Cave Swallow

As another great year of birding and photography comes to a close, there were several highlights that come to mind for 2012.

One nemesis bird I had been trying to get better shots of,

… was the Common Redpoll.

A life list addition was the Red-necked Stint,

… which is a rare visitor and not photographed often around here.

A couple of shore birds I have not managed to photograph for a few years.

A Ruff (juvenile),

… the American Golden-Plover,

… and after several attempts,

… the White-throated Sparrow.

While not the best day for photos,

… the Cave Swallow was another life list addition.

The last life list addition of the year,

… was the Sage Thrasher this month.

Happy New Year!

A rare bird for this area was observed and reported at Iona Island a couple of days ago. Spotted flying with three Barn Swallows, was a Cave Swallow. It is late in the year to be seeing Barn Swallows, but a Cave Swallow is rare in deed with this being the first record for this species in British Columbia. Having been teased the other day about not having been out to see it yet, I made my way out there today. The only problem being it was a rather gloomy and overcast day. Not the best conditions to try a get a swallow in flight.

It was not long after arriving I spotted four swallows with one being the Cave Swallow. This birds normal summer range would be the Texas area, wintering further south. So being this far north at this time of year is quite out of the ordinary.

As you can see the conditions were less than ideal, but I did manage a few record shots. The Cave Swallow will differ from the similar Cliff Swallow having “pale throat and cheek contrasting with dark cap” (Sibley). The forehead and rump are also buffy in colour. I wish the conditions had been better, but it was still good being able to see and photograph this bird. The Cave Swallow is also a new addition to my life photo list.

Tag: Cave Swallow

Birding Highlights Of 2012