Hello all,
Two notable sightings mid-afternoon: A male, possibly this year's
hatch, BELTED kingfisher seen hovering, diving, and successfully catching
a fish dinner just off the north end of the marina near the beach park
shore. Kingfisher populations at the Marina just crashed over the past
couple of seasons. The male seen today may be the same male, with better
developed breast band, spotted at the south end of the marina (near
Anthony's Restaurant) a couple of weeks ago.

Between slips 'M' and 'L' (essentially the cleanest-looking water today
within the marina---is really yucky with algae and oil scum!) was a
MARBLED murrelet, all dark brown with possibly a hint of taupish scapular
that'll get white later on. Other species considered and eliminated
because of size, shape, bill, postures and plumages were Pied-billed
grebe, Rhinocerous auklet or Pigeon guillemot. The grebe and auklet are
winter residents; the guillemot may breed in the nearby bluffs and can be
seen generally off the fishing pier all year. I've noted the murrelet
about 3 times at the marina in the past 5 years. What a treat to have
such a leisurely study of it as it lazed about near the boats.

Beautiful day!
Cheers,
Maureen Ellis me2 at u.washington.edu Univ of WA and Des Moines, WA

"Finding the occasional straw of truth awash in a great ocean of
confusion and bamboozle requires vigilance, dedication, and courage."
-Carl Sagan-