Tweeters:

Ysterday Anne Winskie and I birded Fidalgo and Fir Is. There was not time
to check for the SWAMP SPARROW seen on 10/20, and there was no sign of the
female RUSTY BLACKBIRD I found also on 10/20 near Blake's Resort, but we did
note a couple nice-sized blackbird flocks right off the Fir I. Rd, but in
spots where the signs indicate that stopping is forbidden.

Despite this, the juv. N. SHRIKE and PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER were still
present at Snow Goose. Also of note here were 6 TUNDRA SWANS, the first
we've had this fall, and a very late BAIRD'S SANDPIPER. Of a number of
other shorebirds here, a LESSER YELLOWLEGS provided interest among a number
of GREATERS.

The best bird at Washington Park near the Anacortes ferry landing was
ANCIENT MURRELET, first of the season, coming north up Rosario Strait in
groups of 2-4 birds, for a total of 21. Most birds were visible only by
scope and were flying through mid-channel. The other four regular alcids
were also well represented, although just a single Rhino was seen. Loon and
cormorant numbers were strong: BRANDT'S CORMORANT seemed to be moving in,
we had one pure feeding flock of about 20 birds come in close, and there
were about 35 total for the morning.

Several winter arrivals were noted here also, including 8 COM. GOLDENEYE,
good numbers of BUFFLEHEAD, 14 LONG-TAILED DUCK (OLDSQUAW), and a THAYER'S
GULL. Marine mammals also drew attention with HARBOR SEALS, a SEA-LION, sp.
and 8 or so HARBOR PORPOISE.

Scott Atkinson
Lake Stevens
mail to: scottratkinson at hotmail.com




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