It is raining today in Courtenay but the snow is gone from the fields where the Citrine Wagtail hangs out. The road is much better than last weekend but rubber boots are still worth bringing. Unfortunately the hunters were out this morning. I got to the field at 9 and did not see any activity at the west end, where the wagtail was originally seen. I walked down to the slash piles but there were only a towhee and a couple of Song Sparrows. About 10 am local birder approached the field, heard and saw the wagtail fly in. It landed but then flew to the far hedgerow on the north side of the field. Scope required for that. We saw several hop flights but then it didn't come up again. Hopefully the hunters will get their limit soon and I'll try for better views this afternoon. Another local said that duck-goose hunting season ends January 6th. Reports are that the bird is quite skittish when the shotguns are blasting. Given that it has survived so far, and hunting is nearing closure, there might be some very good opportunities later in January to tick this bird. Of course that assumes mild weather in January.

Carol Riddell
From soggy Courtenay