Greetings,

Here are a few recent sightings from Vancouver Island BC.

JUNE 8, 2004. I traveled from Victoria to Port McNeill, stopping at several
locations en route.

At Currie Creek near Duncan were two active RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER nests
with young calling. One of the nest sites is very easy to see - it's in a
dead alder near the roadside about 800m down the road, just past the first
main bridge. Nearby here were four WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, as well as a female
RUFFED GROUSE, acting as though she had very small young.

Along the Island Highway (#s 1 & 19), TURKEY VULTURES were conspicuous. I
tallied 19 individuals that day, between Duncan and Sayward.

At Oyster Bay Shoreline Park near Campbell River, I checked for the likely
long gone Hudsonian Godwit reported the previous week - yup, it was nowhere
to be found.

However, a few interesting birds were present: 4 adult CASPIAN TERNS, 1
PURPLE MARTIN, 21 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS and a SANDERLING. This was the
first Sanderling I have ever seen in June on the east coast of the island.

Continuing north, I decided to check out the Salmon River Estuary at
Sayward/Kelsey Bay. It turned out to be very rewarding despite the windy
conditions. The highlight was finding two female PURPLE MARTINS atop one of
the old buildings at the log sort. This species is very rare north of
Campbell River. Out on the estuary were 124 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, all in basic
plumage, so I guess they were likely second year birds.

JUNE 9, 2004. I visited Bonanza and Ida Lakes south of Telegraph Cove. No
real surprises, but the following were noteworthy.
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET - four singing at various locations near Ida Lake
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE - one at Ida Lake - rare on northern Vancouver Island
MEW GULL - adult on nest in a cedar tree at Ida Lake
VAUX'S SWIFT - 24 near the south end of Bonanza Lake. I enjoyed watching
them at close range. A few passed at eye level no more than 5 meters away.
Great views, but only for a fraction of a second at the time. I attempted
to photograph the birds, but it was pretty much useless. A not-so-swift
individual did sort of cooperate. I've posted its image at
www.birdinfo.com/VauxsSwift_0003.html

The rest of the week was spent working in the Nimpkish Valley. Rather
routine in the way of bird life. Three WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES were near Rice
Lake, not far from Woss on June 11.

Cheers,

Michael G. Shepard
North American Bird Information Web Site: www.birdinfo.com
Recent Postings: www.birdinfo.com/recentpostings.html