Saw the first Pileated Woodpecker in our big old Douglas Fir that we
have ever seen in our yard. We have been in this house for 8 years
and across the fields, (when there were fields, it's gotten quite built
up since we first moved here), for another 14 years with scattered
Doug Fir in the area. My husband first spotted it and I also saw it before it
flew away, so it was a big surprise to download the mail and see
reference to them today. We get Downy's a lot and the occasional
Flicker. We live in the Strawberry Vale area of Saanich on Southern
Vancouver Island right beside Rosedale Park.

Also last Thursday morning about 11:00am my husband saw 5 or 6
Turkey Vultures to the west of the house. They were gone before
he could get his binocs for a better look. They are common
around here this time of the year. Probably on their way to
Rocky Point and East Sooke to make the crossing.

Catherine

Catherine Fryer
Victoria, BC
cfryer at pacificcoast.net