Bryan Gates was asking about the flocks of W-f Geese he saw August 22 and
24 at Athlone Island, B.C.

White-fronts are among the first fall migrants. The first flocks move
southward from mid to late August and are of birds that mainly winter in
Mexico. These birds pass through quickly and seldom do we see more than
single individuals or small groups. The first sightings in Oregon this
years were on August 17.

The main flight moves southward from late August into September and are of
birds that winter primarily in California. Those birds are highly
conspicuous as they move through the Northwest.

The Athlone Island flocks were most likely the main flight of Mexican
birds. We know these guys winter in Mexico from collar sightings.

Harry Nehls, Portland, Or.
hnehls at teleport.com (503) 233-3976