Columbia Estuary Report - 10/5/97

The Lower Columbia Birders braved driving rain and winds at 30kts
on Saturday.

3 RED PHALAROPES and a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE were in the north
ponds at the shorebird flats. A BLACK TURNSTONE and a PECTORAL
SANDPIPER were in the area as well. A dark phase juvenile
PARASITIC JAEGER was seen flying over the dunes.

About 20 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 8 LONG-BILLED
DOWITCHERS, a GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 30+ LEAST SANDPIPERS, a WESTERN
SANDPIPER and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER were on Wireless Rd.

Today, a flock of 50 LAPLAND LONGSPURS, 70+ SAVANNA SPARROWS (many
of the big yellow variety), 4 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS and a PECTORAL
SANDPIPER were at the shorebird flat of SJCR. As reported in the
seawatch report, many SABINE'S GULLS and BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES
can be seen from the observation deck. All three species of
jaeger were present, presumably attracted by the Sabine's Gulls
and kittiwakes. BROWN PELICANS are still around in large numbers
as well.

A PALM WARBLER and 4 MARBLED GODWITS were reported earlier this
week from the Necannicum Estuary.








--
********************************* I am but mad north-north-west;
* Mike Patterson, Astoria, OR * when the wind is southerly,
* mpatters at orednet.org * I know a hawk from a handsaw.
http://www.pacifier.com/~mpatters -ws