We had a wet but enjoyable weekend birding Ocean Shores, Westport, and
Tokeland, November 4 & 5. Tides and the surf were especially high on Sunday
morning (larger than we have ever seen). Probably a combination of a
relatively high tide (+9.1 feet) in addition to the storm. The surf and the
Sanderling were approching the doors to the rest rooms at the Ocean Shores
jetty.

At Ocean Shores there were large numbers of Sanderling, Black-bellied
Plovers, and Dunlin and smaller numbers of Western and Least Sandpipers (24
Leasts). The jetty (including the portion along the game range) had a total
of 12 Black Turnstones and 1 Surfbird. We looked closely for Rock
Sandpipers, but did not find any at Ocean Shores.

We observed Peregrins at the game range, Damon Point, and along the shore
near the cement water tower (these could have been the same bird). A merlin
was observed at the sewage treatment plant and at Damon Point. Another
peregrin was seen flying over the clear-cut area west of Bowerman Basin.

At Damon Point we got great looks at a flock of 17 Snow Buntings. These
birds were feeding in the short grass field that extends along the north
side of the gravel road near the end of the point. We also observed them
along the beach on the north side of Damon Point.

We made frequent stops along the south end of Point Brown Road attempting to
locate the Tropical Kingbird reported to still be in this area. However, we
did not find it. (Maybe the cold, wet weather was a factor).

On the way home we stoped at the Westport Jetty/ West Haven State Park to
look for Rock Sandpipers and Black-legged Kittiwakes and at Tokeland to see
if the Bar-tailed was still there. We did not see any kittiwakes at the
jetty, but did see two Rock Sandpiper among approximately 30 Surfbirds and
20 Black Turnstones. These birds were on the south side of the jetty within
50 feet of shore.

The large flock of godwits were not the Tokeland marina. There was just a
single Marbled Godwit with 5 Whimbrels, 1 Long-billed Curlew, and several
Dunlin and Black-bellied Plovers. We also saw our first Eurasion Wigeon of
the winter in a large group of American Wigeon.

The tide was ideal for the drive back toward Raymond along Willapa bay.
Just east of the North River, there was huge flock of Marbled Godwits (500+
birds). Apparently the Tokeland birds joined others. We looked for the
bar-tailed but could not find it. However, that's not to say it was not
there. By that time of day the lighting was poor and the flock was so
expansive (and we had another 6 hours to drive to get home) we just did not
find it. Among the godwits were 50+ Greater Yellowlegs.

Total species: 64 (17 water fowl, 5 gulls, 13 shorebirds, 7 raptors, 10
"other water birds", 11 passerines, 1 woodpecker).

Bill and Nancy LaFramboise
Richland WA
wlafra at oneworld.owt.com