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Post by murraybrown on Nov 18, 2011 15:01:32 GMT -8
For those who don't follow some of the out of town birding sites, you may want to know that a male Painted Bunting was seen and photographed at an undisclosed West Vancouver bird feeder.
Since the first report, the bird was chased into a window by an Anna's Hummingbird and was then taken inside, determined to be okay, and then released.
Just goes to show that we never know what may turn up next, whether at our feeders or while out "just lookin for birds"
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Post by Randy on Nov 18, 2011 15:08:30 GMT -8
What an exciting find! I've spent a considerable amount of time in Florida and this is a bird that has eluded me.
Thanks for the heads up!
Randy
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Post by Dave on Nov 18, 2011 15:49:13 GMT -8
Thanks for sharing the info, Murray. I just filled the feeders up  |
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Post by davidandkaren on Nov 18, 2011 17:34:06 GMT -8
Wow - that has to be an escaped pet. Best of luck to it this winter.
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Post by murraybrown on Nov 19, 2011 11:45:47 GMT -8
David and Karen, there is always the possibility that such a glorious bird could be an escapee, but there have been several of these birds seen in the Washington/B.C. area over the years. Usually the captive birds are carrying a band of some type and to my knowledge this one does not.
A female was coming to a feeder on Vancouver Island three or four years ago, and being such a drab bird it's highly unlikely that anyone would want a cage bird like that. So it seems that they do wander.
An update suggests that the bird made a full recovery and continues to come to the feeder. Stay tuned!
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Post by birdtrekkerbc on Nov 20, 2011 9:37:43 GMT -8
It's not believed to be an escaped bird. This is in fact only the fouth confirmed record of a Painted Bunting in BC. A great bird indeed for the province and my own backyard here in West Van. I can confirm it's not eating at my feeders, but I have them full. One can hope  |
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Post by murraybrown on Nov 20, 2011 17:15:40 GMT -8
I was lucky enough to be able to see the bird this afternoon around 2:00 pm. The owner, Ann, has agreed to let people come to her property to see the bird as long as they phone first. When I spoke to her today, she said it would be okay to give out her number as it has been previously published on other sites. She very generously feels that this bird is too good not to share. I agree.
The number is: 604-925-1690
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Post by Dave on Nov 20, 2011 21:24:46 GMT -8
Glad to hear you saw the bird, Murray, and that Ann is still welcoming birders  . Maybe I should have visited yesterday..... |
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Post by Chris on Nov 20, 2011 22:29:30 GMT -8
Murray, is that a new one for your BC list or have you seen one before?
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Post by murraybrown on Nov 22, 2011 21:21:13 GMT -8
Dave and Chris, I thought I had answered your comments but I see now that for some reason my post didn't make it.
Dave, from what I know, the bird is still being seen so it might still be possible to see it after all.
Chris, that bird was a lifer for me so it goes on all three life lists: B.C., Canada, and North America.
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Post by Gord on Nov 22, 2011 22:21:52 GMT -8
Murray, thanks for letting us know and congrats on your new addition! What a cool little bird to have in one's backyard! Happy it survived its bump into the window too. Proof that window strikes are survivable.
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Post by murraybrown on Nov 23, 2011 9:59:27 GMT -8
Guys, further to this thread, I see where a Summer Tanager is visiting a suet feeder in the Parksville area. This is a species that I believe Gord spotted at Island 22 fairly recently.
It's my feeling that these rarities have always been around but now with the advent of good field guides, optical equipment, and an increased interest, they are being discovered. I wonder what's next?
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Post by Gord on Nov 23, 2011 10:35:24 GMT -8
Murray, that's another incredible bird! I agree that more rare birds are around than we know (or ever will fully know) because it's easy to walk right by one if it happens to be on the other side of a tree trunk, in somebody's backyard or otherwise out of view. It's just the nature of birds. More people looking and improved documentary ability with digital cameras sure increases encounters and documentation. Sites like ours also gets people looking and sharing too. As for the Island 22 tanager you mention, reflecting back I suspect it was one but I am personally a little over-cautious when it comes to these matters and have never said 100% that it was only because I realized later what it probably was and not while I was looking at the bird which would have allowed me to confirm it firsthand. If I had only did what I affectionaly term the 'Tom Beeke' and snapped a couple pictures (even from long-distance) this story might have ended differently. (Tom is good at snapping a quick photo so if the bird leaves, he has something to to back on...Im still learning this skill) Anyway, for those not knowing the story, it's a good story and can be found at the link. bcbirding.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=rarebirds&action=display&thread=2258 |
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Post by Gord on Nov 25, 2011 23:25:35 GMT -8
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Post by kenpossum on Nov 25, 2011 23:36:33 GMT -8
Fantastic shots Murray!
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. Maybe I should have visited yesterday.....
