Golden Eagle at Hope Airport

[tmanson]

Hi Fellow Fraser Valley Birders:
This afternoon I had probably my best look at a GOLDEN EAGLE, ever. It was being harrassed at the top of a 20 foot tree by some RAVENS. With my scope, I could pick out every feature. It took off, but when I turned the corner towards Bristol Island Slough, it had landed in a field about 20 feet away. This time the views were even better.
At Bristol Slough, there was a mini fallout of OLIVE SIDED FLYCATCHERS; ( about 5 or 6 ). Still lots of VAUX'S SWIFTS overhead, and about 20 AMERICAN PIPITS on the airport strip, still being chased by 3 or 4 AMERICAN KESTRELS. One MERLIN was also observed.
I later flushed a SOOTY GROUSE in my walkabout throught the woods. SAVANNAH SPARROWS are also still around. Cheers, Thor

Thor Manson
Hope, B.c.

[Gord]

Good bird, Thor! The olive-sided is also a good record. That has to be getting towards the far end of summer/fall to see them? The western kingbird was also a good sighting. Most of you already know this, but anytime from now on, any 'western kingbird' spotted should be closely inspected to make sure it isnt a tropical kingbird. (this isnt to say not to look out for them at anytime of the year, but fall/winter is when they seem to be found)

Good list. I wish I could bird the area more often as it's really a great spot.