and saw the following thirty-two species of birds. Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Osprey, Mallard, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Glaucious-winged Gull, Common Raven, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Black Swift, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Cassin's Vireo, Orange-crown Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler,Hammond's Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Western Tanager, Red-winged Blackbird, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Pine Siskin. Saturday May 30: A Ringed Turtle Dove was seen in the 1600 block of Casper's Way in Nanaimo. Ruby-crowned Kinglets were spotted at Rathtrevor Provincial Park in Parksville. Friday May 29: A Ringed Turtle-Dove was spotted sitting on the top of the Diadora tree near Piper's Lagoon in Nanaimo. A Killdeer was spotted near the Navy League Building in Nanaimo. Tuesday May 26: The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Plummer Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. The morning was cloudy with periods of rain. The walk started out with the sighting of a flock of Black and Vaux's Swifts hawking insects high in the sky. A flock of twelve Bald Eagles gave us a secular sight high up in the sky, riding the thermos . We saw and heard both Willow Flycatchers and a Pacific-slope Flycatcher throughout the morning walk. There was a Yellow Warbler gleaning insects on a tall bush near the path. A flock of Brant Geese flew into the Estuary from the Strait. Fourteen birders saw and heard the following forty-six species of birds: Canada Goose, Brant, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Harlequin Duck, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Common Loon, Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Killdeer, Black Oystercatcher, Mew Gull, California Gull, Thayer's Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Pigeon Guillemot, Black Swift, Vaux's Swift, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, European Starling, Bohemian Waxwing, Cedar Waxwing, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Purple Finch, House Finch, House Sparrow. A female Red Crossbill was seen at a feeder along Johnstone Road in French Creek. Sunday May 24: A Green Heron was seen at the Chase River Estuary in south Nanaimo. Wednesday May 20: Nine Caspian Terns were seen at Rathtrevor Provincial Park in Parksville. Monday May 18: "Rare bird alert-Hudsonian Godwit" A Hudsonian Godwit was seen at the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. A Blue-winged Teal was seen at the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. A pair of Wood Ducks was seen at the 6 metre tree stump across from the viewing platform at the Hemer Marsh pond in Cedar. The female was going in and out of the hole near the top of the stump, the male sitting on top a foot or so higher. Saturday May 16: Over six Red Crossbills were seen in the 3500 block of Wiltshire Drive in Nanaimo. Wednesday May 13: A Brown Pelican was seen off Maude Point in Nanoose Bay and another one was seen off shore at Campbell River. Tuesday May 12: A Mourning Dove was seen in the 700 block of Bradbury Avenue in Parksville. An Anna's Hummingbird was seen along the Englishman River Road in Errington. Monday May 11: " Rare bird alert-Western Kingbird" A Western Kingbird was seen along Payne Road near the Comox Airport in Comox. 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 Thursday June 11, 2009 AT 7:00 pm Nanoose Library, Nanoose Bay ********************************** Arrowsmith Naturalists Monday June 22, 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 June 02, 2009 will be going to the Lot Ten 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 end of Kinkade Road on the Forest side of Highway 19a at about 9:20 a.m. ******************************************************* The Sunday Bird Walk on June 07 will be going to Morden Colliery Provincial Park in south Nanaimo. Meet at the Bird store at 9:00 a.m. or at Morden Colliery Provincial Park off Highway one and Morden Road at about 9:30 a.m. ******************************************************* Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo, British Columbia Subject: RARE BIRD ALERT From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 31 May 2009 20:40:52 -0000 Hi Birders, "Rare bird alert-Western Kingbird" A Western Kingbird was seen near the creek at French Creek this morning, May 31, 2009. Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: Nanaino, Sunday bird walk, May 31, 2009 From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 31 May 2009 20:38:20 -0000 Hi birders, The Sunday Bird Walk went to Morrell Wildlife Sanctuary in Nanaimo. The morning was sunny and warm. Eighteen birders saw and heard thirty-two species of birds. The morning was filled with the sounds of birds including a Cassin's Vireo, Orange-crown Warblers, Townsend's Warblers, Wilson's Warblers, Black-throated Gray Warblers, Hammond's Flycatchers, Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Swainson's Thrush, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeaks and Winter Wren. We saw a nest cavity with three young Pileated Woodpecker chicks and watched as a male Pileated Woodpecker fed the hungry chicks. Eighteen birders heard and saw the following thirty-two species of birds. Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Osprey, Mallard, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Glaucious-winged Gull, Common Raven, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Black Swift, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Cassin's Vireo, Orange-crown Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler,Hammond's Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Western Tanager, Red-winged Blackbird, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Pine Siskin. Good birding Neil Robine Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: Bird and nature watch near Port Hardy From: "tonymitra" <tonu AT mac.com> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 19:10:03 -0000 Hello birders We are planning to visit North Vancouver Island at Port Hardy area this wkend with some friends from the UK. They are all nature lovers but a few are elderly and might not be up to difficult hikes. Can you suggest some good spots where one might be able to drive up and enjoy the wildlife through short walks and tours etc ? Thanks in advance Tony Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday Bird Walk, May 26, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 18:46:28 -0000 Hi Birders, The Tuesday Bird Walk went to the Plummer Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. The morning was cloudy with periods of rain. The walk started out with the sighting of a flock of Black and Vaux's Swifts hawking insects high in the sky. A flock of twelve Bald Eagles gave us a spectular sight high up in the sky, riding the thermos . We saw and heard both Willow Flycatchers and a Pacific-slope Flycatcher throughout the morning walk. There was a Yellow Warbler gleaning insects on a tall bush near the path. A flock of Brant Geese flew into the Estuary from the Strait. Fourteen birders saw and heard the following forty-six species of birds: Canada Goose Brant Mallard Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Harlequin Duck Common Goldeneye Common Merganser Common Loon Pelagic Cormorant Great Blue Heron Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Sharp-shinned Hawk Killdeer Black Oystercatcher Mew Gull California Gull Thayer's Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Pigeon Guillemot Black Swift Vaux's Swift Belted Kingfisher Northern Flicker Willow Flycatcher Pacific-slope Flycatcher Northwestern Crow Common Raven Violet-green Swallow Chestnut-backed Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch American Robin European Starling Bohemian Waxwing Cedar Waxwing Orange-crowned Warbler Yellow Warbler Wilson's Warbler Spotted Towhee Song Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Brown-headed Cowbird Purple Finch House Finch House Sparrow Good birding! Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Tues. May 26 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 20:40:51 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * May 26, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Tues.. May 26, 8:00pm update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds RBA BLACKPOL WARBLER RBA PHILADELPHIA VIREO Tues. May 26 RBA for a BLACKPOL WARBLER seen at 3404 Connorton Lane. It was seen in the back yard most of the afternoon. Birders are welcome after 9:00am. You can still bird along Connorton Way. RBA for a PHILADELPHIA VIREO seen at Tower Point close to the point. Mon. May 25 2 BLUE-WINGED TEALS were seen on the pond at the corner of Burnside Road West and Charlton Rd. Sun. May 24 RBA for a PHILADELPHIA VIREO seen at Tower Point. It was seen just north of the main viewing area of Juan de Fuca Strait. A SORA and a BLUE-WINGED teal were seen at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd. West and Charlton Rd. Sat. May 23 Highlights of the VNHS trip to Mt. Douglas were a WESTERN KINGBIRD on the east side, also there a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and WESTERN TANAGER. 7 birders saw a total of 44 species. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen from the viewing point at the parking lot on Mt Douglas. Up island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT continues off Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Fri. May 22 A male CINAMMON teal was seen on Blenkinsop lake. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen along Martindale Rd near Welch Rd. Thus. May 21. 2 WESTERN KINGBIRDS were seen in SE corner of Uplands Park Wed. May 20 RBA for a GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH seen on Mount Douglas just below the lookout for most of the day. A COMMON TERN was seen off the end of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen in the south side of Uplands Park in Oak Bay 6 WHIMBREL were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Up Island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT was seen for the second day from Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Tues. May 19 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Wiffin Spit. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on a snag at Swan Lake. A LAZULI BUNTING and 2 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES were seen on the west side of Christmas Hill. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Mon. May 18 A GREEN HERON the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake. 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie 1 EURASIAN-COLLARED DOVE was seen along Latoria Rd just east of Wishart Rd. 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER was seen along the Munns Rd power lines . A BULLOCKS ORIOLE was seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Sun. May 17 A WILLOW FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. 3 BULLOCKS ORIOLES the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. in Martindale. A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Charlton Rd and Burnside Rd West. 1 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Prospect Lake Rd. A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and a PACIFIC -SLOPE FLYCATCHER were on Mt Tolmie. Two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were on McIntyre Reservoir. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, MOURNING DOVES and HUTTONS VIREOS were off Newton Heights and Thomson Place. Sat. May 16 A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton Rd. There was a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on Mt Tolmie. There are EVENING GROSBEAKS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, RUFOUS AND ANNAS HUMMINGBIRDS, WOOD DUCKS and many other bird species at 4655 Kerryview Drive. Birders are welcome. Highlights of the VNHS walk to Observatory Hill were 30 VAUXS SWIFTS, WESTERN TANAGER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 6 WARBLING VIREOS, 2 RUFOUS HUMMING BIRD nests with young. Twenty birders saw a total of 46 species. Fri. May 15 On Mt. Tolmie crows were mobbing 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS and a BARRED OWL. Also there 7 species of warblers including MACGILLIVRAYS and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were seen at Clover Point Thurs. May 14 There were 3 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE'S, 1 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 1 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER, 1 WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN TANAGERS and many TOWNSENDS and WILSONS WARBLERS on Mt Tolmie. Wed. May 13 2 BROWN PELICANS were seen off Clover Point. Also there 12 BRANT GEESE and a second year GLAUCOUS GULL. 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Elk Lake near the Rowing Club. Also close by a GREAT HORNED OWL, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and WESTERN TANAGER on the east side of Beaver Lake Park. Tues. May 12 A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt Tolmie, also there 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, many WILSONS, YELLOW-RUMPED and TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. Monday May 11 RBA for a DUSKY FLYCATCHER seen in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. in Langford. There were 7 WHIMBREL on the Victoria Golf Course Sunday May 10 A SANDHILL CRANE was seen at a townhouse complex off Fir Tree Glen which is at eastern border of Rithets Bog. Sat. May 9 1 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, 2 VAUXS SWIFTS, 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, 6 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and 4 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. McDonald. VAUX SWIFT, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS were seen off Thomson Place and Newton Heights. Fri. May 8 A NORTHERBN GOSHAWK was seen off Blue Valley Road in the Highlands. 5 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were seen at Blenkinsop Lk, 4 were seen at the north end of the bridge. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was heard singing at Viaduct Flats along the north/south trail near Camosun College. A WARBLING VIREO was reported from Pike Lake. Thurs. May 7 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Also there a PEREGRINE FALCON. 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were seen on the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. WED. May 6 A SWAINSONS THRUSH the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen in Logan park in Saanich. 28 WIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Tues. May 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Out of town a INDIGO BUNTING was seen along the path to Florencia Bay in Pacific Rim National Park Mon. May 4 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. Sun. May 3 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Wittys Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. There was 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 4 WHIMBREL seen on the beach side. A male LAZUILI BUNTING the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Tower Point just north of the main viewing area at the point.` A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen around the lollipop boardwalk near the Nature House at Swan Lake. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER were seen on Observatory Hill. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen on the west side of Mt Douglas. Sat. May 2 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Witty's Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. A WILLET was seen with 4 Whimbrel on the beach. Also there 26 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER. A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake along the floating boardwalk, also there a SORA. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen from a trail off Glinz Lake Rd. in Sooke. Also there 2 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and a HUTTONS VIREO. A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at feeder opposite Quicks Bottom. 20 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Fri. May 1 An RBA for a WILLET seen at Wittys Lagoon off Tower Point, it was seen on the Wittys Lagoon side of Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen off Cabin Point in East Sooke Park. Also in East Sooke Park the first WARBLING VIREO for the Victoria Checklist this year was seen at Aylard Farm, 4 MARBLED MURELETS were seen off Cabin Point, 1 VAUX"S SWIFT off Babington Hill 2 WESTERN TANAGERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 CINNAMON TEALS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Swan Lake. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point Thurs. April 30 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Wednesday April 29 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, VAUX'S SWIFTS, TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, HOUSE WREN were seen on Mt. Douglas. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Tuesday April 28 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK and 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas. 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on MacIntyre Reservoir in Martindale. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. 62 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in the field south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. YELLOW WARBLERS and WILSONS WARBLERS have been reported from several locations throughout our area. Sunday April 26 A YELLOW WARBLER, the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. Sat. April 25 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was seen on Mt. Wells. Also there 3 SOOTY GROUSE. 48 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in a flooded field on the north side of Martindale Rd. 10 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. Friday April 24 11 Whimbrels were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Thurs. April 23 There were 4 PURPLE MARTINS at Royal Roads University at Esquimalt Lagoon. Other places to see PURPLE MARTINS in the Victoria area are: West Bay Marina in Esquimalt; Ayum Creek in Sooke; Tod Inlet in Central Saanich; Sidney Spit which is part of Gulf Islands National Pk. ; Selkirk Trestle in Victoria. Wed. April 22 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen along the power line off Stewart Mt. Rd. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mount Douglas. Also there a HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER. 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were seen along the power line off Munns Rd. Monday April 20 6 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill along the steps below the main Telescope. Also in the area a BAND-TAILED PIGEON(calling),1 CASSINS VIREO, 2 HOUSE WRENS, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and 4 TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. 7 WHIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen on the flooded fields along Martindale Rd Sunday April 19 A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Viaduct Flats. 2 CASPIAN TERNS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon, also there 10 WESTERN SANDPIPERS A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. Also there several HERMIT THRUSHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS and a MOURNING DOVE. 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill in the area along the steps below the main Telescope. A SOOTY GROUSE was seen on Jocelyn Hill Saturday April 18 A ROCK SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit Three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas, Two near the top and one near Blenkinsop Rd. Two PURPLE MARTINS were seen off the Sidney Waterfront Friday April 17 A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Clover Point. It was seen between the boathouse and the point. Thursday April 16 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at 92 Moss St. A PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, the first of the year for the checklist, was heard along Ivor Rd. in Saanich. Monday April 13 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Saturday April 11 A HOUSE WREN , the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at top of Observatory Hill. A CLIFF SWALLOW, the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at Viaduct Flats. Also there NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Friday April 17 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells A Swamp Sparrow was seen at west end of the Birders Loop trail at Viaduct Flats. Wednesday April 8 Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS the first of the year were seen at Swan Lake. Four TOWNSENDS WARBLERS were seen on Mt. Wells, also there 2 SOOTY GROUSE. An OSPREY was on its nest at Collwood Corners. A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. A Sora was heard at Rithet's Bog Tuesday April 7 A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen on the Michell farm off Island View Rd. It was seen on the east side of the hill in the orchard and the strawberry field. Also there two CHIPPING SPARROWS, the first of the year for the checklist area An OSPREY was seen on Saanichton Spit Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: Bird Walks--Parksville/Qualicum Beach & Nanaimo From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 21:15:05 -0000 Tuesday Bird Walk, May 26, 2009 The Tuesday Bird Walk on May 26 will be going to the Plummer 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 at the corner of Plummer Road and Shorewood Drive at about 9:15 a.m. Sunday Bird Walk, May 31, 2009 The Sunday Bird Walk on May 31 will be going to the Morrell Wildlife Sanctuary in Nanaimo. Meet at the Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store at 9:0 a.m. or at the parking lot at Morrell Wildlife Sanctuary off Nanaimo Lakes Road at about 9:30 a.m. Our regular Bird Alerts will return next Sunday "Rare Bird Alert"-Hudsonian Godwit A Hudsonian Godwit was seen at Rathtrevor Provincial Park in Parksville. The Godwit has also been seen at the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville. Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo British Columbia Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Mon. May 25 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 06:41:49 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * May 25, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Mon. May 25, 6:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds RBA PHILADELPHIA VIREO BLUE-WINGED TEAL SORA Sun. May 24 RBA for a PHILADELPHIA VIREO seen at Tower Point. It was seen just north of the main viewing area of Juan de Fuca Strait. A SORA and a BLUE-WINGED teal were seen at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd. West and Charlton Rd. Sat. May 23 Highlights of the VNHS trip to Mt. Douglas were a WESTERN KINGBIRD on the east side, also there a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and WESTERN TANAGER. 7 birders saw a total of 44 species. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen from the viewing point at the parking lot on Mt Douglas. Up island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT continues off Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Fri. May 22 A male CINAMMON teal was seen on Blenkinsop lake. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen along Martindale Rd near Welch Rd. Thus. May 21. 2 WESTERN KINGBIRDS were seen in SE corner of Uplands Park Wed. May 20 RBA for a GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH seen on Mount Douglas just below the lookout for most of the day. A COMMON TERN was seen off the end of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen in the south side of Uplands Park in Oak Bay 6 WHIMBREL were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Up Island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT was seen for the second day from Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Tues. May 19 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Wiffin Spit. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on a snag at Swan Lake. A LAZULI BUNTING and 2 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES were seen on the west side of Christmas Hill. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Mon. May 18 A GREEN HERON the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake. 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie 1 EURASIAN-COLLARED DOVE was seen along Latoria Rd just east of Wishart Rd. 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER was seen along the Munns Rd power lines . A BULLOCKS ORIOLE was seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Sun. May 17 A WILLOW FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. 3 BULLOCKS ORIOLES the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. in Martindale. A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Charlton Rd and Burnside Rd West. 1 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Prospect Lake Rd. A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and a PACIFIC -SLOPE FLYCATCHER were on Mt Tolmie. Two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were on McIntyre Reservoir. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, MOURNING DOVES and HUTTONS VIREOS were off Newton Heights and Thomson Place. Sat. May 16 A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton Rd. There was a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on Mt Tolmie. There are EVENING GROSBEAKS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, RUFOUS AND ANNAS HUMMINGBIRDS, WOOD DUCKS and many other bird species at 4655 Kerryview Drive. Birders are welcome. Highlights of the VNHS walk to Observatory Hill were 30 VAUXS SWIFTS, WESTERN TANAGER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 6 WARBLING VIREOS, 2 RUFOUS HUMMING BIRD nests with young. Twenty birders saw a total of 46 species. Fri. May 15 On Mt. Tolmie crows were mobbing 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS and a BARRED OWL. Also there 7 species of warblers including MACGILLIVRAYS and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were seen at Clover Point Thurs. May 14 There were 3 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE'S, 1 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 1 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER, 1 WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN TANAGERS and many TOWNSENDS and WILSONS WARBLERS on Mt Tolmie. Wed. May 13 2 BROWN PELICANS were seen off Clover Point. Also there 12 BRANT GEESE and a second year GLAUCOUS GULL. 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Elk Lake near the Rowing Club. Also close by a GREAT HORNED OWL, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and WESTERN TANAGER on the east side of Beaver Lake Park. Tues. May 12 A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt Tolmie, also there 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, many WILSONS, YELLOW-RUMPED and TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. Monday May 11 RBA for a DUSKY FLYCATCHER seen in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. in Langford. There were 7 WHIMBREL on the Victoria Golf Course Sunday May 10 A SANDHILL CRANE was seen at a townhouse complex off Fir Tree Glen which is at eastern border of Rithets Bog. Sat. May 9 1 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, 2 VAUXS SWIFTS, 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, 6 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and 4 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. McDonald. VAUX SWIFT, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS were seen off Thomson Place and Newton Heights. Fri. May 8 A NORTHERBN GOSHAWK was seen off Blue Valley Road in the Highlands. 5 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were seen at Blenkinsop Lk, 4 were seen at the north end of the bridge. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was heard singing at Viaduct Flats along the north/south trail near Camosun College. A WARBLING VIREO was reported from Pike Lake. Thurs. May 7 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Also there a PEREGRINE FALCON. 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were seen on the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. WED. May 6 A SWAINSONS THRUSH the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen in Logan park in Saanich. 28 WIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Tues. May 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Out of town a INDIGO BUNTING was seen along the path to Florencia Bay in Pacific Rim National Park Mon. May 4 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. Sun. May 3 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Wittys Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. There was 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 4 WHIMBREL seen on the beach side. A male LAZUILI BUNTING the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Tower Point just north of the main viewing area at the point.` A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen around the lollipop boardwalk near the Nature House at Swan Lake. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER were seen on Observatory Hill. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen on the west side of Mt Douglas. Sat. May 2 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Witty's Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. A WILLET was seen with 4 Whimbrel on the beach. Also there 26 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER. A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake along the floating boardwalk, also there a SORA. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen from a trail off Glinz Lake Rd. in Sooke. Also there 2 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and a HUTTONS VIREO. A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at feeder opposite Quicks Bottom. 20 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Fri. May 1 An RBA for a WILLET seen at Wittys Lagoon off Tower Point, it was seen on the Wittys Lagoon side of Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen off Cabin Point in East Sooke Park. Also in East Sooke Park the first WARBLING VIREO for the Victoria Checklist this year was seen at Aylard Farm, 4 MARBLED MURELETS were seen off Cabin Point, 1 VAUX"S SWIFT off Babington Hill 2 WESTERN TANAGERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 CINNAMON TEALS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Swan Lake. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point Thurs. April 30 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Wednesday April 29 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, VAUX'S SWIFTS, TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, HOUSE WREN were seen on Mt. Douglas. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Tuesday April 28 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK and 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas. 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on MacIntyre Reservoir in Martindale. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. 62 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in the field south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. YELLOW WARBLERS and WILSONS WARBLERS have been reported from several locations throughout our area. Sunday April 26 A YELLOW WARBLER, the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. Sat. April 25 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was seen on Mt. Wells. Also there 3 SOOTY GROUSE. 48 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in a flooded field on the north side of Martindale Rd. 10 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. Friday April 24 11 Whimbrels were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Thurs. April 23 There were 4 PURPLE MARTINS at Royal Roads University at Esquimalt Lagoon. Other places to see PURPLE MARTINS in the Victoria area are: West Bay Marina in Esquimalt; Ayum Creek in Sooke; Tod Inlet in Central Saanich; Sidney Spit which is part of Gulf Islands National Pk. ; Selkirk Trestle in Victoria. Wed. April 22 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen along the power line off Stewart Mt. Rd. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mount Douglas. Also there a HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER. 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were seen along the power line off Munns Rd. Monday April 20 6 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill along the steps below the main Telescope. Also in the area a BAND-TAILED PIGEON(calling),1 CASSINS VIREO, 2 HOUSE WRENS, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and 4 TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. 7 WHIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen on the flooded fields along Martindale Rd Sunday April 19 A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Viaduct Flats. 2 CASPIAN TERNS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon, also there 10 WESTERN SANDPIPERS A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. Also there several HERMIT THRUSHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS and a MOURNING DOVE. 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill in the area along the steps below the main Telescope. A SOOTY GROUSE was seen on Jocelyn Hill Saturday April 18 A ROCK SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit Three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas, Two near the top and one near Blenkinsop Rd. Two PURPLE MARTINS were seen off the Sidney Waterfront Friday April 17 A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Clover Point. It was seen between the boathouse and the point. Thursday April 16 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at 92 Moss St. A PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, the first of the year for the checklist, was heard along Ivor Rd. in Saanich. Monday April 13 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Saturday April 11 A HOUSE WREN , the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at top of Observatory Hill. A CLIFF SWALLOW, the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at Viaduct Flats. Also there NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Friday April 17 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells A Swamp Sparrow was seen at west end of the Birders Loop trail at Viaduct Flats. Wednesday April 8 Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS the first of the year were seen at Swan Lake. Four TOWNSENDS WARBLERS were seen on Mt. Wells, also there 2 SOOTY GROUSE. An OSPREY was on its nest at Collwood Corners. A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. A Sora was heard at Rithet's Bog Tuesday April 7 A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen on the Michell farm off Island View Rd. It was seen on the east side of the hill in the orchard and the strawberry field. Also there two CHIPPING SPARROWS, the first of the year for the checklist area An OSPREY was seen on Saanichton Spit Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: red cross bills From: "barry zettergreen" <krukab2002 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 24 May 2009 21:44:16 -0000 have a flock of about 20 red crossbills 650 cowland road bowser posted two photos Subject: RVA/RBA: Philadelphia Vireo at Tower Point From: "David Allinson" <passerine AT shaw.ca> Date: Sun, 24 May 2009 17:15:13 -0000 Just got back from an exciting bird at the Tower Point section of Witty's Lagoon Regional Park in Metchosin: PHILADELPHIA VIREO! [For those of you not familiar with this site, this is off Olympic View Drive, which is off Duke Road off Metchosin Road). Unfortunately, the bird was not singing, but I got great looks at this bird -- "bright" yellow underparts (i.e. I could not see any white on the underside), bold dark eyeline, bill seemed more slender than Warbling. It is also a small bird, almost Orange-crowned Warbler like in profile. I have experience with this species in Peace River and of course back east/down south...I left the bird at about 0930 Sunday. To find the location, from the "main" lookout overlooking Juan de Fuca Strait and the nearby Haystock Islets, walk north along the water's edge about 200 meters to a small cove and another lookout with a tombolo that leads a large oval-shaped rock near the shore (a larger oval island is also here with nesting Canada Geese). The bird was in oak trees on the water side of the trail (many Yellow Warblers and Chestnut-backed Chickadees nearby). This is almost the same place I had a singing Lazuli Bunting just a couple of weeks ago... Ya' gotta love spring birding! David Allinson Langford Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Sun. May 24 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Sun, 24 May 2009 05:47:46 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * May 24, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Thurs. Sun. 24, 6:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Feature Birds WESTERN KINGBIRD LAZULI BUNTING Up Island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT Sat. May 23 Highlights of the VNHS trip to Mt. Douglas were a WESTERN KINGBIRD on the east side, also there a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and WESTERN TANAGER. 7 birders saw a total of 44 species. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen from the viewing point at the parking lot on Mt Douglas. Up island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT continues of Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Fri. May 22 A male CINAMMON teal was seen on Blenkinsop lake. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen along Martindale Rd near Welch Rd. Thus. May 21. 2 WESTERN KINGBIRDS were seen in SE corner of Uplands Park Wed. May 20 RBA for a GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH seen on Mount Douglas just below the lookout for most of the day. A COMMON TERN was seen off the end of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen in the south side of Uplands Park in Oak Bay 6 WHIMBREL were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Up Island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT was seen for the second day from Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Tues. May 19 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Wiffin Spit. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on a snag at Swan Lake. A LAZULI BUNTING and 2 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES were seen on the west side of Christmas Hill. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Mon. May 18 A GREEN HERON the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake. 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie 1 EURASIAN-COLLARED DOVE was seen along Latoria Rd just east of Wishart Rd. 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER was seen along the Munns Rd power lines . A BULLOCKS ORIOLE was seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Sun. May 17 A WILLOW FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. 3 BULLOCKS ORIOLES the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. in Martindale. A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Charlton Rd and Burnside Rd West. 1 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Prospect Lake Rd. A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and a PACIFIC -SLOPE FLYCATCHER were on Mt Tolmie. Two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were on McIntyre Reservoir. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, MOURNING DOVES and HUTTONS VIREOS were off Newton Heights and Thomson Place. Sat. May 16 A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton Rd. There was a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on Mt Tolmie. There are EVENING GROSBEAKS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, RUFOUS AND ANNAS HUMMINGBIRDS, WOOD DUCKS and many other bird species at 4655 Kerryview Drive. Birders are welcome. Highlights of the VNHS walk to Observatory Hill were 30 VAUXS SWIFTS, WESTERN TANAGER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 6 WARBLING VIREOS, 2 RUFOUS HUMMING BIRD nests with young. Twenty birders saw a total of 46 species. Fri. May 15 On Mt. Tolmie crows were mobbing 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS and a BARRED OWL. Also there 7 species of warblers including MACGILLIVRAYS and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were seen at Clover Point Thurs. May 14 There were 3 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE'S, 1 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 1 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER, 1 WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN TANAGERS and many TOWNSENDS and WILSONS WARBLERS on Mt Tolmie. Wed. May 13 2 BROWN PELICANS were seen off Clover Point. Also there 12 BRANT GEESE and a second year GLAUCOUS GULL. 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Elk Lake near the Rowing Club. Also close by a GREAT HORNED OWL, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and WESTERN TANAGER on the east side of Beaver Lake Park. Tues. May 12 A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt Tolmie, also there 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, many WILSONS, YELLOW-RUMPED and TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. Monday May 11 RBA for a DUSKY FLYCATCHER seen in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. in Langford. There were 7 WHIMBREL on the Victoria Golf Course Sunday May 10 A SANDHILL CRANE was seen at a townhouse complex off Fir Tree Glen which is at eastern border of Rithets Bog. Sat. May 9 1 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, 2 VAUXS SWIFTS, 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, 6 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and 4 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. McDonald. VAUX SWIFT, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS were seen off Thomson Place and Newton Heights. Fri. May 8 A NORTHERBN GOSHAWK was seen off Blue Valley Road in the Highlands. 5 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were seen at Blenkinsop Lk, 4 were seen at the north end of the bridge. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was heard singing at Viaduct Flats along the north/south trail near Camosun College. A WARBLING VIREO was reported from Pike Lake. Thurs. May 7 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Also there a PEREGRINE FALCON. 