Re: Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening
Hi Nikhil, ? The call is indeed that of a Merlin and, at this time of year, I believe that this is a “territorial” call. ? I live in South Surrey and, adjacent to my home, there is a grove of tall conifers in which Merlin nest in alternate years [last 6 years]. They nested last year in 2021 and flying around the immediate area calling as you have described, calling loudly, was a regular occurrence to proclaim their territory. Once nesting was in progress, the behaviour became more aggressive, especially whenever a Bald Eagle or Red-tailed Hawk was nearby. The Merlin, despite its smaller size, protected its nest and harassed the larger birds until they left the area. ? Hope this helps. ? Ian Tyzzer South Surrey ? ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Nikhil Patwardhan
Sent: April-07-22 9:25 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [vanbcbirds] Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening? Yesterday evening while on a walk, around 6:00 pm I saw a small falcon land atop a very tall conifer in White Rock some distance away. There were some high-pitched sounds coming from the general direction of the bird but I dismissed it as gulls, thinking the falcon's there just surveying the area for a meal, and continued on the walk. Not having binoculars or a camera, I only noted the silhouette in flight, which had long and very pointy wings. Then on the way back about a half hour later, I encountered it again, on a different tall conifer (again perched right at the top), but this time I noticed it was calling. It then flew north another 100m or so to yet another conifer's treetop, and I noticed the long thin flat-ended tail. Overall size very small (smaller than a pigeon). I made a recording of the call, attached here. This sounds like a Merlin, and I wonder what it was trying to say, e.g. territory marking, calling out for a mate, something else?
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Re: Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening
I agree with Dan, Nikhil. We had Merlins nesting in what looked like an old Crow’s nest high up in the conifers at the back of our place at the top of the north shore, and they were constantly vocalizing. ? Gorgeous birds! ? Derek ? Derek Matthews Vancouver Avian Research Centre (VARC) ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Daniel Bastaja
Sent: April 7, 2022 10:24 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [vanbcbirds] Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening? Sounds like a Merlin Nikhil. It may have a nest nearby in the tall conifers. That’s why it is hanging around and being so vocal. My brother out in Maple Ridge has a lot of very tall conifers in his neighborhood and he has had Merlins around every spring for a few years now. Presuming they are nesting because he has observed mating-like behavior. They seem to like those tall conifers.? danielbastaja@... ? Yesterday evening while on a walk, around 6:00 pm I saw a small falcon land atop a very tall conifer in White Rock some distance away. There were some high-pitched sounds coming from the general direction of the bird but I dismissed it as gulls, thinking the falcon's there just surveying the area for a meal, and continued on the walk. Not having binoculars or a camera, I only noted the silhouette in flight, which had long and very pointy wings. Then on the way back about a half hour later, I encountered it again, on a different tall conifer (again perched right at the top), but this time I noticed it was calling. It then flew north another 100m or so to yet another conifer's treetop, and I noticed the long thin flat-ended tail. Overall size very small (smaller than a pigeon). I made a recording of the call, attached here. This sounds like a Merlin, and I wonder what it was trying to say, e.g. territory marking, calling out for a mate, something else?
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Re: Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening
Sounds like a Merlin Nikhil. It may have a nest nearby in the tall conifers. That’s why it is hanging around and being so vocal. My brother out in Maple Ridge has a lot of very tall conifers in his neighborhood and he has had Merlins around every spring for a few years now. Presuming they are nesting because he has observed mating-like behavior. They seem to like those tall conifers.?
Daniel Bastaja
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On 2022. Apr 7., at 18:25, Nikhil Patwardhan <Nikhil.pirate@...> wrote:
? Yesterday evening while on a walk, around 6:00 pm I saw a small falcon land atop a very tall conifer in White Rock some distance away. There were some high-pitched sounds coming from the general direction of the bird but I dismissed it as gulls, thinking the falcon's there just surveying the area for a meal, and continued on the walk. Not having binoculars or a camera, I only noted the silhouette in flight, which had long and very pointy wings. Then on the way back about a half hour later, I encountered it again, on a different tall conifer (again perched right at the top), but this time I noticed it was calling. It then flew north another 100m or so to yet another conifer's treetop, and I noticed the long thin flat-ended tail. Overall size very small (smaller than a pigeon). I made a recording of the call, attached here. This sounds like a Merlin, and I wonder what it was trying to say, e.g. territory marking, calling out for a mate, something else?
