Michael Smith <whimbrel at u.washington.edu> writes:

> In response to recent inquiries about Bowerman Basin, birders should also
> check out Bottle Beach, a mudflat area near Westport. It's 2.5 miles
> west of the Elk slough bridge on the way to Westport from Aberdeen.

I am planning a trip to the coast this weekend and would like to check this
place out in addition to Bowerman Basin. Wahl and Paulson's birding guide to
Washington State give the same directions to Bottle Beach, but I can't find
it in my Delorme Atlas. According to my reckoning, 2.5 miles west of the Elk
River (The same as Elk Slough?) would put me half a mile into the Pacific
Ocean, though the area seems might lie in a gap between two pages of the
atlas. Is the road to the Beach well signed?

I was going to try birding the Ocean Shores area in the afternoon. I have a
few questions for those of you who have been there before:

Is the "Game Range" the same as the "Oyhut Wildlife Area"? Where is the
best place to view the salt marsh in this area?

What specific parts of the Golf Course/Airport area are best (North South
East West, all over?).

Where is Damon Point?

Thanks in advance, and even if you don't get back to me in time for this
weekend, this may be of use to others or for a later trip.

Joe Barsugli (joeb at atmos.washington.edu)