Birdwatchers flock to Victoria for rarely seen puffin
If you're a bird nerd, Ogden Point in Victoria has been the centre of your universe after a rare visitor was spotted Wednesday.
A horned puffin, a bird that's rarely, if ever, seen on Vancouver Island, recently arrived.
"This is only the third I've ever heard of," said well-known Victoria birdwatcher Ann Nightingale. "The other two were flybys, so you couldn't chase them."
The paparazzi have flocked to Ogden Point, with excited birdwatchers huffin' and puffin' down to the water.
"I've got three layers on, and hopefully he comes by soon," said Derek Isbister, who came down from Qualicum Beach, B.C., to see the animal.
Puffins are usually only ever seen far off shore and in areas as far north as Alaska.
Some birdwatchers believe the puffin was blown onto the island from open water.
While it doesn't have the most exotic colours, its rarity in the area has drawn plenty of attention.
"This bird does not look spectacular, let's be honest," said Nightingale. "It's a white and black and grey bird."
Despite its drab colouration, word of the wayward puffin quickly spread online, with rare bird alerts being issued in online groups and mobile apps.
Avid birders say if you want to catch a glimpse of the puffin, you'll have to have patience.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.