RBA: Scarlet Tanager Cheam Lake Aug 8

[Gord]

This evening while the kids were at Bible School I went again to Cheam Lake to prowl around. I went down to the first bridge at the beaver pond to check for solitary sandpipers and to just sit on the rail and see what came by. After about 10 minutes (7:20ish) I was roused from my daydreaming by a peculiar call behind me. Closest it sounded like was a western tanager call but with a sharp "CHIP" at the start (Chip-brrrit!). Something I had not heard before. I turned to locate the bird and after a few seconds, a red bird appeared on a dead branch in an opening in a cottonwood tree. The bird faced me briefly before turning and flying behind the leaves again. I did see the dark wings too but that view was just a flash between the quick look and the fact I was trying not to fall off the railing of the walkway. I couldnt believe my eyes. Made a few calls to the locals, one of whom missed my call by a few minutes as he was out for a walk himself. The bird called a few more times but I couldnt get another view until I saw it fly west parallel to the lake and trail. I scampered to catch up for a picture but could not relocate it. Again, it was somewhat windy at the park which would make a usual perching bird day a poor birding day. I submit that I could have seen this bird in a full gale and would honestly say it was a good birding day!!

Thor and another birder (sorry I didnt get a chance to meet you!) showed up right before dark to have a try.

Dave played the tanager's call note over the phone to me. Not like I had any doubts about a red bird with dark wings, but I was curious to hear what it sounded like. Bang on!! Works with the field guides' descriptions too.

I am most pleased that Jason was with me when we saw the one at Island 22 last year or I might be heading in to get evaluated (2 scarlet tanagers in two years!?!?!? ). This was a full adult and the one last year was probably a juvenile. Speaking with another birder it could be the same bird...but one could never know.

Ill be out in the morning before work for a look! I hope it's still there considering the weather's changing and it was near the end of the day.

[Gord]

I should have said "Loop Trail" where I saw it.

[Gord]

This morning myself and several birders walked the loop trail. No luck when I had to leave.

There were a couple western tanagers there. Also of note was a green heron, 3-4 black swifts, 2 solitary sandpipers flying over, and a small flock of peeps. The kingbirds were also flamboyant and active.

I hope to get back later today.

[tmanson]

Gord: I am assuming, from the lack of reports, that the Tananger was not relocated. In any event, congratulations of finding this beauty; ( again ), and thanks for the prompt notification on the sighting. Thor

Thor Manson
Hope B.C.

[Gord]

Thor, no luck that Ive heard. I have spent quite a bit of time there over the last few days. I ran into a lot of species, but no tanager. Ill post report as soon as I can from Cheam Lake.

Thanks Thor, but I sure wish I got a picture or that someone (or many someones!) got to see it as well. I might get up for a morning walk to Island 22 tomorrow. I think I might just use my camera as binoculars for the rest of migration!