This Eurasian pipit species breeds sporadically in western Alaska and occurs annually in tiny numbers along the Pacific coast of North America (and, recently, has occurred as far south as northwestern South America). It is most commonly encountered in fall along the California coast. Although it has not been detected every year in B.C., its annual presence further south along the coast suggests that it does pass through the province during most or all years but is often overlooked. Individuals in B.C. occur both singly or in association with flocks of American Pipits. Although most records are for the mid- to late fall, two spring records likely pertain to individuals that successfully wintered in the Americas.
1.(1) unknown; October 2, 1985; Swan Lake, Victoria
2.(1) adult; October 5, 1985; Burnaby Lake, Burnaby
3.(1) immature; October 21, 1990; Iona Island, Vancouver
4.(1) immature; December 22-28, 1990; Boundary Bay airport, Delta
5.(max 4) adults and immatures; September 4-November 21, 1991; Sandspit, QCI
6.(1) adult; September 19-21, 1992; Central Saanich
7.(1) immature; November 4, 1995; Tofino
8.(1) immature; September 20, 1996; Central Saanich
9.(1) adult male; September 22, 1996; Esquimalt Lagoon, Colwood
10.(1) immature; October 22, 1996; Pitt Meadows
11.(1) immature; November 4-5, 1996; Sandspit, QCI
12.(1) adult; June 12, 1997; Iona Island, Vancouver
13.(max 2) adult and immature; October 11-12, 1997; Cheslatta River, Ootsa Lake
14.(1) immature; October 23-24, 1999; Central Saanich
15.(1) adult female; October 31, 1999; Sandspit, QCI
16.(1) immature; October 17-18, 2001; Central Saanich
17.(1) adult; September 13, 2003; Boundary Bay, Delta
18.(1) immature; September 21, 2003; Rocky Point, Metchosin
19.(1) unknown; September 28, 2003; Rocky Point, Metchosin
20.(1) adult; April 3, 2004; Englishman River estuary, Parksville
21.(1) unknown; October 2, 2004; Sechelt airport
22.(1) immature; November 6, 2007; Goodridge Peninsula, Sooke
23.(1) unknown; September 1, 2008; Sooke
24.(1) adult; October 21, 2008; Victoria
Note Authors: Rick Toochin and Jamie Fenneman
