Deb Beutler <dbeutler at wsunix.wsu.edu> wrote:

For spring break, I will be visiting the coast. My primary
species of interest is the Harlequin Duck. I have never seen one and would
love to see one. (I'm hoping that if I see one on the
coast, I will be more likely to find them in northeastern Washington and
northern Idaho.) Is mid-March too late to see Harlequins on the coast? Should
I take a shorter trip (weekend) in February? What are the best places on the
coast to find these ducks? Are they more common on the outer coast or in
Puget Sound? Are there any ferry routes that are particularly good for
Harlequins?

On the way back from Port Orchard via Southworth ferry to West Seattle this
morning, I saw three Harlequins at Southworth, and a dozen or so were reported
off Lincoln Park (West Seattle ferry dock). About 3/4 mile from Southworth
towards Port Orchard (go straight from ferry dock, turn right at "T"
intersection, go 1/4 mile down hill) I saw 7 Black Turnstones right where the
road runs along the Sound. Also 6 Killdeer, about 150 Widgeon (at least one
Eurasian; most had their heads buried), Bufflehead, Surf and White-winged
Scoters, Common & Barrow's Goldeneyes. The Widgeon have been there for at
least three weeks. Also saw a single Ruddy Duck off Port Orchard.

Eric Stahlfeld
Burien, WA