Nesting Western Kingbirds

[Gord]

Recently I found a pair of nesting Western Kingbirds near Cheam Lake at the Popkum Road overpass. These are likely the same birds I saw in late May. The nest is on the hydro tower.



I also checked on the nest out in Abbotsford and there was a bird on the nest incubating eggs or brooding young. I was very amused to see that the nest also contains some of that shiny ribbon that farmers use to hang over their berry fields. I suppose the idea is that they shiny colours waving in the wind will scare away birds.



Quite interesting to have two breeding pairs at once in the Fraser Valley as this species breeds in the interior.

[kestrel]

Great finds! Amazing that there are 2 pairs breeding in the area.

[Chris]

I have been by the area a few times but haven't seen the Westerns. I forgot to put it in my Cheam Wetlands report but I did see an Eastern Kingbird in that area.

North of the river from Mission to Harrison Mills has decent habitat for Western Kingbirds. Wouldn't be surprised if there is a pair nesting somewhere.

[10aciousfaith]

Hi Gord: Good to see that same pair breeding again in Abbotsford. I've enjoyed seeing them the past 2 years.

[Harrier]

I grew up around Western Kingbirds (in Vernon), and they've always been one of my favorites. I love the way the young ones continue to stick together for a while after fledging. It was common to see four or five of them hanging out shoulder to shoulder on a power line in the days after they left the nest.

[Gord]

Christian, your comment reminded me of a picture I took of the first time they nested at the site back in 2009. One of my favourite pictures.