For those who may have missed this bird previously, it is back in the same
location for its third consecutive year. Last year it arrived on Jan.17 and
stayed at least until the 29th. In the spring of '94 it was seen at least
until April 20. This year, it was found on Saturday January 26th and it
remained there all day.

It is frequently seen in the company of Gadwall along Browning Passage near
Tofino BC, on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Access to the bird is available from two sights:
1) the sharp road hatchery, which overlooks mudflats (at low tide) where
thousands of ducks and shorebirds overwinter. This is a short gravel road
that runs east from the Tofino-Ucluelet highway just 3-4 kms south of the
town of Tofino. The road is next to the Dolphin Motel which is easily seen
from the highway. The gentleman that operates the hatchery and that lives
in the nearby trailer, is very friendly and looks for the duck on a regular
basis. His name is Ralph.

2) the Orca Lodge (restaurant and rooms)allows people to access the same
mudflats from a trail behind the lodge. The owners are very friendly and do
not mind visitors. Their names are: John and Colleen Willson. Their
restaurant is temporarily closed but you may be able to enquire about a room
by phoning 1-800-725-2320. The Orca Lodge is 2-3 kms south of the sharp
road hatchery and is along the highway.

For information about Ferry service to and from the island, set your browser
to: http://vvv.com/ferries/index.html

For information about the road conditions try phoning: 1-800-663-4997
(24hrs)however this 800 number might only be avail. from BC.


Other interesting birds in the area:
An Eared Grebe has been seen along the same waterway but closer to the town
of Tofino
A Yellow-billed Loon was also seen in the proximity
A wintering Yellow Warbler was last seen in the town of Tofino on Jan.18


For more information, feel free to contact me.


Don Cecile

Port Alberni, Vancouver Island, BC, CANADA
eMAIL: dcecile at cln.etc.bc.ca