ONE OF THREE - The Black-capped Chickadee was only one of the 3 varieties at Reifel on the weekend. The Chestnut-backed and Mountain was also reported.

STRANGE VIBES - Even the grass seemed to vibrate as the Sandhill Cranes announced their arrival at Reifel.

FROM THE DUCK POND - The Green-winged Teal was one of the 4 species seen on Saturday. Where were the Wood Ducks, Shovelers, and other duckies?

HUGE FLOCK - Thousands of Snow Geese were were congregating along the shore of Westham Island. The last time I witnessed such a spectacle was in 1975 on the Arctic coast when the sky blackened with the return of a multitude of geese and ducks.

SUNDAY (Oct. 3) - CAMPBELL RIVER TRIP

NILE CREEK REDTAIL - I missed the Nile Creek Redtail on my last trip north, but it was there this morning looking as handsome as ever. The Buckley Bay Redtail was also seen a 20 minutes later.

CORMORANT IN A TREE? - That was my first thought as I whizzed by at 119 km/h. After I stopped and backed up, I could see that it was only a Turkey Vulture charging up its solar cells. Its partner was sleeping in the next tree just by Wilfred Creek.