Birders,



For those interested in looking, the NORTHERN HAWK OWL was still present
today, for the 9th day in a row, in the same location on Westham Island Road
in Delta, BC.

(This location is on the way to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary, for those who
have ever been there.) The owl has been seen mostly near the sharp left-hand
turn on Westham Island Road, about 1.5 miles from the Westham Island bridge.
If you use "Google Maps", you can bring up a map showing most of Westham
Island, including the road and the left-hand turn, by simply typing in
"Westham Island Road" in the search box. (Apparently, it's the only road in
the world with that name.)



The owl usually perches conspicuously in the tops of trees and on telephone
poles near the bend in the road (although it has been seen at least once
along Tamboline Road, half a mile away). I'd say the chances are very good
that it will stay for a few more days. There is very little room for parking
along the road, but please pull as far off the pavement as you can. The
owners of the houses in the area have been very tolerant of the flocks of
birders so far, so please respect their privacy.



U.S. birders looking for the owl may also wish to visit the nearby Reifel
Bird Sanctuary, which is open from 9 AM to 4 PM every day.



The YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT at the nearby Alaksen National Wildlife Area, found
on November 30, was also still present today, but is much less reliable. It
is being seen right next to the Canadian Wildlife Service offices on the
Wildlife Area. (Note: this area is open to the public only from 7:30 AM to 4
PM on weekdays, and closed on weekends.) Please sign in at the CWS office,
and use the designated visitor parking area.



Good luck to anyone looking for owls, chats, or other rare birds!



Wayne C. Weber

Delta, BC

contopus at telus.net