Subject: [Tweeters] Directions To Northern Wheatear:
Date: Oct 8 17:11:38 2005
From: Guy L. Monty - guylmonty at hotmail.com


Hi all,

The Northern Wheatear is a winter adult. It has been seen in basically
the same 100 meter stretch of shoreline for two days now. It is strongly
favoring a short stretch of beach directly in front of the public beach
access. The weather is very poor right now, so it may not go anywhere
tonight. Who knows though.
If you are interested in seeing this spectacular little bird, here are
directions from the city of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, B.C. You can reach
Nanaimo by taking a ferry from Tsawassen (2 hours) or Horseshoe Bay (1.5
hours), or by taking a ferry to Victoria from Anacortes or Port Angeles and
then driving to Nanaimo (2+hour drive, + ferry time).

Starting at Nanaimo, proceed north on Hwy 19.
Take Hwy 19 to the second Parksville Exit.
Exit and go right (North)on to the Alberni Hwy
At the "T" intersection in downtown Parksville go left on to the Old
Island Hwy.
Go north to French Creek.
After crossing the French Creek bridge, take the first right, on to
Columbia Dr.
At the "T" with Admiral Tryon Blvd, go right
Follow Admiral Tryon Blvd all the way to the East end. Park in the wide
spot.
Walk back three houses on the right to the signed public beach access.
This is a narrow gravel walkway that will put you on the west bank of
French Creek. The bird has been spending most of it's time within 50
meters of this spot.
Watch for it right at the access to the beach, as well as on the roofs
of the houses in that area. It is spending a lot of time perching on logs
and rocks in the area.
Please be respectful of private property, property owners privacy, and
the welfare of this migratory bird!

Good luck,
,
Guy L. Monty
Parksville, BC