N. Rough-winged Swallow and Swamp Sparrow Nov 22

[Gord]

Early afternoon I had a spare few minutes at Seabird Island just east of Agassiz and drove Chaplin Road to see the Oregon Spotted Frog recovery site.

Here there was a nice Merlin being scolded by a variety of birds including a Swamp Sparrow among the grass. It has been a good fall for this species as I think this is the third one I have encountered. A Marsh Wren was also here.

A little bit further along the road I saw a bird on the wires that looked very much like a swallow, but I could tell that if it is indeed a swallow, it isn't a Barn Swallow which is the usual (but very rare) suspect for this time of year. With eager anticipation (just over a week ago I was looking at a Cave Swallow...just to give some perspective) I got a better look and saw a young Northern Rough-winged Swallow. This is the first time Ive seen one of these guys beyond September. It flew around several times hunting insects that I could see flying around.



A very birdy area along a very nice quiet road. I recorded 28 species in the short time I was there.

[josterhold]

Incredible! A very bizarre late fall for swallows.

[murraybrown]

Those are super finds Gord. You sure have the knack for finding them.

[Chris]

Nicely done Gord.

Very good fall for Swamp Sparrows. Will have to checkout that area in the near future.

[Gord]

The Rough-winged Swallow was there again today looking quite chipper despite the rain.

There were also two Redheads in Maria Slough close to the highway as well.