The latest Western Kingbird

The intrepid Alan Wormington, who has an uncanny knack for turning up interesting birds during his annual forays across the north shore, found this Western Kingbird, a casual visitor to the district, on October 18, 2013 at the Schreiber-Terrace Bay landfill, a stone's throw from the Trans-Canada Highway. Thanks for sharing your photos Alan.

October 18, 2013. Courtesy of Alan Wormington.

October 18, 2013. Courtesy of Alan Wormington.

Other photo-documented sightings of WEKI along the north shore include:

• Sept. 10. 2010, at Marathon. 
• Aug. 21, 2012, a new addition to the Pukaskwa National Park checklist. James Telford's eBird checklist and photo here.

...and some older autumn records adjudicated by the OBRC, again courtesy of AW.

• November 2, 1996: Thunder Bay (Nick Escott -- found by?) --- accepted by OBRC.
• October 12, 1993: Thunder Cape (Nick Escott) --- accepted by OBRC.
• October 13, 1992: Terrace Bay (Alan Wormington) --- accepted by OBRC. 

White-eyed Vireo strays to Manitouwadge

Tammie Hache of Manitouwadge, at the east end of the Thunder Bay District, found a very unusual passerine in her yard today (November 10th, 2013). Tammie wrote:

I discovered this beautiful little bird in my backyard today. I sadly thought it was a window strike casualty when I found it on the ground half tucked under the last piece of siding on the garage but when I picked it up, it blinked at me. :) It has incredibly beautiful eyes!

November 10, 2013. Courtesy of Tammie Hache

This is only the fourth occurrence of White-eyed Vireo in northern Ontario. All have been in the T-Bay District: Marathon, Thunder Cape and Rossport, all between Sept. 29 and Oct 21. Definitely a pattern of fall vagrancy here. This is likely the northernmost record for Ontario. Thanks for sharing the sighting Tammie!