This is the Vancouver Natural History Society's Rare Bird Alert for
Saturday, February 15, evening update, sponsored in part by the Wild
Birds Unlimited Stores in Vancouver and North Vancouver.

The featured bird is GLAUCOUS GULL.

Sightings for Saturday, February, 15:

The 4th year GLAUCOUS GULL was again seen behind the community centre
at Burns Drive and 96th Street in Delta.

One LONG-EARED OWL was seen in the Terra Nova area of Richmond, about
200 meters south of the Westminster Highway in a crab apple tree.

An AMERICAN BITTERN was near the outer pond at Iona Island, and 4
BARN SWALLOWS were over MacDonald Slough. Also at Iona, the remains
of a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL were found near the ponds, which is only
the 4th record for that area.

Of interest is a report of a MARBLED MURRELET with an apparently
longer than normal bill that was seen off the pier at Ambelside Park
in West Vancouver. It may be worth investigating if the bird might be
a LONG-BILLED MURRELET.

An EARED GREBE in breeding plumage was seen off Point Roberts.

6 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS continue at the end of Jesperson Road in
Chilliwack, up on the east dyke just past the gate.

Also out of town, the first year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL continues
in the Vernon area, at the mouth of Vernon Creek in Okanagan Landing,
but you have to be there before 0900. For further updates please call
the Okanagan Bird Alert at 250-491 7738.

Friday, February 14:

The 2 LONG-EARED OWLS were at the usual spot in the Terra Nova area
of Richmond.

An AMERICAN KESTREL was on the east side of Barnston Island on the
Fraser River.

4 EARED GREBES were seen off White Rock pier.

2 singing WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were in a scrubby area of Centennial
Beach.

Thursday, February 13:

The 2 LONG-EARED OWLS were in the Terra Nova area of Richmond.

The AMERICAN AVOCET was at Beach Grove Lagoon in Tsawwassen.
2 BARN OWLS were at the base of the Coal Port jetty.

A HERMIT THRUSH was seen in Green Timbers Park in Surrey.

END TRANSCRIPT

For further information on birding in the Vancouver area log onto the
Vancouver Natural History Society's web site at
www.naturalhistory.bc.ca

John Kalman
Vancouver, BC