Weldon and Virginia Clark say, about spring raptor migrations up the coast:

>Data are lacking about the routes of the raptors prior to their appearance
>in the Cape Flattery area and *after they cross the Strait of Juan de Fuca*.

A group of us here in Victoria, lead by David Pearce (604) 658-0295, will be
attempting to provide some insight into arrival points after these birds
cross Juan de Fuca Strait. On March 30 (and on other days if feasible) we
will distribute observers along the SW coast of Vancouver Island, from River
Jordan to Port Renfrew, in an attempt to determine "landing" points.

We don't expect this to be easy. The landings will likely prove to be
highly variable, depending on prevailing winds. As the "Red-tail" flies, the
shortest distance from Flattery would take the birds to a point just NW of
Port Renfrew. Unfortunately, there is no road acccess to that area, so
observation there will be difficult or impossible. If the birds tend to
head due north, observers at Bonilla Pt and Carmanah Pt. will be
required...again, no vehicle access. Thus, we will be hoping for a NW
flow to drift the birds toward Port Renfrew and Jordan River as they cross.

Some form of electronic communication between the Cape Flattery group and our
observers may be attempted. Any suggestions? In this way, we can be
advised of exactly what groups appear to be leaving Flattery (ie. flock of 40
TUVU and 6 RTHA at 1330) and can be watching to see if they make it --- and
if flocks tend to stay together.

We may not find the answers, but we think it is worth a try. If nothing
else, a bunch of us could have a great day birding on the coast...and
there are few things better!

Then our next question will be: where and how do these birds move once they
hit Vancouver Island?

>And please contact us for schedules, directions, and weather
>guesses if you want to join us in observations at Cape Flattery ...

Perhaps Weldon and Virginia could post me on Mar. 28-29 with their
interpretation of the weather/wind projections for Mar. 30, so that we can
plan some last minute details of our observations.

Bryan Gates, Victoria bgates at assessment.env.gov.bc.ca
(604) 598-7789 or at the Victoria Rare Bird Alert (604)
592-3381