Alex Fletcher took this picture of a turkey vulture and included it in the Race Rocks Log of . We occasionally see Turkey Vultures at Race Rocks, rarely landed but often wheeling in the air. In October when migrating, they gather at this southern end of Vancouver Island, working up on the thermals until they have enough altitude and the conditions are right to cross the Strait of Juan de Fuca
| Carol Slater noted in The Daily Log, Thursday, March 28, 2002 Good Evening TEMPERATURE: Max. 8.1 ºC »» Min. 6.0 ºC »» Reset 7.1 ºC »» Rain 2.6 mm MARINE LIFE: 4 Bald Eagles – 3 mature, only one pair of Geese today. Another wet and windy day but did have some visitors of note-just before noon 4 Turkey Vultures landed on the ridge just west of the Learning Centre. The other birds were somewhat wary but did not try to drive away the big vultures as they do with the eagles.The geese were very curious and waddled over to have a look all the time waving their necks back and forth. |
| Unfortunately by the time the geese made their way from the flagpole to where the vultures were, they had taken off towards Bentinck Island.Turkey Vultures often land here during the fall migration but this is the first time I can remember seeing them in the spring.The small elephant seal is still hauled out on the ramp,it’s nose just 3 metres from the boat house door, quite comfortable and unconcerned with us passing by even just inches away.
Other references to turkey vulture sightings may be found here: |
CLASSIFICATION:
Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Subphylum Vertebrata
Class Aves
Order Cathartiformes
Family:Cathartidae
Genus Cathartes
Species aura
Common Name: Turkey Vulture
 Return to the Race Rocks Taxonomyand Image File |
 The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams. |