Lots of Grebes this weekend. Friday I took a short walk at the Shilshole
Marina in Ballard, from the Yacht Club to Pier A and back. Between the
main building and the yacht club there were ~12 Horned Grebes, many with
their breeding plumage, pretty neat. Also present was the usual
collection of Crows, sky rats, sky mice, etc. This morning at the Ballard
Locks there was a pair of Horned Grebes, one in its breeding plumage, two
Red-necked Grebes, both with red necks, about 10 Western Grebes, 18
Barrow's Goldeneyes, some with some interesting transitional plumage (I
hope that's the right term, they looked like juveniles just getting their
adult male plumage.) There were about 4 female Red Breasted Mergansers,
lots of coots and Geese, one pair mating, (Geese, not Coots) One Double
Crested Cormorant and one Great Blue Heron. I haven't been any closer to
the Heronry than Commodore Way, but from there I can see nine occupied
nests. I'm sure there are more, but the hill is too steep for me and my
injured knee to walk up to the foot bridge to get a better look, I'll
have to drive around I guess. Also last Monday at Golden Gardens there
were ~108 Brants at Meadow point, a few Scaups, (not sure which kind)
about 10 common Goldeneyes and a pair of Buffleheads. Also at the boat
ramp was what looked like a 2nd year Western Gull, at least it was the
spitting image of the drawing in Petersons. Can anyone recommend a good
book for IDing Gulls, especially juveniles? Thanks.
=================
Cliff Drake
Seattle, (Ballard) WA
Birder at Juno.com