The Bullbird

  I can’t believe it’s been nearly two months since my last update. Yikes! On April 20, I set off on the first of two trips across the island in search of vagrants. A Greater Sand-Plover, a new species for the province, had been showing well in Biscay Bay for nearly a week. Unfortunately, I arrived two days too late—my first dip of the year. Keels, Bonavista Peninsula The following days were spent combing the Northeast Avalon, the Bonavista Peninsula, and the Straight Shore. Finally, some luck at Cape Freels, where I found two European Golden-Plovers. While deciding where to sleep that night, I got a message: a Eurasian Oystercatcher had been reported in Torbay. I guess sleep would have to wait. Bonavista At sunrise in Torbay, I began an all-day search—but once again, no luck. Still, the road trip wasn’t without rewards. I added several new birds to the list, including Northern Shrike, Wood Duck, Ruddy Duck, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. European Golden-Plover, Cape Freels Northern...

An unusual nuthatch was spotted at a well-known bird feeder in Fermeuse yesterday, May 6th 2025, by Vernon Buckle.  Initial views revealed typical nuthatch behaviour, and a surprisingly white face. As soon as it was seen, it disappeared leaving a lot to the imagination. White-breasted Nuthatch (WBNU) was strongly suspected and the alert went out, including notifying the homeowner of the rare visitor. Afterall, this would be the 6th or 7th record for the province! A true rarity for the province, and one that many birders still haven't seen in the region. Linda, the homeowner, eventually secured some photos later that day. That's where the mystery began. What was this nuthatch? An aberrant Red-breasted Nuthatch, or a White-breasted Nuthatch? Jean-François Rousseau (of Ivory Gull fame) was the first to point out the inconsistencies. The bird continued to be seen today (May 7th) and several more photos came in. These only added to the mystery. What do you think this nuthatch is? Li...