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Post by Wetlander on Mar 19, 2008 18:55:40 GMT -8
This morning at the end of Cutler Rd. a male Western Bluebird. ;D ;D ;D A new bird for me and a beauty. ;D The blue colour drew my eye right away as it flew up off the slough bank and into a tree. With my bins I could see the chestnut colour on the belly. Got a good look for about 90 seconds, before it flew off into some heavier shrubs and I lost it. Wasn't able to get out this afternoon, so heading out tomorrow to see if I can get a picture. P.S. Another one for the March list  How rare are these guys in the valley? |
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Post by JeffOver on Mar 19, 2008 19:05:27 GMT -8
Wow!!  ;D As far as I know, they're pretty rare! They're still on my radar anyway. That is really cool! Thanks for letting us know, and do keep us posted! ;D |
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Post by Gord on Mar 19, 2008 22:31:15 GMT -8
Hi Kevin!! Great find and good observation as well! Western Bluebirds are uncommon here. They used to be much more common years ago especially in Garry Oak ecosystems. A great addition to the list and as a good record in general. Im pleased you got good looks as well to support the record. I think Western Bluebird sightings on the coast sometimes get passed off as female Mountain Bluebirds. It might be understandable as some female Mountain Bluebirds can have a bit of a reddish wash on their bellies but all the same, people should never be too quick to dismiss an uncommon sighting. Nice work and hope you can get a photo!
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Post by josterhold on Mar 20, 2008 5:57:08 GMT -8
Hello Kevin
The Western Bluebird is definitely a rare bird in these parts now. Like Gord said they used to be fairly common years ago but I don't know when the last one was found out here in the valley. If you do see it today please post it as soon as possible, with location, as I would like to try to see one here in the valley. You could even phone me if you would like (858 8398). I was out and about yesterday morning looking for bluebirds with no luck; I happy that you were very lucky.
Thanks,
Jason
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Post by Wetlander on Mar 20, 2008 8:45:37 GMT -8
No luck this morning, will look around this afternoon. Re-checked internet images this morning re: female mountain and I think my "guy" was a western. But of course I could be wrong. Hey, if IDing was easy, everyone would be doing it!!!
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Post by josterhold on Mar 20, 2008 11:32:42 GMT -8
Hello Kevin
Thanks for the update.
Jason
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Post by Gord on Mar 21, 2008 17:25:34 GMT -8
Kevin, if you saw a very blue bird with chestnut Id say Western.
While female Mountain Bluebirds are a little bluer in the field, they look more gray, especially on the face, when you look closely. The colour some have on their breast is more of a wash and not a solid chestnut like you described.
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How rare are these guys in the valley?
;D 
