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Post by murraybrown on Nov 12, 2012 16:26:34 GMT -8
Hi all, A first sighting ever, Cave Swallow was reported from Iona Island Regional Park in Richmond yesterday. At first it was believed to be a Cliff Swallow which is a very similar bird but one seen here on a regular basis.
As it turns out there has never been one recorded in B.C., Washington, or Oregon. They are normally found most often in New Mexico, Texas and southern Florida in the US.
I was very fortunate to see the bird this morning along with dozens of birders from far and wide.
Anyone wishing to try for this little guy should drive out to Iona Park which is almost all the way to YVR. Watch for the signs and continue to the parking area right by the washrooms. The large pond on your right at that point has a viewing platform which is one of the spots it can seen from. It is hanging out with 3 Barn Swallows but look for the one with the pale belly.
Good luck if you go!
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Post by Chris on Nov 12, 2012 21:00:52 GMT -8
Murray, glad you got to see it and add it to your BC list. Probably one species you didn't think you would add next. Hats off to the people who found it. I would not be looking for a Cave Swallow. What's interesting is, while there are no records in BC, Washington and Oregon, there are lots of records on the east coast,even as far north as Ontario. Here is an article about the east coast invasion of Cave Swallows. birdingblogs.com/2010/kennkaufman/rising-from-the-cavesCould we be seeing more of this species in the future?
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Post by oldfulica on Nov 13, 2012 18:30:02 GMT -8
With drizzling rain and a high flying bird I managed to salvage a few pictures of the Cave Swallow this morning. But then any picture of a lifer is a good picture. Cave Swallow 1 by Len Jellicoe, on Flickr Stretching for a bug; Cave Swallow 3 by Len Jellicoe, on Flickr
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Post by Gord on Nov 13, 2012 19:52:57 GMT -8
Murray and Len, great job getting it. Good shots in adverse conditions and well, Len.
Chris, enjoyed the article you provided. Makes one wonder if we could see another in coming years if trends continue.
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Post by Randy on Nov 13, 2012 21:03:29 GMT -8
I was also wondering how many have been missed, given the similarity to cliff swallows... I don't think I would have ID'd the cave swallow - I would have probably mis-ID'd it as a cliff...
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Post by Gord on Nov 14, 2012 20:51:56 GMT -8
More information and details to come on my trip report, but the Cave Swallow was seen this morning again. However, it and the Barn Swallows are spending a lot of time out over the river but did come over the ponds for a couple circles before going back to the river.
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Post by josterhold on Nov 15, 2012 1:32:27 GMT -8
Glad you saw the bird, Gord. Not one I ever thought I would see in B.C. Any luck on the Tropical Kingbird? Jason
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Post by Randy on Nov 15, 2012 17:48:54 GMT -8
Just to clarify - is the main distinguishing feature between cave and cliff swallows the pale throat?
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Post by Gord on Nov 15, 2012 22:42:32 GMT -8
Randy, the pale throat and cheek that does not really contrast with the nape is the most obvious in the field. The paleness also sort of sets off the dark cap a bit more than the Cliff Swallow whose cheeks are darker and does not have as much of a contrast. I felt the Cave Swallow was a mite smaller looking as well and it's flight a bit 'lighter' than a Cliff Swallow. Both very minor details but one that might stick out in a flock of Cliff Swallows.
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Post by Gord on Nov 16, 2012 0:16:55 GMT -8
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