Greetings Tweeters,

I have recently returned home from my trip to Washington and I it was
brilliant, 226 species in 16 days (against a pre-trip estimate of 170-180).

I would like initially to thank a number of people.

Firstly Steve Pink, who gave us an excuse to go in the first place, and for
his generous hospitality.

Jim Flynn for his great company, even on the long Okanogan road trip with 3
mad Brits (As the actress said to the Bishop...)

Steve Mlodinow for his excellent 3 sewage farms in one day, and his
unflappable enthusiasm even when it was obvious that there were no birds!

Andy Stepniewski for his hospitality in putting up two strangers the night
before the Ptarmigan trip,

and many thanks to Ben Feltner for actually locating the Ptarmigan it made a
very long hike seem not quite so long.

Terry Wahl and Bill Tweit for the pelagic trip on August 21st, especially
for taking the trouble to arrange for good weather and calm seas!

All those people who replied to my RFI beforehand, and all of you Tweeters
who post your sightings, it certainly helps you get a feel for what is out
there.

As to the birds, what can you say. 4 species of Grouse, 4 Jaegers/Skuas, 2
Albatross, all 4 Woodpeckers that I needed, crippling views of Western
Screech-Owl (what is it about Owls that makes them soooooo special?), Golden
Eagles low overhead, mixed kettles of Red-Tails/Swainson's Hawks, views of
Northern Harrier that most British Birders would kill for, Northern Goshawk
appearing like magic over the forest track, I could go on and on. Then there
was also the 'mystery' bird seen whilst searching for Killer Whales off the
San Juan Islands, a bird that we initially thought was a Long-billed
Murrelet, but which, after much reading when we got back home, I am now
99.9% certain was a Craveri's Murrelet. A bold claim I know, but I'll submit
my notes and let the committee decide.

As I said before, an absolutely fantastic holiday, and we saw the Mariners
win! If anybody is interested in seeing a full species list then I will
happily supply it, and our offer of assistance to any birders heading out
this way still stands, and will stand indefinitely.

In conclusion there is one thing for sure, I will definitely be back!

Stephen Jackson & Claire Buosi
Stanwell, Middlesex, UK
stephen_jackson at hotmail.com