Subject: Whidbey Island/Sammish Flats 10/31
Date: Oct 31 22:25:59 1999
From: RTShaw80 at aol.com - RTShaw80 at aol.com


Hi Tweets,
Scott Downes and I decided to bird the Whidbey Island vicinity with a quick
loop of the Sammish Flats today. Gale force winds were pounding the beaches
on the west side of the island where we picked out all 3 "common" loon
species. One of our goal birds of the trip was ROCK SANDPIPER, which we
could not locate. We tried the reliable location at the fishing pier in Penn
Cove, but we could not find any "rock" shorebirds. It was high tide when we
checked, does anyone know where they may hang out during high tide?? On our
way up to Penn Cove, a TURKEY VULTURE flew over the road. The highlights on
Whidbey for us were all 6 species of Grebes: HORNED, EARED, WESTERN,
PIED-BILLED, RED-NECKED, and CLARK'S. The Eared we found in Penn Cove, and
the Clark's Grebe was in Oak Harbor. Other highlights were 3 SHORT-EARED
OWLS at the West 90, and 10 TRUMPETER SWANS at the Everett STP. Thats about
all of the 81 species of birds that is really noteworthy.
Good Birding

Ryan Shaw
Lacey, WA
rtshaw80 at aol.com