Common Redpoll

Acanthis flammea 

Appearance: 
Small songbird
Short, notched tail 
Brown and white with heavily streaked sides
Red forehead
Small, pointed, yellow bill
Black feathering around bill
Two white wingbars
Pale red vest on chest and upper flanks (male)

Listen to its call.

While visiting Whistler, I saw a large group of these little finches perched in a deciduous tree along the roadside. It was bare of all leaves but was covered with tiny cones which the birds were feasting on. I think it was a Red Alder, one of the only deciduous trees with cones in the area as far as I'm aware.

Learn more about the Common Redpoll. 

Long-eared Owl

Asio otus




















Appearance:
Medium-sized, slender owl
Long, erect, black ear tufts with buff/orange fringes
Brownish feathers streaked with buff and black
Buffy-orange facial disc with blackish rim
Two vertical white lines between eyes
Yellow eyes

Listen to its call.

These owls supposedly roost in dense foliage, where their camouflage makes them hard to find. I think maybe this one needs to work on that a bit. He was sitting on a low branch next to the busy Lochside Trail walking path, full exposed for all to see.

Learn more about the Long-eared Owl.

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

Appearance:
Medium-sized songbird
Thick bill
Long tail
Bright yellow chest and throat
Olive-green back
White spectacles
White belly and undertail

Listen to its call.

This bird, a rarity for Victoria, has been sighted many times in the last week feeding on suet in a private yard in Gordon Head. I had the good fortune to catch sight of it on my first visit to the residence today, which was a relief. It felt rather odd to be loitering in a stranger's driveway, camera in hand, waiting for the bird's appearance. Some of the neighbours must have thought so as well as we were getting some funny looks from people in the cars passing by.

Learn more about the Yellow-breasted Chat.