#ABArare - Brambling - British Columbia and Washington

This is the tale of three Bramblings (Code 3), one that’s stayed for a long time, one that disappeared and then returned, and one that left after only a few days. The first two are in interior British Columbia. The other was in Washington state.

Let’s start with the one that has stayed: Darlene Cancelliere found this one on Dec 17 in Revelstoke, BC, coming to a feeder in an apple tree in her front yard at 407 Edward St. (map here). Visitors are welcome. It is still there as of Jan 1.

photo by Darlene Cancelliere

Next up, the Brambling that’s returned after a short hiatus: During the Penticton Christmas Bird Count on Dec 16, Tom Lowery and Robyn de Young found it coming to their feeder in the Trout Creek area of Summerland, BC. It was seen for several days, with the last positive report on the BC Interior email group coming on Dec 19. There were several negative reports beginning on Dec 21. However, Lowery and de Young saw it back at the feeders on Jan 1.

photo by Laure W. Neish

These feeders are at 5816 Nixon Rd. in Summerland (map here). The feeders are easily seen from the road, so there is no need to go into anyone’s yard. This location is directly across the street from an elementary school, so please exercise caution when driving here. The homeowners recommend avoiding visiting between 8 and 9 AM, due to it being very busy with children arriving for school.

Finally, we have the three-day wonder: This Brambling appeared at the feeders of Robert and Virginia Small at their residence in Birch Bay, WA. They first found it on Dec 24 and reported that it was seen again on Dec 25, unleashing a minor stampede on Dec 26. They welcomed many birders into their home – many happy birders on Dec 26 and many not-so-happy birders on Dec 27, when the bird failed to make an appearance. It has not been reported since.

photo by John Puschock