BirdWeb: Birds Connect Seattle's Guide to the Birds of Washington State
Bird of the Week
Turkey Vulture
Cathartes aura
Turkey Vultures are scavengers, using their highly sensitive olfactory system to find carrion, even under a thick forest canopy. This species is widespread, found throughout North America and south to Tierra del Fuego. Look for dihedral ("V") wing pattern in flight, and pale gray primaries and secondaries. Turkey Vultures migrate south to Central and South America.
Birding Site of the Week
San Juan Islands
Puget Trough
A diversity of habitats grace the San Juan Islands, from rocky coastline to oak and grasslands to 2,400-foot Mount Constitution. The Olympic rainshadow means an annual rainfall of about 25 inches. The islands host the highest concentration of nesting Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons in the state.