Victoria Rare Bird Alert for Friday, July 9th at 11 p.m.
Compiled by Hank VanderPol. Transcribed by Virginia Jessop.



The last report of the WESTERN SCREECH OWL was Monday, July 5th, when it
was heard calling from 1680 Kangaroo Road in Metchosin.

The COMMON NIGHTHAWKS reported on July 4th over the Saanich Horticultural
Centre have not been reported since. Two observers reported seeing bats
flying over that area, possibly brown bats.

Feeders located at 4655 Kerrieview Drive in the Prospect Lake area continue
to attract BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, RED CROSSBILLS, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS
and many other species. Birders are welcome to see all these birds from
close in.

A HUTTON'S VIREO was heard calling in that same area.


Monday, July 5th

An AMERICAN BITTERN was reported from Somenos Marsh. Turn right on
Drinkwater Road going north from Duncan and follow Drinkwater Road until
you see the marsh. The bird was in this area.

A GREEN HERON was also in that vicinity.

Another Osprey's nest has been located on an abandoned pile-driver located
behind 4-Mile House. Access can be gained through the Town Hall property
to Portage Inlet Park in View Royal, and towards the shore area.

2 CASPIAN TERNS were at the Esquimalt Lagoon.

11 WESTERN SANDPIPERS were also at Esquimalt Lagoon.


Sunday, July 4th

The first south migrating SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS were reported, with 2
seen at Whiffen Spit near Sooke.

At Iona Island north of Richmond, nearly 200 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS were
seen.

Shorebirds will increase in numbers and species as July continues, so study
the interesting birds and you can perhaps come up with a rare bird or two.





Kevin Slagboom
Webmaster

Birding in BC
http://birding.bc.ca
Tel: (250) 658-0940