-- Nikhil Patwardhan
|
Small raptor (possibly Merlin) calling in White Rock yesterday evening
Yesterday evening while on a walk, around 6:00 pm I saw a small falcon land atop a very tall conifer in White Rock some distance away. There were some high-pitched sounds coming from the general direction of the bird but I dismissed it as gulls, thinking the falcon's there just surveying the area for a meal, and continued on the walk. Not having binoculars or a camera, I only noted the silhouette in flight, which had long and very pointy wings. Then on the way back about a half hour later, I encountered it again, on a different tall conifer (again perched right at the top), but this time I noticed it was calling. It then flew north another 100m or so to yet another conifer's treetop, and I noticed the long thin flat-ended tail. Overall size very small (smaller than a pigeon). I made a recording of the call, attached here. This sounds like a Merlin, and I wonder what it was trying to say, e.g. territory marking, calling out for a mate, something else?
-- Nikhil Patwardhan
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Salish Sea Gull Project: Reporting colour-banded gulls
Environment and Climate Change Canada has been conducting research on gulls in the Salish Sea to
measure their physiological condition, contaminant exposure, and habitat. This year several adult and juvenile Glaucous Winged Guls were banded with colour leg bands, including birds in the Crescent Beach area in Surrey (see attached image
example). The bands will help researchers to investigate their movements, habitat use, and site fidelity. ECCC is asking the public’s assistance to help in monitoring by reporting sightings through an online form
.
?
If you have any questions about the project or the online reporting, please contact Alice Domalik,
alice.domalik@... Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch | Environment and Climate Change Canada
Pacific Wildlife Research Centre | Delta, BC.
Pamela Zevit RPBio | Biodiversity Conservation Planner
?
CITY OF SURREY
Parks, Recreation & Culture - Parks Division, Urban Forestry Section
6651 148 St.,, Surrey, BC, Canada V3S 3C7
T 604.590.7254 |
I am privileged to work on the traditional territories (tém:éxw) of the s?myám? (Semiahmoo), sq??c?iy?a?? (Katzie),
K?ik?????m (Kwikwetlem), q??ɑ:n????n? (Kwantlen), Qiqéyt (Qayqayt), Sc??waθ?n (Tsawwassen) and x?m?θk??y??m (Musqueam).
?
?
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Looking like Tundra Swans not Trumpeter.? There are some in the lower Fraser region. Watch for a Whooper which should look oversized and have more extensive yellow down the bill. Ttfn David?
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-------- Original message -------- From: Roger <wysiwyg@...> Date: 2022-04-03 8:23 a.m. (GMT-08:00) Subject: [vanbcbirds] Swan ID OOPS!
These guys have been rafting all morning off Derby Reach Park. I
was going to write them off as Trumpeters until I spotted what
appears to be yellow around the bill. I can't make a definitive
call. The image is the best I can do with a Sigma 50-500 cropped.
I would appreciate the input.
TIA
Roger Craik
Maple Ridge.
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These guys have been rafting all morning off Derby Reach Park. I
was going to write them off as Trumpeters until I spotted what
appears to be yellow around the bill. I can't make a definitive
call. The image is the best I can do with a Sigma 50-500 cropped.
I would appreciate the input.
TIA
Roger Craik
Maple Ridge.
|
These guys have been rafting all morning off Derby Reach Park. I
was going to write them off as Trumpeters until I spotted what
appears to be yellow around the bill. I can't make a definitive
call. The image is the best I can do with a Sigma 50-500 cropped.
I would appreciate the input.
TIA
Roger Craik
Maple Ridge.
|
Rich… somebody on Twitter mentioned this exact thing. He said the only thing it proved was that the tracking device was there… not guaranteed that the bird was. But what are the odds of a predator or scavenger swallowing the tracking device? And then travelling in a straight line in the same dirtection that the bird was travelling? The odds seem very remote, but I guess anything is possible.