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were seen on the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. WED. May 6 A SWAINSONS THRUSH the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen in Logan park in Saanich. 28 WIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Tues. May 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Out of town a INDIGO BUNTING was seen along the path to Florencia Bay in Pacific Rim National Park Mon. May 4 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. Sun. May 3 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Wittys Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. There was 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 4 WHIMBREL seen on the beach side. A male LAZUILI BUNTING the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Tower Point just north of the main viewing area at the point.` A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen around the lollipop boardwalk near the Nature House at Swan Lake. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER were seen on Observatory Hill. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen on the west side of Mt Douglas. Sat. May 2 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Witty's Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. A WILLET was seen with 4 Whimbrel on the beach. Also there 26 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER. A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake along the floating boardwalk, also there a SORA. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen from a trail off Glinz Lake Rd. in Sooke. Also there 2 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and a HUTTONS VIREO. A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at feeder opposite Quicks Bottom. 20 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Fri. May 1 An RBA for a WILLET seen at Wittys Lagoon off Tower Point, it was seen on the Wittys Lagoon side of Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen off Cabin Point in East Sooke Park. Also in East Sooke Park the first WARBLING VIREO for the Victoria Checklist this year was seen at Aylard Farm, 4 MARBLED MURELETS were seen off Cabin Point, 1 VAUX"S SWIFT off Babington Hill 2 WESTERN TANAGERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 CINNAMON TEALS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Swan Lake. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point Thurs. April 30 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Wednesday April 29 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, VAUX'S SWIFTS, TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, HOUSE WREN were seen on Mt. Douglas. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Tuesday April 28 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK and 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas. 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on MacIntyre Reservoir in Martindale. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. 62 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in the field south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. YELLOW WARBLERS and WILSONS WARBLERS have been reported from several locations throughout our area. Sunday April 26 A YELLOW WARBLER, the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. Sat. April 25 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was seen on Mt. Wells. Also there 3 SOOTY GROUSE. 48 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in a flooded field on the north side of Martindale Rd. 10 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. Friday April 24 11 Whimbrels were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Thurs. April 23 There were 4 PURPLE MARTINS at Royal Roads University at Esquimalt Lagoon. Other places to see PURPLE MARTINS in the Victoria area are: West Bay Marina in Esquimalt; Ayum Creek in Sooke; Tod Inlet in Central Saanich; Sidney Spit which is part of Gulf Islands National Pk. ; Selkirk Trestle in Victoria. Wed. April 22 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen along the power line off Stewart Mt. Rd. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mount Douglas. Also there a HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER. 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were seen along the power line off Munns Rd. Monday April 20 6 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill along the steps below the main Telescope. Also in the area a BAND-TAILED PIGEON(calling),1 CASSINS VIREO, 2 HOUSE WRENS, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and 4 TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. 7 WHIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen on the flooded fields along Martindale Rd Sunday April 19 A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Viaduct Flats. 2 CASPIAN TERNS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon, also there 10 WESTERN SANDPIPERS A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. Also there several HERMIT THRUSHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS and a MOURNING DOVE. 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill in the area along the steps below the main Telescope. A SOOTY GROUSE was seen on Jocelyn Hill Saturday April 18 A ROCK SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit Three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas, Two near the top and one near Blenkinsop Rd. Two PURPLE MARTINS were seen off the Sidney Waterfront Friday April 17 A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Clover Point. It was seen between the boathouse and the point. Thursday April 16 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at 92 Moss St. A PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, the first of the year for the checklist, was heard along Ivor Rd. in Saanich. Monday April 13 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Saturday April 11 A HOUSE WREN , the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at top of Observatory Hill. A CLIFF SWALLOW, the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at Viaduct Flats. Also there NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Friday April 17 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells A Swamp Sparrow was seen at west end of the Birders Loop trail at Viaduct Flats. Wednesday April 8 Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS the first of the year were seen at Swan Lake. Four TOWNSENDS WARBLERS were seen on Mt. Wells, also there 2 SOOTY GROUSE. An OSPREY was on its nest at Collwood Corners. A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. A Sora was heard at Rithet's Bog Tuesday April 7 A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen on the Michell farm off Island View Rd. It was seen on the east side of the hill in the orchard and the strawberry field. Also there two CHIPPING SPARROWS, the first of the year for the checklist area An OSPREY was seen on Saanichton Spit Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Thus. May 21 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 06:34:56 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * May 21, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Thurs. May 21, 6:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Announcement The VNHS Sat. Birding Group will be going on the trip scheduled in the VNHS Victoria Naturalist Magazine. The trip on Sat. May 23rd is Mt. Douglas. Meet at the corner of Lockside Drive and Lohbrunner Rd at 7:30am. Everyone is welcome!!!! For other VNHS field trips check out our web site. Feature Birds RBA GRAY-CROWNED ROSY- FINCH COMMON TERN WESTERN KINGBIRD LAZULI BUNTING Up Island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT Wed. May 20 RBA for a GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH seen on Mount Douglas just below the lookout for most of the day. A COMMON TERN was seen off the end of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen in the south side of Uplands Park in Oak Bay 6 WHIMBREL were seen at Wittys Lagoon. Up Island a HUDSONIAN GODWIT was seen for the second day from Rathtrevor Park in Parksville. Tues. May 19 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Wiffin Spit. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on a snag at Swan Lake. A LAZULI BUNTING and 2 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES were seen on the west side of Christmas Hill. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Mon. May 18 A GREEN HERON the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake. 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie 1 EURASIAN-COLLARED DOVE was seen along Latoria Rd just east of Wishart Rd. 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER was seen along the Munns Rd power lines . A BULLOCKS ORIOLE was seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Sun. May 17 A WILLOW FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. 3 BULLOCKS ORIOLES the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. in Martindale. A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Charlton Rd and Burnside Rd West. 1 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Prospect Lake Rd. A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and a PACIFIC -SLOPE FLYCATCHER were on Mt Tolmie. Two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were on McIntyre Reservoir. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, MOURNING DOVES and HUTTONS VIREOS were off Newton Heights and Thomson Place. Sat. May 16 A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton Rd. There was a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on Mt Tolmie. There are EVENING GROSBEAKS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, RUFOUS AND ANNAS HUMMINGBIRDS, WOOD DUCKS and many other bird species at 4655 Kerryview Drive. Birders are welcome. Highlights of the VNHS walk to Observatory Hill were 30 VAUXS SWIFTS, WESTERN TANAGER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 6 WARBLING VIREOS, 2 RUFOUS HUMMING BIRD nests with young. Twenty birders saw a total of 46 species. Fri. May 15 On Mt. Tolmie crows were mobbing 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS and a BARRED OWL. Also there 7 species of warblers including MACGILLIVRAYS and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were seen at Clover Point Thurs. May 14 There were 3 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE'S, 1 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 1 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER, 1 WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN TANAGERS and many TOWNSENDS and WILSONS WARBLERS on Mt Tolmie. Wed. May 13 2 BROWN PELICANS were seen off Clover Point. Also there 12 BRANT GEESE and a second year GLAUCOUS GULL. 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Elk Lake near the Rowing Club. Also close by a GREAT HORNED OWL, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and WESTERN TANAGER on the east side of Beaver Lake Park. Tues. May 12 A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt Tolmie, also there 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, many WILSONS, YELLOW-RUMPED and TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. Monday May 11 RBA for a DUSKY FLYCATCHER seen in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. in Langford. There were 7 WHIMBREL on the Victoria Golf Course Sunday May 10 A SANDHILL CRANE was seen at a townhouse complex off Fir Tree Glen which is at eastern border of Rithets Bog. Sat. May 9 1 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, 2 VAUXS SWIFTS, 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, 6 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and 4 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. McDonald. VAUX SWIFT, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS were seen off Thomson Place and Newton Heights. Fri. May 8 A NORTHERBN GOSHAWK was seen off Blue Valley Road in the Highlands. 5 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were seen at Blenkinsop Lk, 4 were seen at the north end of the bridge. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was heard singing at Viaduct Flats along the north/south trail near Camosun College. A WARBLING VIREO was reported from Pike Lake. Thurs. May 7 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Also there a PEREGRINE FALCON. 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were seen on the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. WED. May 6 A SWAINSONS THRUSH the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen in Logan park in Saanich. 28 WIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Tues. May 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Out of town a INDIGO BUNTING was seen along the path to Florencia Bay in Pacific Rim National Park Mon. May 4 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. Sun. May 3 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Wittys Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. There was 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 4 WHIMBREL seen on the beach side. A male LAZUILI BUNTING the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Tower Point just north of the main viewing area at the point.` A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen around the lollipop boardwalk near the Nature House at Swan Lake. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER were seen on Observatory Hill. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen on the west side of Mt Douglas. Sat. May 2 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Witty's Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. A WILLET was seen with 4 Whimbrel on the beach. Also there 26 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER. A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake along the floating boardwalk, also there a SORA. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen from a trail off Glinz Lake Rd. in Sooke. Also there 2 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and a HUTTONS VIREO. A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at feeder opposite Quicks Bottom. 20 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Fri. May 1 An RBA for a WILLET seen at Wittys Lagoon off Tower Point, it was seen on the Wittys Lagoon side of Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen off Cabin Point in East Sooke Park. Also in East Sooke Park the first WARBLING VIREO for the Victoria Checklist this year was seen at Aylard Farm, 4 MARBLED MURELETS were seen off Cabin Point, 1 VAUX"S SWIFT off Babington Hill 2 WESTERN TANAGERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 CINNAMON TEALS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Swan Lake. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point Thurs. April 30 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Wednesday April 29 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, VAUX'S SWIFTS, TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, HOUSE WREN were seen on Mt. Douglas. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Tuesday April 28 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK and 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas. 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on MacIntyre Reservoir in Martindale. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. 62 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in the field south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. YELLOW WARBLERS and WILSONS WARBLERS have been reported from several locations throughout our area. Sunday April 26 A YELLOW WARBLER, the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. Sat. April 25 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was seen on Mt. Wells. Also there 3 SOOTY GROUSE. 48 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in a flooded field on the north side of Martindale Rd. 10 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. Friday April 24 11 Whimbrels were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Thurs. April 23 There were 4 PURPLE MARTINS at Royal Roads University at Esquimalt Lagoon. Other places to see PURPLE MARTINS in the Victoria area are: West Bay Marina in Esquimalt; Ayum Creek in Sooke; Tod Inlet in Central Saanich; Sidney Spit which is part of Gulf Islands National Pk. ; Selkirk Trestle in Victoria. Wed. April 22 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen along the power line off Stewart Mt. Rd. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mount Douglas. Also there a HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER. 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were seen along the power line off Munns Rd. Monday April 20 6 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill along the steps below the main Telescope. Also in the area a BAND-TAILED PIGEON(calling),1 CASSINS VIREO, 2 HOUSE WRENS, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and 4 TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. 7 WHIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen on the flooded fields along Martindale Rd Sunday April 19 A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Viaduct Flats. 2 CASPIAN TERNS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon, also there 10 WESTERN SANDPIPERS A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. Also there several HERMIT THRUSHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS and a MOURNING DOVE. 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill in the area along the steps below the main Telescope. A SOOTY GROUSE was seen on Jocelyn Hill Saturday April 18 A ROCK SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit Three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas, Two near the top and one near Blenkinsop Rd. Two PURPLE MARTINS were seen off the Sidney Waterfront Friday April 17 A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Clover Point. It was seen between the boathouse and the point. Thursday April 16 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at 92 Moss St. A PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, the first of the year for the checklist, was heard along Ivor Rd. in Saanich. Monday April 13 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Saturday April 11 A HOUSE WREN , the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at top of Observatory Hill. A CLIFF SWALLOW, the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at Viaduct Flats. Also there NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Friday April 17 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells A Swamp Sparrow was seen at west end of the Birders Loop trail at Viaduct Flats. Wednesday April 8 Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS the first of the year were seen at Swan Lake. Four TOWNSENDS WARBLERS were seen on Mt. Wells, also there 2 SOOTY GROUSE. An OSPREY was on its nest at Collwood Corners. A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. A Sora was heard at Rithet's Bog Tuesday April 7 A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen on the Michell farm off Island View Rd. It was seen on the east side of the hill in the orchard and the strawberry field. Also there two CHIPPING SPARROWS, the first of the year for the checklist area An OSPREY was seen on Saanichton Spit Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: Hudsonian Godwit From: "cancoot" <cancoot AT yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 23:39:57 -0000 I saw Christophers message (thanks Chris!)and arrived at Rathtrevor around 3:oo PM,today. The Godwit was on a sandbar,snoozing with 9 Caspian terns. The sandbar was to the right of the Brant sign,and rapidly flooding. The terns flew NW to another sandbar,but he hung in there until the water was almost up to his belly. He then woke up,washed his mouth out with some salt water,and flew toward Craig Bay Estates. That was around 3:45. Cheers,Ralph Hocken Lantzville,BC Subject: HUDSONIAN GODWIT From: "cpbartle" <cbpear AT shaw.ca> Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 21:47:29 -0000 The Hudsonian Godwit seen yesterday (May 18) at the Englishman Estuary was relocated at Rathtrevor tonight (May 19). I got to see it just as it was getting dark. It was about 2/3 of the way over to Craig Bay, right on the tideline. It was with a Black-bellied Plover, which was the only other shorebird there. Report from Guy Monty. Subject: Bird Identification & Banding Workshops From: "Derek Matthews" <Derek AT birdvancouver.com> Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 16:03:48 -0000 Hi Birders & Banders, The Vancouver Avian Research Centre is pleased to announce the summer schedule for Bird Identification and Bird Monitoring and Banding Workshops. Full details of the courses, schedules, dates and registration information can be found online by clicking on the link below: http://www.birdvancouver.com/ We have also added a new gallery of birds seen and banded at our Colony Farm banding station this spring. Thank you for your interest. Derek Matthews Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Wed. May 20 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 06:45:31 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * May 20, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Wed. May 20, 6:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Announcement The VNHS Sat. Birding Group will be going on the trip scheduled in the VNHS Victoria Naturalist Magazine. The trip on Sat. May 23rd is Mt. Douglas. Meet at the corner of Lockside Drive and Lohbrunner Rd at 7:30am. Everyone is welcome!!!! For other VNHS field trips check out our web site. Feature Birds GREEN HERON COMMON TERN LAZULI BUNTING WESTERN KINGBIRD PECTORAL SANDPIPERS Wed. May 20 A COMMON TERN was seen off the end of Bowker Ave in Oak Bay Tues. May 19 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Wiffin Spit. