Subject: Re: 7 warbler species in Tofino
Date: Nov 6 11:50:04 1995
From: Don Cecile - dcecile at cln.etc.bc.ca


We are now down to 6 species of warblers for Tofino on Oct.29. The
Bay-breasted was seen only on that day, and since then, Adrian has corrected
his identification from Tennessee Warbler to O-c warbler of the 'celata'
race. A few (3) Yellow Warblers lingered to Nov. 4 which is remarkable even
for Tofino!

Jack wrote:
>Yes, indeed, it is underbirded. Has something to do with the
>attraction of the Long Beach area pulling birders away from Tofino, I
>reckon. Re. Al's post about migrant/vagrant traps: I agree, but I am
>having a hard time trying to figure out just what the determining
>factors would be viz-a-viz migrant and vagrant traps. However, I would
>suggest that the whole Long Beach area itself is a candidate for
>migrant trap status; witness the gazillion Golden-crowned Sparrows and
>Orange-crowned Warblers there during the BCFO AGM held there the first
>week of April a couple of years ago. Note that the low stratus
>ceilings were a definite concentrator, but the birds had to be moving
>through in great numbers to begin with. The question then becomes:
>what is the attraction for *vagrants* to the area. And is there
>anything in particular about the town of Tofino in regards to food
>sources, etc. Cape St. James at the south end of the Queen Charlottes
>happens to fit both definitions. Its position at the south end of the
>archipelago likely has a lot to do with that. An interesting topic.


Well first of all, the sparrows you mentioned on that day was a significant
fall out. I have gone back to Tofino (weekends only) the past two springs
to witness this event but have been unsuccessful. I think under certain
conditions Tofino is a migrant trap as we have noted, at least seasonally
and at least for some species ie shorebirds (spring) and ducks
(fall/winter). It is however also a vagrant trap. See my message titled
Tofino Vagrants.
A few reasons for Tofino's popularity with vagrants. First it is along the
coast so birds that have mixed directions end up over the ocean and come
back to land. Second, birds migrating south or north (at least some) use
the coast. Tofino, in both of these cases becomes a 'hot spot' due to it
being on a north projecting penninsula and due to the fact that the town
itself is probably one of the first signs of a mixed forest when coming from
the north. There are lots of alder and open areas that can be enticing to
birds that like open areas or that are prefering a more deciduous
surrounding. Further, the town has lots of flowering bushes
(rhododendrons,various ivy's, bleeding hearts or fuschia? etc) these seem to
attract insectivorous types. The climate is certainly appealing in the fall
winter. I believe that many rarities esp. Eastern Warblers occur at these
times since much of the mainland is receiving snow or is under siege from
frost and ice. Tofino rarely gets a good frost! I think there is a
westward movement of birds in the late fall and winter that may find
themselves along the coast. The end of the land is the west coast of Vanc.
Isle. It is however one of the least birded hotspots in North America! It
would be interesting to take the slim data that is available and project
some inferences. There may be some glaring trends that show themselves.
One such trend I believe is that Tofino is becoming one of the best places
to find Asian strays outside of Alaska.

Much more coverage and data is needed but take a look at the vagrant list
compiled so far called Tofino Vagrants.


Cheers,

Don Cecile
Port Alberni, B.C. Canada
dcecile at cln.etc.bc.ca.
Cheers,

Don Cecile
Port Alberni, B.C. Canada
dcecile at cln.etc.bc.ca.