This is the Victoria Rare Bird Alert for Saturday, May 16th at 11 p.m.

Feature Birds
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INDIGO BUNTING (False)
REDHEAD
BLACK SWIFTS
EVENING GROSBEAKS
WILLET

The bird reported from Esquimalt as a possible INDIGO BUNTING is in fact
not an INDIGO BUNTING. It appears to be an escaped caged bird, possibly a
South American or Asian species. In the words of one observer, "it looks
like an Indigo Junko".

The second unidentified species report from 4655 Kerrieview Drive has not
been seen since Thursday. Speculation is that it might be a hybrid of some
sort. At this yard as well today were a Hammond Flycatcher and a Hairy
Woodpecker in addition to many other species. Birders are welcome to visit
here.

Also today a REDHEAD was at Swan Lake and 20 BLACK SWIFTS were over Mt.
Newton early in the morning. Look for this species against the dark cloud
formations so common at this time of the year.

EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from several areas of the city.

At Quick's Bottom were two invisible Virginia Rails, and at Viaduct Flats
all 3 species of Teal were present.

The Marbled Godwit is still on the Victoria Golf Course with 13 Whimbrels.

A WILLET was reported from Clover Point. Since this is an extremely rare
species in this area, confirmation of this bird is needed.

A Rough-legged Hawk was reported from Esquimalt Lagoon. As this would be
an extremely late migrant, confirmation and a written description would be
appreciated.

Friday, May 15th
-------------------------
20 White-fronted Geese were still at Martindale Flats.

Thursday, May 14th
-----------------------------
9 PURPLE MARTIN were over Martindale Flats as well.

A PURPLE MARTIN colony is present in the Esquimalt Harbour occupying
several nest boxes on pylons just above the trailer court.

Wednesday, May 12th
-------------------
40 Brant, 6 Pacific Loons and a black Scoter were at Island View Beach.

A Solitary Sandpiper and 3 Short-billed Dowitchers were at Rithet's Bog.

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To report sightings 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.'