On Mon, 7 Aug 1995, David B. Wright wrote:
> 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.

This is habitual, illegal parking. Please park in designated parking
areas. The walk is only a little longer and you won't be shocked someday
(some year?) to be ticketed. My hope is that the birding community will
set an example of respectful and courteous use of the wildlife management
area.

> 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.

The small sand spit to the west is closed to people until August 31. It is
not well marked with closure signs, because the best placement to mark a
closure puts the signs where they are washed away during high tides.

The areas are closed to protect nesting snowy plovers and their broods.
Human disturbance is probably enemy number one for these threatened
(Federal designation) shorebirds. They can be seen from outside the
closures. Other shorebirds on the Oyhut Wildlife Area (game range) can be
viewed by accessing the spit from the treatment plant (this can require
wading). On September 1 the plover closure is over and access to all
areas of Damon Point and Oyhut Wildlife Area will be open for bird viewing.

Please also note when visiting Catala Lagoon on Damon Point: walking
around the lagoon on its shorelines can be highly disruptive to many birds
that feed and rest there. Consider the birding ethics of the ABA as you
seek avian spectacles here and elsewhere.

Thanks.

Scott Richardson
Olympia