Len Steiner and I completed our final monthly survey of Oceans Shores on
Wed., Dec. 20, from 10:20am to 3:30pm. A high "high"tide and heavy surf
didn't leave much beach for shorebirds on the ocean side where we started.
We had our second best day with 45 species. Four were first sightings for
the year: 1 American Bittern, 7 Greater White-fronted Geese, 2 Ruddy Ducks,
and 1 Steller's Jay. We were surprised that we hadn't seen the latter two
before. Other highlights were: 3 Peregrine Falcons, 1 Bald Eagle, 16 Black
Turnstones, and 6 Red-necked Phalaropes (3 in the main sewage pond) which
were within 10-12' of us and provided excellent photo ops.

Hugh Jennings
Bellevue, WA
206-746-6351
gfjc96a at prodigy.com