It was a slow November for waterbirds in Budd Inlet's East Bay.
I visited at 4 high and 3 low tides during the month and recorded 19
species, down from October's 31.
The average number of waterbird species floating on East Bay during a
survey was 6.2. That compares with averages of 8.9, 12.8, and 9.6 for the
past three Novembers.
My counts of individuals were also lower than previous years. I expected
to count more than 100 individuals on some occasions, but the totals were
only in the 20s and 30s. Barrow's Goldeneyes have not made a strong showing
and scoters have been almost absent (blacks on just one survey and no
white-wings or surfs).
The Willet remained in the area, one highlight in the bleakness.
The first half of December has been a little more interesting...I'll
post a summary in January.


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Scott Richardson
NE Seattle
salix at isomedia.com