Wow! Poor-will in Coquitlam! What a great record.
Daniel Bastaja
danielbastaja@...
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On Mar 31, 2022, at 2:17 AM, Rich Wakelam <richardwakelam@...> wrote:
On the topic of the Ring-billed Gull, I wonder if consideration been given to the fact that the tracking device is known to be present in the Ukraine but that may not guarantee the bird is present, however small the odds. (device was picked up and taken by humans, bird of prey swallowed it and it’s still functioning, etc).
On the topic of Common Poorwill I have a record of discovery of one from 1987 in Coquitlam but I still don’t have one on my life list in Metro Vancouver. Found deceased roadside.
<image0.jpeg>
On Mar 30, 2022, at 16:59, Paul Clapham <paul.c.clapham@...> wrote:
?And no sooner do you say that, then I have a report of just that: Common Poorwill in Manitoba, being reported although nobody saw it. Sure, I've reported Common Poorwills myself without seeing them, as have many others, but in this case nobody heard it either. It was heard by a scientific project to record grassland birds for the purpose of surveying them.
Read about it here:
The article mentions that up to that point there were no confirmed records of Common Poorwill in Manitoba but it doesn't go on to tell us whether the local bird records committee has accepted the record.
Paul Clapham
Vancouver
|
Paul… very interesting. I didn't hear about this but yeah… a similar situation.
I know these nightime recording devices are getting very popular in England, especially during migration. They are discovering all kinds of stuff flying overhead at night that they didn’t previously know was there.
Daniel Bastaja
danielbastaja@...
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On Mar 31, 2022, at 1:59 AM, Paul Clapham <paul.c.clapham@...> wrote:
And no sooner do you say that, then I have a report of just that: Common Poorwill in Manitoba, being reported although nobody saw it. Sure, I've reported Common Poorwills myself without seeing them, as have many others, but in this case nobody heard it either. It was heard by a scientific project to record grassland birds for the purpose of surveying them.
Read about it here:
The article mentions that up to that point there were no confirmed records of Common Poorwill in Manitoba but it doesn't go on to tell us whether the local bird records committee has accepted the record.
Paul Clapham
Vancouver
|
On the topic of the Ring-billed Gull, I wonder if consideration been given to the fact that the tracking device is known to be present in the Ukraine but that may not guarantee the bird is present, however small the odds. (device was picked up and taken by humans, bird of prey swallowed it and it’s still functioning, etc). On the topic of Common Poorwill I have a record of discovery of one from 1987 in Coquitlam but I still don’t have one on my life list in Metro Vancouver. Found deceased roadside.
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On Mar 30, 2022, at 16:59, Paul Clapham <paul.c.clapham@...> wrote:
?And no sooner do you say that, then I have a report of just that: Common Poorwill in Manitoba, being reported although nobody saw it. Sure, I've reported Common Poorwills myself without seeing them, as have many others, but in this case nobody heard it either. It was heard by a scientific project to record grassland birds for the purpose of surveying them.
Read about it here:
The article mentions that up to that point there were no confirmed records of Common Poorwill in Manitoba but it doesn't go on to tell us whether the local bird records committee has accepted the record.
Paul Clapham
Vancouver
|
And no sooner do you say that, then I have a report of just that: Common Poorwill in Manitoba, being reported although nobody saw it. Sure, I've reported Common Poorwills myself without seeing them, as have many others, but in this case nobody heard it either. It was heard by a scientific project to record grassland birds for the purpose of surveying them.
Read about it here:
The article mentions that up to that point there were no confirmed records of Common Poorwill in Manitoba but it doesn't go on to tell us whether the local bird records committee has accepted the record.
Paul Clapham
Vancouver
|
Thanks Wayne. Every birder that responded felt that it should count as an official record. I know a birder on the Hungarian records committee and he told me that, under their rules, it would definitely count.
From what you described, it would create an odd situation. The species would be on a country’s official list, yet nobody…. not a single person would have it on their life list for that country. :D
Daniel Bastaja
danielbastaja@...
