Tropical Kingbird – Delta, BC

British Columbia seems like an unlikely destination for a Tropical Kingbird, but this one apparently had other plans. Normally found from Mexico through Central and South America, this flycatcher has a rather unusual fall migration pattern. Each autumn, small numbers wander north along the Pacific Coast instead of heading south, occasionally reaching British Columbia. Why some birds make this journey remains a bit of a mystery, although coastal winds and weather patterns may play a role. We watched this bird perched on a wire, scanning the surrounding area for flying insects. Tropical Kingbirds often return to the same exposed perch after chasing prey, making them relatively easy to observe. For a bird that should be enjoying warmer weather, this one seemed perfectly comfortable extending its summer vacation into Vancouver.