| The migration
of birds in the fall, to their more southern wintering areas, is
well known. But it passes almost unnoticed most of the time, except
for a few birds seen moving through. Sometimes, however, geography
conspires to concentrate their numbers, and such is the case on
southern Vancouver Island.
Birds that have
migrated south, the length of Vancouver Island, are faced with the
watery barrier of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, if they are to continue
their journey. Many species are not hindered by this crossing, and
pass through essentially unnoticed. Turkey Vultures are another
story.
Turkey Vultures
breed across southern British Columbia and Vancouver Island, but
they winter well to the south. Once included with the raptors, or
birds of prey, they are now considered to be more closely related
to the Old World storks. They are not strong fliers, taking advantage
instead of winds and currents of rising warm air to keep them aloft
in the search for the carrion on which they almost exclusively feed.
(A Turkey Vulture, asked in the airport if he wanted to check the
two dead raccoons under his wings, declined, explaining that they
were carry-on.)
When these southbound
vultures are faced with the Strait, where cool air eliminates those
favourable currents, they linger, sometimes for weeks, until conditions
are suitable for crossing. It is possible to see many hundreds of
Turkey Vultures in the air at once, soaring in flocks called "kettles",
trying to gain enough height to carry them as far across as possible
without having to resort to powered flight.
The vultures
are joined by good numbers of eagles and hawks, too, although many
of these do not wait so long to cross. It is a fascinating sight
for all, and for birders it provides an opportunity to see many
raptors, and perhaps a chance at something unusual among them.
The best time
is the last two weeks of September, and into early October. The
peak is generally the last weekend of September, and there are often
field trips scheduled at that time. An excellent place to observe
the vultures and raptors is the Aylard Farm end of East Sooke Regional
Park, west of Victoria. From the parking area, it is twenty to thirty
minute uphill walk to the best viewing outlook, but sometimes the
observing is best at Aylard Farm, particularly if the fog rolls
in.
It can be very
civilized birding outing. No need to be up at the crack of dawn;
ten o'clock is a good time. No need to tramp through a swamp; a
warm sunny rock outcrop is best. A thermos of coffee is nice. But
a word of caution; when the vultures pass overhead, don't lie still
for too long.
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