This morning I visited Birch Bay State Park for the first time and enjoyed
the sea birding very much, though my sightings were through a camera lens and
not binoculars.

Along with a dozen plus scooters, there were at least 6 Harlequin Ducks. They
didn't come close enough to shore for a portrait shot, but the four-in-a-row
should be a pretty nice photo.

Far, far out in the bay there were sea birds (two groups of 5-6 in each
group) that I couldn't quite identify. Perhaps someone else with a spotting
scope has been there recently or will visit soon and make a positive I.D.
There was lots of white with black making a pattern much like that of an
adult nonbreeding Common Murre. I suspect they were most likely Common Murre
and/or adult nonbreeding Pigeon Guillemot. Please let me know if you go to
the bay soon and see either of these species there...or what is usually seen
at Birch Bay this time of year.

The one large loon I spotted was, I believe, a Yellow-billed.

Regards,
Judy Rowe Taylor
Mukilteo, WA
caratfeathers at aol.com
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