Tweeters,
Andy Stepniewski asked me to forward a sighting regarding
Red-throated Loons in tidal rips stemming from a discussion recently on
Tweeters: While birding Deception Pass State Park in late January 1999, I
counted well over 500 Red-throated Loons in the tidal rip area from the
island just off the entrance to the pass, on through the entrance itself.
They would fly into the pass area and feed, while drifting out to the open
waters. After so far out they would lift off in groups of about 100 birds
and repeat the process of flying into the pass, settling down and feed their
way out as the tide carried them.
It was a very impressive sight to say the least and I have
always remembered that day as I watched them do this for about an hour. I
can't say I've seen so many Red-throats concentrating in one area and have
never witnessed this at that park since then, especially in such numbers.
Good birding,
Doug Watkins
dougnpip at aol.com
Bainbridge Is Wa