Subject: Southworth to Theler Wetlands
Date: Apr 3 20:49:18 1999
From: Hughbirder at aol.com - Hughbirder at aol.com


On Sat., April 3, 13 birders went on an E. Lake WA Audubon field trip. We
took ferry from Fauntleroy to Vashon and Southworth, then birded the
shoreline to Harper, Colby, Manchester State Park, Beach Dr. to Port Orchard
and then to the Theler Wetlands just south of Belfair. We saw a total of 52
species. We came back by way of Purdy Causeway where there were so many cars
it was difficult to find a parking place. The attraction was at least two
gray whales within 200 yards of the road. Following are highlights of trip:

Brant
Northern Pintail - 1 at Theler
Harlequin Ducks - 2 on rock on Beach Dr. shoreline
White-winged Scoters - Vashon ferry dock
Turkey Vultures - 2 soaring over Theler Wetlands
Osprey - 2 at nest on top of powerline tower north of Purdy causeway
Black Turnstones - about 12 on beach at access by Harper Co. Park
Bonaparte's Gulls - 6 on mudflats near Colby, one in breeding plumage
Pigeon Guillemots
Rufous Hummingbird - 1 at Theler Wetlands
Belted Hummingbird - 1 female at Harper Co. Park
Pileated Woodpecker - Theler Wetlands
Many Tree and Viloet-green Swallows and one No. Rough-winged Swallow
Yellow-rumped Warblers in brilliant breeding plumage

Hugh Jennings
Bellevue, WA
hughbirder at aol.com