There have been several questions recently about the loon display at Deception Pass. The Whidbey Audubon Society held a field trip there today, so I can give you up to date information.
Deception Pass is a narrow pass between the northern end of Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island. A tidal current flows through the pass 4 times a day. On the ebb (outgoing) flow during daylight hours loons fly in from northern Puget Sound to ride the current and to catch fish. They number in the hundreds. Today they were almost exclusively red throated loons. They were in basic plumage. There were also large numbers of Brant's cormorants, lesser numbers of red-necked and horned grebes, surf scoters and mergansers, and one basic plumage common murre. The red-necked grebes are molting into alternate plumage. Of special interest were the presence of hundreds of pigeon guillemots flying out the pass above the surface of the water. these were in groups of 2-7 and almost all were in immaculate, fresh alternate plumage.
Deception Pass State Park was severely affected by recent wind storms. The route to the west parking lot is now open, but most of the rest of the park is still closed. There is a traffic light on State Route 20 at the entrance of the park. Turn west and follow the windy, hilly road to the west beach parking lot. Drive to the far north end of the lot and park. Then walk about 50 - 75 yards to the north to a bluff that overlooks the pass. Be sure to time your visit to coincide with the beginning of the ebb tide. Today the highest numbers of birds were 1 - 1 1/2 hours after the tide began to ebb (flow out into the Sound). Viewing will be much more enjoyable if you have a scope. (There is also a rock just offshore from the west beach parking lot which can be counted on for having black oystercatchers. The oystercatchers also appear to be preparing for courtship and breeding. Their bills are now a brilliant orange-red.)
Bill Applegate
applgate at whidbey.net
Whidbey Island, WA
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