SAPH

[Gary Davidson]

Say's Phoebe was a rare bird in Nakusp when I moved here in the 1970's. In 1999 I observed the first known breeding record for the area, (location 1). But it was a one-time-only breeding and there were no more attempt, (that I know of), until 2016. That year a pair raised 4 or 5 young in a nest in an outbuilding on a rural property in Brouse, (location 2). Interestingly, this is the neighbouring property to the 1999 nest. In 2017 the pair raised 2 broods in the same outbuilding at location 2. In subsequent years, the bird did not use this outbuilding but appeared to be using a different outbuilding further along the road, (location 3). (I do not have access to that building). Every year since, there has been activity at location 3. Last year I found evidence of a second pair nesting about a km away from Brouse, (location 4). Another pair was observed at yet another location last year, (location 5) but there was no breeding evidence. This year I have seen pairs of Say's Phoebes at 3 different locations. They are still at location 3, and there's a pair at location 5, but the other pair is in a completely different location. I have not yet seen activity at location 4. A bird that was once rare here is now a regular breeder. 

I can't say if this is an example of a species expanding its range. One example from one location is not sufficient evidence for such a statement. I was wondering if anyone else has seen an increase of Say's Phoebe's breeding in their area over the last few decades??

Gary

[foxglenlea]

What type of nest do they build? I saw one singing by the Burton frontage rd. There are a few old buildings around there.

Leanne