Oriental Turtle Dove (3)

Streptopelia orientalis

Chris

Canada (British Columbia)

Details: outside normal range

This was a real surprise to see at Surrey today. Very shy, he only appeared for 10 seconds and went back to hiding in the hedge

Date uploaded: Apr 21 2024

Comments (4):
Brian Morin: That worked well.
Chris: Ultra lucky. I went back later and people were wandering around trying to find it. Apparently this is the 4th record for BC.

Gadwall (24)

Anas strepera

Chris

Canada (British Columbia)

Date taken: Mar 17 2024

Details: male

Seen at Richmond, BC near the airport.

Date uploaded: Mar 31 2024

Comments (3):
Brian Morin: Well done.
Chris: This species’s plummage is quite impressive; glad to have had good weather

Green-winged Teal (16)

Anas crecca

Chris

Canada (British Columbia)

Date taken: Mar 29 2024

Seen moments before sunset - creating challenging lighting conditions. Richmond, BC (Terra Nova).

Date uploaded: Mar 31 2024

Comments (4):
Brian Morin: I ran into the same issue earlier in the week with Short-eared Owls, right down to the last rays of sunlight. You did well.
Chris: I’ve noticed the sun out here seems different than in the east. More “blinding” and I tend to get burned more easily. Have yet to pinpoint what it causing this difference

Red-necked Stint (3)

Calidris ruficollis

Chris

Canada (British Columbia)

At Boundary Bay, in the same location as the Little Stint in 2018. This bird was amongst 1000-2000 sandpipers, and was a challenge to see. Many people were helpful in pointing out markers out in the bay to help find him, as he looks almost identical to Western Sandpiper when facing away. As the tide was coming in, the wind kicked up which meant most birds were facing away and with their heads tucked. One lucky photo came out.

Date uploaded: Jul 16 2023

Comments (5):
BrianMorin: Great luck and shot. I knew the bird was in the area and wondered if you'd have a chance to look for it. Even better, it's still in breeding plumage.
Chris: It was extremely lucky. Not only were they so many birds, but they kept going up for short flights. Once someone finally refound the bird, it would take time to point out the location, only to have a Gull or Swallow fly by and send them up again. Fascinating experience, and the sounds are unforgettable.

Steller's Jay (13)

Cyanocitta stelleri

Chris

Canada (British Columbia)

Date taken: Dec 24 2016

At Sidney, BC

Date uploaded: Jun 11 2023

Comments (3):
Ahmad Shah: Great shot.
Sue Bishop: Nice capture,Chris!

Hermit Thrush (20)

Catharus guttatus

Chris

Canada (British Columbia)

Date taken: Dec 24 2016

Seen at Sidney BC

Date uploaded: Jun 11 2023

Comments (4):
BrianMorin: Nicely captured.
Chris: Thanks. If I can find the right video software, I have a shaky video that may be workable if stabilized.

Red-breasted Sapsucker (8)

Sphyrapicus ruber

Chris

Canada (British Columbia)

Date taken: May 21 2023

Belcarra Regional Park, BC

Date uploaded: May 23 2023

Comments (3):
BrianMorin: A striking species.
Chris: I didn’t think any photo had come out during the 30dec encounter. Was happy overall including having some surrounding vegetation in the photo

Warbling Vireo (30)

Vireo gilvus

Chris

Canada (British Columbia)

  📍 Map

Date taken: May 21 2023

Funny to see this species in Ontario a week ago, and then again yesterday. Belcarra Regional Park, BC.

Date uploaded: May 23 2023

Comments (2):
Ahmad Shah: Superb composition.
BrianMorin: Cute little guy.

Yellow-rumped Warbler (119)

Dendroica coronata

Chris

Canada (British Columbia)

Our friend is back in the yard. Not sure if it's the same exact bird, or perhaps a young bird from last year - but was happy to see him return. Delta, BC

Date uploaded: Apr 4 2023

Comments (3):
BrianMorin: Good shot. It will be three weeks before we can expect some of its cousins.
Sue Bishop: Nice find and capture

Red-throated Loon / Red-throated Diver (5)

Gavia stellata

Chris

Canada (British Columbia)

Details: winter plummage

The lighting was not great at Iona today, but I rarely see this species so was happy to get any photo record at all. The pair then took off and kept flying towards Vancouver Island.

Date uploaded: Jan 2 2023

Comments (3):
BrianMorin: Just enough light on the subject to make it work.
Chris: Thanks. I’ll always take the shot just in case. Was surprised there anything to work with.