Tweeters,

The CRESTED AUKLET at Pedder Bay west of Victoria, first reported to
Tweeters by Bruce Whittington on September 6, has been observed in the
same area 3 more times in the last week. The original observation was
by Jukka Jantunen and Amelie Rousseau (who photographed the bird) on
September 5. The bird has been seen again in the same area on
September 18, 20, and 21, and was photographed again on the 20th.

It is my understanding that all sightings of the Crested Auklet were
from land, by staff at the Rocky Point Bird Observatory.
Unfortunately, the Observatory is on military property, and is
off-limits to the general public. However, there is a marina at Pedder
Bay, and persons who are really keen on seeing this bird might be able
to rent a boat there.

Perhaps Washingtonians should keep a lookout for more Crested Auklets
at likely places such as Point Wilson or the Ocean Shores jetty?

For further updates on the Crested Auklet or other rare birds in the
Victoria area, check the Victoria RBA transcript at
http://birding.bc.ca/victoria/victoria-rba.htm , or phone the RBA at
(250) 592-3381.

Wayne C. Weber
Delta, BC
contopus at telus.net