Hi Tweets -

Just back after a four day boat trip thru the San Juan Islands.
Highlights included: 18 Black Oystercatchers in one spot along the
logboom in the Swinomish Channel on the way out Deception Pass, an
Elephant Seal in Rosario Strait NE of Blakeley Island, an aggregation of
approximately 70 Pacific Loons (many still in alternate plumage), and 21
Marbled Murrelets in the channel north of Waldron Island. Ran into
several feeding frenzies of gulls, cormorants, and alcids where there
were upwellings and associated nutrient-rich waters. Provided great
close looks at Pigeon Guillemots, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres,
Marbled Murrelets, Heermann's and Bonaparte's Gulls. On land had Song,
Fox, White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows on Succia Island, quick
looks at 3 Hermit Thrushes on San Juan Island. Neat trip (total 72
species) with close looks at lots of waterbirds.

Brian H. Bell
Woodinville Wa
bellasoc at isomedia.com