Rare Western Tanager draws birders to Lachine

A rare bird has been spotted in Lachine over the past couple of weeks. A "Western Tanager" is colourful and rare in this part of the world - especially in January.

Stephanie Shooner's back deck is full of birders and photographers. The homeowner says they're welcome.

“We’re happy to have people come and visit and we're just we just want people to see the bird.”

On Friday, 10 people were braving the cold to see a male Western Tanager that visits the feeders next to Shooner's house.

Lori Bellerdine took lovely photos of the bright and beautiful bird – something other people are hoping to do too.

Thalie Desaulniers is a bird enthusiast and while waiting on the deck for the bird to appear she said, “The yellow flashes with a red head, an amazing bird.”

She adds that it's a once in a lifetime experience to see such bird here.

Ornithologist Joel Coutu says Western Tanagers usually fly north in May after having spent the winter down south.

“Among tanagers this one nest’s up north, Yukon, Northwest Territories, but spends only a few weeks there until the migration to Mexico and Southern California, in that area for the winter months.”

Coutu says a Western Tanager prefers to feed on insects - but can adapt to wild berries and suet if needed.

Meanwhile, the patient birders wait for their moment and thank their host when they do get a photo says Shooner.

“Some great photos and people sent us a really nice note saying thank you. We got a tip at one point and a calendar!”

Everyone hopes this little yellow fellow will make it thru the winter.