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on a snag at Swan Lake. A LAZULI BUNTING and 2 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES were seen on the west side of Christmas Hill. A LAZULI BUNTING was seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Mon. May 18 A GREEN HERON the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake. 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie 1 EURASIAN-COLLARED DOVE was seen along Latoria Rd just east of Wishart Rd. 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER was seen along the Munns Rd power lines . A BULLOCKS ORIOLE was seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. Sun. May 17 A WILLOW FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. 3 BULLOCKS ORIOLES the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. in Martindale. A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Charlton Rd and Burnside Rd West. 1 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Prospect Lake Rd. A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and a PACIFIC -SLOPE FLYCATCHER were on Mt Tolmie. Two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were on McIntyre Reservoir. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, MOURNING DOVES and HUTTONS VIREOS were off Newton Heights and Thomson Place. Sat. May 16 A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton Rd. There was a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on Mt Tolmie. There are EVENING GROSBEAKS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, RUFOUS AND ANNAS HUMMINGBIRDS, WOOD DUCKS and many other bird species at 4655 Kerryview Drive. Birders are welcome. Highlights of the VNHS walk to Observatory Hill were 30 VAUXS SWIFTS, WESTERN TANAGER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 6 WARBLING VIREOS, 2 RUFOUS HUMMING BIRD nests with young. Twenty birders saw a total of 46 species. Fri. May 15 On Mt. Tolmie crows were mobbing 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS and a BARRED OWL. Also there 7 species of warblers including MACGILLIVRAYS and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were seen at Clover Point Thurs. May 14 There were 3 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE'S, 1 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 1 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER, 1 WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN TANAGERS and many TOWNSENDS and WILSONS WARBLERS on Mt Tolmie. Wed. May 13 2 BROWN PELICANS were seen off Clover Point. Also there 12 BRANT GEESE and a second year GLAUCOUS GULL. 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Elk Lake near the Rowing Club. Also close by a GREAT HORNED OWL, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and WESTERN TANAGER on the east side of Beaver Lake Park. Tues. May 12 A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt Tolmie, also there 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, many WILSONS, YELLOW-RUMPED and TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. Monday May 11 RBA for a DUSKY FLYCATCHER seen in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. in Langford. There were 7 WHIMBREL on the Victoria Golf Course Sunday May 10 A SANDHILL CRANE was seen at a townhouse complex off Fir Tree Glen which is at eastern border of Rithets Bog. Sat. May 9 1 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, 2 VAUXS SWIFTS, 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, 6 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and 4 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. McDonald. VAUX SWIFT, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS were seen off Thomson Place and Newton Heights. Fri. May 8 A NORTHERBN GOSHAWK was seen off Blue Valley Road in the Highlands. 5 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were seen at Blenkinsop Lk, 4 were seen at the north end of the bridge. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was heard singing at Viaduct Flats along the north/south trail near Camosun College. A WARBLING VIREO was reported from Pike Lake. Thurs. May 7 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Also there a PEREGRINE FALCON. 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were seen on the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. WED. May 6 A SWAINSONS THRUSH the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen in Logan park in Saanich. 28 WIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Tues. May 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Out of town a INDIGO BUNTING was seen along the path to Florencia Bay in Pacific Rim National Park Mon. May 4 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. Sun. May 3 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Wittys Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. There was 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 4 WHIMBREL seen on the beach side. A male LAZUILI BUNTING the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Tower Point just north of the main viewing area at the point.` A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen around the lollipop boardwalk near the Nature House at Swan Lake. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER were seen on Observatory Hill. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen on the west side of Mt Douglas. Sat. May 2 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Witty's Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. A WILLET was seen with 4 Whimbrel on the beach. Also there 26 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER. A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake along the floating boardwalk, also there a SORA. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen from a trail off Glinz Lake Rd. in Sooke. Also there 2 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and a HUTTONS VIREO. A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at feeder opposite Quicks Bottom. 20 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Fri. May 1 An RBA for a WILLET seen at Wittys Lagoon off Tower Point, it was seen on the Wittys Lagoon side of Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen off Cabin Point in East Sooke Park. Also in East Sooke Park the first WARBLING VIREO for the Victoria Checklist this year was seen at Aylard Farm, 4 MARBLED MURELETS were seen off Cabin Point, 1 VAUX"S SWIFT off Babington Hill 2 WESTERN TANAGERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 CINNAMON TEALS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Swan Lake. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point Thurs. April 30 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Wednesday April 29 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, VAUX'S SWIFTS, TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, HOUSE WREN were seen on Mt. Douglas. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Tuesday April 28 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK and 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas. 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on MacIntyre Reservoir in Martindale. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. 62 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in the field south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. YELLOW WARBLERS and WILSONS WARBLERS have been reported from several locations throughout our area. Sunday April 26 A YELLOW WARBLER, the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. Sat. April 25 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was seen on Mt. Wells. Also there 3 SOOTY GROUSE. 48 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in a flooded field on the north side of Martindale Rd. 10 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. Friday April 24 11 Whimbrels were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Thurs. April 23 There were 4 PURPLE MARTINS at Royal Roads University at Esquimalt Lagoon. Other places to see PURPLE MARTINS in the Victoria area are: West Bay Marina in Esquimalt; Ayum Creek in Sooke; Tod Inlet in Central Saanich; Sidney Spit which is part of Gulf Islands National Pk. ; Selkirk Trestle in Victoria. Wed. April 22 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen along the power line off Stewart Mt. Rd. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mount Douglas. Also there a HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER. 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were seen along the power line off Munns Rd. Monday April 20 6 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill along the steps below the main Telescope. Also in the area a BAND-TAILED PIGEON(calling),1 CASSINS VIREO, 2 HOUSE WRENS, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and 4 TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. 7 WHIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen on the flooded fields along Martindale Rd Sunday April 19 A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Viaduct Flats. 2 CASPIAN TERNS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon, also there 10 WESTERN SANDPIPERS A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. Also there several HERMIT THRUSHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS and a MOURNING DOVE. 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill in the area along the steps below the main Telescope. A SOOTY GROUSE was seen on Jocelyn Hill Saturday April 18 A ROCK SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit Three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas, Two near the top and one near Blenkinsop Rd. Two PURPLE MARTINS were seen off the Sidney Waterfront Friday April 17 A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Clover Point. It was seen between the boathouse and the point. Thursday April 16 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at 92 Moss St. A PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, the first of the year for the checklist, was heard along Ivor Rd. in Saanich. Monday April 13 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Saturday April 11 A HOUSE WREN , the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at top of Observatory Hill. A CLIFF SWALLOW, the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at Viaduct Flats. Also there NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Friday April 17 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells A Swamp Sparrow was seen at west end of the Birders Loop trail at Viaduct Flats. Wednesday April 8 Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS the first of the year were seen at Swan Lake. Four TOWNSENDS WARBLERS were seen on Mt. Wells, also there 2 SOOTY GROUSE. An OSPREY was on its nest at Collwood Corners. A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. A Sora was heard at Rithet's Bog Tuesday April 7 A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen on the Michell farm off Island View Rd. It was seen on the east side of the hill in the orchard and the strawberry field. Also there two CHIPPING SPARROWS, the first of the year for the checklist area An OSPREY was seen on Saanichton Spit Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Tues May 19 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 06:22:41 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * May 19, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Tues. May 19, 6:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Announcement The VNHS Sat. Birding Group will be going on the trip scheduled in the VNHS Victoria Naturalist Magazine. The trip on Sat. May 23rd is Mt. Douglas. Meet at the corner of Lockside Drive and Lohbrunner Rd at 7:30am. Everyone is welcome!!!! For other VNHS field trips check out our web site. Feature Birds LAZULI BUNTING EURASIAN- COLLARED DOVE WILLOW FLYCATCHER BULLOCKS ORIOLE Mon May 18 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen on Mt Tolmie 1 EURASIAN-COLLARED DOVE was seen along Latoria Rd just east of Wishart Rd. 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER was seen along the Munns Rd power lines . A BULLOCKS ORIOLE was seen at Livesay and Welch Rd. Sun. May 17 A WILLOW FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. 3 BULLOCKS ORIOLES the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. in Martindale. A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Charlton Rd and Burnside Rd West. 1 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Prospect Lake Rd. A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and a PACIFIC -SLOPE FLYCATCHER were on Mt Tolmie. Two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were on McIntyre Reservoir. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, MOURNING DOVES and HUTTONS VIREOS were off Newton Heights and Thomson Place. Sat. May 16 A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton Rd. There was a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on Mt Tolmie. There are EVENING GROSBEAKS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, RUFOUS AND ANNAS HUMMINGBIRDS, WOOD DUCKS and many other bird species at 4655 Kerryview Drive. Birders are welcome. Highlights of the VNHS walk to Observatory Hill were 30 VAUXS SWIFTS, WESTERN TANAGER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 6 WARBLING VIREOS, 2 RUFOUS HUMMING BIRD nests with young. Twenty birders saw a total of 46 species. Fri. May 15 On Mt. Tolmie crows were mobbing 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS and a BARRED OWL. Also there 7 species of warblers including MACGILLIVRAYS and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were seen at Clover Point Thurs. May 14 There were 3 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE'S, 1 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 1 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER, 1 WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN TANAGERS and many TOWNSENDS and WILSONS WARBLERS on Mt Tolmie. Wed. May 13 2 BROWN PELICANS were seen off Clover Point. Also there 12 BRANT GEESE and a second year GLAUCOUS GULL. 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Elk Lake near the Rowing Club. Also close by a GREAT HORNED OWL, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and WESTERN TANAGER on the east side of Beaver Lake Park. Tues. May 12 A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt Tolmie, also there 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, many WILSONS, YELLOW-RUMPED and TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. Monday May 11 RBA for a DUSKY FLYCATCHER seen in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. in Langford. There were 7 WHIMBREL on the Victoria Golf Course Sunday May 10 A SANDHILL CRANE was seen at a townhouse complex off Fir Tree Glen which is at eastern border of Rithets Bog. Sat. May 9 1 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, 2 VAUXS SWIFTS, 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, 6 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and 4 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. McDonald. VAUX SWIFT, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS were seen off Thomson Place and Newton Heights. Fri. May 8 A NORTHERBN GOSHAWK was seen off Blue Valley Road in the Highlands. 5 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were seen at Blenkinsop Lk, 4 were seen at the north end of the bridge. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was heard singing at Viaduct Flats along the north/south trail near Camosun College. A WARBLING VIREO was reported from Pike Lake. Thurs. May 7 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Also there a PEREGRINE FALCON. 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were seen on the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. WED. May 6 A SWAINSONS THRUSH the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen in Logan park in Saanich. 28 WIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Tues. May 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Out of town a INDIGO BUNTING was seen along the path to Florencia Bay in Pacific Rim National Park Mon. May 4 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. Sun. May 3 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Wittys Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. There was 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 4 WHIMBREL seen on the beach side. A male LAZUILI BUNTING the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Tower Point just north of the main viewing area at the point.` A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen around the lollipop boardwalk near the Nature House at Swan Lake. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER were seen on Observatory Hill. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen on the west side of Mt Douglas. Sat. May 2 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Witty's Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. A WILLET was seen with 4 Whimbrel on the beach. Also there 26 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER. A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake along the floating boardwalk, also there a SORA. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen from a trail off Glinz Lake Rd. in Sooke. Also there 2 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and a HUTTONS VIREO. A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at feeder opposite Quicks Bottom. 20 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Fri. May 1 An RBA for a WILLET seen at Wittys Lagoon off Tower Point, it was seen on the Wittys Lagoon side of Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen off Cabin Point in East Sooke Park. Also in East Sooke Park the first WARBLING VIREO for the Victoria Checklist this year was seen at Aylard Farm, 4 MARBLED MURELETS were seen off Cabin Point, 1 VAUX"S SWIFT off Babington Hill 2 WESTERN TANAGERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 CINNAMON TEALS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Swan Lake. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point Thurs. April 30 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Wednesday April 29 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, VAUX'S SWIFTS, TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, HOUSE WREN were seen on Mt. Douglas. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Tuesday April 28 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK and 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas. 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on MacIntyre Reservoir in Martindale. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. 62 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in the field south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. YELLOW WARBLERS and WILSONS WARBLERS have been reported from several locations throughout our area. Sunday April 26 A YELLOW WARBLER, the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. Sat. April 25 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was seen on Mt. Wells. Also there 3 SOOTY GROUSE. 48 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in a flooded field on the north side of Martindale Rd. 10 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. Friday April 24 11 Whimbrels were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Thurs. April 23 There were 4 PURPLE MARTINS at Royal Roads University at Esquimalt Lagoon. Other places to see PURPLE MARTINS in the Victoria area are: West Bay Marina in Esquimalt; Ayum Creek in Sooke; Tod Inlet in Central Saanich; Sidney Spit which is part of Gulf Islands National Pk. ; Selkirk Trestle in Victoria. Wed. April 22 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen along the power line off Stewart Mt. Rd. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mount Douglas. Also there a HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER. 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were seen along the power line off Munns Rd. Monday April 20 6 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill along the steps below the main Telescope. Also in the area a BAND-TAILED PIGEON(calling),1 CASSINS VIREO, 2 HOUSE WRENS, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and 4 TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. 7 WHIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen on the flooded fields along Martindale Rd Sunday April 19 A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Viaduct Flats. 2 CASPIAN TERNS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon, also there 10 WESTERN SANDPIPERS A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. Also there several HERMIT THRUSHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS and a MOURNING DOVE. 