A reminder to folks who are gearing up for fall shorebirds -- the game
range at Ocean Shores looks a lot different than it did last year. The
sand spit that separates the tidal lagoon from the bay is now connected
to the mainland at its *east* end. A tidal channel now cuts across the
west end of the spit. It is still worth checking the west side of the
game range (access behind sewage treatment plant), as this is still closest
to the Salicornia flats and parts of the jetty. To get onto the sand spit,
head over to Damon Point. As you go down the gravel road toward Damon Point
you immediately pass two primitive restrooms. A little farther down the road
(a few hundred yards at the most) is an area where surfers and fishermen
frequently park. A path to the south goes through the dunes to the
beach; Snowy Plover nesting-area signs line both sides of the path. At the
beach, head west (right) to walk onto the sand spit.

David Wright
dwright at u.washington.edu