The annual fall migration of Turkey Vultures from Vancouver Island
continues. On Sept. 30, we were at Rocky Point on the s. tip of
Vancouver Island and were able to get a fairly accurate count of 413 (+
or -
15 ) TUVUs as they broke out of a high "kettle" and streamed out, in
almost
single file, over Juan de Fuca Strait toward the Olympic Peniunsula.
The
time was 1050. I watched them for as long as I could see them in my 20X
scope and was satisfied that almost exactly 200 may have made it across.

The rest clearly turned back toward Rocky Point and East Sooke Park, at
the
s. tip of Vancouver Island. Later in the afternoon, we were able to
count
about 200 birds still with us, although they were dispersed and counting
was
more difficult.

The birds that kept going were headed into or over a dense fog bank that
hugged the US side of the Strait (our side was bright, sunny and warm).
If
the birds made it across, it is unlikely that Diann MacRae and her
fellow observers would have been able to see them as they hit the
Washington shoreline. Perhaps others did see them. Any information on
where
they hit land, how many and the time of arrival would be greatly
appreciated.

Together with the earlier "arrivals" reported by Diann MacRae, it
appears
that upwards of 2000 TUVUs may move south from s. Vancouver Island.
Where
do they all come from? Of possible interest was a report on the weekend
of
40+ TUVUs flying in high to the Victoria area (Ten Mile Point) from the
direction of San Juan Island. Perhaps these were birds that had tried
to
move south that way, but turned back. Or perhaps they were San Juan
Island
birds that just had to join their collegues at Rocky Point.

Thirteen species of raptors were over our s. Vancouver Island
observation
points on Sat./Sun, including an imm. Broad-winged Hawk, 4 imm. Golden
Eagles, 2 Bald Eagles, 2 Northern Goshawks, an Osprey, 2 Northern
Harriers, a
Peregrine Falcon, an American Kestrel, an early Rough-legged Hawk, and
fair numbers of Sharp-shinned, Coopers and Red-tailed hawks.

Four Sandhill Cranes didn't bother with thermals. They appeared over
Rocky
Point, gliding fairly high out of the north, and just kept going south.
They were well out over the water before they had to "fly". They
seemed determined and appeared to make it. Eight Sandhill Cranes were
roosting at Rocky Point the previous Monday, but were not there
yesterday.

More later.

Bryan Gates, Victoria bgates at assessment.env.gov.bc.ca