Al,

Graveyard spit it the south-trending branch of the Y that is called
"Dungeness Spit." It's southern tip is a scant 1/4 mie across the
channel leading in & out of Dungeness Lagoon from the bay to the east.
There's a steep spur road that leads down to a dirt parking lot just
west of the mouth of the Dungeness River (and a second access road a bit
further east to a public boat launch): scanning from either of these
points brings the tip of the spit within range.

No recent report of the Slaty-back: I apologize but can't give detailed
directions from memory, but the key target is a place called the
Gog-lie-hi-te (Indian name) mitigated wetland which is just off of
Lincoln Ave (I think) just northeast of the Puyallup River bridge on the
aforementioned street. One can then explore down the north side of the
river toward its mouth on streets that lead west from Lincoln Ave.
looking for large gull flock roosting on roofs of various industrial
plants; also check mud flats in the river bed at low tides.

I presume the Ross's Goose is still in the area, as noted.

Sorry but I have a big stack of midterms to grade this weekend or I'd be
happy to join you.

Gene Hunn.

On Wed, 8 Feb
1995 juenemak at zgi.com wrote:

> Tweeters,
>
> I expect to be in the Seattle area this Saturday. I was wondering if
> the Ross' Goose and Emperor Goose were still around? As well, exactly
> where is the Emperor, I could not find Graveyard Spit on any maps. I
> would also like to know how to get to the place where the Slaty-backed
> Gull was in Tacoma as I would like to do some gull watching, I assume
> that is the best place in the area for gulls. Are there any other spots
> that are good to check in the area, note that I have never birded in the
> Seattle area. Finally, are there any tweeters that would be out that day
> who may be interested in joining up forces, the more eyes the better!
>
> Al Jaramillo
> jaramill at sfu.ca
>
>
> There are tons
> of good
>
>
> There are lots of good birding places in the Seattle Area -- Discovery Park is a
> great place to look for different species -- it goes from forested areas to
> beach areas and places in between. It's a beautiful park to bird in. Also, the
> Montlake Fill area near Huskey Stadium (UW campus area) is a good place (look
> for the Center for Urban Horticulture). A great place to look for gulls and
> ducks is the Everett Sewage Treatment Ponds. You can get a permit and walk the
> perimeter trail -- there are brushy areas too with other types of birds. If you
> can go to Skagit Flats (north about 1-1/2 hours) -- you can see raptors, snow
> geese, trumpeter swans -- lots of eagles and hawks. This should give you a
> start for places.
>
> Sorry, I can't help you with the Tacoma bird, but as far as I know the other
> ones are still around.
>
> Oh, the Reifel Refuge across the Canadian border is great -- there are lots of
> species there -- saw-whet owls for one..... I think that it is a great place to
> bird.
>