[stumblingpiper]

Took a drive down toward Osoyoos / Ok Falls today to see if I can get a few of our outstanding Central Okanagan birds ... Success! While making a quick stop at Vaseux Lake, I had a glimpse of a female Chat, but couldn't get the picture! However, this Veery did me a favor and sang at the top of a tree!

Vaseux always delivers and is worth a stop if you are in the area.

Another place I love to frequent is Road 22 near Osoyoos. You can get quite a few birds there, and today I was able to get a long-shot of a Bobolink. (Ian, if you get a better close-up, please post it!)


Another spot where I've had good success is Knox Mountain park in Kelowna. I finally got around to looking at some of the bird photos I took while stumbling around in there and was able to identify this Cassin's Finch. Score!


Great pictures, everyone, and thanks for contributing!
James

[stumblingpiper]

I updated the list ... we are currently at 171 birds! Great work, everyone. On June 26, last year, we were at 184 birds. I think we are moving along well -- and there are still some common birds missing ... I'll see what I can get in the next couple of weeks!
Here's the link to the list: viewtopic.php?p=91795#p91795

[Steely]

I think my Bobolink is the same one on the same bush that you managed to get! This is a major crop in as I wasn't able to get close either!

[NewWestBirder]

Only posting this novelty shot for a bit of amusement. Too bad I didnt get this shot earlier in the year before we already had these birds. It would have been quite a coup, four species to add to the list in one shot!

Only Thing Missing is a Partridge in a Shared Tree (with apologies to that Christmas Carol) by Randy, on Flickr

[zwest]

Got a few more this weekend.

American Redstart


Black Swift


Belted Kingfisher (F)

[stumblingpiper]

I think my Bobolink is the same one on the same bush that you managed to get! This is a major crop in as I wasn't able to get close either!

lol, Ian. Love it! Great shot ... even with the crop!

[stumblingpiper]

Nice haul, Randy. lol. Zach -- glad to have you back. I was trying for that Belted Kingfisher this weekend ... glad you took care of it.

[Steely]

Here are a few to fill in some of the gaps. I haven't seemed to get out as much as I anticipated this year and have also found that the numbers seem to be down in general... at least in my usual haunt in the South Okanagan.


Clark's Nutcracker on Anarchist Mtn. East of Osoyoos.


Yellow-breasted Chat near OK Falls.


Williamson's Sapsucker on Anarchist Mtn. East of Osoyoos.

[NewWestBirder]

I want to give a big shout out of thanks to James. I drove out to OK Falls for a few days, and James provided me with some excellent itineraries (maps, directions, personal observations). James, I had an excellent experience, so thanks very much. I have one piece of negative feedback though...you forgot to warn me about the early morning mosquitos at Vaseux Lake. So I head out in shorts and t-shirt...well I will leave the rest to your imagination. I suspect my slapping and scratching kept alot of birds away. None the less, saw a lot of birds, and many first timers. Below are a few I can offer for our list.

[NewWestBirder]

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) by Randy, on Flickr

A very long distance shot, but its still a capture.

[NewWestBirder]

Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) by Randy, on Flickr

[NewWestBirder]

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) by Randy, on Flickr

[NewWestBirder]

Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) by Randy, on Flickr

[stumblingpiper]

I want to give a big shout out of thanks to James. I drove out to OK Falls for a few days, and James provided me with some excellent itineraries (maps, directions, personal observations). James, I had an excellent experience, so thanks very much. I have one piece of negative feedback though...you forgot to warn me about the early morning mosquitos at Vaseux Lake. So I head out in shorts and t-shirt...well I will leave the rest to your imagination. I suspect my slapping and scratching kept alot of birds away. None the less, saw a lot of birds, and many first timers. Below are a few I can offer for our list.

Lol. Sorry about that Randy! I should have definitely warned you! I'm very happy to hear that you had a great time -- Lifers are always fun -- I'm glad you hit a few ... If you are up in the Kelowna area again, let me know -- maybe we can hit a few spots together!

[stumblingpiper]

Lark Sparrow

I was looking for this guy! I'm glad you got him!