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On Mar 29, 2022, at 12:16 AM, Wayne Weber <contopus@...> wrote:
Daniel,
When you say "does it count"?, we need to be clear about what you mean. Does
it count on anybody's life list, such as the person who was monitoring the
satellite tracking? The answer would have to be "no", because he/she did not
actually see or hear the bird.
On the other hand, if you mean "does it count" on the official list of the
country or state where the bird was recorded, I think the answer should be
"yes". As you point out, it would be up to the records committee of the area
in question, but I'm sure most records committees would accept such a
record. It would be similar to a record of a bird found freshly dead, which
had not been carried there by a motor vehicle or something. You can't count
a dead bird on your life list, but of course a records committee would
accept it.
An interesting question, as Derek said!
Good luck and good birding to all,
Wayne Weber
contopus@...
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Daniel
Bastaja
Sent: Monday, March 28, 2022 8:17 AM
To: Vanbirds
Subject: [vanbcbirds] There but unseen
A question for birders. If satellite tracking shows that a bird was in, or
flew over a country (or a province like B.C.) where the species has never
been seen before, does it count as an official record even though nobody
actually saw it? If anyone knows, your comments would be appreciated.
This is the first question that came to mind when I read this article about
a vagrant Ring-billed Gull in Europe.
Daniel Bastaja
danielbastaja@...
|
Daniel,
When you say "does it count"?, we need to be clear about what you mean. Does
it count on anybody's life list, such as the person who was monitoring the
satellite tracking? The answer would have to be "no", because he/she did not
actually see or hear the bird.
On the other hand, if you mean "does it count" on the official list of the
country or state where the bird was recorded, I think the answer should be
"yes". As you point out, it would be up to the records committee of the area
in question, but I'm sure most records committees would accept such a
record. It would be similar to a record of a bird found freshly dead, which
had not been carried there by a motor vehicle or something. You can't count
a dead bird on your life list, but of course a records committee would
accept it.
An interesting question, as Derek said!
Good luck and good birding to all,
Wayne Weber
contopus@...
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-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto: [email protected]] On Behalf Of Daniel Bastaja Sent: Monday, March 28, 2022 8:17 AM To: Vanbirds Subject: [vanbcbirds] There but unseen A question for birders. If satellite tracking shows that a bird was in, or flew over a country (or a province like B.C.) where the species has never been seen before, does it count as an official record even though nobody actually saw it? If anyone knows, your comments would be appreciated. This is the first question that came to mind when I read this article about a vagrant Ring-billed Gull in Europe. Daniel Bastaja danielbastaja@...
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Thanks Derek. Thanks Perry. Just about every birder that responded to my question felt that it should count, as there is solid scientific evidence of the bird's presence. It would, however, be up to the local and national rarities commitees to decide.
Yes… of all the places that bird could go, what a choice! It flew smack into the midfdle of a war.
interesting about the fresh pursuit. Didn’t know that, but it makes practical sense. If you see a ship and then it disappears over the horizon that means it is faster than you. You ain't goinna catch it! :D
Daniel Bastaja
danielbastaja@...
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On Mar 28, 2022, at 8:19 PM, Perry & Charly <drchuper@...> wrote:
Another step in the ID confirmation continuum I suppose, as has arisen in “Big Year” claims: from visual ID to auditory ID of calls by experienced birders .. now to satellite confirmation!
There’s a somewhat similar situation that can arise in maritime law enforcement. In the good old days of 'Britannia ruled the waves' (and hence made the rules), a warship that encountered an intruding vessel in their national waters could pursue it out of there and around the world if need be, so long as it maintained “fresh pursuit”, which was taken to mean continuous visual contact. If the offender made it over the horizon the pursuit had to be terminated.
Then along came satellites .. could “fresh pursuit” be maintained from outer space? Not sure if that question has been resolved as yet.
Perry Edwards
North Vancouver
On Mar 28, 2022, at 9:10 AM, Derek Matthews <Derek@...> wrote:
That's a really good question Dan!