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill in the area along the steps below the main Telescope. A SOOTY GROUSE was seen on Jocelyn Hill Saturday April 18 A ROCK SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit Three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas, Two near the top and one near Blenkinsop Rd. Two PURPLE MARTINS were seen off the Sidney Waterfront Friday April 17 A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Clover Point. It was seen between the boathouse and the point. Thursday April 16 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at 92 Moss St. A PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, the first of the year for the checklist, was heard along Ivor Rd. in Saanich. Monday April 13 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Saturday April 11 A HOUSE WREN , the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at top of Observatory Hill. A CLIFF SWALLOW, the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at Viaduct Flats. Also there NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Friday April 17 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells A Swamp Sparrow was seen at west end of the Birders Loop trail at Viaduct Flats. Wednesday April 8 Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS the first of the year were seen at Swan Lake. Four TOWNSENDS WARBLERS were seen on Mt. Wells, also there 2 SOOTY GROUSE. An OSPREY was on its nest at Collwood Corners. A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. A Sora was heard at Rithet's Bog Tuesday April 7 A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen on the Michell farm off Island View Rd. It was seen on the east side of the hill in the orchard and the strawberry field. Also there two CHIPPING SPARROWS, the first of the year for the checklist area An OSPREY was seen on Saanichton Spit Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: Eurasian Collared-Dove off Latoria Rd in Colwood From: "David Allinson" <passerine AT shaw.ca> Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 17:07:44 -0000 For those of you still interested in this species' expansion, for the past two days a Eurasian Collared-Dove has been along Latoria Road just east of Wishart Road in Colwood. Note Band-tailed Pigeons are also in this area for an interesting comparison of flight patterns, size, and shape! Personally, I don't buy into the belief that the recent explosion of sightings or the Sooke breeding record(s) are all simply the result of LOCAL escapes/releases. This introduced species has been expanding rapidly west and north in the US since its arrival in Florida in early 1980's...the jury is still out whether it will impact any native species. David Allinson Langford Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Mon. May 18 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 06:48:57 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * May 18, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Mon. May 18, 6:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Announcement The VNHS Sat. Birding Group will be going on the trip scheduled in the VNHS Victoria Naturalist Magazine. The trip on Sat. May 23rd is Mt. Douglas. Meet at the corner of Lockside Drive and Lohbrunner Rd at 7:30am. Everyone is welcome!!!! For other VNHS field trips check out our web site. Feature Birds WILLOW FLYCATCHER BULLOCKS ORIOLE SORA WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE Sun. May 17 A WILLOW FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. 3 BULLOCKS ORIOLES the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist were seen at Livesay Rd. and Welch Rd. in Martindale. A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Charlton Rd and Burnside Rd West. 1 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Prospect Lake Rd. A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and a PACIFIC -SLOPE FLYCATCHER were on Mt Tolmie. Two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were on McIntyre Reservoir. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, MOURNING DOVES and HUTTONS VIREOS were off Newton Heights and Thomson Place. Sat. May 16 A SORA was calling at the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton Rd. There was a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on Mt Tolmie. There are EVENING GROSBEAKS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, RUFOUS AND ANNAS HUMMINGBIRDS, WOOD DUCKS and many other bird species at 4655 Kerryview Drive. Birders are welcome. Highlights of the VNHS walk to Observatory Hill were 30 VAUXS SWIFTS, WESTERN TANAGER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 6 WARBLING VIREOS, 2 RUFOUS HUMMING BIRD nests with young. Twenty birders saw a total of 46 species. Fri. May 15 On Mt. Tolmie crows were mobbing 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS and a BARRED OWL. Also there 7 species of warblers including MACGILLIVRAYS and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were seen at Clover Point Thurs. May 14 There were 3 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE'S, 1 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 1 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER, 1 WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN TANAGERS and many TOWNSENDS and WILSONS WARBLERS on Mt Tolmie. Wed. May 13 2 BROWN PELICANS were seen off Clover Point. Also there 12 BRANT GEESE and a second year GLAUCOUS GULL. 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Elk Lake near the Rowing Club. Also close by a GREAT HORNED OWL, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and WESTERN TANAGER on the east side of Beaver Lake Park. Tues. May 12 A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt Tolmie, also there 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, many WILSONS, YELLOW-RUMPED and TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. Monday May 11 RBA for a DUSKY FLYCATCHER seen in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. in Langford. There were 7 WHIMBREL on the Victoria Golf Course Sunday May 10 A SANDHILL CRANE was seen at a townhouse complex off Fir Tree Glen which is at eastern border of Rithets Bog. Sat. May 9 1 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, 2 VAUXS SWIFTS, 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, 6 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and 4 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. McDonald. VAUX SWIFT, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS were seen off Thomson Place and Newton Heights. Fri. May 8 A NORTHERBN GOSHAWK was seen off Blue Valley Road in the Highlands. 5 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were seen at Blenkinsop Lk, 4 were seen at the north end of the bridge. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was heard singing at Viaduct Flats along the north/south trail near Camosun College. A WARBLING VIREO was reported from Pike Lake. Thurs. May 7 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Also there a PEREGRINE FALCON. 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were seen on the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. WED. May 6 A SWAINSONS THRUSH the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen in Logan park in Saanich. 28 WIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Tues. May 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Out of town a INDIGO BUNTING was seen along the path to Florencia Bay in Pacific Rim National Park Mon. May 4 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. Sun. May 3 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Wittys Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. There was 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 4 WHIMBREL seen on the beach side. A male LAZUILI BUNTING the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Tower Point just north of the main viewing area at the point.` A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen around the lollipop boardwalk near the Nature House at Swan Lake. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER were seen on Observatory Hill. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen on the west side of Mt Douglas. Sat. May 2 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Witty's Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. A WILLET was seen with 4 Whimbrel on the beach. Also there 26 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER. A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake along the floating boardwalk, also there a SORA. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen from a trail off Glinz Lake Rd. in Sooke. Also there 2 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and a HUTTONS VIREO. A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at feeder opposite Quicks Bottom. 20 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Fri. May 1 An RBA for a WILLET seen at Wittys Lagoon off Tower Point, it was seen on the Wittys Lagoon side of Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen off Cabin Point in East Sooke Park. Also in East Sooke Park the first WARBLING VIREO for the Victoria Checklist this year was seen at Aylard Farm, 4 MARBLED MURELETS were seen off Cabin Point, 1 VAUX"S SWIFT off Babington Hill 2 WESTERN TANAGERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 CINNAMON TEALS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Swan Lake. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point Thurs. April 30 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Wednesday April 29 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, VAUX'S SWIFTS, TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, HOUSE WREN were seen on Mt. Douglas. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Tuesday April 28 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK and 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas. 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on MacIntyre Reservoir in Martindale. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. 62 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in the field south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. YELLOW WARBLERS and WILSONS WARBLERS have been reported from several locations throughout our area. Sunday April 26 A YELLOW WARBLER, the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. Sat. April 25 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was seen on Mt. Wells. Also there 3 SOOTY GROUSE. 48 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in a flooded field on the north side of Martindale Rd. 10 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. Friday April 24 11 Whimbrels were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Thurs. April 23 There were 4 PURPLE MARTINS at Royal Roads University at Esquimalt Lagoon. Other places to see PURPLE MARTINS in the Victoria area are: West Bay Marina in Esquimalt; Ayum Creek in Sooke; Tod Inlet in Central Saanich; Sidney Spit which is part of Gulf Islands National Pk. ; Selkirk Trestle in Victoria. Wed. April 22 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen along the power line off Stewart Mt. Rd. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mount Douglas. Also there a HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER. 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were seen along the power line off Munns Rd. Monday April 20 6 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill along the steps below the main Telescope. Also in the area a BAND-TAILED PIGEON(calling),1 CASSINS VIREO, 2 HOUSE WRENS, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and 4 TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. 7 WHIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen on the flooded fields along Martindale Rd Sunday April 19 A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Viaduct Flats. 2 CASPIAN TERNS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon, also there 10 WESTERN SANDPIPERS A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. Also there several HERMIT THRUSHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS and a MOURNING DOVE. 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill in the area along the steps below the main Telescope. A SOOTY GROUSE was seen on Jocelyn Hill Saturday April 18 A ROCK SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit Three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas, Two near the top and one near Blenkinsop Rd. Two PURPLE MARTINS were seen off the Sidney Waterfront Friday April 17 A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Clover Point. It was seen between the boathouse and the point. Thursday April 16 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at 92 Moss St. A PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, the first of the year for the checklist, was heard along Ivor Rd. in Saanich. Monday April 13 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Saturday April 11 A HOUSE WREN , the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at top of Observatory Hill. A CLIFF SWALLOW, the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at Viaduct Flats. Also there NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Friday April 17 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells A Swamp Sparrow was seen at west end of the Birders Loop trail at Viaduct Flats. Wednesday April 8 Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS the first of the year were seen at Swan Lake. Four TOWNSENDS WARBLERS were seen on Mt. Wells, also there 2 SOOTY GROUSE. An OSPREY was on its nest at Collwood Corners. A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. A Sora was heard at Rithet's Bog Tuesday April 7 A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen on the Michell farm off Island View Rd. It was seen on the east side of the hill in the orchard and the strawberry field. Also there two CHIPPING SPARROWS, the first of the year for the checklist area An OSPREY was seen on Saanichton Spit Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Sun May 16 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 06:05:00 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * May 17, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Sun. May 17, 6:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Announcement The VNHS Sat. Birding Group will be going on the trip scheduled in the VNHS Victoria Naturalist Magazine. The trip on Sat. May 23rd is Mt. Douglas. Meet at the corner of Lockside Drive and Lohbrunner Rd at 7:30am. Everyone is welcome!!!! For other VNHS field trips check out our web site. Feature Birds SORA VAUX SWIFT WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE Sat. May 16 A SORA was calling on the pond at the corner of Burnside Rd West and Charlton Rd. There was a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on Mt Tolmie. There are EVENING GROSBEAKS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, RUFOUS AND ANNAS HUMMINGBIRDS, WOOD DUCKS and many other bird species at 4655 Kerryview Drive. Birders are welcome. Highlights of the VNHS walk to Observatory Hill were 30 VAUXS SWIFTS, WESTERN TANAGER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 6 WARBLING VIREOS, 2 RUFOUS HUMMING BIRD nests with young. Twenty birders saw a total of 46 species. Fri. May 15 On Mt. Tolmie crows were mobbing 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS and a BARRED OWL. Also there 7 species of warblers including MACGILLIVRAYS and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were seen at Clover Point Thurs. May 14 There were 3 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE'S, 1 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 1 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER, 1 WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN TANAGERS and many TOWNSENDS and WILSONS WARBLERS on Mt Tolmie. Wed. May 13 2 BROWN PELICANS were seen off Clover Point. Also there 12 BRANT GEESE and a second year GLAUCOUS GULL. 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Elk Lake near the Rowing Club. Also close by a GREAT HORNED OWL, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and WESTERN TANAGER on the east side of Beaver Lake Park. Tues. May 12 A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt Tolmie, also there 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, many WILSONS, YELLOW-RUMPED and TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. Monday May 11 RBA for a DUSKY FLYCATCHER seen in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. in Langford. There were 7 WHIMBREL on the Victoria Golf Course Sunday May 10 A SANDHILL CRANE was seen at a townhouse complex off Fir Tree Glen which is at eastern border of Rithets Bog. Sat. May 9 1 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, 2 VAUXS SWIFTS, 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, 6 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and 4 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. McDonald. VAUX SWIFT, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS were seen off Thomson Place and Newton Heights. Fri. May 8 A NORTHERBN GOSHAWK was seen off Blue Valley Road in the Highlands. 5 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were seen at Blenkinsop Lk, 4 were seen at the north end of the bridge. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was heard singing at Viaduct Flats along the north/south trail near Camosun College. A WARBLING VIREO was reported from Pike Lake. Thurs. May 7 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Also there a PEREGRINE FALCON. 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were seen on the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. WED. May 6 A SWAINSONS THRUSH the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen in Logan park in Saanich. 28 WIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Tues. May 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Out of town a INDIGO BUNTING was seen along the path to Florencia Bay in Pacific Rim National Park Mon. May 4 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. Sun. May 3 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Wittys Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. There was 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 4 WHIMBREL seen on the beach side. A male LAZUILI BUNTING the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Tower Point just north of the main viewing area at the point.` A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen around the lollipop boardwalk near the Nature House at Swan Lake. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER were seen on Observatory Hill. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen on the west side of Mt Douglas. Sat. May 2 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Witty's Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. A WILLET was seen with 4 Whimbrel on the beach. Also there 26 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER. A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake along the floating boardwalk, also there a SORA. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen from a trail off Glinz Lake Rd. in Sooke. Also there 2 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and a HUTTONS VIREO. A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at feeder opposite Quicks Bottom. 20 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Fri. May 1 An RBA for a WILLET seen at Wittys Lagoon off Tower Point, it was seen on the Wittys Lagoon side of Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen off Cabin Point in East Sooke Park. Also in East Sooke Park the first WARBLING VIREO for the Victoria Checklist this year was seen at Aylard Farm, 4 MARBLED MURELETS were seen off Cabin Point, 1 VAUX"S SWIFT off Babington Hill 2 WESTERN TANAGERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 CINNAMON TEALS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Swan Lake. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point Thurs. April 30 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Wednesday April 29 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, VAUX'S SWIFTS, TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, HOUSE WREN were seen on Mt. Douglas. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Tuesday April 28 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK and 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas. 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on MacIntyre Reservoir in Martindale. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. 62 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in the field south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. YELLOW WARBLERS and WILSONS WARBLERS have been reported from several locations throughout our area. Sunday April 26 A YELLOW WARBLER, the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. Sat. April 25 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was seen on Mt. Wells. Also there 3 SOOTY GROUSE. 48 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in a flooded field on the north side of Martindale Rd. 10 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. Friday April 24 11 Whimbrels were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Thurs. April 23 There were 4 PURPLE MARTINS at Royal Roads University at Esquimalt Lagoon. Other places to see PURPLE MARTINS in the Victoria area are: West Bay Marina in Esquimalt; Ayum Creek in Sooke; Tod Inlet in Central Saanich; Sidney Spit which is part of Gulf Islands National Pk. ; Selkirk Trestle in Victoria. Wed. April 22 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen along the power line off Stewart Mt. Rd. