|
Post by Chris on Oct 21, 2012 17:19:07 GMT -8
During my afternoon walk at Island 22 I noticed a bird that flew up into a tree. It was hard to tell what it was because it was behind some leaves. It was moving slowly in the tree, so I thought Vireo, and I was right. I thought about Philly, but determined it was a Warbling Vireo after getting decent looks at it. No picture unfortunately. This is was in the southwest portion of the equestrian area. Quite late for this species in our region. I walked along the south fence and came to an area which has a small pond. After a few minutes I noticed a bird bathing in the water, I thought "Blackbird, excellent chance it is a Rusty!". Turned out there were two of them. First record of one since 2010 in our region. I saw them around 5:00. Best picture with the two of them One flew into a tree close by Feeding again New species for me and it has been one I have been looking for. Always nice to see it in an area you regularly visit. If anyone is interested just go to the southwest area of the equestrian area and walk along the fence. Just look south and there is a small pond that is just outside the park. And for the record, they did fly into the park. One stayed for about a minute.
|
|
|
Post by josterhold on Oct 21, 2012 19:44:04 GMT -8
Great birds, Chris. Jason
|
|
|
Post by Gord on Oct 21, 2012 20:46:51 GMT -8
Chris, excellent find! I was waiting in anticipation for another text message to follow the one about a vireo sighted to confirm a Philly. Nice blackbirds; exactly the same place as the ones in 2007 at Island 22. I was hoping to see some today but no luck. I bet tomorrow my luck will change!
|
|
|
Post by dpeppar on Oct 22, 2012 16:08:47 GMT -8
Chris nice job on the two pictures which show the bird clearly. Question: Is the eye the main reason this is not a female Brewers?
DaveP
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Oct 22, 2012 19:01:21 GMT -8
Dave, the eye is the main reason to differentiate between female Brewer's and Rusty. However, with males the colour of the eye doesn't work. Immature male Brewer's Blackbirds look very similar to male Rusty Blackbirds. Rusty's have a bigger bill and a lot more rust colouration. Brewer's will never rust on their wing coverts.
|
|
|
Post by Gord on Oct 22, 2012 22:02:25 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by dpeppar on Oct 22, 2012 22:07:35 GMT -8
Thanks Chris....I will try to see them tomorrow......nice Kinglet Gord.
DaveP
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Oct 23, 2012 18:28:05 GMT -8
Great stuff. I would like to get a chance at those Rusty Blackbirds. Please keep us informed if they stay around. I may have time later in the week to try.
Dave
|
|
|
Post by Gord on Oct 23, 2012 19:37:59 GMT -8
Dave, they were there again today at the 'Triangle' which is the place we say will get a Northern Waterthrush one day.
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Oct 23, 2012 19:46:19 GMT -8
Nice to see these two are sticking around.
Gord, nice Kinglet!
|
|
|
Post by dpeppar on Oct 24, 2012 8:01:35 GMT -8
Not sure where the triangle is but I spent a couple of hours there yesterday in light rain and nothing was around....may try again......DaveP
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Oct 24, 2012 17:18:54 GMT -8
Dave, it's somewhat hard to explain but if you are on the dyke right at the boat launch, walk straight(south) into the equestrian area until you reach the park boundary the fence. Then walk west along the fence. You will reach an area where the vegetation is close on both the park side. Also, look for a swampy area just outside of the park on the other side of the fence. It's probably about 100 metres west once you begin walking along the fence. Here is a map as well. The square is the boat launch and the line is where you want to walk. The circle is where the birds are. Hopefuly I haven't confused you more. Any questions let me know.
|
|
|
Post by Gord on Oct 24, 2012 21:24:39 GMT -8
A quick look late this afternoon produced no Rusty Blackbirds. It was pretty quiet there though. Havnt heard or seen a Yellow-rumped Warbler all week. Amazing how quickly they go! The times Ive seen them they seem to be loosely associating with the robins. Yesterday they were even in the hawthorn tree briefly sampling some of the berries.
|
|
|
Post by kestrel on Oct 24, 2012 21:26:19 GMT -8
Nice shots and find guys!
|
|
|
Post by Gord on Oct 24, 2012 21:44:53 GMT -8
For my minor part in it, thanks, Joel!
And I should clarify I meant the blackbirds being with the robins and eating the berries. Sort of mixed things up throwing a comment about warblers in the middle.
Also, parking fees are not being collected at the park for the rest of the fall and winter at Island 22
|
|