Sage Thrasher

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!

At the end of the day while volunteering at Reifel on Sunday I was told about a Sage Thrasher having been sighted in Boundary Bay. As it is getting dark so early right now, there was no chance to go look for it then. I did give it a try yesterday without success, but no surprise as the weather was pretty lousy. This morning was still overcast and starting to clear up so I decided to give it another go before work. On arriving at the foot of 64 Street there were already several birders present. They said my timing was perfect as they had just located the bird. Initially it was out of sight, but soon reappeared foraging on the ground along the green house side of the dyke. A little far off, but I did manage a record shot.

The Sage Thrasher, an uncommon bird for this area, would normally be found in the interior portions of British Columbia. At this time of year though it should be in the southern United States and Mexico.

While most of the other observers had left, I stuck it out a little longer. This paid off when the Sage Thrasher moved to the edge of the dyke,

… and provided this opportunity for a closer shot. Worth the wait and another addition to my life photo list.

Tag: Sage Thrasher

Birding Highlights Of 2012