The Blackpoll Warbler is a rare warbler in our checklist area, breeding in the northern part of the province and primarily migrating east of the Rockies. They are one of the furthest traveling migrants of the warblers; wintering in South America as far south as northern Argentina. Migration is likely the most likely time for us to encounter one, and not surprisingly, currently the four records for the checklist area are all from fall migration in September.
Similar species:
Fall warblers can be challenging as most shed their bright breeding colours prior to migration and morph into a completely differently plumaged bird. These more drab birds, combined with their similarly plumaged juveniles, add an element of fun to fall migration. Blackpoll Warblers are notoriously similar, in fall, to Pine and Bay-breasted Warblers. The two latter are less widespread, rare to accidental to B.C. and have yet to be encountered in the checklist area. Fieldmarks for Blackpoll Warblers in the fall include pale legs (usually), white undertail coverts and wing-bars and faint streaks. Breeding adults are much more obvious and can be reminiscent of Black-throated Grey and Black and White Warblers .
Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Kaufman, K (1990)
Noteworthy Data
Date | Location | Source(s) | Comments |
| September 3, 2018 | Island 22 Regional Park, Chilliwack | G. Gadsden, 2018 P. Foth | A juvenile in western part of equestrian area. On September 9, 2018 from the west dyke of Island 22, a juvenile was well documented (P. Foth, 2018) |
| September 15, 2012 | Island 22 Regional Park, Chilliwack | C. McDonald | A juvenile photographed and also seen by other birder (Gadsden, 2012g). |
| September 16, 2010 | Island 22 Regional Park, Chilliwack | G. Gadsden | Juvenile. Photographed. |
| September 4, 2007 | Island 22 Regional Park, Chilliwack | G. Gadsden | Juvenile feeding in mixed flock of warblers, chickadees and flycatchers near equestrian trails. Photographed. |
Photos
