This is the Vancouver Bird Alert for Tuesday, December 26, 2000: Evening
Update.

The feature birds are SLATY-BACKED GULL, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER,
RUSTY BLACKBIRD and HARRIS' SPARROW.

Species mentioned:

Northern Goshawk [Reifel]
Spotted Sandpiper [Reifel]
SLATY-BACKED GULL [Burns Dive - Delta]
Barred Owl [Reifel]
Northern Saw-whet Owl [Reifel]
Ash-throated Flycatcher [Reifel]
Harris's Sparrow [72nd & 36th - Delta]
White-throated Sparrow [Ladner Harbour Park]
Rusty Blackbird [Westham Is.]

Sightings for Tuesday, Dec. 26:

The adult winter plumaged SLATY-BACKED GULL was again present in
the Gull Fields along Burns Dr. and the north end of 96th St. in Delta.
Also present was the "mystery 2nd year gull". There is still a confirmation
requested as to the bird's identity. The two suggestions put forth so far
are possible SLATY-BACKED GULL or possible "VEGA" HERRING GULL. Both are
very hard to identify. The observers request photographs be taken if
possible and any further sightings phoned into the Bird Alert immediately.

On 72nd & 36th in the Boundary Bay area was the immature Harris' Sparrow.
It was seen with a flock of White-crowned Sparrows just past the
intersection in the hedgerows.

On Westham Island along Westham Island Rd. and the corner of Robertson Rd.
the winter plumaged female RUSTY BLACKBIRD was again present with a large
flock of BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS.

At the Reifel Refuge the ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER was again present. This
time
it was observed in the morning on the road into the Sanctuary near the Coast
Guard
Access Rd. This is where the BARRED OWL is located. Other species at the
Refuge
include: 1 NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL, 1 adult NORTHERN GOSHAWK and
1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER in the field and ditch along the East Dyke Trail.

Monday Dec 25:

The adult winter plumaged SLATY-BACKED GULL was seen all day in the
fields along Burns Drive in Delta.

The immature ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER spent the entire day
in the field behind the washrooms at Reifel. Also at the Refuge was an
adult NORTHERN GOSHAWK. On Westham Island Rd. and Robertson Rd. the winter
plumaged female RUSTY BLACKBIRD was again seen with a large flock of
BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS at noon.

At Ladner Harbour Park an adult WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was found
in the scrubby bushes on the main trail in the park.

END TRANSCRIPT

To report a sighting to the Bird Alert, call (604) 737-3074. Visit the
Vancouver Natural History Society's website at: www.naturalhistory.bc.ca