>Hi Tweets, due to significant interest in the location of the Brambling
that was seen last weekend, I have been "encouraged" to post directions:
>
>
>I will be visiting the site of the Brambling on Saturday Jan. 9 and will
post any news to list.
>
>>
>>the Brambling was first discovered on Jan. 3rd but was also present the
following day. I expect that it will 'hang around' for some time since it
is visiting a very reliable food source: chicken feed.
>>
>>
>>
>>Directions:
>>
>>From I-5 at the Canada-US border (peace arch crossing), this freeway
becomes hwy99 in B.C. so be sure to follow those signs as you approch the
border. Once through the border continue straight ahead, you will be on
99north. Follow this road until you see signs for the Tswassen ferry. You
will exit onto hwy 10 which will take you to hwy 17 south (still following
signs to tswassen ferry). The ferry you wish to take is the tswassen to
Duke Point (Nanaimo). The ferry schedule can be accessed at
http://www.bcferries.bc.ca
>>
>>The crossing time is 2 hours.
>>
>>Take the island highway north in direction of Campbell River. Eventually
you will see destination signs for Port Alberni and/or Tofino. Take any
exit off the island highway that directs you to Port Alberni and Tofino
(there is only one highway that links these communities with the rest of the
world, highway 4). You will be travelling along a sometimes winding road
that climbs over Mount Arrowsmith. This road can be treacherous with black
ice in the early morning or in the evening once the sun has set (like we
ever see the sun here!). Once you descend from the pass, you will arrive in
the town of Port Alberni. Stay to the right at the 'y' junction and
continue to follow the signs toward Tofino (pacific rim park, longbeach).
After passing through town, (at the third stoplight) you will be facing the
somass river and you will be at a 't' intersection. (petro-canada station
on the corner) continue right for 400m and take the right exit toward
Beaver Creek (and Stamp Falls provincial park). Continue on this road
(Beaver Creek Road) until you arrive at stamp falls park (approx. 10km) do
not enter the park but continue just past the entrance on Beaver Creek road
and you will see a road on your right called Bland Rd. Take this road into
a small dip, then at the top of the rise on your right is a small chicken
farm. The Brambling has been seen around the chicken coups feeding on grain
along with a flock of juncos. To be certain you have the right address, you
will probably notice a small flock of noisy Chinese Geese, two dogs (one
bouvier and one hunting dog), there is usually a jeep cherokee in the
driveway as well. The owners are very pleasant and are quite comfortable
with people viewing from the road.
>>
>>If you have any trouble with my directions and/or if you do come to town,
feel free to give me a call. Home: 250-723-4816 Work: 250-723-8195
>>I may also be able to direct you to a few other local birding spots.
>>
>>Best of luck,
>