In the month of November, there have been repeated sightings of a Phainopepla. This beautiful bird has been seen in Brampton, Ontario. Assuming it's a wild bird, he (it's a juvenile male) is a long, long way from it's American southwest home.
It's also possible that this particular bird was being held illegally as someone's pet and has escaped. It is worrisome as to what will happen once the snow and freezing temperatures inevitably arrive. This November has been quite mild, but we all know those below zero days are around the corner. I found one write-up online that discusses how this particular bird has been part of the illegal pet trade (why are people so selfish??)
"It might be noted that unfortunately this southwestern species, with a home range deep into Mexico, has been among those captured illegally for the pet trade."
http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/msg00697.html
Here's another article from a local paper that discusses the find and what it's eating to survive at this time of year (it's a flycatcher and we know flying insects are getting harder to find at this time of year): www.northpeel.com/brampton/news/article/80407
Dave and I going to try to make a trip out there on Sunday afternoon. It could certainly be the only opportunity we have in our lifetime to see this bird in the "wild" so close to home.
Ontbirds reports it has been observed as recent as yesterday, so it's still around.
http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Mail/Ontario_Birds/614525
Here's a more detailed description from www.bird-friends.com:
Description:
The Phainopepla, whose name means "silky robe", is part of the silky flycatcher group, a tropical group of birds named because of the silky appearance of their feathers. This bird is the northernmost (and the only in North America) of the group.
Appearance:
General: 6.25 inches in length.
Male: Entirely (shiny) black plumage. Dark red eye. Long tail. Small, thin bill. White wing patches visible in flight. Spicky crest feathers. Female: Smaller with all dark gray plumage. Juvenile: Similar to female.
Habitat: Desert landscape, hot areas with single tall trees containing mistletoe, and open woodlands.
Nesting: 2-4 speckled pale green eggs with a 14 day incubation period. Fledging occurs 19-20 days after hatching. A simple and shallow nest is usually built in a mistletoe-bearing desert tree.
Photo Credits: http://fireflyforest.net/firefly/2006/05/08/phainopepla-male/ (top)
http://www.bird-friends.com/BirdPage.php?name=Phainopepla (bottom two photos)
Posts
It's still there just saw it today. Apparently the last one survived until January so there is still hope for this one.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering why some organization doesn't try to trap and then release the bird in a better climate/location so it can survive. Does anyone know why this isn't happening?
ReplyDeleteUPDATE from ONTBIRDS
ReplyDeletehttp://www.virtualbirder.com/bmail/ontbirds/latest.html
Subject: [Ontbirds] Phainopepla update, Wed. Dec.9/09
Good Day Fellow Birders: As I stood watching Mr. P this morning, I couldn't help but admire his stamina and tenacity, having survived such a wickedly windy snowy, night. We received approx. 3 inches of very wet snow followed by steady rain which continues still. Mr. P. was sitting quite high in the rose bush in
full view, and every now and then flicked his wings and tail to rid them of the rain. At that point he was his usual quiet self. Shortly thereafter the merlin flew in and perched quite close by, on an antennae and then turned to face Mr. P. The distance was only one house away. Mr. P. did not dive for cover but
instead stayed in the same place and began vocalizing his very distinctive call, every 3 seconds. Normally, he does this when feeding but I've also seen him vocalize when threatened by the mockingbird. So, I believe that he was well aware of the merlins position. After approx. 10 minuted, Mr. P. moved into the
rose and proceeded to eat the hips. I watched for a half hour as he continued to eat and rest and vocalize, all the while staying in the cover of the rose.
So there's a wonderful update.
Glad he is surviving. We are still hoping to get out there and see him. We missed him last time.