<pre>

Victoria Rare Bird Alert for Wednesday, May 12th at 11 p.m.
Compiled by Hank VanderPol. Transcribed by Virginia Jessop.


Feature Birds
-----------------
RUDDY TURNSTONES
CASPIAN TERNS
SANDHILL CRANES
RED-FACED CORMORANT



Wednesday, May 12

A RED-FACED CORMORANT, an Alaskan species, was positively identified by
several experienced Washington birders at Sequim, Washington, which is
approximately 35 km east of Port Angeles. The bird was last seen flying
in a northerly direction toward Victoria. The RED-FACED CORMORANT is
similar to a Pelagic Cormorant but has a large red patch around the eye.
Check all the local Pelagic Cormorants carefully for this potential
species.

Also today, 10 RUDDY TURNSTONES were at Esquimalt Lagoon in the evening
across from the big rock.

2 CASPIAN TERNS were near the bridge at Esquimalt Lagoon in the early
afternoon.

13 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS were at Viaduct Flats.

12 VAUX'S SWIFTS were at the northeast end of Elk Lake at about 2 p.m.
in the afternoon.

A late report of the first BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK reported this year was
seen in Metchosin on Sunday. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS have now also been
seen at Blenkinsop and at Jennings Lane in Elk Lake.

YELLOW, WILSON'S and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS were also at Blenkinsop
Lake.

No further reports have been received of a possible COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD
on top of Mt. Tolmie, or an unidentified Warbler seen near Dallas Road.

WESTERN TANAGERS are being reported from several places including 2 at
the north end of Rithet's Bog and 2 on Mt. Tolmie.


Tuesday, May 11

6 RUDDY TURNSTONES, 2 CASPIAN TERNS together with a mixed flock of
shorebirds as well as an OSPREY were at Esquimalt Lagoon.


Monday, May 10

A WANDERING TATTLER was on the breakwater at Dallas Road.

100 BRANT were still at Island View Beach.

3 SANDHILL CRANES were at Rocky Point in Metchosin.

A SAGE THRASHER remains near the base of the jetty on Iona Island, north
of the Vancouver Airport. The bird feeds among the logs, mostly
eastward to the old sewer outfall area.

The Black-necked Stilt has gone.

Pleasant birding!
</pre>