Hi all,

I've got a business trip that will bring me to Olympia, WA in mid-Oct.
I'll have a half day on 10/15, and all day on 10/16 to bird. I would
really like to see any of the following species, so any information on
where to look would be appreciated. While my meeting is in Olympia, I'll
have a rental car, so I'm really not limited to the Olympia area.

Hopefuls:
Trumpeter Swan (do they winter in western WA?)
Pacific Golden-Plover
Rock Sandpiper (too early?)
Sabine's Gull (ever seen from shore?)
Ancient Murrelet
Blue Grouse
White-tailed Ptarmigan
Red-breasted Sapsucker
White-headed Woodpecker (how far east would I have to go?)
White-winged Crossbill

It seems like I should either head to the Cascades or to the shore
(unless some of these birds can be found in the lower part of Puget Sound).
Question is, which will be more fruitful (maybe I could do both between
the 2 days?). I have Paulsen's birdfinding guide, but have not yet
gotten his shorebird guide. Also, I won't be able to bring a scope
along, so the prospect of hooking up with someone on Sunday to visit the
coast seems like a good idea. Anyone with a scope and a knowledge of the
area looking for a ride to the coast for a day of birding? Is the
Seattle Audubon Society sponsoring a trip to the coast the 16th, by any
chance?

Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking
the time to respond.

Regards,
Paul


Paul A. Pisano
ppisano at tfhrc.gov
FHWA, Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center
McLean, VA
703/285-2498