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mount Douglas. Also there a HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER. 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were seen along the power line off Munns Rd. Monday April 20 6 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill along the steps below the main Telescope. Also in the area a BAND-TAILED PIGEON(calling),1 CASSINS VIREO, 2 HOUSE WRENS, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and 4 TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. 7 WHIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen on the flooded fields along Martindale Rd Sunday April 19 A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Viaduct Flats. 2 CASPIAN TERNS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon, also there 10 WESTERN SANDPIPERS A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. Also there several HERMIT THRUSHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS and a MOURNING DOVE. 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill in the area along the steps below the main Telescope. A SOOTY GROUSE was seen on Jocelyn Hill Saturday April 18 A ROCK SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit Three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas, Two near the top and one near Blenkinsop Rd. Two PURPLE MARTINS were seen off the Sidney Waterfront Friday April 17 A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Clover Point. It was seen between the boathouse and the point. Thursday April 16 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at 92 Moss St. A PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, the first of the year for the checklist, was heard along Ivor Rd. in Saanich. Monday April 13 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Saturday April 11 A HOUSE WREN , the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at top of Observatory Hill. A CLIFF SWALLOW, the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at Viaduct Flats. Also there NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Friday April 17 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells A Swamp Sparrow was seen at west end of the Birders Loop trail at Viaduct Flats. Wednesday April 8 Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS the first of the year were seen at Swan Lake. Four TOWNSENDS WARBLERS were seen on Mt. Wells, also there 2 SOOTY GROUSE. An OSPREY was on its nest at Collwood Corners. A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. A Sora was heard at Rithet's Bog Tuesday April 7 A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen on the Michell farm off Island View Rd. It was seen on the east side of the hill in the orchard and the strawberry field. Also there two CHIPPING SPARROWS, the first of the year for the checklist area An OSPREY was seen on Saanichton Spit Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Sat. May 16 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Sat, 16 May 2009 05:07:15 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * May 16, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Sat. May 16, 5:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Announcement The VNHS Sat. Birding Group will be going on the trip scheduled in the VNHS Victoria Naturalist Magazine. The trip on Sat. is Observatory Hill. Meet at the gate off West Saanich Rd at 7:00am. Everyone is welcome!!!! For other VNHS field trips check out our web site. Feature Birds WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE Fri. May 15 On Mt. Tolmie crows were mobbing 2 GREAT HORNED OWLS and a BARRED OWL. Also there 7 species of warblers including MACGILLIVRAYS and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. Thurs. May 14 There were 3 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE'S, 1 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 1 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER, 1 WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN TANAGERS and many TOWNSENDS and WILSONS WARBLERS on Mt Tolmie. Wed. May 13 2 BROWN PELICANS were seen off Clover Point. Also there 12 BRANT GEESE and a second year GLAUCOUS GULL. 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Elk Lake near the Rowing Club. Also close by a GREAT HORNED OWL, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and WESTERN TANAGER on the east side of Beaver Lake Park. Tues. May 12 A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt Tolmie, also there 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, many WILSONS, YELLOW-RUMPED and TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. Monday May 11 RBA for a DUSKY FLYCATCHER seen in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. in Langford. There were 7 WHIMBREL on the Victoria Golf Course Sunday May 10 A SANDHILL CRANE was seen at a townhouse complex off Fir Tree Glen which is at eastern border of Rithets Bog. Sat. May 9 1 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, 2 VAUXS SWIFTS, 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, 6 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and 4 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. McDonald. VAUX SWIFT, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS were seen off Thomson Place and Newton Heights. Fri. May 8 A NORTHERBN GOSHAWK was seen off Blue Valley Road in the Highlands. 5 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were seen at Blenkinsop Lk, 4 were seen at the north end of the bridge. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was heard singing at Viaduct Flats along the north/south trail near Camosun College. A WARBLING VIREO was reported from Pike Lake. Thurs. May 7 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Also there a PEREGRINE FALCON. 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were seen on the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. WED. May 6 A SWAINSONS THRUSH the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen in Logan park in Saanich. 28 WIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Tues. May 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Out of town a INDIGO BUNTING was seen along the path to Florencia Bay in Pacific Rim National Park Mon. May 4 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. Sun. May 3 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Wittys Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. There was 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 4 WHIMBREL seen on the beach side. A male LAZUILI BUNTING the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Tower Point just north of the main viewing area at the point.` A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen around the lollipop boardwalk near the Nature House at Swan Lake. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER were seen on Observatory Hill. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen on the west side of Mt Douglas. Sat. May 2 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Witty's Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. A WILLET was seen with 4 Whimbrel on the beach. Also there 26 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER. A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake along the floating boardwalk, also there a SORA. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen from a trail off Glinz Lake Rd. in Sooke. Also there 2 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and a HUTTONS VIREO. A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at feeder opposite Quicks Bottom. 20 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Fri. May 1 An RBA for a WILLET seen at Wittys Lagoon off Tower Point, it was seen on the Wittys Lagoon side of Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen off Cabin Point in East Sooke Park. Also in East Sooke Park the first WARBLING VIREO for the Victoria Checklist this year was seen at Aylard Farm, 4 MARBLED MURELETS were seen off Cabin Point, 1 VAUX"S SWIFT off Babington Hill 2 WESTERN TANAGERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 CINNAMON TEALS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Swan Lake. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point Thurs. April 30 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Wednesday April 29 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, VAUX'S SWIFTS, TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, HOUSE WREN were seen on Mt. Douglas. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Tuesday April 28 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK and 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas. 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on MacIntyre Reservoir in Martindale. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. 62 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in the field south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. YELLOW WARBLERS and WILSONS WARBLERS have been reported from several locations throughout our area. Sunday April 26 A YELLOW WARBLER, the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. Sat. April 25 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was seen on Mt. Wells. Also there 3 SOOTY GROUSE. 48 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in a flooded field on the north side of Martindale Rd. 10 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. Friday April 24 11 Whimbrels were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Thurs. April 23 There were 4 PURPLE MARTINS at Royal Roads University at Esquimalt Lagoon. Other places to see PURPLE MARTINS in the Victoria area are: West Bay Marina in Esquimalt; Ayum Creek in Sooke; Tod Inlet in Central Saanich; Sidney Spit which is part of Gulf Islands National Pk. ; Selkirk Trestle in Victoria. Wed. April 22 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen along the power line off Stewart Mt. Rd. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mount Douglas. Also there a HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER. 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were seen along the power line off Munns Rd. Monday April 20 6 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill along the steps below the main Telescope. Also in the area a BAND-TAILED PIGEON(calling),1 CASSINS VIREO, 2 HOUSE WRENS, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and 4 TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. 7 WHIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen on the flooded fields along Martindale Rd Sunday April 19 A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Viaduct Flats. 2 CASPIAN TERNS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon, also there 10 WESTERN SANDPIPERS A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. Also there several HERMIT THRUSHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS and a MOURNING DOVE. 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill in the area along the steps below the main Telescope. A SOOTY GROUSE was seen on Jocelyn Hill Saturday April 18 A ROCK SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit Three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas, Two near the top and one near Blenkinsop Rd. Two PURPLE MARTINS were seen off the Sidney Waterfront Friday April 17 A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Clover Point. It was seen between the boathouse and the point. Thursday April 16 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at 92 Moss St. A PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, the first of the year for the checklist, was heard along Ivor Rd. in Saanich. Monday April 13 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Saturday April 11 A HOUSE WREN , the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at top of Observatory Hill. A CLIFF SWALLOW, the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at Viaduct Flats. Also there NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Friday April 17 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells A Swamp Sparrow was seen at west end of the Birders Loop trail at Viaduct Flats. Wednesday April 8 Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS the first of the year were seen at Swan Lake. Four TOWNSENDS WARBLERS were seen on Mt. Wells, also there 2 SOOTY GROUSE. An OSPREY was on its nest at Collwood Corners. A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. A Sora was heard at Rithet's Bog Tuesday April 7 A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen on the Michell farm off Island View Rd. It was seen on the east side of the hill in the orchard and the strawberry field. Also there two CHIPPING SPARROWS, the first of the year for the checklist area An OSPREY was seen on Saanichton Spit Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: Black-headed Grosbeak From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 20:16:09 -0000 Hi birders, We have a Black-headed Grosbeak singing off Corefield and Despard here in Parksville. Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: Eurasian Collared Dove From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 19:06:51 -0000 Hi birders, John Purves called, he had a sighting of a Eurasian Collared Dove this morning at French Creek, on the Columbia Beach side of the creek. Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Thurs. May 15 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 11:57:58 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * May 15, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Thurs. May 15, noon update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Announcement The VNHS Sat. Birding Group will be going on the trip scheduled in the VNHS Victoria Naturalist Magazine. The trip on Sat. is Observatory Hill. Meet at the gate off West Saanich Rd at 7:00am. Everyone is welcome!!!! For other VNHS field trips check out our web site. Feature Birds BROWN PELICAN WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE SPOTTED SANDPIPER Wed. May 13 2 BROWN PELICANS were seen off Clover Point. Also there 12 BRANT GEESE and a second year GLAUCOUS GULL. 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Elk Lake near the Rowing Club. Also close by a GREAT HORNED OWL, HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and WESTERN TANAGER on the east side of Beaver Lake Park. Tues. May 12 A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt Tolmie, also there 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS. Monday May 11 RBA for a DUSKY FLYCATCHER seen in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. in Langford. There were 7 WHIMBREL on the Victoria Golf Course Sunday May 10 A SANDHILL CRANE was seen at a townhouse complex off Fir Tree Glen which is at eastern border of Rithets Bog. Sat. May 9 1 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, 2 VAUXS SWIFTS, 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, 6 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and 4 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. McDonald. VAUX SWIFT, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS were seen off Thomson Place and Newton Heights. Fri. May 8 A NORTHERBN GOSHAWK was seen off Blue Valley Road in the Highlands. 5 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were seen at Blenkinsop Lk, 4 were seen at the north end of the bridge. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was heard singing at Viaduct Flats along the north/south trail near Camosun College. A WARBLING VIREO was reported from Pike Lake. Thurs. May 7 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Also there a PEREGRINE FALCON. 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were seen on the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. WED. May 6 A SWAINSONS THRUSH the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen in Logan park in Saanich. 28 WIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Tues. May 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Out of town a INDIGO BUNTING was seen along the path to Florencia Bay in Pacific Rim National Park Mon. May 4 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. Sun. May 3 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Wittys Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. There was 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 4 WHIMBREL seen on the beach side. A male LAZUILI BUNTING the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Tower Point just north of the main viewing area at the point.` A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen around the lollipop boardwalk near the Nature House at Swan Lake. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER were seen on Observatory Hill. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen on the west side of Mt Douglas. Sat. May 2 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Witty's Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. A WILLET was seen with 4 Whimbrel on the beach. Also there 26 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER. A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake along the floating boardwalk, also there a SORA. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen from a trail off Glinz Lake Rd. in Sooke. Also there 2 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and a HUTTONS VIREO. A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at feeder opposite Quicks Bottom. 20 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Fri. May 1 An RBA for a WILLET seen at Wittys Lagoon off Tower Point, it was seen on the Wittys Lagoon side of Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen off Cabin Point in East Sooke Park. Also in East Sooke Park the first WARBLING VIREO for the Victoria Checklist this year was seen at Aylard Farm, 4 MARBLED MURELETS were seen off Cabin Point, 1 VAUX"S SWIFT off Babington Hill 2 WESTERN TANAGERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 CINNAMON TEALS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Swan Lake. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point Thurs. April 30 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Wednesday April 29 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, VAUX'S SWIFTS, TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, HOUSE WREN were seen on Mt. Douglas. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Tuesday April 28 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK and 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas. 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on MacIntyre Reservoir in Martindale. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. 62 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in the field south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. YELLOW WARBLERS and WILSONS WARBLERS have been reported from several locations throughout our area. Sunday April 26 A YELLOW WARBLER, the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. Sat. April 25 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was seen on Mt. Wells. Also there 3 SOOTY GROUSE. 48 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in a flooded field on the north side of Martindale Rd. 10 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. Friday April 24 11 Whimbrels were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Thurs. April 23 There were 4 PURPLE MARTINS at Royal Roads University at Esquimalt Lagoon. Other places to see PURPLE MARTINS in the Victoria area are: West Bay Marina in Esquimalt; Ayum Creek in Sooke; Tod Inlet in Central Saanich; Sidney Spit which is part of Gulf Islands National Pk. ; Selkirk Trestle in Victoria. Wed. April 22 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen along the power line off Stewart Mt. Rd. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mount Douglas. Also there a HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER. 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were seen along the power line off Munns Rd. Monday April 20 6 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill along the steps below the main Telescope. Also in the area a BAND-TAILED PIGEON(calling),1 CASSINS VIREO, 2 HOUSE WRENS, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and 4 TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. 7 WHIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen on the flooded fields along Martindale Rd Sunday April 19 A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Viaduct Flats. 2 CASPIAN TERNS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon, also there 10 WESTERN SANDPIPERS A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. Also there several HERMIT THRUSHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS and a MOURNING DOVE. 