Join us for one of the most amazing regional natural history events of the year! It’s Raptor migration time on Southern Vancouver Island in the Metchosin/ East Sooke area. Vultures and other raptors will be gathering in the hundreds and even  thousands in preparation for their dangerous crossing of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. 

This is an all-day field trip on Tuesday, October 7, for Nature Salt Spring Members**.  

We begin by taking the 7:50 am ferry from Fulford Harbour. Once on Vancouver Island, we’ll travel about an hour to  Pedder Bay Marina where we’ll walk a short distance to the Rocky Point Bird Banding Station to view researchers banding songbirds before they migrate south. 

Mid-morning, we’ll drive to East Sooke Park and hike 2 km up to Beachey Head, an amazing promontory overlooking the Strait. This hike is not difficult. Our lunch stop will be up at the top. If it’s warm, we’ll see hawks and Turkey Vultures riding the thermals searching for  optimum conditions to make the crossing. Nearby, at the ocean’s edge, we’ll look for whales, California Sea Lions, other marine life. (Last year we had a very close Humpback Whale sighting).

Binoculars are vital, but birding experience is not a necessity. Don’t forget to pack  snacks, drinks and a lunch. Time of return to SSI will be up to individuals and travel groups.

** This is a members’ only field trip. You can join Nature Salt Spring at https://www.naturesaltspring.org/become-a-member, or you can join during the excursion - membership forms will be available.

Kathleen Maser and David Denning will be our guides. For details and to register,please contact David at daviddenningssi@gmail.com If you are able to offer a ride or need to hitch/carpool, please let us know.