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Post by Chris on Jun 7, 2010 8:46:54 GMT -8
Quick note. A Chestnut-collared Longspur was seen last night and this morning on the north side of Hope Airport. It is in the gravel near the red and white antenna on the north side of the Airport. Good luck to those who try and locate the bird!
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Post by Gord on Jun 7, 2010 10:50:39 GMT -8
Apparently it has been seen all morning. Congrats to all who have seen it.
Ive talked to the lady who runs the Hope Airport to explain what is going on. Sounds like plenty of people are looking at it as she said she was wondering what was so interesting at the northwest end of the airport.
I assured her that roadways will be kept clear and that the airport, which is fully functioning as such, wont have any bird watchers walking around on it.
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Post by Chris on Jun 7, 2010 10:55:06 GMT -8
i'm leaving hope now and the longspur is still at the same spot. psoted this with my phone so hopefully it works.
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Post by Chris on Jun 7, 2010 12:25:39 GMT -8
I was lucky today because I'm usually busy Monday mornings, but today I was free from commitments for the whole day. I had originally planned a trip around the Princeton area but the weather looked questionable so I will leave that for another day when the weather is better. As I was driving out to Hope, it was pouring in most areas, so I wondered if the bird would be out in view. This is the first 'rare' bird that I have chased so it was kind of exciting for me. As I got to Hope Airport I saw a number of people with scopes where the bird was seen. I parked my car and got quick views of it then it flew off. It flys away if a car passes and then will come back to the gravel patch. It likes to hang out in the taller grass that is present there, so it can be hard to see. It was nice to meet other birders who aren't from our area as well. I observed it for about 20-30 minutes then it started to rain. I did manage some decent shots of it when it landed on the fence.  A lifer for me and a bird I wasn't expecting to see at all unless of course I travelled through Alberta or Saskatchewan. I checked on the internet to see how many other records there are and there are about a dozen records of Chesnut-collared Longspurs in B.C. Hope is such a great area for migrating birds. It's nice to see other people are getting it as well. Back to homework. Chris |
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Post by Gord on Jun 7, 2010 16:15:51 GMT -8
Chris, glad you saw it. Nice posting job from in the field too. Managed to manipulate the early afternoon for a look with the boys (littlebirdwatcher included!) We stopped and enjoyed watching a plane pulling a glider take off. I saw a fellow with a weed eater just finishing up so between the noise was a little apprehensive if 'the bird' would be there. There was plenty of other activity in terms of sparrows, goldfinches and swallows so we figured why would the longspur care either. However, it was there as we walked along. Something must have flushed it (we were a bit back and had not yet seen it) as I heard flight calls that were similar to a Lapland Longspur but not such Ive ever heard before. We spotted it flying by and it landed again. Neat bird and obviously new for me.   It was quite jumpy. When a car passed or the person doing carpentry across the road made an especially loud noise it would jump. It flew around several times but always returned.   We also enjoyed watching American Goldfinches bathing (didnt think to try for a picture until too late!) and lots of activity including Turkey Vultures flying over. After, we went for a closer look at the planes. On the way out, checked on the Yellow-breasted Chat that's hanging in. Amazing birds with how they look and their neat songs.   Quick stop at Cheam Lake to show the boys the Grey Catbird. Actually, told them we'd be lucky if we see it and had to hope it was singing. But, it was doing both! They liked the "meow" it made now and then. Good to get out let me tell you!  |
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Post by Dave on Jun 7, 2010 20:00:14 GMT -8
Congrats on a great bird! Nice pictures too! Glad to hear several were able to see the bird. I might have time late tomorrow to try. I'll have to see how the day goes.
Dave
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Post by Chris on Jun 7, 2010 21:21:17 GMT -8
Gord, fantastic pictures! The Chat seems to be hanging around for a while.
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Post by Wetlander on Jun 8, 2010 9:59:37 GMT -8
Tryed this morning before work, but no luck and not enough time to wait. Did find the Chat...
Maybe try after work if anyone else sees the longspur today. Wasn't there one in Stanley Park this past winter?
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Post by Chris on Jun 8, 2010 12:39:52 GMT -8
since this worked yesterday ill post this. im on my way to manning and popped in at hope. the chat was singing away. i did not see the longspur though
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Post by Gord on Jun 8, 2010 20:11:22 GMT -8
Sounds like it might have moved on, or has found a new place it likes near by. Nice that the chat is still there. One has to wonder if it's considering nesting or is just a single male waiting for a female. That tree cutting should be put on hold if at all possible. Kev, too bad you didnt see it.  The other bunting you are thinking of was a McCown's Longspur. I recall it behaved similarly hanging pretty tight in the same area despite it being close to vehicles and walking traffic. Mind you, the busiest Hope Airport gets pales in comparison to Stanley Park! |
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Post by Chris on Jun 8, 2010 20:54:01 GMT -8
I was thinking about the tree cutting as well. The Chat is a red listed species in B.C. and it would be a shame to see it's nest destroyed.
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Post by butterfly on Jun 12, 2010 20:01:10 GMT -8
Super photos of both the Longspur and Chat!
It was great to run into Chris during our Longspur hunt. Nice to see that posting to the forum from your phone works so well!
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The other bunting you are thinking of was a McCown's Longspur. I recall it behaved similarly hanging pretty tight in the same area despite it being close to vehicles and walking traffic. Mind you, the busiest Hope Airport gets pales in comparison to Stanley Park!