Welden Clark's message about the arrival of ~1100 Turkey Vultures on the
Olympic Penisula from Vancouver Island (Sept. 22 and 23) is well
appreciated. It stimulated me to ask Michael Shephard, i/c of banding
at
the Rocky Point banding station, how many TUVUs are still congregated at
the
s. tip of Vancouver Island. As of Sept. 24, his estimate was 120 Turkey
Vultures and few Red-tails, Sharpies, Coopers, etc.

The weather today looks good, so more may make it across. No doubt
Diann
MacRae and her colleagues will be watching for them.

The departure of the vultures from Van. Is. is earlier than in previous
years -- so early in fact that the annual East Sooke Park "Hawkwatch"
event,
slated for this weekend and sponsored by Capital District's Regional
Parks
Department, could be a little disappointing. However, "good" looks at a
few
vultures and Red-tails, plus maybe a Golden Eagle, Northern Harrier or
Broad-
wing, should make the day.

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