Hi, Tweets

I am not able to be out at Salt Creek this fall - it would have been the
tenth year of the study. We'll just have to do year ten during year eleven,
I guess. Anyway, this is one of the prime weeks for turkey vulture
migration through Washington state. Actually, I should say the next two
weeks will be the most favorable.

On the 26 of September in 1998, 1,138 turkey vultures crossed the Strait of
Juan de Fuca in a period of about three hours to begin the U.S. part of
their journey south. The sight was pretty impressive, to say the least, and
since it was on a Saturday, we had a fair-sized group to see them. The 27th
of September has always been on our "biggest day" - counts have numbered
from 28 to 719 - and in more years than other dates. Of course, the weather
plays a big part, but still, when it's time to go, it's time to go. We have
seen them cross in fog and light rain, but what they like is a day just
like we had earlier this week (and promised later this week!).

So, folks, if you are out, look up! What crosses the strait at Salt Creek
one day, drifts down the Puget Trough in the next day or so - and over many
of us.

If it's a bother to post separately to me, just put it on Tweeters and I'll
see it. Thanks.

Cheers, Diann
___________________________
Diann MacRae
Olympic Vulture Study
22622 - 53rd Avenue S.E.
Bothell, WA 98021
mailto: tvulture at vei.net
http://users.vei.net/tvulture/