Hi Everyone:
A birding friend left a msg. yesterday, that he saw an Albino Loon at the
Dash Point Pier yesterday morning (on Nov 17). This is probably the same
Albino Yellow-billed Loon that has been seen in that area and in the Tacoma
area for the last 2 or 3 winters. But before you chase it, let me tell you
about this bird that has become something of a jinx for me. This bird moves
around. You may not find it. And even if you do, it may be actively
feeding, diving and then coming up at some distance from where you spot it.
It is a gorgeous bird, but shall we say "it can be difficult to view"? I
have seen it. But really view it? Aw, I don't want to talk about that.
Anyway, for those masochists amongst you who want to chase it, here are some
directions to the Dash Point Pier. Remember, this bird has been seen in the
past anywhere from Commencement Bay (Tacoma) north to Dash Point.
DIRECTIONS: Dash Point Pier is located on Puget Sound, west of Federal Way.
These directions will bring you up from Fife, so as to avoid driving through
Federal Way.
One of the ways to reach Dash Point Pier, a Tacoma City park which is SOUTH
of Dash Point State Park is drive on I-5 to Exit 137, the main Fife Exit at
the Poodle Dog Restaurant. Drive north on this street (54th Av) toward the
bay. An interesting stop is a new mitigated area just north of the Poodle
Dog. The huge Milgard Window mfg. plant is here. Turn right (east) into
the complex between 12th & 8th St. Drive between the warehouses all the way
to the back. There is an interesting pond w/ lots of mud for viewing ducks,
shorebirds, and even Peregrines. Go back out to 54th and continue north to
12th St. Turn right and down near the end of 12th, on the left is a
mitigated field
w/ snags. Sparrows, and raptors in the area. Now continue north on 54th to
the big intersection. Turn right on SR509, and take it along the west side
of Commencement Bay. At 11th St, you can stop on 509 at a new enhanced
area, or turn left onto 11th St and park in the lot on the right. View
ducks (and shorebirds in season) in the bay. Small birds and waxwings near
the road, and on the hillside. Continue on 509.
Just before you start up the hill at the large marina,
there are a series of small turnoffs. Stop here and view the shore and log
booms. Black Turnstones, Spotted Sandpiper, and other birds possible. Also
seals, and an occasional Grey Whale. (Purple Martins in summer.) Now
continue up the hill on SR509. It
will eventually become called Marine View Drive, and then Dash Point Rd.
Take a hard left at Markham Ave. This will take you down to Dash Point
Pier. Another viewing area down there is just south of the pier, around the
point. To reach it, turn left at the next to last turnoff, before Dash Pt
pier. I think
it's Whitman Road. It looks like it's private, but you can drive down it as
it takes a left turn, and about 1 block past the turn is a public pullout on
the sound. Last time I was there, there were a few piles of sand here.
Good luck w/ this bird! (You'll need it.)
Yours, Carol Schulz
DesMoines
linusq at att.net