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill in the area along the steps below the main Telescope. A SOOTY GROUSE was seen on Jocelyn Hill Saturday April 18 A ROCK SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit Three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas, Two near the top and one near Blenkinsop Rd. Two PURPLE MARTINS were seen off the Sidney Waterfront Friday April 17 A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Clover Point. It was seen between the boathouse and the point. Thursday April 16 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at 92 Moss St. A PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, the first of the year for the checklist, was heard along Ivor Rd. in Saanich. Monday April 13 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Saturday April 11 A HOUSE WREN , the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at top of Observatory Hill. A CLIFF SWALLOW, the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at Viaduct Flats. Also there NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Friday April 17 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells A Swamp Sparrow was seen at west end of the Birders Loop trail at Viaduct Flats. Wednesday April 8 Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS the first of the year were seen at Swan Lake. Four TOWNSENDS WARBLERS were seen on Mt. Wells, also there 2 SOOTY GROUSE. An OSPREY was on its nest at Collwood Corners. A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. A Sora was heard at Rithet's Bog Tuesday April 7 A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen on the Michell farm off Island View Rd. It was seen on the east side of the hill in the orchard and the strawberry field. Also there two CHIPPING SPARROWS, the first of the year for the checklist area An OSPREY was seen on Saanichton Spit Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: Re: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, May 12, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 23:47:19 -0000 Hi Bashir, Great to know there is a lot of Crossbills at your feeders. The young have fledged and growing! Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia > > Hi Neil; > > We are having a population explosion of Red Crossbills at the feeder in our back yard we are seeing flock of 30+ at a time feeding on black oil sunflower seeds. It seems that the females or the immature birds outnumber the male birds. > > Bashir El-Khalafawi > Birding in Columbia Beach. > > Subject: Re: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, May 12, 2009 From: "Bashir El-Khalafawi" <bashir AT pdit.ca> Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 22:54:42 -0000 Hi Neil; We are having a population explosion of Red Crossbills at the feeder in our back yard we are seeing flock of 30+ at a time feeding on black oil sunflower seeds. It seems that the females or the immature birds outnumber the male birds. Bashir El-Khalafawi Birding in Columbia Beach. --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "canadianrobin2003" wrote: > > Hi birders, > > The Tuesday bird walk went to the Beaver Ponds at Nanoose Bay. The morning was sunny but quite cool. Eighteen birders saw and heard thirty-six species of birds. > Among the highlight was the sighting of a Red-tailed Hawk soaring with Bald Eagles and Turkey Vultures high up in the sky. A Black-throated Gray Warbler was low in the bushes giving us all great looks as he gleaned insects and sang for a long time. A Townsend's Warbler put in a quick appearance after the Black-throated Gray Warbler left our view. We spotted a Pacific-slope Flycatcher on a perch high up in a snag. We watched as he flew back and forth, flycatching. > > Eighteen birders saw and heard the following thirty-six species of birds: > Canada Goose > Wood Duck > California Quail > Turkey Vulture > Bald Eagle > Red-tailed Hawk > Band-tailed Pigeon > Rufous Hummingbird > Northern Flicker > Pileated Woodpecker > Pacific-slope Flycatcher > Cassin's Vireo > Hutton's Vireo > Warbling Vireo > Northwestern Crow > Common Raven > Tree Swallow > Violet-green Swallow > Chestnut-backed Chickadee > Bushtit > Red-breasted Nuthatch > Bewick's Wren > American Robin > European Starling > Orange-crowned Warbler > Yellow Warbler > Yellow-rumped Warbler > Black-throated Gray Warbler > Townsend's Warbler > Spotted Towhee > Chipping Sparrow > Song Sparrow > Golden-crowned Sparrow > Dark-eyed Junco > Purple Finch > Pine Siskin > Subject: Parksville/Qualicum Beach Tuesday bird walk, May 12, 2009 From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 21:27:55 -0000 Hi birders, The Tuesday bird walk went to the Beaver Ponds at Nanoose Bay. The morning was sunny but quite cool. Eighteen birders saw and heard thirty-six species of birds. Among the highlight was the sighting of a Red-tailed Hawk soaring with Bald Eagles and Turkey Vultures high up in the sky. A Black-throated Gray Warbler was low in the bushes giving us all great looks as he gleaned insects and sang for a long time. A Townsend's Warbler put in a quick appearance after the Black-throated Gray Warbler left our view. We spotted a Pacific-slope Flycatcher on a perch high up in a snag. We watched as he flew back and forth, flycatching. Eighteen birders saw and heard the following thirty-six species of birds: Canada Goose Wood Duck California Quail Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Red-tailed Hawk Band-tailed Pigeon Rufous Hummingbird Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Pacific-slope Flycatcher Cassin's Vireo Hutton's Vireo Warbling Vireo Northwestern Crow Common Raven Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow Chestnut-backed Chickadee Bushtit Red-breasted Nuthatch Bewick's Wren American Robin European Starling Orange-crowned Warbler Yellow Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Gray Warbler Townsend's Warbler Spotted Towhee Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow Golden-crowned Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Purple Finch Pine Siskin Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Tues. May 12 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 05:35:28 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * May 11, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Mon. May 12, 6:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Announcement Feature Birds RBA DUSKY FLYCATCHER WHIMBREL Monday May 11 RBA for a DUSKY FLYCATCHER seen in the Turnstone Development off Happy Valley Rd. in Langford. There were 7 WHIMBREL on the Victoria Golf Course Sunday May 10 A SANDHILL CRANE was seen at a townhouse complex off Fir Tree Glen which is at eastern border of Rithets Bog. Sat. May 9 1 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, 2 VAUXS SWIFTS, 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, 6 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and 4 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. McDonald. VAUX SWIFT, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS were seen off Thomson Place and Newton Heights. Fri. May 8 A NORTHERBN GOSHAWK was seen off Blue Valley Road in the Highlands. 5 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were seen at Blenkinsop Lk, 4 were seen at the north end of the bridge. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was heard singing at Viaduct Flats along the north/south trail near Camosun College. A WARBLING VIREO was reported from Pike Lake. Thurs. May 7 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Also there a PEREGRINE FALCON. 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were seen on the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. WED. May 6 A SWAINSONS THRUSH the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen in Logan park in Saanich. 28 WIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Tues. May 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Out of town a INDIGO BUNTING was seen along the path to Florencia Bay in Pacific Rim National Park Mon. May 4 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. Sun. May 3 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Wittys Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. There was 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 4 WHIMBREL seen on the beach side. A male LAZUILI BUNTING the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Tower Point just north of the main viewing area at the point.` A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen around the lollipop boardwalk near the Nature House at Swan Lake. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER were seen on Observatory Hill. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen on the west side of Mt Douglas. Sat. May 2 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Witty's Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. A WILLET was seen with 4 Whimbrel on the beach. Also there 26 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER. A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake along the floating boardwalk, also there a SORA. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen from a trail off Glinz Lake Rd. in Sooke. Also there 2 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and a HUTTONS VIREO. A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at feeder opposite Quicks Bottom. 20 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Fri. May 1 An RBA for a WILLET seen at Wittys Lagoon off Tower Point, it was seen on the Wittys Lagoon side of Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen off Cabin Point in East Sooke Park. Also in East Sooke Park the first WARBLING VIREO for the Victoria Checklist this year was seen at Aylard Farm, 4 MARBLED MURELETS were seen off Cabin Point, 1 VAUX"S SWIFT off Babington Hill 2 WESTERN TANAGERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 CINNAMON TEALS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Swan Lake. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point Thurs. April 30 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Wednesday April 29 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, VAUX'S SWIFTS, TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, HOUSE WREN were seen on Mt. Douglas. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Tuesday April 28 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK and 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas. 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on MacIntyre Reservoir in Martindale. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. 62 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in the field south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. YELLOW WARBLERS and WILSONS WARBLERS have been reported from several locations throughout our area. Sunday April 26 A YELLOW WARBLER, the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. Sat. April 25 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was seen on Mt. Wells. Also there 3 SOOTY GROUSE. 48 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in a flooded field on the north side of Martindale Rd. 10 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. Friday April 24 11 Whimbrels were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Thurs. April 23 There were 4 PURPLE MARTINS at Royal Roads University at Esquimalt Lagoon. Other places to see PURPLE MARTINS in the Victoria area are: West Bay Marina in Esquimalt; Ayum Creek in Sooke; Tod Inlet in Central Saanich; Sidney Spit which is part of Gulf Islands National Pk. ; Selkirk Trestle in Victoria. Wed. April 22 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen along the power line off Stewart Mt. Rd. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mount Douglas. Also there a HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER. 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were seen along the power line off Munns Rd. Monday April 20 6 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill along the steps below the main Telescope. Also in the area a BAND-TAILED PIGEON(calling),1 CASSINS VIREO, 2 HOUSE WRENS, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and 4 TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. 7 WHIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen on the flooded fields along Martindale Rd Sunday April 19 A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Viaduct Flats. 2 CASPIAN TERNS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon, also there 10 WESTERN SANDPIPERS A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. Also there several HERMIT THRUSHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS and a MOURNING DOVE. 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill in the area along the steps below the main Telescope. A SOOTY GROUSE was seen on Jocelyn Hill Saturday April 18 A ROCK SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit Three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas, Two near the top and one near Blenkinsop Rd. Two PURPLE MARTINS were seen off the Sidney Waterfront Friday April 17 A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Clover Point. It was seen between the boathouse and the point. Thursday April 16 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at 92 Moss St. A PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, the first of the year for the checklist, was heard along Ivor Rd. in Saanich. Monday April 13 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Saturday April 11 A HOUSE WREN , the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at top of Observatory Hill. A CLIFF SWALLOW, the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at Viaduct Flats. Also there NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Friday April 17 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells A Swamp Sparrow was seen at west end of the Birders Loop trail at Viaduct Flats. Wednesday April 8 Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS the first of the year were seen at Swan Lake. Four TOWNSENDS WARBLERS were seen on Mt. Wells, also there 2 SOOTY GROUSE. An OSPREY was on its nest at Collwood Corners. A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. A Sora was heard at Rithet's Bog Tuesday April 7 A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen on the Michell farm off Island View Rd. It was seen on the east side of the hill in the orchard and the strawberry field. Also there two CHIPPING SPARROWS, the first of the year for the checklist area An OSPREY was seen on Saanichton Spit Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: Dusky Flycatcher in Langford From: "David Allinson" <passerine AT shaw.ca> Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 19:52:04 -0000 A Dusky Flycatcher is busily singing away right now behind my home in the Turnstone development in Happy Valley in Langford. Birders should definitely get up on top of Mount Tolmie and Mount Douglas and other migrant traps! Nice yard bird (well, I can HEAR it from my office window and it is not in yard, so does that count?!). A Black-headed Grosbeak is also singing nearby...amazing how this species has gone from uncommon and local to become a 'dirt bird' in the Western Communities over the last 10 years! David Allinson Langford Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Mon. May 11 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 07:06:17 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * May 8, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Mon. May 11, 7:00am update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Announcement Feature Birds SANDHILL CRANE VAUXS SWIFT Sunday May 10 A SANDHILL CRANE was seen at a townhouse complex off Fir Tree Glen which is at eastern border of Rithets Bog. Sat. May 9 2 VAUXS SWIFTS, 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, 6 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and 4 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. McDonald. VAUX SWIFT, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGERS were seen off Thomson Place and Newton Heights. Fri. May 8 A NORTHERBN GOSHAWK was seen off Blue Valley Road in the Highlands. 5 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were seen at Blenkinsop Lk, 4 were seen at the north end of the bridge. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was heard singing at Viaduct Flats along the north/south trail near Camosun College. A WARBLING VIREO was reported from Pike Lake. Thurs. May 7 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Also there a PEREGRINE FALCON. 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were seen on the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. WED. May 6 A SWAINSONS THRUSH the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen in Logan park in Saanich. 28 WIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Tues. May 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Out of town a INDIGO BUNTING was seen along the path to Florencia Bay in Pacific Rim National Park Mon. May 4 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. Sun. May 3 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Wittys Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. There was 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 4 WHIMBREL seen on the beach side. A male LAZUILI BUNTING the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Tower Point just north of the main viewing area at the point.` A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen around the lollipop boardwalk near the Nature House at Swan Lake. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER were seen on Observatory Hill. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen on the west side of Mt Douglas. Sat. May 2 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Witty's Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. A WILLET was seen with 4 Whimbrel on the beach. Also there 26 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER. A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake along the floating boardwalk, also there a SORA. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen from a trail off Glinz Lake Rd. in Sooke. Also there 2 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and a HUTTONS VIREO. A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at feeder opposite Quicks Bottom. 20 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Fri. May 1 An RBA for a WILLET seen at Wittys Lagoon off Tower Point, it was seen on the Wittys Lagoon side of Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen off Cabin Point in East Sooke Park. Also in East Sooke Park the first WARBLING VIREO for the Victoria Checklist this year was seen at Aylard Farm, 4 MARBLED MURELETS were seen off Cabin Point, 1 VAUX"S SWIFT off Babington Hill 2 WESTERN TANAGERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 CINNAMON TEALS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Swan Lake. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point Thurs. April 30 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Wednesday April 29 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, VAUX'S SWIFTS, TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, HOUSE WREN were seen on Mt. Douglas. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Tuesday April 28 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK and 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas. 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on MacIntyre Reservoir in Martindale. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. 62 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in the field south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. YELLOW WARBLERS and WILSONS WARBLERS have been reported from several locations throughout our area. Sunday April 26 A YELLOW WARBLER, the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. Sat. April 25 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was seen on Mt. Wells. Also there 3 SOOTY GROUSE. 48 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in a flooded field on the north side of Martindale Rd. 10 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. Friday April 24 11 Whimbrels were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Thurs. April 23 There were 4 PURPLE MARTINS at Royal Roads University at Esquimalt Lagoon. Other places to see PURPLE MARTINS in the Victoria area are: West Bay Marina in Esquimalt; Ayum Creek in Sooke; Tod Inlet in Central Saanich; Sidney Spit which is part of Gulf Islands National Pk. ; Selkirk Trestle in Victoria. Wed. April 22 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen along the power line off Stewart Mt. Rd. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mount Douglas. Also there a HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER. 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were seen along the power line off Munns Rd. Monday April 20 6 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill along the steps below the main Telescope. Also in the area a BAND-TAILED PIGEON(calling),1 CASSINS VIREO, 2 HOUSE WRENS, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and 4 TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. 7 WHIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen on the flooded fields along Martindale Rd Sunday April 19 A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Viaduct Flats. 2 CASPIAN TERNS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon, also there 10 WESTERN SANDPIPERS A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. Also there several HERMIT THRUSHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS and a MOURNING DOVE. 