Greetings,

Paul Levesque (PGL) and I (MGS) have just started our bird work in the
Nimpkish Valley. By the time we arrived there on May 8, it seemed that
almost all the breeding birds were already settled in. There were only a
few obvious migrants present, and only a handful of species seem to be
absent or still in low numbers. Nothing exceptional in the way of species,
but here are a few highlights (including a few observations from elsewhere
on northern Vancouver Island). Unless otherwise noted, birds were
encountered by both of us.

Turkey Vulture - 1 at Knob Hill at the northern tip of Vancouver Island on
May 2 (PGL)

Turkey Vulture - 1 near Rooney Lake (Adam River drainage) on May 8 (MGS)

Turkey Vulture - 1 near the Eve River hill on May 12 (MGS)

Turkey Vulture - 1 at the Sayward hill brake check on May 12 (MGS)

Red-breasted Sapsucker - numbers seem to be down. Perhaps they got frozen
out in the cold snap early this year. Remember we had a fairly big invasion
on the south island at that time.

Cassin's Vireo - 1 at Woss, May 10 & 11. Not too common this far north on
the island.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet - very widespread - we've found at least 10 singing
males so far on territory in the usual spots, from near sea level at the
south end of Nimpkish Lake, up to 1000m elevation. As far as I know, there
are as yet no confirmed breeding records for Vancouver Island, but I'll bet
there are at least 200 pairs nesting on the northern quarter of the island.

Swainson's Thrush - 1 calling at Anne Lake on May 9 (MGS). This was the
only one we found. I imagine that next week should bring on the masses.

House Finch - population continuing to grow in Port McNeill. I haven't had
time yet to come up with a good estimate, but there are probably at least 10
pairs in the vicinity.

House Sparrow - young calling from two nest sites in Port McNeill on May 11
(MGS). There are probably at least 8 pairs in town.

That's it for now.

Michael G. Shepard
North American Bird Information Web Site: www.birdinfo.com
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