Thursday, November 14, 2013

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. 

Sunday, November 10, 2013

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!