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill in the area along the steps below the main Telescope. A SOOTY GROUSE was seen on Jocelyn Hill Saturday April 18 A ROCK SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit Three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas, Two near the top and one near Blenkinsop Rd. Two PURPLE MARTINS were seen off the Sidney Waterfront Friday April 17 A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Clover Point. It was seen between the boathouse and the point. Thursday April 16 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at 92 Moss St. A PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, the first of the year for the checklist, was heard along Ivor Rd. in Saanich. Monday April 13 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Saturday April 11 A HOUSE WREN , the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at top of Observatory Hill. A CLIFF SWALLOW, the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at Viaduct Flats. Also there NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Friday April 17 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells A Swamp Sparrow was seen at west end of the Birders Loop trail at Viaduct Flats. Wednesday April 8 Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS the first of the year were seen at Swan Lake. Four TOWNSENDS WARBLERS were seen on Mt. Wells, also there 2 SOOTY GROUSE. An OSPREY was on its nest at Collwood Corners. A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. A Sora was heard at Rithet's Bog Tuesday April 7 A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen on the Michell farm off Island View Rd. It was seen on the east side of the hill in the orchard and the strawberry field. Also there two CHIPPING SPARROWS, the first of the year for the checklist area An OSPREY was seen on Saanichton Spit Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: Nanaimo,Vancouver Island-- bird alert--May 10, 2009, From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 10 May 2009 23:07:26 -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 May 10, 2009: The Sunday Bird Walk went to Legacy Marsh in upper Lantzville. The morning was sunny and warm. Twenty-two birders saw and heard fifty species of birds. Highlights of the morning included the sighting of a Barn Swallow, Warbling Vireo, Orange-crown Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hammond's Flycatcher and Pacific-slope Flycatchers. Twenty-two birders heard and saw the following fifty-one species of birds: Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Canada Goose, Mallard, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, Band-tailed Pigeon, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Common Raven, Northwestern Crow, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Marsh Wren, Violet-green Swallow, Barn Swallow, Vaux's Swift, Bushtit, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, California Quail, Varied Thrush, American Robin, European Starling, Warbling Vireo, Orange-crown Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hammond's Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, White-crowned Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Western Tanager, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Black-headed Grosbeak, House Finch, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, Purple Finch and House Sparrow. Saturday May 09: Several Whimbrel were spotted at the tideline, feeding as the tide was coming in, at Nanoose Bay. Red Crossbills were seen at garden feeders just north of the Little Qualicum River north of Qualicum Beach. Thursday May 07: Two Caspian Terns were spotted flying over Cowichan Bay. A pair of Mallards are visiting feeders in the 5500 block of Ventura Drive in Nanaimo. Wednesday May 06: A Varied Thrush was spotted at the Pryde Vista Golf Course in Nanaimo. A Hermit Thrush was seen forging around a backyard along Honeysuckle Terrace near the Hospital in Nanaimo. A Ruddy Turnstone and three Semipalmated Plovers were seen at Columbia Beach, on the gravel bar across from the Pebble Beach townhouses. Tuesday May 05: The Tuesday bird walk went to Springwood Park in Parksville. The morning started out with rain and actually turned quite nice about half way through the morning. The highlights included the sighting of a Black-throated Gray Warbler. We had followed the singing of it for about an hour until we were rewarded with the sight of it quite low in the bushes for us to have some great looks. A Purple Finch put on a spectacular courting display for us as he tried to impress a female Purple Finch at the top of a snag. His wings quickly fluttering and the feathers on his head were all puffed out. Obviously he was impressive to her--at the end of the display they went beak to beak, hovering above the snag! He certainly impressed us, as well, with his display. Six birders saw and heard the following twenty-eight species of birds: Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, California Quail, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Rufous Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Hutton's Vireo, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, European Starling, Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Purple Finch, Red Crossbill, Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch. Two Caspian Terns were seen roosting on a gravel bar along with eleven Black Oystercatchers, eight California Gulls, four Mew Gulls and a Ring-billed Gull at Columbia Beach. Over 200 Bonaparte's Gulls were seen in the small bay to the right of the parking area at the marina at French Creek. Monday May 04: Fifteen America Goldfinch, twelve Pine Siskins, one Mourning Dove, eight Band-tailed Pigeons, one Lincoln's Sparrow, one Gold-crowned Sparrow, one White-crowned Sparrow, one Spotted Towhee, two Northern Flickers, two Pileated Woodpecker, one Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brewer's Blackbirds and a Sharp-shinned Hawk were seen in a yard in the 100 block of Meridian Way in Parksville. Sunday May 03: Two male Blue-winged Teal were seen on the mud flats at San Pareil side of the Englishman Estuary in Parksville. 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 Thursday May 14, 2009 AT 7:00 pm Guest speaker Tony Ransom will give a slide presentation of his recent trip to the Galapagos Islands. Nanoose Library, Nanoose Bay ********************************** Arrowsmith Naturalists Monday May 25, 2009 AT 7:30 pm. Guest Speaker Cam Finlay, biologist, coordinator of humming bird banders, will share his research into Rufous and Anna's Hummingbirds of Vancouver Island. 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 May 12, 2009 will be going to the Beaver Ponds in Nanoose Bay. Meet at the Parksville Beach Community Park near the parking area at the Lion's Playground at 9:00 A.M. or at the parking area about 100 meters past the fourway stop along Powerpoint Road in Nanoose Bay ( From highway 19 turn onto Northwest Bay Road at the Petro Canada Gas Station. Turn right onto Powerpoint Road--the first right turn after crossing the second set of railway tracks on Northwest Bay Road) Follow Powerpoint Road to the four way stop. Proceed about 100 meters and turn left into the parking area at the spit rail fence. We will meet there at about 9:20 a.m. Please call the store at 250-390-3669 for the location of the Tuesday Birdwalk on May 19. ******************************************************* There will be no Sunday Bird Walk on May 17. Call the store at 250-390-3669 re the May 24 Sunday bird walk. ******************************************************* Good birding Neil Robins Nanaimo, British Columbia. Subject: Sunday bird walk, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, May 10, 2009 From: "backyard_store" <backyard_store AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 10 May 2009 22:01:55 -0000 The Sunday Bird Walk went to Legacy Marsh in upper Lantzville. The morning was sunny and warm. Twenty-two birders saw and heard fifty species of birds. Highlights of the morning included the sighting of a Barn Swallow, Warbling Vireo, Orange-crown Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hammond's Flycatcher and Pacific-slope Flycatchers. Twenty-two birders heard and saw the following fifty-one species of birds: Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Canada Goose, Mallard, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, Band-tailed Pigeon, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Common Raven, Northwestern Crow, Bewick's Wren, Winter Wren, Marsh Wren, Violet-green Swallow, Barn Swallow, Vaux's Swift, Bushtit, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, California Quail, Varied Thrush, American Robin, European Starling, Warbling Vireo, Orange-crown Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hammond's Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, White-crowned Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Western Tanager, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Black-headed Grosbeak, House Finch, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, Purple Finch and House Sparrow. Subject: Make your vote count for seabirds! From: "Christopher Stephens" <mnc.stephens AT shaw.ca> Date: Sat, 09 May 2009 03:27:01 -0000 The BC Liberals want to open the Strait of Georgia and the rest of the BC coast to oil rigs, seabed drilling and oil tankers by lifting the ban on oil coastal oil development on the BC coast that has been in place for 30 years. This would be a catastrophe, and an accident (which is very likely) would prove disastrous for our marine birds and other wildlife. An accident in the wrong place could cause the extinction of the Cassin's Auklet and other highly localized species. Oil spills are inevitable, and nothing is worth this risk. Oil exploration would also result in damage to the swim bladders of fish, and serious disturbances to marine life, already under stress. Imagine for example the effect on the Brant if oil washed up in Parksville Bay in April. The Liberals are willing to take these huge risks because they simply do not care about our environment, having cut funding and weakened environmental legislation to make way for corporate interests. The NDP are strongly opposed to this, and will maintain the moratorium if they are elected. The Green Party doesn't have a real chance of winning, but it's a close race between the Liberals and the NDP, who will stop this impending disaster if they win. Therefore, I would advise that you vote strategically. Its the only way to save our seabirds Christopher Stephens, Parksville, BC Subject: Make your Vote Count for seabirds From: "Christopher Stephens" <mnc.stephens AT shaw.ca> Date: Sat, 09 May 2009 03:10:39 -0000 The BC Liberals want to open the Strait of Georgia and the rest of the BC coast to oil rigs, seabed drilling and oil tankers by lifting the ban on oil coastal oil development on the BC coast that has been in place for 30 years. This would be a catastrophe, and an accident (which is very likely) would prove disastrous for our marine birds and other wildlife. An accident in the wrong place could cause the extinction of the Cassin's Auklet and other highly localized species. Oil spills are inevitable, and nothing is worth this risk. Oil exploration would also result in damage to the swim bladders of fish, and serious disturbances to marine life, already under stress. Imagine for example the effect on the Brant. The NDP are strongly opposed to this, and maintain the moratorium if they are elected. The Green Party doesn't have a real chance of winning, but its a close race between the Liberals and the NDP, who will stop this impending disaster if they win. Therefore, I would advise that you vote strategically. Its the only way to save our seabirds Christopher Stephens, Parksville, BC Subject: RBA Victoria, BC Fri. May 8 2009 From: "Rick Schortinghuis" <shylo AT islandnet.com> Date: Fri, 8 May 2009 18:20:12 -0700 - RBA * British Columbia * Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Is. * May 8, 2009 * BCVI090312 - Transcript This is the Victoria Natural History Society's Bird Alert for Fri. May 8, 6:00pm update. Compiled and Transcribed by Rick Schortinghuis. Announcement The VNHS Sat. Birding Group will be going on the trip scheduled in the Victoria Naturalist Magazine.(Esquimalt Lagoon/Royal Roads).This will be a 4-5 hour walk, bring a lunch. In the past Ann Nightingale , the leader, has had up to 76 species seen for the morning walk. Meet at the south end of Esquimalt Lagoon by the washrooms at 7:30am. Everyone is welcome!! Feature Birds BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK GLAUCOUS GULL NORTHERN GOSHAWK PEREGRINE FALCON Fri. May 8 A NORTHERBN GOSHAWK was seen off Blue Valley Road in the Highlands. 5 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were seen at Blenkinsop Lk, 4 were seen at the north end of the bridge. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was heard singing at Viaduct Flats along the north/south trail near Camosun College. A WARBLING VIREO was reported from Pike Lake. Thurs. May 7 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Also there a PEREGRINE FALCON. 28 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were seen on the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. WED. May 6 A SWAINSONS THRUSH the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen in Logan park in Saanich. 28 WIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Tues. May 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. Out of town a INDIGO BUNTING was seen along the path to Florencia Bay in Pacific Rim National Park Mon. May 4 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. Sun. May 3 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Wittys Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. There was 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 4 WHIMBREL seen on the beach side. A male LAZUILI BUNTING the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen at Tower Point just north of the main viewing area at the point.` A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Mt Tolmie near the top. A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen around the lollipop boardwalk near the Nature House at Swan Lake. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER were seen on Observatory Hill. A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen on the west side of Mt Douglas. Sat. May 2 RBA for a NASHVILLE WARBLER seen at Witty's Lagoon. It was seen near the BIG Garry Oak tree on your left as you get near the beach. A WILLET was seen with 4 Whimbrel on the beach. Also there 26 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER. A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Swan Lake along the floating boardwalk, also there a SORA. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen from a trail off Glinz Lake Rd. in Sooke. Also there 2 HAMMONDS FLYCATCHERS and a HUTTONS VIREO. A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at feeder opposite Quicks Bottom. 20 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Fri. May 1 An RBA for a WILLET seen at Wittys Lagoon off Tower Point, it was seen on the Wittys Lagoon side of Tower Point. 3 WANDERING TATTLERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen off Cabin Point in East Sooke Park. Also in East Sooke Park the first WARBLING VIREO for the Victoria Checklist this year was seen at Aylard Farm, 4 MARBLED MURELETS were seen off Cabin Point, 1 VAUX"S SWIFT off Babington Hill 2 WESTERN TANAGERS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen on Mt. Tolmie. 2 CINNAMON TEALS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Swan Lake. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point Thurs. April 30 A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Wednesday April 29 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, VAUX'S SWIFTS, TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE, HOUSE WREN were seen on Mt. Douglas. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at Clover Point. Tuesday April 28 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK and 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas. 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on MacIntyre Reservoir in Martindale. A second year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Point. 62 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in the field south of the boat launch at Island View Beach. YELLOW WARBLERS and WILSONS WARBLERS have been reported from several locations throughout our area. Sunday April 26 A YELLOW WARBLER, the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen at Somenos Marsh in Duncan. Sat. April 25 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER was seen on Mt. Wells. Also there 3 SOOTY GROUSE. 48 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen in a flooded field on the north side of Martindale Rd. 10 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. Friday April 24 11 Whimbrels were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. Thurs. April 23 There were 4 PURPLE MARTINS at Royal Roads University at Esquimalt Lagoon. Other places to see PURPLE MARTINS in the Victoria area are: West Bay Marina in Esquimalt; Ayum Creek in Sooke; Tod Inlet in Central Saanich; Sidney Spit which is part of Gulf Islands National Pk. ; Selkirk Trestle in Victoria. Wed. April 22 A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria Checklist was seen along the power line off Stewart Mt. Rd. 2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon. 3 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mount Douglas. Also there a HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER. 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were seen along the power line off Munns Rd. Monday April 20 6 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill along the steps below the main Telescope. Also in the area a BAND-TAILED PIGEON(calling),1 CASSINS VIREO, 2 HOUSE WRENS, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and 4 TOWNSENDS WARBLERS. 7 WHIMBREL were seen on the Victoria Golf Course. 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen on the flooded fields along Martindale Rd Sunday April 19 A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over Viaduct Flats. 2 CASPIAN TERNS the first of the year for the Victoria checklist were seen at Esquimalt Lagoon, also there 10 WESTERN SANDPIPERS A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER the first of the year for the Victoria checklist was seen on Mt. Tolmie. Also there several HERMIT THRUSHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS and a MOURNING DOVE. 2 TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Observatory Hill in the area along the steps below the main Telescope. A SOOTY GROUSE was seen on Jocelyn Hill Saturday April 18 A ROCK SANDPIPER was seen at Wiffin Spit Three TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRES were seen on Mt. Douglas, Two near the top and one near Blenkinsop Rd. Two PURPLE MARTINS were seen off the Sidney Waterfront Friday April 17 A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Clover Point. It was seen between the boathouse and the point. Thursday April 16 2 BULLOCKS ORIOLES were seen at 92 Moss St. A PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, the first of the year for the checklist, was heard along Ivor Rd. in Saanich. Monday April 13 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells. Saturday April 11 A HOUSE WREN , the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at top of Observatory Hill. A CLIFF SWALLOW, the first of the year for the checklist, was seen at Viaduct Flats. Also there NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, TREE, BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Friday April 17 Two SOOTY GROUSE were seen on Mt. Wells A Swamp Sparrow was seen at west end of the Birders Loop trail at Viaduct Flats. Wednesday April 8 Two COMMON YELLOWTHROATS the first of the year were seen at Swan Lake. Four TOWNSENDS WARBLERS were seen on Mt. Wells, also there 2 SOOTY GROUSE. An OSPREY was on its nest at Collwood Corners. A first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Clover Pt. A Sora was heard at Rithet's Bog Tuesday April 7 A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen on the Michell farm off Island View Rd. It was seen on the east side of the hill in the orchard and the strawberry field. Also there two CHIPPING SPARROWS, the first of the year for the checklist area An OSPREY was seen on Saanichton Spit Rick Schortinghuis Victoria, BC Subject: Re: Red Crossbills From: "Bashir El-Khalafawi" <bashir AT pdit.ca> Date: Thu, 07 May 2009 18:27:36 -0000 Hi Neil; For the past week we had what appears to be family or small flock of 9 Crossbills at our feeder. I have taken some photos but could not get all of them in one shot. Bashir El-Khalafawi Columbia Beach, Parksville --- In bcbirdingvanisland AT yahoogroups.com, "canadianrobin2003" wrote: > > Hi birders, > > We heard a flock of Red Crossbills along Despard Avenue yesterday. > Today we had one male and three female Red Crossbills at our feeders in the 100 block of Mederian Way in Parksville. Great to have them in the backyard!! > > Good birding > Neil Robins > Parksville > British Columbia > Subject: Red Crossbills From: "canadianrobin2003" <nmrobins AT telus.net> Date: Thu, 07 May 2009 18:12:06 -0000 Hi birders, We heard a flock of Red Crossbills along Despard Avenue yesterday. Today we had one male and three female Red Crossbills at our feeders in the 100 block of Mederian Way in Parksville. Great to have them in the backyard!! Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia