How's that for conserving letters in titles?

I was surprised to see a number of Turkey Vultures between the border and
the Vancouver airport on our recent trip to Vancouver last weekend. It seems
awfully early, but maybe it's not? We saw a handful on our way up (Saturday)
and perhaps a couple of dozen on our return (Tuesday).

We also spent a lovely afternoon at the Reifel Island Bird Sanctuary: I
heartily recommend a visit if you get up that way. Highlights included a
flock of nearly 10,000 snow geese (by my count; a knowledgeable local was
estimating 8500-9000) being teased by a bald eagle, and some extraordinary
close-up encounters with Sandhill Cranes, who are used to people but get
VERY FEISTY if you get too close to their nesting areas.

Josh Hayes, josh at blarg dot net