Greetings,

Yesterday (October 24), I was working on the Pender Islands (BC). In
addition to near perfect weather, the birding was fun. Lot's of marine
mammals too. Although I wasn't birding as such, I still encountered over 50
species.

Highlights.

KILLER WHALE: 15-25. Spotted a bunch from the ferry and when I reached my
destination by road, there were a couple only a couple of hundred feet
offshore - spyhopping, tail lobbing and all kinds of other behaviours. My
best views of these magnificent creatures in a couple of years!

A latish TURKEY VULTURE flew over the shoulder of Mt. Norman on South Pender
Island. Half an hour later, an adult male SHARP-SHINNED HAWK landed about
25 feet away from me - it was a startling event for both of us. Near Mouat
Point (North Pender I.), a HUTTON'S VIREO was calling.

On the return ferry ride, we encountered some CALIFORNIA SEALIONS and a
HARBOR PORPOISE.

The day finished with a show of a PEREGRINE FALCON chasing EUROPEAN
STARLINGS near Rithets Bog, Saanich.

Today, at home in Victoria, a fresh red admiral made an appearance - 'twas a
new butterfly for my yard list.

Cheers,

Michael G. Shepard
Victoria BC Canada
North American Bird Information Web Site: http://www.birdinfo.com
mailto:info at birdinfo.com