With more satellite tracking becoming available and the Motus system
expanding (motus.org), there are likely to be many more species that are
recorded but not necessarily seen in a country (or province).
Not sure the Ring-billed Gull's choice of country was a particularly good
one!
Derek Matthews
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Daniel
Bastaja
Sent: March 28, 2022 8:17 AM
To: Vanbirds <[email protected]>
Subject: [vanbcbirds] There but unseen
A question for birders. If satellite tracking shows that a bird was in, or
flew over a country (or a province like B.C.) where the species has never
been seen before, does it count as an official record even though nobody
actually saw it? If anyone knows, your comments would be appreciated.
This is the first question that came to mind when I read this article about
a vagrant Ring-billed Gull in Europe.
Daniel Bastaja
danielbastaja@...
|
Hmmm, it's been recorded ergo it counts.
Roger Craik
Maple Ridge.
On 2022-03-28 8:17 a.m., Daniel Bastaja
wrote:
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A question for birders. If satellite tracking shows that a bird was in, or flew over a country (or a province like B.C.) where the species has never been seen before, does it count as an official record even though nobody actually saw it? If anyone knows, your comments would be appreciated.
This is the first question that came to mind when I read this article about a vagrant Ring-billed Gull in Europe.
Daniel Bastaja
danielbastaja@...
|
That's a really good question Dan!
With more satellite tracking becoming available and the Motus system
expanding (motus.org), there are likely to be many more species that are
recorded but not necessarily seen in a country (or province).
Not sure the Ring-billed Gull's choice of country was a particularly good
one!
Derek Matthews
toggle quoted message
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-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Daniel Bastaja Sent: March 28, 2022 8:17 AM To: Vanbirds < [email protected]> Subject: [vanbcbirds] There but unseen A question for birders. If satellite tracking shows that a bird was in, or flew over a country (or a province like B.C.) where the species has never been seen before, does it count as an official record even though nobody actually saw it? If anyone knows, your comments would be appreciated. This is the first question that came to mind when I read this article about a vagrant Ring-billed Gull in Europe. Daniel Bastaja danielbastaja@...
|
A question for birders. If satellite tracking shows that a bird was in, or flew over a country (or a province like B.C.) where the species has never been seen before, does it count as an official record even though nobody actually saw it? If anyone knows, your comments would be appreciated.
This is the first question that came to mind when I read this article about a vagrant Ring-billed Gull in Europe.
Daniel Bastaja
danielbastaja@...
|
Spread your wings and get out birding this spring with a VARC Bird ID Expert for a GUIDED BIRD WALK!
VARC is hosting a series of monthly guided bird walks this year led by locally recognized bird ID experts (many of whom are members of this group) who will help participants build on their birding skills!
- When: Sunday April 10th
- Time: 7.30 am
- Where: Reifel or Boundary Bay
- Cost: $25
Please forward this to anyone who may be interested and click on the link below for more information:
Thanks!
Derek
| Derek J. Matthews
Chairman, ?Director Communication
NABC Certified Trainer
Vancouver?Avian Research Centre
Registered Canadian Charity #82118 2656 RR0001
4115, East Braemar Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 3C9
T: (604) 218-1191
E: Derek@...
W: |
? ?
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Re: Argentina Trip Report
Just read the report Derek. Absolutely fantastic! I never even heard of most of the species you cite. So cool to be birding in an area where everything is new! Must be impossible without a guide.
Daniel Bastaja
danielbastaja@...
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On Mar 21, 2022, at 2:12 AM, Derek Matthews <derek@...> wrote:
Hi Vanbcbirders,
Quite a few people asked if I could notify them when the trip report for Argentina was done. It did take a bit longer than anticipated but is now up for anyone interested and can be viewed here:
Happy spring birding and banding!
Derek
<image003.png>
Derek J. Matthews
Chairman, Director Communication
NABC Certified Trainer
Vancouver Avian Research Centre
Registered Canadian Charity #82118 2656 RR0001
4115, East Braemar Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 3C9
T: (604) 218-1191
E: Derek@...
W:
|
Derek Matthews
Pamela Zevit
