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Post by Chris on Nov 5, 2010 16:26:13 GMT -8
Around 4:15 I got a text from Gord saying that one of his co-workers had a Northern Mockingbird at Island 22 near the boat launch. I was just out there and I didn't see it, but I live very close to Island 22. As a result, I figured it would be worth it to see if I could see it. I walked passed the boat launch but I didn't see anything. I turned around and all of a sudden I saw a bird fly onto a sign. I noticed that it had white wing bars. I immediately started taking pictures and here is the best one. From the sign it flew into three smaller coniferous trees that are right beside the road travelling into the boat launch. It looks like it might stay there overnight. Due to the weather, I wouldn't be surprised to see it hang around tomorrow as well. New bird for me!  |
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Post by kestrel on Nov 5, 2010 20:01:23 GMT -8
That's awesome! Maybe you'll hear it mimic some of the local birds in the area.
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Post by Gord on Nov 5, 2010 20:10:32 GMT -8
Chris, glad you got to see it! Congrats on a new one for you. Here's how things transpired prior to the above. One of my esteemed colleagues returned from Island 22 and sent me two pictures of a bird he saw. He said it reminded him of a Northern Shrike (rightfully so, their plumage is quite similar) but something did not seem right. He's been around me enough that he looks at the birds and has a natural eye for them anyway. He was right on again as I was happy to announce it was a Northern Mockingbird. The pictures. It was right on the dyke when he saw it! It does not get much easier than that.   I went out for a few minutes but it was not seen. It was probably taking a break or something as Chris found it not long after as it came out again. This is our second sighting for our area of a species that belongs well to the south of us and actually only is regular in Canada in the very south of the far east Provinces. Tomorrow morning is a good day as Im in the area and will poke around to see if I can see it. Update pending. |
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Post by Chris on Nov 5, 2010 22:19:03 GMT -8
Kestrel, if this individual stays here long enough who knows it might start to mimic our local birds. During my homework break this evening I was reading about Mockingbirds and they have been known to mimic car alarms!
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Post by Chris on Nov 6, 2010 16:55:38 GMT -8
I was out at Island 22 about an hour ago to see if I could see it and for a walk. Coming back from my short walk I saw it in the parking lot next to the boat launch. A Red-tailed Hawk looked like he was eyeing it as he was perched on one of the small coniferous trees nearby. The hawk flew away as I got closer. I did get a better picture of the Mockingbird. I was looking at my pictures when I got home and I only managed one decent picture out of twelve of the Mockingbird. Apparently doing too much Chemistry homework results in a decreased ability to focus a camera. Here is a better shot of the bird compared to yesterdays picture. I don't know what it is but it reminds me of a smaller version of a Magpie.  |
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Post by butterfly on Nov 6, 2010 19:33:57 GMT -8
Good work, Chris. Super that you got two photos!!! Nice report on Island 22 as well in the local birding reports.
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Post by Gord on Nov 6, 2010 22:58:06 GMT -8
Managed to sneak out to have a look with the family around midday. Birding was not on the agenda so I wanted to keep it short and sweet out of courtesy and to ensure little detours continue in the future (one hand washes the other ya know!) Len was already there and was watching the bird near its usual location at the boat launch entrance. We went for a quick walk and got some photos. As I was getting back into the car, it landed very close to me! A fantastic bird. Len, good to see you today. Chris, glad you're keeping tabs on it! It will be fun to see how long it sticks around. Tomorrow is out for me with Sunday and the usual family committments but Ill be back in the week. Some photos I was able to get.      |
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Post by oldfulica on Nov 7, 2010 7:07:28 GMT -8
Nice pix Gord considering you were rushing to keep the family happy  Isn't that tail in rough shape? Looks like it was dipping it in something sticky. Of course it had been raining so maybe it's just wet. |
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Post by butterfly on Nov 7, 2010 19:34:03 GMT -8
Super photos Gord!!!
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Post by Chris on Nov 7, 2010 22:23:53 GMT -8
Gord, that second to last picture is fantastic!
I was going to check if the bird was still there today, and to do a small walk, but even though I 'gained' an hour today, I couldn't get out there. I'm curious to see how long this one stays.
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Post by Chris on Nov 8, 2010 11:35:59 GMT -8
The mockingbird was seen again at the boat launch this morning.
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Post by Dave on Nov 8, 2010 19:02:43 GMT -8
Thanks for the update, Chris. Nice pictures all! I have yet to see the bird. It will be tough for me to get away from work during daylight hours with the time change!
Lots of good birds around these days! I heard of a Northern Parula in the Okanagan too.
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Post by Gord on Nov 8, 2010 21:54:48 GMT -8
Chris, thanks for updating. Phones with internet sure are tempting, but I think Ill avoid getting one (especially when I can get someone else to do it anyway.  ) |
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Post by Gord on Nov 9, 2010 21:41:13 GMT -8
The Northern Mockingbird was at its usual location this morning. It is very active feeding on bugs and elderberries.
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Post by Dave on Nov 9, 2010 21:51:12 GMT -8
Great to hear. Now...if it would hang out until Remembrance Day...I could get away from work and go after it.  Are mornings best?? |
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