Black-bellied Plover an unexpected visitor to the Douglas Lake Plateau – 2 June 2013

On 2 June 2013 a Nicola Naturalist Society outing discovered a Black-bellied Plover in breeding plumage on one of the shallow saline ponds on the Douglas Lake Plateau, next to Minnie Lake Road, west of Merritt. This is not a regular spring visitor to our area and at this time most of these birds should be well on their way to the Arctic for breeding. Here are some photos taken today – the diagnostic black axillaries (“armpits”) can be seen in one photo. The bird appeared healthy and was feeding alongside several Killdeer.

Black-bellied Plover at saline pond Minnie Lake Road, Douglas Lake area - 2 June 2013.  Photo: Alan Burger

Black-bellied Plover at saline pond Minnie Lake Road, Douglas Lake area – 2 June 2013. Photo: Alan Burger

Black-bellied Plover - Douglas Lake Plateau, 2 June 2013.  Photo: Alan Burger

Black-bellied Plover – Douglas Lake Plateau, 2 June 2013. Photo: Alan Burger

Black-bellied Plover on a saline pond, Douglas Lake Plateau, 2 June 2013. Photo:  Alan Burger

Black-bellied Plover on a saline pond, Douglas Lake Plateau, 2 June 2013. Photo: Alan Burger

Black-bellied Plover foraging alongside a Killdeer - Douglas Lake Plateau, 2 June 2013.  Photo:  Alan Burger

Black-bellied Plover foraging alongside a Killdeer – Douglas Lake Plateau, 2 June 2013. Photo: Alan Burger

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