Birders,

A BLACK PHOEBE, only about the fifth record for B.C., has been seen daily
since at least September 7th at Terra Nova Park in Richmond, BC, near the
west end of River Road (across the river from the Vancouver Airport). It was
still being seen on September 11th, although it moves about somewhat and in
some cases, it has taken birders a couple of hours to find the bird.

The bird has been seen most often at or very close to an abandoned house at
2500 River Road. This spot is most easily reached by parking in the small
parking area at the far west end of River Road (where the road is blocked by
a large pile of gravel), and walking back about 50 metres along River Road.
The house, a whitish house surrounded by trees, is about 50 metres from
River Road at the end of a long driveway. Although there are "No
Trespassing" signs along the driveway, a trail leaves River Road just east
of the driveway, and passes very close to the house on the east side.
Another trail branches off this trail to the right, just barely beyond the
house, and leads toward a deep ditch or canal just west of the house; one
can walk back to the River Road parking area along the east side of this
canal. (There is a maze of trails in Terra Nova Park on both sides of the
canal.)

The Black Phoebe is seen most often right next to the house at 2500 River
Road, or along the canal to the west of the house, sometimes fairly close to
River Road. It is usually very active and frequently gives a high-pitched
chip note. When I saw it on September 9, it was almost constantly visible
from 3:15 to 4:15 PM and was never very far from the house. As this species
usually stays close to water, I was surprised that it did not go near the
canal during my visit, but others have seen it right along the canal.

With luck, perhaps this bird will stay at least a few more days for the
benefit of birders who would like to see it.

Good luck and good birding,

Wayne C. Weber
Delta, BC
contopus at telus.net