Eastern Yellow Wagtail – Martindale Flats, BC
The cornfields of Martindale Flats near Victoria once again held a real surprise with this immature Eastern Yellow Wagtail. Native to eastern Asia, this species also breeds in western Alaska and is an exceptionally rare visitor to British Columbia. A handful of previous records have given local birders reason to keep looking. We watched this young Eastern Yellow wagtail dart through the low vegetation alongside American Pipits, chasing insects in quick bursts of speed. It occasionally took to the air after its prey before dropping back into the field to continue hunting. Its long tail, slender build, and restless tail bobbing made it surprisingly easy to follow once located.
