12/16/97, Steve Hampton writes:

<< I'll be visiting from California for two weeks beginning Sunday and,
apart from gulling at the Thurston Co. Landfill as much as possible,
I hope to increase my odds of finding:

1. Snow Bunting
2. Gyrfalcon
3. Snowy Owl (not this year?)
4. Bohemian Waxwing
5. Rock Sandpiper
6. Ancient Murrelet
7. Tufted Puffin

I've got directions to Cougar Mtn for the waxwings, and was hoping
to get the others around Ocean Shores... but all I've heard out
of there this year is the sandpiper, which is the lowest priority
of that list. I'll probably have a chance for only a single day
trip for these-- so do I sacrifice the alcids and head to Skagit/
Samish Flats? If so, can someone tell me where to go there?
I've never been there.
>>

Hello Steve and others --

Skagit / Samish Flats: If you can quickly lay your hands on a copy of Wahl &
Paulson (1991), "A Guide to Bird Finding in Washington", and a Washington
DeLorme, it would help. Samish Flats is your best shot (not bet) for the
first three. From Burlington, go west on S.R.20 off I-5 for about 5 miles,
then north on Best Road (rt.237) for about 8 miles to just before the small
town of Edison; turn west (left) and go for about 2-1/2 miles. You'll see a
barn straight ahead on the left, at the hard right turn to the north. This we
call the "West 90" (as in 90 degree turn right). Right there is the
traditional spot for GRYFALCON (and SNOWY OWLS during flight years -- this
isn't one of 'em); also good for raptors (up to 5 species of falcons) in
general as is so much of this whole flatland agricultural area, and I believe
there were some SNOW BUNTINGS reported there recently but you shouldn't count
on it. Snow Buntings are hit or miss up there as they are anywhere west of
the Cascades. I've so far never seen one anywhere on the Skagit or Samish
Flats, or even west of the Cascades for that matter, but small numbers could
be anywhere in the fields and shores of these extensive flatlands, as well
over around Ocean Shores. So, you might just want to drive around watching
out for raptors and the rest, and also drive along the shoreline of Padilla
Bay as well which is more interesting than mainlining the shortest route to
Samish Flats from Burlington. Especially from the "West 90" and on out onto
Samish Island, another 2 or 3 miles along to the north and west, watch for the
often large numbers of Eurasian Wigeons in the fields and along the Samish
Island waterfront (south side) mixed in with the Americans. It's not uncommon
to count 50 to 100 or more along this short stretch. The Skagit Wildlife
Recreation Area (a different area entirely but not so far away) is currently
hosting a load of finchy things, most notably Green-tailed Towhee, and
Harris's, White-throated, and American Tree Sparrows, all sometimes contained
within the same flock. Write again if you're interested and need directions,
although you've probably been able to glean all that off Tweeters already.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING -- um... that's really a long shot west of the Cascades.
Your lead for Cougar Mountain (which I'm curious about myself) near Issaquah
is really a long shot at best, seasonal (certainly not even annual), and you
need be very lucky I think. Like Snow Bunting, you'd have a much better
chance in north central Washington east of the Cascades. In some winters,
there are virtual blizzards of Snow Buntings (blizzards of just plain snow
too) in some areas of the Waterville Plateau, another good area btw to be on
the lookout for an assortment of raptors including Gryfalcon.

ROCK SANDPIPER -- probably the north jetty at Ocean Shores (far south end of
O.S.) is your best shot. There are reports from time to time in several other
areas, even in Seattle off Alki, but someone else will have to contribute here
on what's current. If you're doing much poking around Ocean Shores, again
Wahl and Paulson, along with Bob Morse (1994), "A Birder's Guide to Ocean
Shores, Washington" are indispensable.

ANCIENT MURRELET and TUFTED PUFFIN -- I wouldn't count on either at Ocean
Shores; of course one could fly by, and you might stumble upon an Ancient
Murrelet puttering around near shore anywhere (they're quite littoral in their
whereabouts). I'm not sure what to suggest for Tufted Puffin in late December
that might be along your proposed 'cruise track'. Someone else probably knows
better. Ancient Murrelets are best seen from one of the ferries, especially
one heading out from Anacortes towards the San Juan Islands or the Port
Townsend - Keystone. You might see one further inside in Puget Sound from one
of these ferries, e.g. Edmonds to Kingston, or Seattle to Bremerton /
Bainbridge Island, but don't be surprised if you don't. Otherwise, heading
out along the north shore of the Olympic Peninsula, you might catch a glimpse
of one from any one of dozens of view points, but that's a long long day trip
to Ocean Shores or back and the days aren't even long right now.

Cheers & Good Luck!

Richard Rowlett (Pagodroma at aol.com)
47.56N, 122.13W
(Seattle/Bellevue, WA USA)