This is the Victoria Rare Bird Alert for Thursday, May 14th
- 7:30 p.m Update -

Feature Birds:
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INDIGO BUNTING
AN UNIDENTIFIED BIRD (possible Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher)

The possible INDIGO BUNTING was seen again today briefly at 1423 Beatty
Street in Esquimalt. It appeared around noon, stayed for a short time but
was scared off by a barking dog. It is likely still in the area and birders
are welcome.

Another unidentified bird, somewhat resembling a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER has
been observed for the last 2 days at 4655 Kerrieview Drive. Birders are
welcome in this yard. Confirmation for both these species is still needed.

As well in this yard, the owner counted 50 species today, including a
Red-breasted Sapsucker and the first reported RED-EYED VIREO.
Also today, at Martindale Flats, were 9 PURPLE MARTINS resting in a tree
near the model airplane field during a rain squall. PURPLE MARTINS are
being reported from other locations as well.

20 White-fronted Geese were just north of Martindale Road, and 3 Whimbrels
in a freshly-mowed grass field just south of Martindale Road.

SKYLARKS were seen and heard at the end of Canora Drive at the Victoria
Airport.

Wednesday, May 13th
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A diligent search for the reported HUDSONIAN GODWIT did not turn up
anything. The MARBLED GODWIT continues its presence at the Victoria Golf
Course, accompanied by up to 60 Whimbrels.
At Island View Beach were 40 Brant, 6 Pacific Loons and 1 Black Scoter.

At Rithet's Bog were a Solitary Sandpiper, 3 Short-billed Dowitchers and 1
Spotted Sandpiper.

A CACKLING CANADA GOOSE (???) was on the Victoria Golf Course. The CACKLING
CANADA GOOSE may, in the near future, become a separate species from the
other Canada Geese.

Tuesday, May 12th
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A female Swamp Sparrow, in alternate plumage, was caught in the nest at
Rocky Point.

Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal were reported from Viaduct Flats, McIntyre
Reservoir, Martindale Flats and Quick's Bottom.

OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS are being reported from the Highlands and Mount
Doug Park.

BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS are at Blenkinsop Lake and at the end of Jennings
Lane in Beaver Lake Park.

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To report sighting of Interest, call (250) 592-3381 and leave you NAME &
TELEPHONE NUMBER plus a brief message discribing the birds you saw. Or you
may email: boom at islandnet.com and submit your report.

To summon those who can confirm a rare species, call Brian Gates at (250)
598-7899 or the Goodwills' at (250) 382-9652 or Hank Vanderpol at 658-3482.

Get out, enjoy the fine weather, find some new species for your lists and
report your best findings to the Victoria Rare Bird Alert.

Latest RBA reports are available on the web at:
Birding in British Columbia -
http://www.islandnet.com/~boom/birding/bc-home.htm

[Original Taped Message by Hank Vanderpol. Transcribed by Virginia Jessop,
additions by KS]

Good Birding!

Kevin Slagboom, Web Manager -- Tel: 1-250-658-0940
Birding in British Columbia
http://www.islandnet.com/~boom/birding/bc-home.htm
'Drop by and Contribute your Trip Reports! -- We'd love to read them.'