You know how it is, you take a couple of hours of vacation time on a
Friday afternoon, and go birding...

Anyway, I hit the Duwamish Head today around 2:15 in search of the Black
Turnstones and Surfbirds. Spent most of my time walking between Salty's
and that boat launch area. Scored w/about a dozen BLTU, but alas no
Surfbirds. Enjoyed seeing the BLTUs nonetheless. What pretty patterns
on their backs when they fly! And the now-you-see-them, now-you-don't
aspect was really evident when they were on wet rocks. Blended right
in.

Also had the opportunity to watch some Gulls do some fishing. Am not
certain what kind they were, am thinking Herring, a flock of maybe 10 or
so, adults and juveniles. Saw a couple of them actually catch fish, and
then quickly swallow them, which was kinda fun.

There was one Gull which was really interesting, a pink-legged Gull with
the most amazing bill and leg coloration I've ever seen. This bird's
legs were unbelievably deep, rich, pink, and its bill was the color of
the yellow-gold of the signs at Seattle's bus stops. I kid you not, it
was just spectacular. And the little spot on the bottom bill (can't
remember its name at the moment) was so bright it reminded me of fishing
lures. Unfortunately I didn't get a really good look at it, but it was
kind of like a Western Gull in breeding plumage, except its overall
color was lighter. (Great description, eh?? *grin*) If you see it,
you'll know which one it is right away.

Other than the above, there were the usual D-C Cormorants, a Belted
Kingfisher, a pair of Bald Eagles which ended up sitting in an old nest
(to keep warm?), a couple dozen Barrow's Goldeneye. The view across to
downtown Seattle was spectacular, too!

Cheers,
Mary

Mary E. Klein
Seattle WA
bassclef at seanet.com