Post by Gord on Sept 12, 2019 22:18:58 GMT -8
Today I found an Alder Flycatcher at Island 22 just south of the big riding ring. The call notes, a strong "PIP" is what got my attention at first and upon investigation saw a young flycatcher with buffy wingbars. Looked pretty much like a Willow as is expected but the eyering was fairly prominent and even a tad thicker behind the eye. Not like a Pacific-slope Flycatcher mind you. The bird did seem a tad brighter than the other young Willow Flycatchers I'd seen recently. All the so very subtle visual clues that suggests Alder but all the same not worth much unless the bird vocalizes. Sadly I had no camera as the bird posed nicely a couple times and a recording would have been nice to get too. My phone doesn't seem to be able to pick up birds unless they're very close. I did compare this bird to recordings on my phone and they were a good match. Later when I was able to get back again I was not able to find it but with the poor weather there's a good chance it's not flying anywhere tonight.
I also saw my first White-throated Sparrow today and the first sooty Fox Sparrows yesterday. Golden-crowned Sparrows late last week as well. There was also a Mourning Dove on the wires along the dyke which was a first for me at the park.
I also saw my first White-throated Sparrow today and the first sooty Fox Sparrows yesterday. Golden-crowned Sparrows late last week as well. There was also a Mourning Dove on the wires along the dyke which was a first for me at the park.