Subject: NYC Birder summary, and one off-topic question
Date: Oct 17 00:15:46 2002
From: Kallaire at cs.com - Kallaire at cs.com


Tweets;
My visit to your fair state was so hectic that I'm only getting to
post now, having just returned to New York after a wonderful week. My
primary reason for being in Seattle was romantic (which went very well, thank
you- more later), but I did seize any opportunity to get some birding in, and
had some good success. I am, once again, extremely grateful for the
outpouring of suggestions and tips from you all, and, as a result of such
advice, visited a few birding locations that I would not have seen otherwise.
I managed at least a little time at Nisqually NWR, Discovery Park, Alki
Beach, Montlake Fill, Point-no-Point, Foulweather Bluff, Ocean Shores (a
little rushed "on the way" to Portland for the day), and a couple of days on
Orcas Island. My only real disappointment was missing a Northern Shrike
reported at Montlake Fill- that was almost the only day I was unable to stop
by there. Next trip. With minimal birding time, I still saw over 100
species on the trip, and my state list now stands at 213, not bad for about 2
weeks of birding, essentially working alone in the field. I've only seen
about 30 more in New York this year with considerably more effort, which says
something about the amazing species variety in Washington. Here's my
highlights:
GC Sparrow, Mew Gull- as I was told, at several locations.
Thayer's Gull- a couple of great looks in the San Juans- a bird I'm
kind of glad to have out of the way!
Pacific GP- Ocean Shores the Game Range.
Black Turnstone- Ocean Shores Jetty. My 500th lower 48 bird.
Black Oystercatcher- from the ferry, some unnamed (to me ) rocky shore
in the San Juans.
Lapland Longspur- the bird of the trip (they're very infrequent here),
at the Game Range
Parasitic Jaeger- at Point-no-Point- this was becoming my "albatross"
for the year, having eluded me despite 3 pelagic trips (on both coasts) and
numerous near-misses from shore. Probably the one I was most excited to see.
I had other wonderful experiences with other birds that were
previously known to me- I won't bore you with them. One amusing incident I
would like to share- on my first trip to the Fill, when I stepped out of the
car, I sneezed, inadverantly spooking a Ring-necked Pheasant, and nearly
scaring the socks off me! Fun state you got there....
Now the off-topic plea- the romantic situation has progressed to the
point that I'm seriously considering a move to Seattle. My plan is to move
out sometime around Christmas or shortly thereafter, depending on
professional committments. I'm looking for an apartment (on the cheap side,
for now) in the Ballard area or nearby, preferably near bus service until
this New Yorker gets a car. A sublet, basement pad, or just about anything
will do, and I'm looking not to get trapped into a long-term lease until
we've tested the waters a little bit. I'd appreciate any leads you might
pass on.
Thanks again for being gracious hosts, and I look forward to becoming
a more regularly active member of your fine birding community. See you soon!
Happy birding,
Ken Allaire
NYC Birder
kallare at cs.com
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